Insurance is one of the main, and most expensive, monthly bills many citizens pay. There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing your bill remain high year after year, and when a big spike in price occurs, it can be budget-breaking. Thankfully, many tricks, hacks, and tips can help you lower your vehicle insurance. To help you save your budget for more exciting endeavors, here are eight insurance hacks that every driver should know: 

1. Install an Anti-theft System 

Many insurers will give drivers a discount for making this cost-saving, forward-thinking update to their vehicle. The additional peace of mind you’ll be gaining from the change is well worth the money you’ll be investing as well. However, it’s recommended that you call your insurer before you install to ensure you go about the process in a way that will be sure to get you the discount you’re looking for. 

2. Pay Up-Front

While it can be difficult for many people to swing, actually paying your policy in bulk, and ahead of time (as opposed to monthly payments) can save you tons on your insurance costs. There’s a perk to knowing that you’ve paid up that will allow you to budget for the rest of the year much more effectively. You could save upwards of five to ten percent on your overall insurance costs if you go this route, so it’s one of the most useful (if less accessible) insurance hacks on this list. 

3. Add an Experienced Driver to Your Policy

Especially if you’re a late-bloomer, and are beginning to drive late in life, the insurance burdens that can affect you are frustrating. If you know someone else who’s been looking to save on insurance costs, and who also happens to be an experienced driver, combining your policies is one of the most sure-fire insurance hacks available. Afterward, consider taking some time to learn safe, effective driving practices from your newly-partnered insurance buddy, as this will help you avoid costly accidents in the future. 

4. Multi-Car Discounts 

If you have a family filled with multiple drivers, you are sure to understand how quickly multiple policies can start eating away at your monthly budget. Since teen drivers are almost always much more expensive to ensure, these costs can skyrocket that much faster. However, if you combine all of your cars into a single policy, you’ll find savings that are hard to beat. Even just pairing two vehicles under the same policy can unlock worthwhile, budget-changing costs. 

5. Adjust Your Deductible Yearly

Every year you should be checking with your insurer to see if you qualify for a lower deductible. Especially if your driving has been noticeably safer over the previous year, your insurer might offer you a safe-driver discount. Not all insurers are involved in this practice, but many quality insurers are, so it’s worth taking the ten minutes that are needed to double-check if you qualify for this cost-saving insurance hack. 

6. Crash Ratings Mean A Lot

Many drivers who opt for vehicles with grade-A crash ratings do so primarily due to how safe it keeps them and their family members. However, those looking for cheaper, more accessible insurance options will want to begin considering the crash test ratings of their current (or future) vehicle as well. Because these vehicles tend to take less damage in accidents and are less likely to lead to the driver or passengers becoming injured in the case that a crash does happen, they are much cheaper to insure. 

7. Drive a Budget Car 

Brand-new, expensive, and feature-packed cars are luxury items. Unless you’re comfortable paying luxury costs for both the vehicle itself, and the insurance to cover it, it’s much more financially reasonable to drive a budget vehicle. Not only are the costs of the purchase attractive, but these low-value vehicles are significantly cheaper to insure and maintain as well. 

8. Cut Down Your Miles

Lastly, simply driving less can lead to some major discounts on your insurance. There’s a reason the insurance agents are always quizzing you about the number of miles you expect to drive each year, after all. If you can cut your miles in half, you can expect massive savings on your insurance that will help you keep your budget healthy in the new year. Additionally, the change will do wonders for the environment, so you get extra perks while saving money on insurance. 

Boost Your Budget

With these eight tips, you’ll unlock amazing insurance savings that will boost your budget and keep you feeling light on your feet. Especially when it comes to what you drive, the changes available to you can seriously score you major discounts on how much you’re paying for month-to-month coverage, so be sure to avoid putting off check-ins with your insurer that can help you determine whether you qualify for these amazing, budget-boosting hacks.