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How to Save on Your Car Insurance And Use The Savings for Travel

by  ShermansTravel Editorial Staff | Jul 15, 2020
Sponsored by  The Zebra
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While car insurance is a necessity, it doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. Instead, put your hard-earned cash towards something you want, like a bucket-list trip to Thailand, a romantic river cruise down the Seine, or perhaps even a cross-country road trip. 

Here are six easy ways to help you start saving today. 

1. Improve Your Credit Score Before Buying New Insurance

Before you start looking for car insurance, check your credit score. Every state (except California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts) takes credit scores into account when it comes to premiums. According to The Zebra, an insurance comparison site, you can save hundreds of dollars each year and every time you move up a tier. The company says that if you started from the bottom with a poor score and now you're in the 800-range with an exceptional score, you'd save $1,546 each year. The Zebra also reported that drivers with poor credit pay twice as much on car insurance.

2. Bundle Your Home And Car Insurance

Put simply, insurance bundling means buying your home and car coverage from the same insurance company. In addition to saving serious dough (homeowners save around 10% on car insurance, while renters save about 5%, according to The Zebra), you'll have fewer bills to keep track of – a win-win situation. 

3. Get (And Stay) Insured

The longer you're insured, the lower your rates will be. It takes just six months of coverage to save approximately 8% on car insurance, The Zebra reports. Here's another tip: Don't drop your coverage, even if it's just for a day. A gap in coverage is never a good look. 

4. Pay Upfront

It's true: Paying off your insurance coverage upfront pays off (pun intended). According to The Zebra, payment in full (rather than installments) can save you 12%. The best part? The payment can be made quickly online – so no need to spend hours on hold on the phone. Instead, utilize that precious time to plan your next trip. (Remember vacations? We do, too.) 

5. Track Your Driving – Literally

You can use an app (such as EverDrive or bSafe) to track your driving habits, which can lead to significant savings. This is called telematics, in which your speed, mileage, and total driving time are used to calculate your insurance premium. According to The Zebra, being a safe driver can save you over 3% – and that adds up in the long run. You can use that extra money on hotel upgrades, car rental fees, and wine tastings, among other expenses and experiences to enhance your future travels. 

6. Don't Run to Buy a New Car (Or, Do Your Research Beforehand) 

If you like your car, don't be so quick to turn it in for a new one. According to The Zebra, car insurance drops about 3.4% each year your car ages. And, on the contrary, don't buy a new car without comparing insurance rates first. It's important to stay informed and aware so that you're not overpaying. 

Want to learn more about how you can save on car insurance? Get dozens of free quotes at the press of a button right now. 

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