• Ask us to check several companies’ rates. This is the single most important thing you can do to get the best possible rate and we can do it for you quickly and easily. The difference between the highest and lowest rate available to you from different companies could vary by hundreds of dollars.
• Reduce or drop physical damage coverage on an older car. Depending on your car’s age and where you live, comprehensive and collision coverage may not be worth keeping. We can give you advice on whether it makes sense to reduce or drop this coverage altogether. 
• Raise your deductible. According to the Insurance Information Institute, raising your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive cost by 15 to 30 percent. In addition, because the average driver files a collision claim only once every ten years, odds are that over the lifetime of your car, a higher deductible will save you money. We can show you how raising your deductible will lower your premium. 
• Look for discounts. Many insurance companies reduce premiums for certain driver traits or car features. For example: being a homeowner for more than three years, nonsmoker, nondrinker, students with good grades, senior citizens who have taken an approved defensive driving course, people who only drive for pleasure, cars kept in garages, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, air bags, etc. Ask us to check. 
• Don’t assume having your car and home insured by the same company is the best option. Because auto insurance rates vary so much from company to company, it may make sense for you to have your car and home insured by separate companies. Let’s talk about it. 

When it comes to auto insurance, rates can differ a great deal from company to company. Shopping around can really pay off. One advantage of working with independent agents that represent more than one company is their ability to compare rates with multiple companies.

Here are a few other things to consider that might help lower your premium.

• Do you qualify for discounts? Some carriers offer discounts for vehicle features like anti-lock breaks.
• Do you have the right coverage for your car? With an older vehicle, carrying comprehensive and collision coverages may not be worth the money.
• Do you have an up to date policy? Moving, getting married, having a few years pass since that last speeding ticket… These are all things that could make you eligible for a rate reduction.

If you have questions about your auto policy you are always welcome to give us a call.

If you have a new bike, or even one that is less than a couple of years old, look into a policy that offers total loss replacement. In the event your bike is totaled or stolen, it can be replaced with a new one of the same make and model.

Talk to an agent for details and be safe out there.