Are You Missing Out On Car Insurance Discounts?

If you have ever gotten a speeding ticket, gotten caught without registration or insurance, or have ever been involved in a car accident, chances are your car insurance is more expensive than most. You may still qualify for discounts on your insurance policy rates, but there's a catch: Insurance companies are not going to come right out and tell you about them, because if customer are not getting discounts, they are collecting more cash per policy. You need to ask about all of the options and discounts available from your insurance provider.

Giving customers a range of discounts based on specific criteris is a sure way to gain customers in the highly competitive insurance industry. The criteria involved will usually single out people to insure that pose the least risk. These low risk people qualify for the highest discounts because it is unlikely they will ever require a payout from their insurance policy. Included below are descriptions of some of the least known insurance policy discounts available. Make sure you speak with your insurance company representative if you meet the criteria and are eligible for any of these discounts. It could save you a heap of cash!

1. Clean Slate: If you have not received any tickets, and have not been involved in an accident for the past 3-5 years, you might be eligible for a safe driver discount, saving you a substantial amount of money.

2. Multiple Properties: If your insurance company insures other properties, such as your home, boat, or motorcycle, it may be worthwhile to insure all of them with a single company. Paying only one premium at your scheduled payment dates will save a lot of frustration, not to mention a lot of money.

3. Smart Degrees: People with engineering and science degrees have been proven to be safer drivers, according to studies. In Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, the 21st Century Group gives discounted rates to people with these degrees.

4. Teaching Staff: A three month vacation every year isn't the only awesome thing about being an educator, because teachers also qualify for discounts on their insurance. 21st Century Group, Esurance, Horace Mann, and Ohio Casualty all give discounted rates to educators.

5. Military Personnel: If you're a member of the military, you may be eligible for discounted rates. Geico will provide discounts to active and retired military in 40 states, excluding Georgia, Indiana, Texas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Texas.

6. AARP Membership: The AARP is powerful, with a huge membership, and can grant its members lower insurance rates. Being a member of the AARP can get you discounts anywhere between 10% and 25%.

As you can clearly see, it is very important to claim any insurance discount you are eligible for. Contact your car insurance representative to schedule a meeting and have them list the discounts their company has to offer. Make a checklist of every discount you qualify for; you might be surprised at the discounts you are eligible for, and how much money they save you. Just remember that your insurance company has no obligation to point out these discounts to you.