Ways to pay less for car insurance
Some savings you ask for, some you opt into, and some come from changing the policy itself. Each page says who qualifies and when the saving isn't worth it.
Discounts to ask for
Credits most insurers offer, what they usually require and where a state makes one mandatory.
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Multi-policy, updated Oct 26, 2026
Bundling home and auto
Wisconsin's regulator puts the package discount at up to 15%. Why a bundle can still cost more than two policies.
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Clean record, updated Oct 26, 2026
Safe driver discounts
California's Good Driver rates must be at least 20% lower. What qualifies and what can cost you the discount.
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Young drivers, updated Oct 26, 2026
Good student discount
Wisconsin's regulator says it typically runs 10% to 20% for a B average. Georgia requires one by law.
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Driving course, updated Oct 26, 2026
Defensive driving course discount
At least 10% in Minnesota for drivers 55+, 10% in Delaware at any age. State rules, how long it lasts, how to claim.
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Equipment, updated Oct 26, 2026
Safety and anti-theft discounts
New York requires 5 equipment discounts and Kentucky one on comprehensive. What counts and what it is worth.
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Memberships, updated Oct 26, 2026
Group and affinity discounts
South Carolina group policies must cost at least 5% less; Louisiana gives service members 25% off liability.
Pricing that follows how you drive
Telematics and pay-per-mile plans: who comes out ahead and what data they collect.
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Telematics, updated Oct 26, 2026
Telematics and usage-based insurance
What tracking apps and plug-ins record, whether your price can rise, and 5 privacy questions to ask first.
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Per-mile, updated Oct 26, 2026
Pay-per-mile insurance
$45 plus 6¢ a mile is $93 at 800 miles vs. a $150 policy; it breaks even at 1,750 miles a month.
Changes to your policy and bill
Deductibles, optional coverages and how you pay.
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Deductible, updated Oct 26, 2026
Raising your deductible
$500 to $1,000 can save $150 a year in our example and needs about 3.3 claim-free years to pay off.
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Coverage, updated Oct 26, 2026
Trimming optional coverages
Rental, roadside, gap, custom equipment and MedPay: what each pays, when to drop it, and what to keep.
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Billing, updated Oct 26, 2026
Paying in full vs. monthly
A $1,200 premium can cost $45 more by the month, about 17.8% as an APR. When monthly still makes sense.