There’s no doubt about it, everyone is looking for ways to save on auto insurance. If you have traffic tickets on your record, this article is a must read. Even if you are single and have a clean driving record, you will learn some great money-saving tips.
Almost anyone can save money on car insurance. You just have to know where to look, and what to ask. If you are ready to start saving today, select an online defensive driving course here.
Remember, insurance companies set rates based on risk. The less risk you pose, the lower the insurance company can set your rates. So, it pays to be the best driver you can be.
Insurance Savings Start with Safety
Many insurance companies offer discounts for good drivers. Some even offer insurance savings for each year you’re accident-free.
Let’s face it, driving can be dangerous. Unless you’re a professional alligator wrestler or a rodeo clown, driving is probably one of the most dangerous things you do daily. With the ever-increasing use of smartphones, distracted driving is a real problem.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving behaviors lead to more than 3,100 traffic fatalities each year, and over 420,000 injuries. They also report that almost one-third of US drivers between the ages of 18 and 64, admit to reading or sending text messages or e-mails while driving!
On average, a text message takes approximately five seconds to read. At 55 mph, a driver will cover the length of a football field in those five seconds. So it’s easy to see why texting while driving is so dangerous.
With so many potentially distracted drivers on the road, defensive driving is more important than ever. No text message is worth getting into an accident.
By staying alert and focused on the road, you can avoid danger and keep yourself and others safe. Your insurance company will likely reward your safe driving habits with substantial discounts. You save money on insurance and maybe save lives too.
How to Save Money on by Avoiding Traffic Tickets
Traffic tickets are expensive. Aside from the cost of the fine, your car insurance rates can increase dramatically due to a traffic ticket. Having a clean driving record is a sure way to demonstrate that you’re a low-risk driver, and keep your insurance rates low.
With that in mind, here are some simple things that you can do to avoid getting traffic tickets in the first place.
Give Yourself Time
Make it a priority to give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Commit to leaving a few minutes earlier. Giving yourself just a few extra minutes can reduce the sense of urgency that can lead to dangerous decisions.
Also, not being rushed will lessen the urge to speed through a yellow light, or roll through a stop sign. Leaving a few minutes early is far less inconvenient than dealing with traffic fines, court, and increased insurance rates.
Be Aware
Make an effort to be aware of speed limit signs and check your speedometer frequently. You should also be aware of how long you stop at stop signs. Plan ahead and know your route before leaving.
Also, remain focused on the task of driving and be aware of potential consequences. Is saving one minute by running a yellow light worth all the money you could lose by getting a ticket?
And what if you get in an accident? You could injure yourself, your passengers or other people around you. Always be aware of your situation and be prepared to act and react as needed to stay safe.
Make a Commitment
If you are serious about avoiding the hassles of traffic tickets, you need to commit to a defensive frame of mind when driving. Commit to following traffic laws, avoiding all distractions, avoiding dangerous situations, and giving yourself time to travel safely. One of the best ways to develop a defensive driving mindset is to take a defensive driving course.
6 Ways to Save on Auto Insurance
Now we’ll get into the hidden insurance savings that you don’t want to overlook. Start by talking to your insurance agent. Your agent will be happy to help you find ways to save money. Be sure to ask about all of the following topics:
Bundling
Some insurance companies offer nice discounts if you bundle homeowner’s insurance or life insurance policies. Ask your agent about the possibility of bundling. It might be worth your while.
Billing Options
Many insurance companies allow you to pay your yearly premium all at once. This could lead to a discount on your bill. Some also offer a discount for switching to paperless billing or setting up auto-pay.
These billing options help keep administrative costs down for insurance companies, and some will reward you with discounts as high as 15% as a result. Ensuring that your payments are always on time, and maintaining a good credit score can also keep your insurance bill from going up.
Good Student Discounts
If you have teenage drivers in the household, there may be opportunities to drive down your premiums. Ask about discounts for good grades.
Many companies offer discounts for students with a GPA above 3.0. In addition to good grades, there may be discounts for the completion of specific safety courses for young drivers. Ask your agent for details.
Monitoring Technology
Insurance discounts? There’s an app for that! Some insurance companies offer driving monitoring devices or smartphone apps that can track certain aspects of your driving.
Acceleration and deceleration, speed, number of miles driven daily, locations visited, etc. This data can help insurance companies determine risk factors more accurately.
If you’re a low-risk driver, you can save substantial amounts of money on your insurance bill. Some companies offer up to 20% savings for being a safe driver while using this technology.
As with all technology, these driving monitoring systems will continue to adapt and improve over time. So it’s worth asking your agent what’s available now, and to be aware of any new technology that could save you money in the years to come.
Insurance Needs
If you drive an older car or haven’t reviewed your policy lately, you may be paying for insurance you don’t need anymore. Comprehensive and collision coverage may not be needed if you drive an older car.
Also, inform your agent if the number of miles you drive has greatly reduced. You may qualify for a discounted rate.
Defensive Driving Courses
Many insurance companies offer nice discounts for completing a defensive driving course. These courses don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming.
Most states allow drivers to take online courses that can even be completed on a laptop or mobile device. Many insurance companies offer savings of up to 10% on your premium for up to three years.
Be sure to ask your insurance agent how much money you can save for completing a defensive driving course.
If you are ready to start saving today, select an online defensive driving course here.
Choose the Right Online Defensive Driving Course
Did you know that being prepared can actually save you money? It’s true!
Taking a defensive driving course can often save you a bundle on your insurance premiums. Many companies offer up to a 10% discount for up to three years.
Even if you only save $10 a month, that’s $120 a year, or $360 over three years! You could turn that into a big-screen 4K TV. You could pay for a gym membership. Or you could buy mocha lattes for your entire bowling team for a year!
In some circumstances, an online driving course can help dismiss a traffic ticket, and remove points from your driving record, which could save you much more money.
Which Defensive Driving Course is Best?
Choosing the right defensive driving course depends on your needs and goals, as well as state, county or even court requirements.
While in-person driving classes are available, they can be difficult to attend. They are typically presented during scheduled times at set locations. You must make your schedule fit their schedule.
Online defensive driving courses, on the other hand, offer many of the same benefits as classroom options with the added convenience of choosing when, where and how you want to take the course. Most courses can be taken on either your laptop or tablet, even allowing you to switch between devices.
Who Should Take an Online Driving Course?
Many people choose to complete a defensive driving course to become better drivers, learn skills to avoid accidents, and save money on their insurance.
Before you decide which course to take, speak with your insurance agent to make sure you choose a course that qualifies you for a discount, and to learn about any specific requirements for your state.
Some states require longer courses than others to qualify for a discount. If you’re taking a course to dismiss a traffic ticket, be sure to speak with your insurance agent, or a court clerk to be sure the course meets any specific court or state requirements.
Are All Online Driving Courses Created Equal?
Before choosing an online defensive driving course, it’s good to know how the information will be presented. Some courses are more engaging than others, offering video instructors, a variety of educational media, and high-quality interactive elements.
Price can also vary for apparently similar online courses. Be aware that some courses offer an initial low price, but require additional charges for video or audio components. Be sure to verify that the course you’re considering is approved by the right authorities, and know whether there is a refund policy.
For additional information, read our blog post:
5 Considerations When Choosing a Defensive Driving Course Online.
Will DriveSafe Online Help Me Save Money on Auto Insurance?
DriveSafe Online is changing the way you look at driver education. Forget the one-dimensional cartoon drawings. Our courses feature full-screen video, unique drone footage of real-life traffic situations, dashcam footage and interactive quizzes. Each element is designed to keep you engaged throughout the entire course.
Plus, DriveSafe Online courses are mobile-friendly with no hidden fees and a satisfaction guarantee.
Whether you are a new driver, a mature driver with years of experience behind the wheel, or someone in between, DriveSafe Online will help you save money on insurance, dismiss traffic tickets or remove points from your driving record. Be sure to check with your insurance agent or proper authorities to see if you qualify.
Not sure an online defensive driving course is for you? Take a free test drive and see how easy it is to start saving money on your auto insurance today. The DriveSafe Online development team is dedicated to helping you save money on your auto insurance–and to become a safer, more confident driver along the way.
Patrick M. is Editorial Director for the always expanding DriveSafe Online library of courses. With over two decades of experience developing award-winning training, he now focuses on innovating online driver safety training. Pulling from his background in journalism, he steers the wheel behind the creation of top-tier content that promotes a better journey—whether on the digital highway of learning or the real roads we travel every day.