Many individuals in Columbia, Illinois start out each New Year with several meaningful changes or plans to make “this year” better than the last. Some of these plans might involve better diets, lifestyle changes, read more, exercise more, journal more, spend more time with our family, and greater focus on how to be more fiscally responsible.
It’s difficult to argue with being more responsible with where you spend your hard earned dollars. Insurance costs to protect our cars may be a huge expenditure for lots of people. It is a good idea to complete a yearly review where and how these controllable dollars are spent.
Charlie's Columbia CARSTAR in Columbia, Illinois, also serving the folks of Waterloo, Southern Illinois, Millstadt, Freeburg and Athens, provides a few tips to help ensure your auto insurance premium dollars are spent in the most beneficial manner possible.
1. When you have a clean driving record with no mishaps and no violations within the last three years you should qualify for a major “safe driver” discount. If you don’t see a discount of this type on your declarations page that comes with your renewal, consult with your agent or insurance provider.
2. Assuming you have good or very good credit you are likely to qualify for further discounts. Consult your agent or insurance provider.
3. If you have your auto and homeowner policies with the same insurance company you most likely be eligible for an additional type of discount. Talk with your agent or insurance provider.
4. When you have young drivers on your policy who are good students, generally a B average or higher, you may qualify for additional discounts. Additionally, there are discounts available for taking part in safe driving programs. Confer with our agent or insurance provider for availability.
5. If your current cars or trucks have advanced accident avoidance systems you might be eligible for further discounts.
6. If you have vehicle(s) whose combination of age, miles and current physical condition has deteriorated to a point of lower value it could be time to think of self-insuring your vehicles. This means removing collision and comprehensive coverage. This action necessitates careful consideration and should definitely include consultation with your agent or insurance provider.
7. Changing the level of your collision or comprehensive deductibles can also be an option to control your premium costs. Choosing a higher deductible for either coverage will lower your premium. But it’s necessary to understand this move will raise your financial exposure should a major accident occur.
8. Some insurance companies are offering installed driving performance monitors that provide you a discount on your insurance for safe driving. Seek the advice of your insurance agent on availability.9. If you have moved, taken a new job or married or divorced during the past year, it may impact your car insurance. Make sure to update your policies appropriately.
10. One final tip to each insurance consumer would be to ensure that you have a “what if I have an accident" pack in the glove box. This pack should include a pencil, a pad of paper to put in writing accident details and witness contact details, your agent’s contact details, your current insurance card, a disposable camera, and emergency contact information with names and numbers of individuals identified as the people to call if you’re injured.
Charlie's Columbia CARSTAR wants to make certain that people traveling in Waterloo, Southern Illinois, Millstadt, Freeburg and Athens are prepared for the road in every way possible. If you live in Columbia, Illinois or the surrounding area and would like to have your questions regarding auto body repair answered, call Charlie's Columbia CARSTAR at 618-281-2886 or visit our website: www.auto-body-columbia-il.com.