Car insurance can be one of the costliest purchases when it comes to driving a vehicle. Figuring out the right car insurance coverage for your vehicle can be tricky, and you’ll want to think about the make and model of your car as well as how much coverage you’ll need. Here are five ways to save on your car insurance, while still covering all your bases and not taking unnecessary risks.

  1. Take advantage of discounts

Everybody knows that being a great driver means, but did you know that you can also get some great discounts based on a low-risk lifestyle. If you’re a new driver, having good grades can help you get cheaper car insurance (crazy right?). If you’ve taken a driver’s education course, you could get a pretty substantial discount on your car insurance. Certain occupations or professions could also impact the price of your car insurance. The most important thing to remember is that car insurance discounts are not often stated clearly, so you’re going to want to go over your policy with your insurance provider and see if you can bring down the price of your car insurance.

  1. Have a deductible that makes sense

For car insurance, a higher deductible means that you are responsible for more of the damage that occurs when you have an accident. The good thing about having a higher deductible for your car insurance is you pay less, but you have to be comfortable paying the higher cost in the event of an accident. Having a higher deductible is a great way to get cheaper car insurance, but it’s best for drivers that are experienced and have a good track record when it comes to safe driving. Before you buy insurance for your vehicle, it could be in your best interests to reach out to a trustworthy North Carolina State Farm Agent (or someone in your vicinity) so they can explain the details of various plans and deductibles, helping you make an informed choice.

  1. Double check the amount of coverage you need

Insurance coverage is often broken down into coverage for different kinds of injuries or accidents. Double check the amount of coverage you actually need for the make and model of your car. More expensive cars, or sports cars, tend to have higher rates, so consider this when you decide which car you’re going to drive. Take a look at the minimum coverage and what that entails in the event of an accident. You want to make sure that you are comfortable and secure when you’re driving, and it’s a good idea to go for a little more coverage, especially if you live in a location where driving conditions can be risky. If you have great medical coverage, you may be able to cut costs on personal injury and medical payments for your car insurance.

  1. Do an annual rate check

Doing an annual rate check is a great way to compare your premiums to that of other insurance providers. If there’s an opportunity to raise money, you can bring it to your car insurance agent, and if your premium is at a great rate, you can feel more confident in your car insurance provider. Either way, it’s good to know where you stand compared to other car insurance providers who offer your kind of coverage. Reading a blog devoted to car insurance headlines and stories is one way to make sure that you know what’s happening in the auto insurance world. That way, you can stay informed of what’s going on in the world of car insurance and adjust your policies accordingly.

  1. Don’t go for convenience

Shop around for your car insurance. There are so many insurance providers out there who can provide you with very cheap car insurance so that’s why you shouldn’t settle for the first deal that comes your way. If you did that, you could be missing out on even cheaper plans, so be sure to take the time to research all of the options available to you. Often, drivers will buy insurance locally because they feel as though insurance providers they are familiar with will give them the best rates, this is not true. Shop around, and come to your chosen insurance provider with information on other insurance policies so that you can get the best price from the insurance provider that you end up choosing.

Shopping for car insurance can be a bit of a pain, but if you do your homework, you’ll hit the road with the best coverage for you, and the confidence that in case of an emergency, you’ll have the right car insurance coverage for you.