Saving money on auto insurance is something we all would love. Advertising space is filled with campaigns designed to help consumers “switch and save” – At Goldenwest Insurance Services, we are concerned with providing adequate coverage, which usually includes a healthy savings as well. Here are a few tips to help find great rates (without compromising coverage):

1. Drive Safely. Accidents, speeding, and other incidents compromise your safety on the roads, but also increases your insurance rates. Through safe driving behaviors, you can save upwards of 20%.

2. Evaluate your coverage. Higher deductibles promote savings. The Insurance Information Institute says that by increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could save as much as 30% on vehicles with full coverage.

3. Pay on time. Most insurance carriers use credit information to determine insurance rates. Other factors include outstanding balances with creditors and available credit.

4. Ask for more savings. There is a laundry list of ways you can save money on auto insurance, here are just a few discounts to ask for: homeownership, “bundling” auto/home or auto/renters, low mileage, paid in full, telematics devices (which monitor driving habits for a period of time), paperless, and more!

5. Shop around. This applies to cars as well as the insurance policies. Every vehicle is rated differently so before purchasing a new car, check to see what insurance rates will be. Additionally, take advantage of the resources available through independent insurance agencies. They can shop several insurance companies to provide you the best coverage and cost.