Everybody likes a great deal, and in some cases, even a small price break is great. That’s the case with car insurance discounts, too. You can’t get around paying for car insurance; it’s required in all states. But looking for ways to get a discount can really pay off. There are a lot of discounts out there. You just need to know what to ask your agent and how to shop around. If you’re a Michigan driver and want to get a discount on your car insurance, here are some ways to do it.
The Best Ways to Get Car Insurance Discounts in Michigan
1. Increase Your Deductible and Reduce Collision Coverage
Sometimes, if your car is older and has a lower value, increasing your deductible is a good way to get a rate break. Your monthly premiums will be lower. The only downside is if you're in an accident, you'll have to pay more to have the damage covered.
You can also opt out of collision coverage and just take standard liability insurance. In this case, you cover the damage to the other vehicle, but not your own. Again, it’s a move a lot of people make if their car is older and has a lower replacement value.
2. Ask About Safety Features
It’s not a bad idea to strike up a conversation with your insurance agent about car safety features. Air bags, anti-lock brakes, and anti-theft alarms are all features that might mean a discount on your car insurance.
3. Show Off Your Good Grades
If you’re a high school or college student, it pays to get good grades for car insurance rates. Many insurance companies offer a good student discount. If you are the parent of a student, stay on top of your child’s grades and consider making them pay the difference in rates if the grades aren’t as high as needed. This could motivate them to do better.
4. Get a Multiple Policy Discount
If you have more than auto insurance with one provider, you are probably able to get a discount on your car insurance through bundling. Add your home or renter’s insurance into the mix. In some cases, you can even coordinate your health insurance plan with your auto plan for a discount.
5. Check for Group Discounts
If you are a member of a trade association or a civic group, sometimes that membership opens the door to getting a car insurance discount. It doesn’t hurt to ask your agent or to do an internet search for companies that offer specific discounts for memberships you have.
6. Shop Around
Every insurance provider has its own set of guidelines and rules as far as discounts are concerned. When in doubt, ask your agent, and ask for quotes from others. A lot of people make the mistake of staying with a company and not inquiring about better rates either from their current provider or elsewhere.
7. Go to Driving School
Some insurance companies reward you with a discount for improving your driving skills by taking a class. In Michigan, some insurers allow you to take the Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC) for a discount. The course is entirely self-directed and only requires four hours of study. Take and pass the exam and you'll get a completion certificate you can send your insurance company for a discount.
If you do decide to take the Michigan BDIC course, trust I Drive Safely for the best driver education experience available. Sign up for your course today!
