How to Take Advantage of Less Driving

Are you driving less these days? According to the Federal Highway Administration, America drove 12.2 billion less miles in June than at that same time last year. So chances are you may not be putting as many miles on your car as you have been in the past. This means you may be able to save some money with your auto insurance.

It is so easy to forget that a portion of your auto insurance calculates annual and weekly mileage into auto insurance rates. If you are driving less, then you, my friend, can tell your current auto insurance carrier that you expect your mileage to be less than expected. The results may not cut your rates in half but the change will at least make your policy reflect your actual usage and not more.

For most insurance companies, if you don't make a change to your policy, the information remains the same. You may have moved closer to work, or your spouse may have went part time or is now at home all the time. This is not directly auto related but can effect the number of miles you put on your cars. That slight adjustment could save you more than you expect.

Why are your driving habits so important anyway?

Your driving habits are often the only way the insurance company can get a picture of how you drive. They can determine the chances of an accident by the amount of time a car is assumed to be on the road. So the less exposure to an accident the lower your premium becomes. This would of course apply to all the drivers in the household. They especially want to know about any new drivers, like teenagers, and their driving habits. Teenagers are traditionally expensive so be prepared and ask 2 to 3 years before hand. Do not wait to quote them a month before.

What else can I do to save money?

The simplest way to save money on your policy is to just to ask your agent how you can save money on your policy. This simple step may be able to get you additional discounts or credits for being an excellent driver. There maybe programs they have that you may qualify for. Your new promotion may even change your status enough for a discount. You never know so it is best to ask your agent for the specifics that apply to your situation. See it as tighten the belt on all things related to your automobile. You have already tightened the belt at the pump. Now it is time to tighten it at the policy.