 The rising cost of living is creating problems for millions of hard-working people across the country, and auto insurance is by no means immune from such inflationary pressures. An increasing number of drivers are realizing that their driving style directly affects the insurance premiums they pay. Of course, accidents usually lead to claims - resulting in an increase in the cost of auto insurance. However, drivers who can demonstrate that they drive safely and are conscientious on the roads could be rewarded with significant discounts. There are two main ways to achieve this.
Defensive Driving Lessons
Defensive driving relies on the premise that an accident is inevitable at some point. By utilizing a number of strategies and driving styles, people can identify hazards before they become collisions. This advanced driving instruction teaches drivers to reduce risk by predicting likely events and taking corrective action, and the benefits could include up to a 10 percent discount from certain insurance providers.
Although the benefits differ from state to state, an increasing number of drivers are turning to these courses to improve their driving skills. Courses last anywhere from four to eight hours, and they can be taken online or in formal classroom settings.
Defensive driving courses cover information about auto accidents: how they affect victims, what causes them, the damage they can cause and practical tips on how to avoid them. While there is no guarantee these courses will lead to a reduction in auto insurance, they are certainly looked upon favorably by a number of insurance providers.
Usage-Based Auto Insurance
Usage-based insurance (UBI) involves the electronic monitoring of a driver's daily habits on the road, and may provide auto insurance discounts of up to 30 percent. Insurance is all about risk, so drivers who can demonstrate that they drive safely on a consistent basis will be regarded as being a safe bet, and the reward is often reduced insurance premiums.
Monitoring is carried out by a telematics device that is fitted to the vehicle by an approved manufacturer. Rates of acceleration, top speeds, braking and geographical information can all be recorded, depending on the insurer's criteria. Around one percent of drivers in America have received discounted insurance rates as a result of UBI systems, but that number could reach 30 percent by the end of the decade. There are also a number of cell phone apps on the market that perform exactly the same function as a fitted telematics device, and that means most people already have the technology needed to potentially lower their auto insurance costs.
The prevalence of civil litigation and the increasing number of people on the roads means that insurance costs are likely to continue going up. However, help and advice are only a phone call away. Contact CapCity Insurance Services today at 512-222-8805, and one of our insurance experts will be happy to advise you on ways to lower your Austin car insurance costs.
Posted Wednesday, May 22 2013 3:55 PM
Tags : Austin Car Insurance, Austin Auto Insurance, Austin TX, car insurance, CapCity Insurance Services
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