Best Cost Car Insurance

How can you keep your car insurance rates as low as possible?

Car insurance rates fluctuate from company to company. What tips can you offer others to help secure the most competitive rate? Yahoo! Canada Answers staff note: This question is asked by Gregory Ellis, co-founder of the the insurance shopping service kanetix.ca. Visit http://www.kanetix.ca/YAHOO_answers for more information.

Public Comments

1. quit speeding!
2. dnt hav any accidents
3. No tickets, few claims, pay bills on time!
4. Have a clean driving record. Some insurance companies even look at your credit scores to determine your rates.
5. There are many different ways of getting the best rates possible. You have a 'good driver' discount for anyone that does not have any infractions. If you are married some companies offer discounts for that. Multpule driver discounts, safety school discounts, membership discounts for certain insurance companies, multipule coverages, boat, car, house, etc. The best thing that I have found is that you DO need to shop around for insurance. Depending on how old you are, your gender and the type and color of your car all depends on the rate that you will get. Stay clear of small unknown companies, they do not work out, they might be cheaper, but in the end you will regret it.
6. If you own your vehicle, you don't have to carry collision, and that will make the rates cheaper. Also don't buy a car that is high on the most stolen list. If you are a young driver, generally under 25 years old, stay away from muscle cars like the Ford Mustang. Try to avoid getting tickets, drive defensively to avoid accidents. If you live in a ZIP code that has a high crime rate, and you can, MOVE. Now, to get the best rates once you have everything else in place, find an independent agent and let them find you the best deal by using their data base of companies.
7. Insurance rates are based on several factors, including driving record, claims history, credit, garaging address, and vehicle use. To get your best rate shop around but make sure you are getting quotes for the same limits of liability and deductibles from company to company. You can also lower your auto insurance rates with many companies by having more than one line of insurance such as renters or homeowners, or life insurance.
8. Drive a tri-cycle.
9. use giecko
10. Well, having no claims certainly helps. Amalgamating all your insurance together (house/auto and even life/travel if they provide it) and sticking with that one company for all saves you overall too. Hooking up with a big provider usually is the most competitive price, or so has been my experience. The higher your deductible is the less your rates too. So go for $1,000 rather than $500 deductible and save. The vehicle you drive has a lot to do with what you are charged, and believe it or not colour can factor in too. So if you are thinking of buying new, run a few vehicles by your insurance company for a quote before buying!! Only the value of the structures on your property should be insured, not the land itself. If you are driving a junk box you may not want collision insurance on it. How far you drive, business or pleasure, second drivers etc. are also factors. One thing you MIGHT want to pay more for is making sure you have REPLACEMENT value on your possessions as opposed to the depreciated value which I happened to find out the hard way when robbed. Wow, judging from some of the answers and ratings it seems most of these people need a crash course on insurance! And as for the comment below me, I would like to contribute also THAT that MAYBE if government took more seriously it's role it handing out drivers licences to QUALIFIED people, who actually KNEW how to drive and the rules of the road were ENFORCED we wouldn't have such morons causing accidents and giving insurance companies CAUSE/EXCUSES to raise insurance. Too many unqualified and unsafe drivers on the road, and sadly not enough police to enforce this. Every day I watch drivers overtake buses at crosswalks (unloading students) in a zone where it is clearly marked "DO NOT PASS FROM HERE TO CROSSWALK". Do you want to know how many pedestrians are hit as a result of people who can't wait 30 seconds? It's a two way street on the insurance issue and the onus squarely lies on government who are the only ones who can intervene and make our roads safer. If citizens cant be responsible citizens, then sadly it just comes back to bite them in the rump. Unfortunately, the law obiding have to pay for their disregard as well. Sorry for the rant but it's all part and parcel is it not?
11. You know, given that this question is being asked by http://www.kanetix.ca/, I would think that it is their business to tell us... Maybe if insurance companies did not have affialite % fees to pay, our rates would be reduced....
12. To keep your auto insurance rates as low as possible ; 1 - take a driver safety course , this usually allows you a discount on your auto insurance. 2 - drive carefully, don't get any tickets or charges. 3 - live in a rural area, rates are lower where there is less traffic. 4 - live close to work or school, the less mileage you drive, the less you'll be charged for your auto coverage. 5 - check with your insurance agent as to which make & model of car is least to insure. 6 - buy a car that is 3 or 4 years old, the newer the auto, the more costly to repair. 7 - get married, married men get lower rates than singles. 8 - insure your house or if you rent then your contents with the same insurance company. 9 - keep your deductables high, your rates will be lower if you have a $1000 deduction on your collision coverage than if you have a $100 deduction. 10 - shop around as to which insurance company you decide to give your business to, rates vary a huge amount between insurance companies. Follow all 10 suggestions and you're garrented to get a good rate.
13. Im a student who just got insurance and i keep my rates low by: -getting an 80% average in school (you bring a report card to the insurance company) -Taking an approved drivers ed. -No tickets -No accidents -have a crappy car to insure
14. do like me and buy a horse...with her "waist' i can even sell fertilizer... of course this only works if you live in the country and grow your own vegetables and beef and pork...but hey it worked for me and i come from Montreal P.S. In case you didn't get it I gave up on city life
15. hang up your damn cell phone while driving when driving pay attention!!!
16. Don't Drive.
17. If you get in an accident, do not report it to your insurance company. Whoever is at fault just pays for the damages. Whatever you do, DO NOT CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY. They're such criminals they should be arrested.
18. I let my mom and dad drive until I'm old enough to get my licence.
19. If you are in Canada, it depends a lot on what province you are living in. The basic things that are taken into consideration are driving record ( at-fault accidents & tickets ), how much you drive to and from work, annual mileage on the vehicle, age of driver (s), type of vehicle and where you live ( or where the vehicle is stored ). If you are looking to keep your costs down, you can look at increasing your deductibles, and depending on whether or not you own or lease, you may be able to get away with only have Comprenhensive coverage, no Collission. That means that if you are in an accident, and it is your fault, you have to play to fix your own car though. If you are looking at getting a vehicle, and you are concerned about insurance costs, never buy new. The first year the insurance rates are always higher because of the depreciation of th vehicle in the first year. Buy or even lease a one or two year old vehicle. Also, some insurance companies look at all the drives in the household, whether they drive the vehicle or not ( simply because they have access to the keys ). If there are underage drivers in the household or roommates with bad driving records, you may want to stear clear of those companies. Or ask about a driver exclusion form, it promises that thoses drivers will not be driving the vehicle.
20. Don't bother with collision coverage if your vehicle is old. The premium plus the deductible (plus the increased premiums after your claim) will pay for the car in a few years. Also drive safely and defensively. After an at-fault claim rates skyrocket. If you can settle a small claim by paying out the other party, do it. You will pay for it with your increased rates anyways. Whatever you do, don't skimp on liability insurance. $2,000,000 minimum.
21. STOP GOING TOO FAST!!! If you crash, everyone's car insurance rates will go up!!!!
22. I live in bc canada .I got my basic car insurance from icbc and the rest from canadian direct insurance by doing this I saved over $200 annually.Also road side assistance and car rental in case of accident is only $15 at canadian direct compare to icbc where its $ 50.If you have good driving record just try it and see the difference yourself ,you can even get quote on line. Just go to canadiandirect. com. Compare the quote from icbc with canadian direct.Claims are handeled very much the same way. Just shop around a bit ask some questions.You can save few bucks for sure.Tahanks
23. I don't think I have any Earth-shaking revelations here, but this is what works for me: 1) Shop around - I found a huge difference in quotes for the same coverage. 2) Elect higher deductibles - if your financial position supports this, go for it. 3) Consider dropping collision coverage on older cars, perhaps even collision AND comprehensive on older cars that are also a second car. 4) Put all your vehicles, or combine home policy and car policy, with one insurer. This may result in further discounts. 5) Check to see if a driver training course will lower your rate. It may pay for the course in a short period of time. 6) Drive carefully! You'll reduce your chance of an accident that may affect your rates.
24. Why do you discriminate for people living in different postal codes?
25. Dont hit things lol
26. keep clean record of driving.when renew time comes don't forget to shop around
27. I live in B.C. (i.e. ICBC), but the principles are the same: the better your driving record and the fewer claims you have, the lower your rates will be. There has been a lot of talk in the news lately about private imports, particularly from Japan (e.g. Nissan Skyline, Mitsubishi Delica). Any experiences people would care to share on insuring such vehicles?
28. stop driving like a goof and running into other peoples cars.
29. Well, Here Calgary you could actually apply to the Calgary Transit: as a Transit Operator. This means that they'll train you to Alberta License 2 With Q Endorsement. That explains why some guy is driving around a Hummer. Very Cheap Insurance. I think $40 dollars or less. Or take driving lessons for Class 1 (Trailers & All Vechile).
30. Fact is....the insurance industry won't be happy until we're all driving rubber cars at 15mph on covered highways while wearing 12point harnesses and crash helmets.... Oh yes and the radios and cup-holders will have to be removed as well....
31. Goverment Insurance thus taking the business out of the hand of the those whose only goal is greed and money hording
32. keep your driving record clean and no accidents
33. If you get hurt in an accident don't report it, you will be harrassed so much by the accident benefit adjuster and they won't help you anyway. The insurer will try to send you to their preferred rehab providor who will tell you to everything will be ok and then not even treat you well. Don't go to their people. After all the headaches your rates will go up even when you were not at fault. Insurers are there to make money. By law you have to have car insurance but don't try using it because they harrass you when you do and make you feel as if you did something wrong.
34. Make no accidents!
35. How about if Ontario was to get rid of private insurance co. and go with public like Manitoba. Would save half or more. They don't punish our youth because they are young. Their driving record determines the rates. In Ont. the highest paying group is the 16 - 25 year old who have the highest accident rate. The lowest paying group is 65 + group and they have the 2nd highest accident rate. Maybe spread it around properly and my rates would be less.
36. If you have a newer car and do get collision coverage (which pays for your vehicle damage even if you are at fault) also remember that the higher the deductible (the portion you must pay yourself) the lower the premium.
37. I go through Meloche Monnex which I contacted because of word of mouth. I have never seen them advertise. To my knowledge they only insure people who are college graduate. Their rates are lower than most other insurance companies I have researched everytime my insurance comes up for renewal. The thinking I believe is the more responsible you are the lower your rates go. Now I don't expect anyone to go get married or have kids just to lower their insurance rates. Yet if you happen to be going through those stages in life you should contact your insurance company to see if your rates drop. Other "responsibility" factors could be age (25, 30...etc), owning a home (mortgage??), having a full-time job.
38. You can lower your insurance by shopping around to find the best rates, I didn't change a thing except my insurance company and I lowered my insurance by almost 20%
39. Dont drive like an ldiot
40. Keep your driving record clean. Avoid any highway traffic act infractions and accidents. Obey the laws for driving. They are simple, and easy to follow. Do your research on rates by calling several insurance companies before deciding which one is right for you. READ all the fine print so you know exactly what you are covered for in the event of an accident.
41. You need to be above a certain age, usually 25 You need to have been on someone else (usually parents) insurance for a while before you get our own. You need to have a car with lower accident rate (avoid honda civics) You need to leave in area that has lower crash rate (small towns instead of big ones) You need a clean driving record So in a nutshell, there are factors u can control (type of car, driving record) and others u just can't (where u live; ur age..)
42. I have had experience in both Canada and the US, where policies and requirements vary quite a bit between countries. In Canada, you are required to have $1 million in liability coverage. In the US, it is structured differently, and can start as low as $10K/10K per person/accident, and $10K property damage (which may not be adequate in a serious accident). Get as much liability coverage as you can afford (at least $100K/100K and $100K). Other than that, my tips on insurance are: 1) Shop around - both through individual name companies, as well as brokers (who can give you quotes from several companies they underwrite for). 2) Type of car - generally, the more expensive, the more it costs to insure. Also, safety features such as anti-lock brakes and anti-theft may give you discounts. 3) Higher deductibles will lower your rates. If the car is old, don't even bother with collision and comprehensive coverage. 4) Umbrella insurance - place your home, multiple cars, and multiple drivers on the same policy. 5) If you are a new driver, completing an approved driving course will lower your rates. Having the certificate will give you discounts for 5 years (?). In the US, I have also noted that you can take a one day driver safety course (if you have been driving for a while, or if you need to get out of a traffic ticket) which allows you to get insurance discounts for 3 years. 6) If you are a student, some insurance companies discount students who excel academically. 7) Students may also get special rates if they go to school away from home (university, etc.). 8) If you can help it, don't use your car to drive to work or school. Your insurance can be lowered if the vehicle is used as a pleasure vehicle only, as opposed to regular use. And for factors that can't be controlled, but should be kept in mind: 8) Age discounts - insurance rates become lower at 18, 25, and 30. Of course, seniors (65+) also get discounts. 9) Sex - males pay more than females for auto insurance.
43. I live in Saskatchewan. The Government here runs auto insurance. Keep a clean record, drive safe, don't hit too many deer or cattle; and they take care of the rest. Simple. When working in Ontario I worked with a large number of immigrants from from the Mid East and and the Old Communist bloc. Here was their solution. Buy a BEATER (no more than $1000.00) Buy a set of plates and share them with your buddies or just steal a set of plates from any car in the mall. THAT'S IT; no registration fees - no insurance fees and no maintenance fees. When the car is totally worn out you get it running again and sell it to next new guy off the boat. This was quite a common practice.
44. Just don't do anything wrong, follow the rules. I haven't got a ticket yet and my insurance is cheap, And i have been driving for only 7 years. Bye the way colour is only for some company's mine could care less. If your looking for cheap insurance put the vehicle under your parents name that always works.They own the car u drive it.
45. Don't use RBC
46. where are the chepest rate to
47. We recently reduced our premium dramatically by lowering our deductible from $250 to $1,000.
48. all I can suggest is drive responsible, stay within the speed limit, don't give the cops reason to ticket you for not signaling, not having your lights on at night, just get basic insurance but whatever you do don't drive without insurance to save cause if you get in an accident you can pay through the nose for the rest of your life
49. keep your car insurance rates low by electing a government that will bring in Government run Car insurance. If you don't think that's possible move to Saskatchewan, BC or manitoba, where we have much cheaper car insurance. Once a province has gov't car insurance even the most right wing parties don't dare cancel it because it gives great coverage for lower rates. And you can be sure the guy that hits you is fully covered.
50. Well, Insurance is a game played on canadian people where people always loose. Why does insurance cost so much in canada??? what is the reason??? It is a way by which Govt. can force people to use the transit more frequently. What is the thing to do with your Zip code. If you have a particular Zip code and crime rate seems to e high there does that mean you are criminal. If the Govt knows that everybody living in that particular zip code would be a rash driver or would be a person of wrong doings. why dont they just not issue them license in the first place. In the fairness of safety for everyone why do they allow people from such a zip code to drive a car.