So I didn’t think much about car insurance, honestly. Just felt like one of those boring must-haves that you kinda forget about until things go sideways. But wow—did I learn fast how important it is. Here’s everything I picked up, the hard way and the not-so-hard.
1. Types of Coverage (It’s not all the same, fyi)
There’s more than one kind. Like, it ain’t just “car insurance.” You got liability (pays when you mess up and hit someone), collision (your car vs. anything), comprehensive (weird stuff like trees falling or theft), and then some weird ones like PIP and uninsured motorist, which I didn’t even know existed before.
Some folks just get the minimum, but lemme tell ya—it’s not always smart. You never know who’s gonna crash into who.
2. I Shopped Around (You probably don’t, huh?)
First quote I got? Trash. Second one? Still high. Third one? Boom—$40/month cheaper for the exact same stuff.
I used those quote comparison sites (tbh, some looked sketchy), but they worked. You gotta dig, tho. They won’t hand you the deals.
3. Bundling = Magic
You ever tried bundling your insurances? I didn’t even know I could do that. But like, when I added renters insurance and auto insurance together with the same company—BAM. Discounts. It’s kinda like buying two pizzas and getting a third free.
Easy money saver. Why did no one tell me this earlier?
4. Deductible Hack (But be careful)
Ok so this one depends. My friend said to raise the deductible to save monthly. I did. From $250 to $1,000. My rate dropped. BUT—don’t do this unless you actually got money stashed away, because when I scratched my bumper in a parking lot, guess what? I had to cough up that grand first.
Lesson: only do this if you got emergency cash. Or rich parents.
5. Drive Like Grandma (It pays)
Real talk: slow driving is boring but insurance companies love it. Zero speeding tickets, zero claims = they treat you like royalty. My premium dropped after 2 years clean.
I also took a defensive driving course, which felt like traffic school but without the attitude.
Surprise: some companies gave me a 10% discount for that class.
6. Ask About Discounts. Literally Just Ask.
They’re not gonna offer ‘em unless you ask. I called up and said, “Hey, what kinda discounts y’all got?” and the rep was like, “Well actually…”
Boom—safe driver, paperless billing, low mileage, good student (yes, I used my college ID even though I graduated 3 years ago 🤫).
Moral of the story: don’t be shy.
7. Lapse in Coverage = Big No-No
One time I switched insurance and forgot to line it up right. Had like a 4-day gap. No big deal, right? Wrong.
New company jacked up my rate because I had a “lapse.”
Always overlap your policies. Even if it’s a day.
8. Life Changes? So Should Your Coverage.
When I moved to the suburbs, I didn’t drive much anymore. Called my insurer and they adjusted my policy. Saved like $18/month just for driving less.
Same thing if your car gets older—it might not be worth full coverage anymore.
Policies aren’t tattoos. Change ‘em when life changes.
9. Telematics – Big Brother, But Saving Me Money
Some companies offer apps or devices that track your driving. Creepy? Maybe. Useful? Absolutely.
I signed up with Progressive’s Snapshot thing. It tracked my hard brakes and nighttime driving. My rate dipped $120 after 6 months.
But don’t do this if you drive like you’re in Fast & Furious. They will know.
10. Don’t Lie. For Real.
Tempted to say I park in a low-risk ZIP code (I don’t) or that I only drive 5 miles to work (I don’t)?
Don’t do it. They WILL find out. And if they do, and you file a claim? They can deny it. That’s not fun during an accident.
Be honest. Even if it means $12 extra a month. Peace of mind > sneaky savings.
Wrapping This Mess Up
Car insurance ain’t just some monthly bill you ignore. It’s a tool. A weapon, kind of. If you use it smart, it saves your tail.
I didn’t know jack when I started out, but now? I know enough to not get screwed.
Hope this helps someone. Or at least saves ya enough to get that pizza you’ve been craving.