The three biggest levers
Insurers price the same driver very differently, and loyalty is rarely rewarded.
1. Shop around
Insurers price the same driver very differently, and loyalty is rarely rewarded. Comparing quotes once a year, and whenever you move, buy a car or have a birthday that changes your age bracket, is the most reliable way to keep your rate fair.
2. Ask for every discount
Discounts are not always applied automatically. Common ones include bundling home or renters insurance, paying in full, paperless billing and automatic payments, a clean driving record, low yearly mileage, a defensive driving course, good grades for student drivers, safety and anti-theft features, and usage-based programs that track how you drive.
3. Match coverage to your car
Collision and comprehensive pay to fix or replace your own car. As a car gets older and loses value, those coverages can cost more than they'd ever pay out. A common rule of thumb: if they cost more than about 10% of your car's value each year, consider dropping them, as long as you could afford to replace the car. If you have a loan or lease, your lender usually requires them.
Raising your deductible usually lowers your premium. It only makes sense if you could pay that deductible from savings tomorrow without borrowing.
Never drop liability coverage below your state's minimum, and consider more than the minimum. Liability pays for injuries and damage you cause to others, and medical bills can easily pass state minimums.
Sources
2 sources
Last checked October 2026. Amounts change every year.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners · Auto insurance consumer guide
- Insurance Information Institute · Ways to lower your auto insurance costs