Save big on car insurance!

The average American spends $1,500 a year on car insurance. But you can do much better— especially when you put these easy secrets to work!

Nab 10% off with a “tab”!

Safer drivers are cheaper to insure, and thanks to new technology, you can cash in on that discount! How so? Several insurers— Allstate, Nationwide and Progressive all have programs— offer a plug-in for your car that keeps tabs on where, when and how you drive. Sticking to an appropriate speed will earn you a percentage off your policy, as will traveling during non-rushhour times. You’ll get a 10% discount when you sign up, then more savings for being a safe driver. At Progressive, for example, the average discount is $130 after just six months!

Get in on group savings!

You can save on insurance just for being you! That’s because belonging to certain groups— whether that’s your company or professional, business or alumni associations— opens the door to special discounts from insurers who are looking to attract more clients via an organization’s large membership pool. Some unions, for instance, snag deals through Metlife, while AARP has its own insurance company. And groups like the American Society of Civil Engineers and more offer discounts through Geico. Ask any group you belong to about special perks of membership.

Pay just for what you drive!

Don’t drive much? Skipping a traditional insurance policy in favor of a new pay-per-mile policy could end up saving you money! Insurers like Esurance, Metromile and Milewise From Allstate all offer the service. How it works? The insurers charge a base rate (as little as $29 a month in some cases) and then a per-mile charge—typically about 6 cents a mile. If you drive fewer than 10,000 miles a year, you could save about $500 per year compared to the average cost of a traditional policy. Another option? Ask your insurer for a low-mileage discount. Many offer them.

Score little-known deals!

Everyone knows you can earn insurance discounts for bundling policies or having a good credit score. But there are other lesser-known discounts that can net you big savings— as much as 10%! Depending on your insurer, sharing your profession or letting them know you have a college degree could save you 4% or 5%, for example. Likewise, owning a home, etching your VIN number onto your car window and using autopay can also save you money each month. Just call your insurer and ask about any discounts you could qualify for.