financial zen

Not really, but often times we overlook spreading methods we come across that we all ready know - like these Five credits that can reduce your insurance costs.

Amy Hoak covers the basics that some people forget to tell their agent about.

• Live in a gated community? Credit!
• Have a security system? A little one? A BIG one? Credit may vary!
• Do they have your car insurance as well? The discount could offset the slightly higher cost you *may* incur.

The point is - are you asking your agent the right questions about getting discounts? They can add up - and every dollar counts.

It’s surprising how many people don’t realize what will cut your rates.

For my wife and I, we got our rates cut by a few factors:

1. We shopped around. Luckily, we’ve got a great agency we work with that ran the numbers and factors and scored us a payment that lowered our insurance by $100.
2. We increased our deductible. Both cars have $500 deductibles, and unfortunately we still need two cars (I’m researching the bus system - I’m being moved to a different building much closer to our home, but out of my wife’s way to work).
3. Having our renter’s and car insurance (and then our Home Owner’s Insurance) with the same company, we’re getting a discount.
4. Our credit scores are very good (well, mine is V.G. Hers is Excellent).
5. We’re getting miscellaneous discounts:
   *Being a paramedic, my wife has taken defensive driving courses - that equals a reduction in insurance!
   *My wife’s wreck from three years ago is going off her record = reduced rate for her!
   *I need to ask about AAA and being a good student - but I’m not sure if that will apply since it’s *my* insurance and not under my parents.

Thanks to this site I found this check list:

When you comparison shop, inquire about discounts for the following:*

[ ] $500 deductible
[ ] $1,000 deductible
[ ] More than 1 car
[ ] No Accidents in 3 Years
[ ] No Moving Violations in 3 Years
[ ] Driver Training Courses
[ ] Defensive Driving Courses
[ ] Anti-Theft Devices
[ ] Low Annual Mileage
[ ] Air Bags
[ ] Anti-Lock Brakes
[ ] Daytime Running Lights
[ ] Student Drivers with Good Grades
[ ] Auto and Homeowners Coverage with the Same Company
[ ] College Students away from Home
[ ] Long-Time Customer
[ ] Other Discounts

The key to savings is not the discounts, but the final price. A company that offers few discounts may still have a lower overall price.

*The discounts listed may not be available in all states or from all insurance companies.

For more information, call the National Insurance Consumer Helpline (NICH) at 1-800-942-4242

And naturally, after I do this, I stumble on these gems from the Consumerist:
10 Insurances You Don’t Need
DIY Title Search
Save On Insurance By Calling Around. Duh.
Pay Your Health Insurance Way Before It’s Due, A Cautionary Tale
HOWTO: Appeal Denial of Care