Lowering Car Insurance Rates Maybe?

Juggernut

Hi, all. So, I need to see if there are any sneaky ways you've found to maybe reduce car insurance rates. The bill in question is gonna be around 200 USD a month (I'm not actually paying the bill, just seeing if I can help) which is a little pricey for liability only on a mid 90's toyota. At least I'd imagine. They have had a couple of accidents/tickets which I'm sure is the primary cause.

I've read you can get some of those things struck from your record if you ask nicely enough. Dunno if that's true though. Also, read they calculate premiums based on how densely populated the are you live in is. Unless you count cows that shouldn't be an issue in this case.

Is there anything else that could maybe be done to take the sting out of this? Maybe a defensive driving course? I dunno. My brain is open to your collective smart.

Oh, it's State Farm by the way.

Jasconius

that's pretty much right for "a couple of accidents/tickets". you can't course your way out of those in the eyes of insurance companies. the only way to heal that is time.

the best way to game your way to a lower rate right now, if you would otherwise have a terrible rate, is do Progressive's drive monitor thing, which if you drive like grandma you can get a pretty substantial discount

Juggernut

I had a feeling that was probably the case.

Any idea what the time frame for them forgetting about that might be? I'm semi oblivious when it comes to this sort of thing.

DevoutlyApathetic

Courses can help but it varies by state. I know in NY taking a defense driving course takes like 10% off your rates and that's like by law. A quick visit to your states DMV should address that. I know in NY you can even take the stupid courses online now.

Juggernut

We're in South Carolina so I'll have to check into the specifics for us. Good info!

Mulletude

Age is a factor as well. My ins dropped by almost half when I hit 26.

Juggernut

She's 22. Kinda in the Bermuda triangle of ways to get stupid high insurance premiums.

Looks like in SC you can get discounts for anti theft devices but as far as driving courses go looks like its just for new teen drivers. I think.

Daenris

This sounds obvious, but shop around to different insurance providers. Rates can vary substantially, though with accidents on record none are going to be "good."

Quid

How long it's on your friend's record is going to depend on the company but it's usually 3-5 years. She should be able to call and ask. She can also ask the company directly what she can do to lower the bill.

bowen

If she's under 25, she's going to pay a stupidly high premium, there's really not a whole lot you can do about that.

Premiums are higher for anyone under 25 because kids suck at driving (this used to be just guys).

With accidents under your belt, it's probably not going to get lower until she's 25.

zepherin

The cheapest insurance I've found are the hole in the wall places. I had my insurance drop from 205 a month to 130 by going to one of the place. There is usually one or two near a used car dealership, the sign will say insurance on it, but is really vague about what the company name is.

If you need insurance to meet a legal requirement that is the cheapest you will find.

The downside is, if you ever need to use the insurance, you will have to sue them. They won't pay the claim without being forced to legally.

The best insurance I ever hae and still have is USAA, if you have family that is military get it.

hsu

Raising the deductible will help, as will proving that you drive less than 6000 miles a year. The latter usually requires that you have an alternative form of transportation (like public transit or motorcycle) or that you live really close to work.

Juggernut

Haven't thought about raising the deductible. Will definitely look in to that.

The mileage thing is right out though. She lives 45 minutes away from work, or well anything really.

Darkewolfe

Insurance is actually pretty heavily influenced by things like your credit score, too.

captaink

Daenris wrote: »

This sounds obvious, but shop around to different insurance providers. Rates can vary substantially, though with accidents on record none are going to be "good."

This. Geico was like $200/6mo cheaper than esurance, I have no idea why. So I switched. Get lots of quotes and see if any are substantially lower.

firewaterword

Not sure if this would be applicable to your friend, but you can sometimes get policy discounts by bundling other sorts of insurance (such as homeowner's, renter's, and such) in with auto insurance.

Cambiata

Some insurance companies do have "accident forgiveness", so I'd definitely just ask the insurance company about that.

Juggernut

Whoops. Forgot to keep up with this. Thanks, all for the advice. I think she ended up getting everything straightened out.

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