Insurance
Many Consumers Missing out on Insurance Discounts
Trusted Choice® recommends consumers maximize little-known discounts to 'nickel and dime' their way to big savings.
As millions of Americans look for ways to stretch their budgets to survive these tough economic times, too many are not utilizing all of the discounts that may be available to them in their homeowner and auto insurance, according to a new national survey conducted for Trusted Choice® and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (the Big "I").
The survey asked home and auto owners if they believed they are taking full advantage of all the discounts they qualified for on their homeowners and auto insurance policies. More than 34% of respondents, representing 53 million households, admitted they are probably not taking advantage of all homeowners insurance discounts or said that they simply didn't know. Regarding auto coverage, more than 20% of car owners either didn't know or said they were not maximizing all the car insurance discounts available to them.
The Big "I" and Trusted Choice offer the following tips that may lead to substantial savings.
HOME INSURANCE
LIFE IN A GATED COMMUNITY? Some homeowners are entitled to gated community discounts.
WHAT'S YOUR HOUSE WEARING? Some insurers give hail resistant roof discounts for Class 4 roofs and credits can be sizeable in some territories.
"EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN:" Some companies are coming out with new rating models that are oriented toward offering lower rates to new customers. Sometimes, a customer can even save money by applying for a new policy with the same company.
'FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE' MAY ALSO APPLY TO YOUR CREDIT SCORE: For married couples, sometimes one person will have a better credit score than the other. Since some companies will use the score of the first person named on the application, putting the spouse with the best credit score on first can result in a lower rate.
GOT NEW WIRES? Depending on the age of newer electrical wiring in your home, you may qualify for an age of wiring discount.
HAS IT REALLY BEEN 10 YEARS? If you have not filed any home insurance claims in the last 10 years, ask about a discount. "Claims-free" homeowners can often save up to 20%.
AUTO INSURANCE
IS YOUR TEEN A SCOUT? Some insurers give credits to young drivers who are involved in organizations such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts.
WHAT'S YOUR ALMA MATER? At least one insurer gives a 5% credit if a driver is a graduate of a university on the company's approved list.
DO YOU HAVE A COMPANY CAR? Many carriers will give a multi-car discount to consumers who have a company car even if they only own one personal vehicle.
HAVE YOU BEEN WIDOWED? Some insurers give "married" discounts to widows and widowers.
ARE YOU SHOPPING FOR NEW WHEELS? Before you buy a car, make a short list of the ones you're considering and ask your agent to estimate the difference in insurance premiums. The difference could save you thousands of dollars.
ARE YOU A GREEN COMMUTER? Consider car pooling to reduce your commute frequency and ask your agent if that will impact your auto premium. In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, you may also be fattening your wallet.
HOW YOUNG ARE YOU? In some states, if you're 55 or older, and you're the principal driver of your insured car, you could save on your premiums by taking an approved defensive driving class.
GOT A TRACTOR? If you're a full-time farmer or rancher, and you're insuring a farm or ranch vehicle used exclusively for work on your property, a farm vehicle bonus could help keep your costs down.
MORE WELL-KNOWN DISCOUNTS
UNEMPLOYED? People who are out of work should qualify for a low-mileage discount or lower rating factor that can save 5-10% on their auto premium.
MULTIPLE POLICIES? If you have property insurance with ONE company, you may qualify for a multiple policy discount to lower both your auto and your home insurance premiums by as much as 10-15%.
SOUND THE ALARMS! Alarm credits are often available if your home is equipped with two or more of the following: fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, deadbolt locks and a burglar alarm. Savings can be up to 15%. (Criteria vary in some states. An agent can help determine what applies in your area.)
ACCIDENT-FREE FOR THREE YEARS? If you've been safe on the road and accident-free for the past three years, and you haven't received any moving violations, you might qualify for a good record discount. To be eligible, you and all additional drivers also need to have carried continuous, standard automobile liability insurance during those same three years. If you're a new driver and received your license within the past three years, you, too, could be eligible. Just make sure you meet the above qualifications from the date your license was issued.
DOES YOUR CAR HAVE SAFETY FEATURES? Auto insurance discounts apply in many states, if your car comes equipped with approved anti-theft devices, anti-lock brakes, and/or passive restraint systems such as airbags.
Helpful Links
How Financially Secure Are Your Insurance Providers?
After an Auto Accident
http://www.trustedchoice.com/consumer/auto/afteraccident.aspx
Preparing a Home Inventory
http://www.trustedchoice.com/consumer/homeapt/homeinventory.aspx
Protecting Your Small Business
http://www.trustedchoice.com/consumer/business/smallbusiness.aspx
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