Tampa Car Insurance

Tips to Lowering Your Tampa Car Insurance

Are you looking to lower your auto insurance? What you pay for your premiums will depend on many factors. Your age, driving record, the car you drive, the city you live in and your marital status can affect how much you pay. Here are some tips to lowering your insurance rates:

• Pick a safe car. The car you drive will largely determine how much you pay. A speedy sports car can cost your 2 or 3 times that of an average car. Before you buy a vehicle call your insurance company and give them a list of models that interest you. They will be able to tell you if there is a discount or surcharge on any of them.
• Ask for discounts. Insurance carriers might give you a discount if you have a car alarm or air bags. Also, they might give you a break if you don't drink or smoke. Do you own a home? If you buy auto insurance through the same company that provides your home owners insurance then they might charge you less.
• Drive less. Do you drive less than 7,500 miles a year? Tell your insurance company that and your rated might go down.
• Don't file small claims. Be careful filing small claims. Sometimes it is better to pay it out of your pocket than filing a claim. You insurance rates might go up more than the cost of the repair.
  
• Older cars. Do you drive an older car? A rule of thumb is to drop collision insurance when the annual premium reaches 10% of your car's value. Explore this option.
  
• Increase deductible. If you raise your deductible from say $100 to $1,000 on your comprehensive and collision coverage then this could reduce your rates dramatically. Ask your insurance company about this.
• Shop. Rates can vary quite a bit among companies. Shop around and get different rates.
  
• Status change. Make sure you tell your insurance company about any change your life. For example, if you got married your rates might go down. Teenagers going to to college or are on the honor roll may get a discount as well.
• Drive safely. The best way to keep your insurance rates down is to drive safely. Avoid speeding or careless driving. This will lower your chances of an accident or traffic violation. Safer drivers pay less.
• How is your credit score? Some insurance companies charge you less if you have a good credit score. Improve your credit and you may end up paying less.

Following these tips can help you lower your Tampa car insurance.