No one wants to pay more than they have to for car insurance, but getting a lower price isn’t always easy. Because there are lots of options available from different insurance companies, it can take a lot of time and effort to compare all the policies and products they offer on your own.

That’s where your Westwood agent can help – by finding the best option for car insurance based on your circumstances. Here are five ways you may be able to get a better price on your auto policy.

1. Raise your deductible

One way to reduce car insurance rates is by opting for a higher deductible. This will generally reduce the amount of money you’ll pay in premiums, but there is a trade-off. In the event of a claim, you’ll be responsible for paying that higher deductible.

Take some time to consider what will work best for you and your budget. You can also ask your Westwood agent about carriers and policies that may offer deductibles that are reduced over time based on your driving record or decrease every year you don’t file a claim.

2. Consider options other than a traditional policy

Would pay-per-mile work for you? Car insurance is not a one-size-fits-all policy. If you’re a safe driver, some insurance companies offer programs that track your driving and reward you with discounts based on how well you drive and when you drive.

Typically, if you drive less than 7,500 miles a year, pay-per-mile insurance can help to save you money, because you’ll be charged less than traditional policies or high-mileage coverage for those who drive more than the average of 12,000 miles a year.

3. Only pay for the coverage you need

Suppose you own your car and it’s an older model. In that case, you may be able to skip comprehensive coverage, which pays to repair the damage to your vehicle, and collision coverage, which pays to repair damage from weather, vandalism, and fire.

Because these policies are limited to the car’s value, having these types of coverage may not make sense for an older car with lower market value. Talk to your Westwood agent to find the best option for you and your vehicle.

4. Don’t assume any single company is always the most affordable

Despite commercials or even the anecdotal evidence of friends, rates and costs from a single insurance company can vary greatly depending upon your specific circumstances, so you need to check your rates and compare multiple options.

Some carriers offer specific money-saving options, such as occupation-based discounts for teachers, military personnel, and emergency service workers. Other companies may give discounts for paying for the year in full or signing up for automatic payments.

These discounts can mean that the same company may offer different rates for different drivers. Rates can also vary from one state to another due to factors like legal requirements, traffic congestion, economic conditions, and local competition.

5. Work with an independent agent – Westwood!

While it may sound daunting to compare multiple companies and what they can provide, doing so is a great way to save money on your rates, and that’s what Westwood does for you!

Working with an independent agent is the easiest way to find the best coverage to suit your needs and budget. You can save yourself time and energy because you won’t have to seek out quotes from multiple companies on your own.

Westwood Insurance Agency works with leading insurance companies, and our agents can help you find the best options for your auto insurance. We can even help you find applicable discounts to help you save even more. Contact a Westwood agent for more information or request a quote now.