5 Smart Tips to Get The Most Of Your Car Insurance

🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.

1. Keep a Good Credit Score for Better Rates

Your credit score isn’t just for getting loans. It quietly decides your insurance cost, too.

A higher score tells insurers you’re reliable, which earns you cheaper rates (yes, seriously).

Here’s what helps you score better deals:

  • Pay bills on time to prove consistency. Late payments can raise premiums.
  • Keep credit card balances low, ideally under 30% of your limit.
  • Check your credit report yearly for errors that could cost you.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Set reminders for payment due dates so your credit score climbs without stress.

Make It Easy: Monitor your credit health for free using Credit Karma to see improvements month after month.


2. Bundle Home and Auto for Extra Savings

If you own or rent, bundling your home and auto insurance is like a “buy one, save on both” deal.

Insurance companies practically beg you to do it because it keeps you loyal. And you get the discount.

Here’s how bundling puts money back in your pocket:

  • You can save up to 20% when policies come from the same provider.
  • You manage fewer bills, which means fewer late fees or missed renewals.
  • Your coverage gets stronger, since bundled packages often include extra perks.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Ask your provider for a bundle quote and compare it to your separate policies. You’ll see instant savings.

Make It Easy: Use Insurify to see which insurers offer the best multi-policy bundle deals in your area.


3. Drive Safely to Earn Lower Rates

You already know speeding tickets hurt. But did you know one ticket can raise your rate for years?

Safe driving is basically the easiest way to keep money in your wallet.

Here’s how to make sure your insurer loves you:

  • Use apps that track driving habits; many offer safe-driver discounts.
  • Avoid accidents, even small ones, since claims raise future premiums.
  • Take a defensive driving course, and you can earn a quick discount.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Commit to a month of cautious driving. No tailgating, no texts. And check your insurer’s discount options.

Make It Easy: Try a magnetic phone mount to keep navigation in view and avoid distractions.


4. Avoid Filing Small Claims Too Often

You might think filing every tiny scratch helps. But it can actually cost you more long-term.

Too many small claims make you look “risky,” and insurers hate that word more than Mondays.

Focus on this before filing your next claim:

  • Pay minor damages out of pocket if they’re under your deductible.
  • Avoid back-to-back claims; they trigger automatic premium hikes.
  • Ask your agent first if a claim is worth filing. They can tell you the impact.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Save small emergency funds for minor car issues so you can skip unnecessary claims.

Make It Easy: Keep a compact tool kit in your trunk to handle small fixes yourself.


5. Install Safety Devices in Your Car

Adding security features can actually make your insurer smile. And lower your rate.

It’s one of the few upgrades that pays for itself over time.

Here’s what to consider adding:

  • Anti-theft systems, like alarms or steering locks, reduce risk instantly.
  • Dash cams help prove you weren’t at fault in an accident.
  • Tracking devices can lower theft-related coverage costs.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Ask your insurer which safety add-ons qualify for discounts before buying anything.

Make It Easy: Grab a reliable dash cam that automatically records while you drive. It’s a smart investment.


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Lily Thompson

Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: stretching a dollar and talking about stretching a dollar. I created Money Vice after one too many grocery trips where I watched my total climb and thought, "There's gotta be a better way." Spoiler: there is. Think of me as your money-savvy friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand).