Written by Tim Marsh

Drivers that are younger and less experienced will find that their auto insurance premiums will typically be higher than those of older drivers. The reason behind this is quite simple. Anyone that takes a look at auto accident statistics will be able to see that younger drivers are involved in a higher amount of traffic accidents as opposed to those in older age brackets. Because of this, finding car insurance that is affordable can be quite difficult if you are young. But there are certain things that you can do in an effort to lower your premiums. Here are some of tips that will help you save money on your car insurance premiums.

Opt for Liability Coverage Only

Getting third-party insurance is the minimum requirement. It covers property damage and personal injury to other individuals if you are responsible for an accident. However, keep in mind that it will not cover your own vehicle in case of collision, fire, theft or vandalism. Therefore, if your car gets stolen, you are out of luck. But in some cases, getting only liability coverage may be a wise choice. Comprehensive and collision coverage on a car that is worth only $1,000 will easily end up costing you more than the value of your car in the long run. On the other hand, you should know that in some cases, getting collision or comprehensive insurance may be required. This is usually the case if you lease or finance a car.

Get a Policy With a Higher Deductible

The deductible is the amount of money that you are responsible for in a covered incident before the insurer will pay your claim. It applies to comprehensive and collision coverage. As most collisions result in only minor damage to a vehicle, having a higher deductible means that you represent less of a risk to an insurance company and will therefore get lower premiums. Because of this, you should get the highest deductible amount that you can afford to pay for out of pocket.

Maintain a Good Driving Record

Insurance companies will take your driving record into consideration when determining how much you will pay for your car insurance. Getting traffic violations, especially serious ones like reckless driving, will have a major impact on your insurance rates. The bottom line is that if you want to get the best possible auto insurance rates, you should drive safely at all times. This applies to drivers of any age, but it is especially important for younger drivers, as they are already seen as higher risks by insurers.

Choose Your Car Carefully

What kind of car your drive will definitely have an impact on how much you pay for your auto insurance. Luxury vehicles cost a lot to repair and are highly prized by car thieves. Sports cars are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. If you want to get good rates on your auto insurance, driving a car that truly stands out from the crowd is therefore not a very good choice. Choose an affordable, mainstream car that has the right safety features, like air bags and anti-lock brakes.

Shop Around for the Best Rates

Getting affordable car insurance if you’re a young driver isn’t the easiest thing to do, but it isn’t impossible. If you truly want to save money, you will need to take your time and compare insurance rates from various companies. Some insurers will have decent rates for young drivers, while others will be truly horrible and are best avoided. The only way for you to find out is to request quotes from various companies and compare the amounts. Also, if you have other insurance products with a certain company, like life insurance or property insurance, consider getting your auto insurance through them as well, as this could give you a better rate.

Enroll In Driving Classes

One final way to get cheaper car insurance is by taking a defensive driving or driving safety class. This shows that you are serious about being safe on the road and that you are potentially less of a risk of being involved in an auto accident. The cost of the classes, offered by your local driving school, can be easily offset by the potential savings that you would get on your auto insurance.