Typically, the biggest automobile insurance issue for younger drivers is affordability. Unfortunately, single drivers under 25 years of age are the highest-risk drivers under age 70, and men in the under-25 age group are considered a higher risk than the women.  With high risk comes high insurance costs. However, there are a few things you can do that may result in more affordable premiums for you. Following are a few basic suggestions.

Raise deductibles
Your collision and comprehensive coverages have deductibles. If you raise your deductibles, your premiums should come down, but you also take on more risk. If you have an accident, you will have to pay more of the repair bill before your insurer begins to pay. If you are willing to take on that extra risk, the insurer will typically reward you with a lower premium.

Drop collision and comprehensive coverage altogether
Let's say you are doing what you can to make ends meet. The car you drive is ten years old. It runs pretty well, but it has some rust and the interior has seen better days. According to the Blue Book, it's worth about $1000. Currently, your auto insurance has a $1000 deductible. If the car is stolen, your insurance company will reimburse you for the value of the car, less your deductible. In this case, that adds up to nothing. If you get in an accident, you will be responsible for all repairs up to $1000, and the insurance company will reimburse you for any repairs over $1000, up to the value of the car. Again, you will receive nothing. So why pay premiums for collision and comprehensive coverage? In this scenario, you shouldn't. If you are driving an older car, take a look at its value and your current deductibles. Run the numbers yourself, or ask for our assistance. It may be time to drop your collision and comprehensive coverage, and save some money on premiums.

Choose a safe car
A four-cylinder sedan with automatic seat belts, airbags, and antilock brakes will always be less expensive to insure than an eight cylinder sports coupe with no safety features at all, even if they are the same age and similarly priced. The style of the sports car, along with the horsepower and lack of safety features all signal high risk for insurers. If you are a younger driver and insurance costs are an issue, then resist the urge to buy that big shiny hotrod. Select a car with more safety features that is rated in a lower risk category.

Stay home
If you live at home with your parents and continue to drive their cars, you'll be eligible to remain a "named insured" on their policy. If your parents have safe-driver and multiple car discounts, they will probably get a better rate than you could if you owned your own car and purchased your own policy. However, you should consider all the options. Depending upon your driving record and the types of cars that your parents own, they may see a significant drop in their policy premiums if you are taken off of their policy. In some cases, the family as a whole might do better by setting you up with an older model car and an individual policy without collision or comprehensive coverage.

Use multiple policy discounts
Some insurers will give you a break on your auto insurance if you elect to buy your homeowners insurance or renters insurance from the same company.  It's always smart to inquire about your eligibility for any multiple policy discounts.

Getting married
While no one should get married merely to save money on car insurance, you should know that when you do make your vows, your insurance company will likely send you a wedding present in the form of lower premiums. Married drivers are generally considered less risky than single drivers.

Hold out to age 25
Although you have no control of your age, take heart. When you reach 25 you hit a milestone in the eyes of auto insurers. For most insurers, when you reach 25, you step into a new, slightly lower risk category. All else being equal, that means a lower rate.

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Please Note: The information contained in this Web site is provided solely as a source of general  information and resource.  It is a not a statement of contract and coverage may not apply in all areas or circumstances.  For a complete description of coverages, always read the insurance policy, including all endorsements.