Defensive driving courses are definitely underrated when it comes to insurance discounts. Glad you found out firsthand! Those safe-driving apps can be pretty helpful too, but just a heads-up: they usually track things like braking, acceleration, and phone usage while driving. Your playlist choices should be safe from judgment, though your sudden braking during a surprise sing-along might raise an eyebrow or two...
If you're looking for another easy hack, consider bundling your car insurance with renters or homeowners insurance if you haven't already. Most insurers offer multi-policy discounts that can really add up. Also, don't forget to periodically shop around—rates fluctuate more than you'd think, and sometimes switching providers every couple of years can save you quite a bit.
Anyway, congrats on the discount and happy (and safe) driving!
Defensive driving courses are definitely worth the time, agreed. I took one a few years ago, and it opened my eyes to how many small habits can make a huge difference. Those apps though...I get the appeal, but personally, I'm not super comfortable with the whole tracking thing. Feels a bit invasive, even if they're not judging my music taste (thankfully).
One thing I'd add to your list is checking if your insurer offers a low-mileage discount. If you're working from home or just don't drive much, this can really knock down your premium. My sister cut her commute in half after switching jobs and ended up saving quite a bit by updating her mileage estimate.
Also, keep an eye out for loyalty discounts. I know you mentioned switching providers regularly, and while that can definitely save money, some insurers reward you after you've been with them for a certain number of years without claims or accidents. It's worth weighing both options carefully before jumping ship.
Either way, nice job on snagging that discount—every little bit helps these days.
Good points on the low-mileage discount—definitely overlooked by a lot of folks. A couple more things I've noticed from the claims side:
- Double-check your deductible. Raising it slightly can lower premiums noticeably, but make sure it's still affordable if something happens.
- Bundling policies (home/renters + auto) usually nets a decent discount. Worked well for me when I combined my renter's and car insurance.
And yeah, those tracking apps...I tried one briefly, but it dinged me every time I braked for a yellow light. Not worth the stress, imo.
