How to save $$ on Auto Insurance after RE

[Khan]

My car insurance decreased after retirement, house insurance stayed the same.
Car insurance increased after I traded 18 year old car for 2 year old car.

[JOHNNIE36]

I am certainly not an expert in the insurance business, but I'll give you my take on it after many years experience, especially auto.
1. There is no such thing as allegiance to the company. You should shop for a better rate every couple years.
2. Progressive told me nobody could compete with them when it came to rates for retirees. Two years later my rate went up $500+ per year because I reached a certain age plateau. Typical of insurance companies.
3. Maintain a high credit score. Rates are tied to this more than you can inagine. This is true for home owners also.
4. Shop online for the best rate. It takes work. I'm in Florida and recently went with 21st Century, through an online agent in San Jose, CA.
5. Ask about all discounts available for affiliation with service orgs, AARP, military, etc.
6. Eliminate work loss premium, consider value of your vehicle vs collision coverage, ask about discount if you bundle home and auto.
7. Pay upfront and eliminate carrying fees or at least pay in three increments, not monthly.
8. Maintain a clean driving record. No tickets.

Just a few of the things I've been through in recent years.

[Dreamer]

I called our insurance agency when I retired in 2006 and was told that there would not be an any adjustment, since it was only 6 miles to my former workplace. My part-time job is only 3 miles from my house. Maybe I should try again, since my DH is now retired. He only worked 4-5 miles from the house though. I am going to check with different insurance agencies in 04/12.

[East Texas]

Quote:

Originally Posted by braumeister I think this is right. When I changed my usage from "to/from work or school" to pleasure usage only, I left my annual mileage the same because I didn't know if it would change. After a few years, I noticed that it hadn't changed at all. My annual mileage seems to run somewhere between 22K and 24K every year, right were it has been for nearly 20 years now. I don't pay much attention to the rates, because I think I have probably some of the best rates available anywhere. USAA member since 1968, and the last time I had a claim was about 35 years ago.

I can't speak for other companies; however, USAA puts more weight on annual mileage than usage (work/pleasure). If you think about it, that makes sense. Why should someone who has "Pleasure" usage and driving 50,000 miles a year enjoy less premium than someone who drives to and from work and only drives 25,000 miles a year? Their car is out on the road (more opportunities for accidents) than your car.

Also, make sure you get your defensive driving discount if your state allows it. I took my class online and then logged onto USAA and updated the discount.

[check6]

Quote:

Originally Posted by braumeister USAA member since 1968, and the last time I had a claim was about 35 years ago.

We need more members like you. Been a USAA member for 40 years and never had a claim. You should see the size of my Subscriber's Account.

[REWahoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by check6 We need more members like you. Been a USAA member for 40 years and never have had a claim. You should see the size of my Subscriber's Account.

You should be getting a nice check from them in the next couple of weeks. After 40 years, USAA starts distributing 10% of your account back to you each February. I got my first check last year.