How to save on auto insurance

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Auto insurance discounts

Motorists can generate savings on insurance by maintaining a safe driving record and committing to certain life-style changes. Good driver discounts can mean a savings in the 10–20% range off the bottom line of an auto insurance premium.

Most insurance companies offer auto insurance discounts, though they vary from state to state and company to company. Among them are:

• Driver training discount: For young drivers upon completion of a driver training course.
• Good student discount: Limited to high school or full-time college students over the age of 16. It’s usually contingent on maintaining a B or better grade average.
• Antitheft device discount: Available from some companies when vehicles are equipped with alarms or disabling devices that reduce exposure to theft.
• Multi-car discount: Available to those who insure two or more cars with the same company.
• Multiple policy discount: Available from some companies to individuals carrying more than one policy (i.e., auto, home, life and/or health) with the same company.
• Resident student discount: Offered by some companies to an insured whose family includes a resident student, without a car, at a college more than 100 miles from home. A premium reduction might also be available to those taking a car, depending on the college location.
• Safety feature discount: Available from some companies to drivers of cars with air bags, since studies show that they have reduced injuries to vehicle occupants. New York, New Jersey and Florida provide discounts for antilock brakes (ABS). Some companies have national discounts in place, while others have phased-out these discounts since most newer makes and models provide air bags and ABS systems as standard equipment.
• Nondrinker and/or nonsmoker discounts: These are usually offered by specialized insurers.
• Completion of a state-approved senior driver defensive course: Senior drivers 60 and older in Ohio can obtain a discount by completing an accident prevention course. (Click here for a list of state-approved programs.)
• Commuter or carpools: If your mileage is limited or you take public transportation to work or carpool, ask if a mileage discount is available.