Newsletter

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       Tips For Lowering the Cost of Your Car Insurance

      It's a common complaint -- My car insurance costs too much!  But it may not have to be that way.  A few easy steps can save you a lot of money.  Here are tips.

* Shop around.  Even if you compared costs when you first bought insurance, it's smart to shop again.  Many companies set rates based on their loss experience from recent years.  If an insurance company had recent high losses, their rates can go up a lot.

* Increase the deductible.  The deductible is how much of a covered loss you pay before the insurance company pays.  Raising your deductible can lower your insurance cost a lot.

* Consider the car.  Car models that are stolen more or that have bad safety records cost more to insure.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's web site (www.nhtsa.gov) lists safety information on many cars.

* Take advantage of discounts.  A good driving record or owning a car with current safety features will likely get you a discount.  Ask the insurance agent what discounts are available.

Important:  When trying to lower your insurance, DO NOT eliminate or reduce uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance.  These coverages are vital and help protect you in accidents with uninsured, underinsured and hit-and-run drivers.