7 Steps to Get Cheap Car Insurance for Women

If you’re interested in getting cheap car insurance for women, I have a little secret: auto insurance companies are sexist.  And if you’re a woman you should be very happy about it.

Women pay lower car insurance rates than men. Why? Because they driver safer, have fewer accidents, use their seat belts and obey traffic laws better than men.  Here’s how to cash in as a women driver:

1. Understand What You Are Buying  

Comprehensive and collision insurance cover physical damage to your own car. Liability covers you for damage to property and bodily harm to others. Comprehensive insurance covers you if your car is damaged while driving.  It also covers you from other incidents such as theft or natural disasters like flood or fire. You have to own liability insurance.  This protects others and, in a roundabout way, it’s also a good way to protect your assets.

But I wouldn’t recommend driving without comprehensive or collision coverage if you own a car that is less than seven years old.  (This is one reason to buy a used car.) Why? Because the cost to replace a used car is much lower than to replace a new car.  A used car will save you on repairs in case of accidents; you’ll pay lower insurance premiums; and you will suffer less depreciation.

2. Take Advantage of Discounts:

You will probably qualify for a discount if you are a:
• Good driver
• Good student
• Have multiple policies (like homeowner’s insurance and auto)
• Drive multiple cars
• Senior driver
• Person who owns a vehicle with safety features (such as air bags, ABS brakes, car alarm, etc.)
• Non-smoker

Don’t assume that your company is going to go out of their way to offer you these discounts. I suggest you go over your policy every year with your insurance provider and make sure you are getting all the discounts you qualify for.

3. Consider Higher Deductibles

The more risk you take off the insurance company’s hands, the lower your premium is going to be. Review your driving record over the last several years. How many accidents did you get into? How much damage was incurred? If you have a history of no or very few claims, consider taking on more risk (by increasing your deductibles) to reduce your premium.

4. Don’t Make Friends

Just because you’ve been using the same agent for several years doesn’t mean she can offer you the lowest rates. Keep everyone honest by shopping the policy online and otherwise to make sure you get the lowest-cost coverage.  Always shop for the best auto insurance.

5. Check Your Mileage

When your agent asks how many miles you drive to work, don’t just guess. Check it out and let your agent know. If your number is low enough, you might just qualify for a sweet discount.

6. Set Up Automatic Bill Pay

Many companies offer discounts if you pay your insurance premiums electronically. If you do a good job tracking your budget, you’ll have enough money to cover the premiums and you’ll make out with lower costs.

7. Go to School

Some companies offer discounts to drivers who attend defensive driver courses — even if you haven’t had an accident. Make a quick call and find out if your company is one of those with such a program.

8. Keep a High Credit Score – Bonus Tip

Insurance companies know that people with high credit scores are generally more responsible.  And people who are responsible tend to drive safely and have few claims. As a result, you’ll get better auto insurance rates if you keep a good credit score. Do whatever you can to improve your credit score. Then, check to know what your credit score range actually is. Once you see that your score has improved, let your insurance agent know about it and request a lower premium.

Lady Pilgrims, what tips can you share to help others have lower car insurance premiums?

(If you like this post, you might also like “How to Save on Homeowner’s Insurance.”)