Car insurance discounts to ask about

Ask your insurer which of these discounts you qualify for: bundling, multiple cars, safe driving, good student, driver education or defensive driving courses, low mileage, safety and anti-theft features, group membership, and paying in full or by autopay. Not every company or state offers all of them, and the final price matters more than how many discounts you collect.

How to ask for car insurance discounts

1. Check what you already get. Your declarations page lists the discounts on your policy. The NAIC suggests checking that the right discounts are applied, along with your address, vehicles and drivers.
2. Go through the checklist below. Mark every discount that might fit your household.
3. Call or message your insurer or agent. Ask, "Which of these do I qualify for, and what do you need from me to apply them?" Some discounts need proof, like a report card or a course certificate.
4. Ask about the effect and the conditions. Find out how each discount would change your premium and whether there's any catch, like a tracking app or a requirement to renew.
5. Compare with other insurers. The Insurance Information Institute suggests getting at least three quotes. Compare the total price for the same coverage.
6. Check your next bill or renewal. Make sure the discounts actually show up.

The car insurance discount checklist

• Bundling (multi-policy). Many insurers give you a break when you buy auto and home or renters insurance from them.
• Multiple cars. Insuring more than one vehicle on the same policy can lower your cost.
• Safe or claims-free driver. Insurers reward drivers who haven't had accidents or moving violations for a number of years. The Insurance Information Institute's checklist uses three years without accidents or moving violations as an example.
• Defensive driving course. Some states require insurers to give a discount for approved courses. New York's program reduces the base rate of your liability and collision premiums by 10% for three years. Florida law requires a premium reduction for drivers 55 and older who complete an approved accident prevention course, good for three years.
• Driver education. Young drivers who complete a driver's ed course may qualify.
• Good student. Some insurers offer discounts to young drivers with good grades. Ask what grade average counts and what proof you need.
• Student away at school. If a college student is away from home (and the car isn't), let your insurer know.
• Low mileage. Some insurers offer discounts if you drive fewer miles than average, and that can include drivers who carpool to work. If you've started working from home, mention it.
• Usage-based insurance. These programs track your driving through a device or phone app, looking at things like miles, time of day, hard braking and phone use. Safe driving can earn a lower rate, but the NAIC notes it can also lead to higher premiums, and it raises privacy questions.
• Safety and anti-theft features. Airbags, anti-lock brakes and anti-theft devices can qualify. Ask about newer safety tech on your car, too.
• Paying in full, autopay or paperless. Some insurers offer discounts for paying the whole premium at once, using automatic payments, or signing up for electronic billing.
• Group or affinity membership. Some insurers offer lower rates through employers, professional and business groups, alumni associations, unions and other organizations.
• Long-time customer. Loyalty discounts exist at some companies. Ask whether you've earned one.

Tips and gotchas

• Focus on the final price. As the Insurance Information Institute puts it, "The key to savings is not the discounts, but the final price." A company with fewer discounts can still be cheaper overall.
• Not every discount is everywhere. The NAIC notes that not all states offer all discounts, so ask what applies where you live.
• Look at your deductibles, too. Raising your collision and comprehensive deductibles lowers your premium. Make sure you could afford the deductible if you had a claim.
• Review coverage on older cars. The Insurance Information Institute suggests that if your car is worth less than 10 times the premium for collision or comprehensive, that coverage may not be cost effective. If you have a loan or lease, check your lender's requirements first.
• Report life changes. A move, a shorter commute, a new driver or a kid heading off to college can all change your rate. Tell your insurer when things change.
• Recheck at every renewal. Discounts can change when your circumstances do. A quick review each year keeps things current.

How Stu will help

Stu is still in development, and the waitlist is open. Once it launches, Stu will review your policy for discounts that might apply, remind you to check them at renewal, and help you ask your insurer about them. It will always ask you before it contacts an insurer or changes anything.

Sources

• Insurance Information Institute: Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs
• Insurance Information Institute: Renewing your homeowners or car insurance policy?
• NAIC: Auto insurance consumer guide
• NAIC: Tips for saving on your auto insurance
• NAIC: A shopping tool for auto insurance (PDF)
• NAIC: Understanding usage-based insurance
• Texas Department of Insurance: Auto insurance guide
• Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner: Learn how auto insurance works
• New York DMV: Point and Insurance Reduction Program
• Florida Statutes § 627.0652: Insurance discounts for certain persons completing safety course