How to lower your car insurance rate

Getting more discounts that lower your car insurance premium might be easier than you think. Progressive offers car insurance discounts for the following, and more:

• Bundling your car and property insurance^Δ
• Quoting online^*
• Paying up front^** instead of monthly
• Setting up autopay^*
• Signing your policy online^**
• Going paperless^**
• Driving safely with the Snapshot® program^†
• Qualifying for student driver insurance discounts

You can often opt to increase your car insurance deductible — this means you would pay more out of pocket if you have a claim but, in exchange, pay less for your policy. There are typically deductibles on auto collision coverage, auto comprehensive coverage, UM/UIM coverage, and PIP. If you have any of these coverages, reach out to your insurer to see if you can increase the deductible in exchange for a lower premium.

Nearly every state requires a minimum amount of car insurance, but your coverage might include more than what's required. If that's the case, consider lowering your liability insurance limits to reduce your premium. You can also drop optional coverages like comprehensive and collision, as long as you don't have a car lease or loan that requires them.

To find out how your rate compares with what you might get at another insurer, compare your car insurance quote to rates from other companies. To get a true comparison, select the same coverages, limits, and deductibles for each insurer you compare.

Usage-based insurance (UBI) helps your car insurance premium align with your driving habits, including how much and how safely you drive. If you drive very little and you avoid dangerous habits like turning and braking quickly, you might be rewarded with a lower rate through UBI. However, not every driver who tries UBI is guaranteed a reward — riskier driving habits might result in a higher rate. To give it a try, check out Progressive's UBI, known as the Snapshot® program.^†

Some insurers offer a defensive driving discount, and some states even require insurers to offer one. In some states, you can qualify for this discount by taking a four-hour defensive driving course. The course might qualify you for a lower premium, and it can improve your driving habits, potentially leading to fewer violations and claims in the future.

Your insurance rate may be influenced by the car make and model you drive. The next time you're shopping for a new car, consider getting a car that's cheaper to insure. These cars may be safer on the road, as noted by IIHS-HLDI, and therefore less likely to be involved in costly claims.