Hate paying those auto insurance premiums? We can’t blame you.

Thankfully, there are easy ways to trim the fat and get your premiums as low as possible. Here are seven ways you can keep a little more money in your wallet when it comes time to pay your insurance bill:

1. Stay in Ohio – As of 2016, Ohio continues to have the second least expensive auto insurance in the nation, trailing only Maine. The average premium is just $899, compared with an astounding $2,738 average in neighboring Michigan.

2. Good Grade Discounts – If you are a young driver or have one in the household, good grades can equal lower insurance premiums. This is because academic excellence often signals more responsible drivers.

3. Multi-Car Discounts – Have more than one car associated with your business or in the family? Keep them under a single policy in order to take advantage of multi-car discounts.

4. Package Discounts – These are similar to multi-car discounts, except they apply to a wide array of vehicles and/or policies.

Include your motorcycle, boat, jet ski, and other vehicles to maximize your discount. Roll your homeowner’s insurance into the package, too, while you’re at it. 

5. Cut Down Your Miles – The less often you’re on the road, the lower your chances of being in an accident. Further, you may receive discounts if your commute to work is extremely short or if you don’t commute at all.

Good reason to use public transportation when you can! And in some cases, you may even be able to qualify for a “low mileage” discount. Ask your agent.

6. Choose A Higher Deductible – Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.

Choosing a higher deductible can help reduce your premiums, just be careful not to get a deductible you can’t afford to pay. You may need to pay it one day!

7. Know What Car You’re Buying – Really want that sports car that can do 0-60 in under 6 seconds? Be prepared to pay more for your auto insurance.

What about safety features? The better your car is equipped, the lower your rates will be. In other words, choose safety over speed.

As you can see, most of these tips are pretty easy to implement into your life – and if you already live in the greater Cleveland area, you’ve got a leg up on the rest of the country, since you already pay low rates and have access to (okay) public transportation.

So the last tip is the simple, common sense one: drive safely!

Do you actually know your dentist? Your accountant? Your hairdresser?

Shouldn’t you know your insurance agent, too…?

At Virgil E. Brown Insurance, we live and work on the East Side of Cleveland, which means we can serve and understand your needs in ways that the bigger companies can’t. (Or won’t.)

Call Stan right now at 216-851-3304 or email him at info@virgilbrownins.com to learn exactly how we can help.