Affordable auto insurance sometimes seems akin to sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, Big Foot, Chupacabra, and the Jersey Devil. Everybody hears about it, but few seem to have seen it for themselves.  The good news is that, while we can’t help you find those legendary creatures, we can help you find affordable auto insurance.

By taking some simple steps, you can greatly increase your odds of finally getting those seemingly elusive affordable auto insurance quotes that “the other guy” always seems to get.

First, consider the car you are driving.  Is is considered a sports car?  If it’s a 4 cylinder engine, it’s not likely an issue unless it’s a “turbo” version.  Performance packages such as special suspension gear, limited-slip differentials, etc also can lead to an insurance carrier considering your vehicle to be a sports car.  And if it’s considered as such, they also presume it will be driven as such at some point, regardless of your driving history.  So if you’re driving such a car and really need to save money on your auto insurance, consider changing to another (non-sporty) model.  But first, be sure to check rates on the exact car you are considering before purchasing it to avoid any surprises.

Second, if you have a history of traffic citations, do what you can to clean it up.  Start driving more cautiously today.  Enroll in a defensive driving course and provide documentation to the insurance agent and see if they will reduce your premiums for it.  If you have a good driving history, strive to keep it that way and ensure your quotes include any safe driver discount offered by the carrier.

Third, request a copy of your credit report and check your credit score.  See if there is any incorrect information or areas that need attention.  If you have been lax about paying your bills on time, perhaps an awareness of how it is preventing you from obtaining affordable car insurance will help you change your habits and begin improving your credit history.

Fourth, be sure to shop around.  Don’t treat your current insurer as if they are the only game in town.  And even if you’ve been with them for many years, don’t assume they’re offering you the best rates for the best coverage.  In fact, often just the opposite is true.  This is because insurance companies tend to slowly increase a driver’s rates over time.  You may not notice a large increase at any one point over the years, but these incremental changes continue to add up until one day someone sees your statement and asks “You’re paying that much for that little bit of coverage”?  I speak from experience.  The best way to quickly compare quotes is to use our free service.  It takes just a few minutes to complete a short form and you’ll quickly receive quotes from multiple insurance companies.  To begin, enter your Zip code into the box on this page.