7 Ways Seattle Drivers Can Cut Their Auto Insurance Costs

If you’ve paid car insurance for someone like your teenager, they’re likely appreciative –but not necessarily thrilled. Auto insurance, after all, is something you only truly appreciate when you need it. That’s why Seattle drivers like you want to find the cheapest car insurance so you can save as much as possible . 

And it’s the reason we have compiled these seven tips for cutting your car insurance costs. You might not take advantage of every single one of them, but even if you only use one or two of these ideas, your savings could be dramatic. Let’s get started. 

Buy minimum coverage if it makes sense in your situation.

As with motorists in most U.S. states, Washington drivers must have at least minimal insurance, or liabillity. The state’s mandatory coverage is mostly intended to protect other drivers, passengers, and property in case you cause an accident.  

What’s missing, of course, is coverage for damage to your own vehicle. If you own a new $40,000 automobile, it could be a significant financial setback if your car is totaled, stolen, or heavily damaged. In that case, you certainly should carry collision and comprehensive coverage to protect your wallet. If you’ve borrowed money to buy that new car, your loan company will almost certainly require you to carry full coverage auto insurance. 

Also keep in mind that Seattle roads and highways can be quite congested, especially during morning and evening rush hours. That could increase the risk being involved in a fender bender, at the least. 

But what if your car is old, not worth much and you’re hoping to replace it soon anyway? At a certain point, it might make more sense to buy minimum coverage and take the not particularly significant hit to your bank account if your ride is damaged. 

Consider a high deductible.

Your insurance policy deductible is the amount of money you’ll pay before your insurance company starts to pay for loss or damages to your vehicle. If you accept a higher deductible, your insurer will have to pay less when you file a claim. That’s why if you take a higher deductible–maybe $1,000 or more–you’ll pay less in insurance premiums. 

The possible downside, of course, is that you’ll have to come up with that higher amount out of your pocket if an accident occurs or your car is otherwise damaged or lost. Try to set aside that deductible amount if you can. By saving a few dollars a month, you’ll have a separate fund to cover the deductible. 

Always drive responsibly.

Insurance companies consider many factors in setting your cost for coverage. That includes your age, the make, model, and age of your vehicle and also your gender, and where you live. Some of those factors you have little or no control over. But the top reason your rates are high or relatively low is totally within your control: your driving record. 

Insurance company underwriters will consider your history of getting into car accidents or having moving violations before they set your rates. They know statistically that a reckless or unsafe driver is much likelier than a careful and responsible driver to get into a car accident that will cost the insurer money. That’s why points on your record for speeding tickets or other infractions can literally cost you money. By the same token, safe drivers will pay less. 

If this good advice came too late to help you (you’ve already had a lot of accidents or speeding tickets or a DUI, which is often even costlier in terms of insurance), at least know that points on your record go away with time. If you start driving safer now, it will eventually reduce the cost of your auto insurance. 

Get a cost quote before buying your car.

You’re not really getting a “deal” in a car if the model costs more than you were expecting in car insurance rates. Some cars cost more than others to insure because they get stolen more often, they’re more expensive to repair, or for other reasons. The safest decision you can make in this area is to place a quick call to your insurance agent before you seal the deal at the dealership. 

Stick with your current insurer.

Some insurance companies will issue discounts on a second vehicle if they’re already covering another family vehicle. You might even be able to get a better rate from the company that insures your house, health, boat, or life if they also offer auto insurance. 

Keep your credit score as high as possible.

What? What does your credit report have to do with the price you pay for car insurance? It doesn’t seem like your score should have much to do with the other, but it does. Insurance underwriters take the attitude that Seattle drivers who are responsible with their finances are likelier to be equally responsible behind the wheel… and vice versa. 

If your credit score is high, keep it that way. If it’s low or mediocre, go online where you can find good advice on improving your score. Do all you can to pay your bills on time, limit credit card use, and try to pay off big balances. Your score will improve. 

Ask an expert.

What we mean by that is to simply talk with your insurance agent. They can point you toward additional ways to pay less, keep your premiums low and find cheap car insurance in Seattle. For instance, students with good grades can sometimes earn rate reductions, which could make a big difference for any Seattle parent. 

These little piles of savings can really add up. And only your insurance agent might know all of the ways you can save. That’s why your first step should always be to consult your independent insurance representative before buying coverage. 

Make Good Decisions About Car Insurance in Seattle.

Seattle drivers can find a quick online quote for discount auto insurance, or they can call (800) 455-8276 or pay a visit to discuss their specifics and find out how much they can save on car insurance.