So, is it possible to find cheap car insurance for men? Especially young men and teenagers? The answer to that question is invariably yes. But, those lower rates may not offer the complete coverage that men need. Be sure that you understand what an individual policy offers and does not offer before signing on the dotted line. A discount rate may not be worth the hassle should an accident occur and you need to file a claim.
When shopping for cheap car insurance, men should consider some of these cost-cutting efforts before taking on a policy with limited coverage or even dangerous gaps in important coverage:
Downsizing
Cars with more powerful engines usually cost more to insure. That means an eight-cylinder engine will have a higher insurance rate than a four cylinder one. The age, model and even the extra features on your vehicle can all add cost to your insurance policy. Men are notorious for choosing newer sporty “fun” cars to show off. That is fine if you do not mind paying extra for the privilege. If, however, you are on a quest for cheaper insurance, then you might want to consider trading it that SUV or other high-end vehicle for an older model mini-van, sedan or smaller standard vehicle that is void of all of those “extras.”Keeping Your Record Clean
Nothing will kill am man’s insurance rate faster than a poor driving record. That includes more than accidents. Tickets too can add dollars to your premiums. Every speeding ticket or other vehicular infraction you get caught with is recorded and your insurance company is notified. Just one speeding ticket or ticket for running a stop sign can add 5-20% to a man’s annual insurance rate. Become a habitual ticket collector and you will be considered a high risk driver and pay the price for your sloppiness. In the event you do find yourself getting a ticket, there is something you can do to help lower your rates again: take a safe drivers class. Making the commitment to learn safer driving techniques will show your insurance company that you have learned from your mistake and they will likely rescind their rate increase after a few months.Choosing Your Coverage Carefully
Picking and choosing the type of coverage and riders you have on your vehicle can also keep rates low. Opt out of any non-essentials that you can (like rental coverage or even collision on older models). Just be sure that you have the right amount of insurance to cover your expense sin an accident. It is also important to carry the proper amount and coverage if you have a loan out on your vehicle. Check with your lender for their requirements.Ask for Discounts
Most insurance carriers offer a myriad of discounts to policyholders; even male ones. By utilizing all of the discounts you can, you may be able to lower your insurance rates by up to one half. Here are just some of the most popular auto discounts being offered by the main carriers within the insurance industry:- safe driver discount – manage to go a certain amount of time (usually 12-36 months) without filing an insurance claim and get 5-20% off your insurance bill
- auto theft protection: have an alarm installed in your car and get a break on your insurance bill
- multi-driver discount: add another driver to your policy and see your rates shrink. Married drivers typically get an even deeper discount.
- higher deductible discount: be willing to pay a little more in the event of an accident and you can save big bucks on your annual premium
- multi-policy discount: be willing to give all of your insurance business to one carrier and you can enjoy deep discounts on them all
At first glance, it may seem as if men pay more in auto insurance than they should, and that may be true. Lucky for them, there are ways to get cheap car insurance – or at least get their rates cut for a better deal. The trick is to be a smart consumer and an even smarter (and safer0 driver.
