How Good Driving Habits Can Lead to Big Discounts on Car Insurance
Once a driving behavior is repeated enough, it becomes a habit. And a good habit can save you money on your car insurance!
If you tend to rationalize why you can eat, text, or play with the stereo controls while driving, it is time to change your ways. These bad habits can lead to a lot of pain down the road.
Avoid Traffic Violations
Getting a traffic ticket will blemish your driving record and can lead to higher insurance rates. Avoid getting a ticket by leaving earlier, obeying the speed limit, and caring for your car.
Avoid distractions while driving, such as texting or listening to loud music. Good drivers are hyper-focused on the road, scanning for hazards and planning their moves ahead of time.
Running red lights and stop signs are obvious violations that can raise your insurance rates. It is also a violation to tailgate, which increases your risk of rear-ending the driver in front of you. Also, avoid covering your car in eye-catching stickers that might pique the interest of a police officer. Make sure your registration, license plates, and inspection stickers are up-to-date.
Pay Your Bills on Time
You can find discounts related to your policy and behavior on websites like carinsurancecheap.net, offered by insurance providers. Most major auto insurers will lower your rates if you’ve been accident-free for three to five years. These companies usually automatically apply this discount, but it’s a good idea to check at your next renewal.
You can save on car insurance by leaving your vehicle at home on vacation or reducing the miles you drive using carpooling and public transit options. Most companies will reduce your rate if you do this and may even offer a usage-based discount.
Keep Your Vehicle in Good Condition
Being a good driver takes a lot of practice, but you can start by putting safety first. For example, leaving your cell phone in the glove box and not toying with it while you drive can help. Waiting until you’re safe and parked to touch up your makeup or retrieve dropped items is also a good idea.
To be a safe and responsible driver, you can regularly check your car’s brakes, belts, and wires. Keeping your vehicle in good condition can save you money on maintenance costs and reduce the risk of expensive repairs.
Lastly, it’s important always to remember to wear your seatbelt while you drive! In addition to being a reasonable safety precaution, doing so can save you money on your car insurance.
Avoid Drinking and Driving
A few drinks can impair your judgment and interfere with muscle coordination, making driving under the influence a dangerous and deadly choice. Drunk driving has serious consequences, including jail time, fines, and higher car insurance rates.
Whenever you go out with friends, designate someone who will not drink. Alternatively, you can take turns being the designated driver or pool resources for a taxi or ride-share service. Avoid driving late at night or on weekends, as most drunk driving accidents occur.
Avoid distractions while driving, such as fiddling with the radio, eating, putting on makeup, or using a mobile device. These are all common causes of collisions. Remember that tiredness can also be a major factor in a crash, so don’t ignore signs of fatigue.
Maintain a Safe Driving Record
It’s vitally important to be hyper-focused and aware of your surroundings whenever you’re behind the wheel. You should always check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and avoid distractions like talking on the phone or fiddling with the radio.
Driving safely doesn’t just help you stay safe but also saves you money on your car insurance. Some insurance companies offer an accident-free discount, while others offer a “usage-based” (UBI) program that monitors your driving habits and bases your rate on those driving data points.
Developing these good driving habits will take time and effort, but the rewards can be great. Keep your eyes on the prize, and get a copy of your motor vehicle record (MVR) regularly.
