When you’re young, starting out on your own might lead to some financial challenges. After all, you now have bills to pay, and probably a limited budget with which to pay them. How can you keep ongoing costs, like your auto insurance premiums, as affordable as possible? Premiums can vary widely, and sometimes your own actions can impact how much you pay for a policy.

In most states, car insurance is mandatory. Still, though you must pay for it, you shouldn’t have to worry about cost becoming a burden. Keep in mind some of the ways that you can help keep your auto insurance affordable.

1. Commit to Safe Driving

Those who are more likely to file auto insurance claims are usually going to pay more for their coverage. Such drivers include those who have a history of numerous claims, and those who have numerous previous infractions on their driving records. Your history will show that you might be a cost risk to the insurer, and as a result, they might raise your rates.

Committing to safe driving is always in your best interest, and here are a few obvious ways to do so:

• Obey all the rules of the road at all times.
• Don’t use mobile devices.
• Keep your license and registration up to date.
• Never drink and drive.

If you want a tune-up on skills, consider taking a defensive driving course. These classes can help all levels of drivers learn where they might be making mistakes. At times, car insurers offer discounts for those who pass these courses.

2. Ask your insurer about other discounts

There are many insurance discounts available to the average driver. Perhaps you are a student or a member of a military or professional association? Maybe you drive your car less than 10,000 miles per year. In each of these cases, you might qualify for more policy discounts, which can equal significant savings on top of those brought by good driving habits.

3. Consider Carrying a Higher Deductible

Deductibles outline what portion of a vehicle’s damage is your responsibility to pay for, rather than your insurer. For example, a $500 deductible means you pay for the first $500 worth of damage, then your insurance pays the rest.

Therefore, by carrying a higher deductible, you lower the amount your insurer has to pay for a claim, and therefore you reduce their assumed cost risk. Therefore, consider carrying the highest deductible you can reasonably afford, if you want to see reduced insurance prices. However, never carry one so high that it will strain you financially when you have to pay for damage.

Call us today at (915) 599-2900 or visit www.MtFranklin.com to see how we can help you.