Drivers in Oshawa, Ontario, spend a considerable amount of time behind the wheel. Whether it’s to get to and from work or to run errands, residents of Oshawa rely on their vehicles a lot to help them get around. In fact, Oshawa commuters spend more time on the road getting to work (32 minutes each way) than drivers in Barrie (28 minutes), Burlington (29 minutes) and London (22 minutes), according to the 2016 census.
Despite the headaches that often come with battling rush hour traffic, however, it’s not all bad news for Oshawa commuters. With these 11 car insurance hacks you could save on the Oshawa car insurance you need that will make your drive home better.
1. Enhance Security
Drivers in Oshawa who improve their vehicle's security may end up paying less for their car insurance. Approved after-market car alarms, tracking devices and immobilizers could provide extra savings, usually to the tune of about five per cent off your policy’s comprehensive coverage premium. If your car in not already equipped with an anti-theft device (as is common in older models) this is a great way to lock in savings on your premiums.
2. Keep a Clean Driving Record
Perhaps it’s obvious, but it’s true: Motorists with a less than stellar driving record will end up paying more for their insurance premiums. Motorists who drive safely, and do not have any traffic violations or at-fault accidents, are more likely to get the best insurance deals.
3. Limit Your Commute
Your daily commute matters and drivers who limit their mileage could get cheaper car insurance. If you’re commuting every day to work your premiums will reflect this so if you can take public transit, cycle or carpool instead this is one way you can bring costs down.
4. Pay Annually Instead of Monthly
Paying for car insurance upfront every year instead of monthly could reduce your costs. Most insurers offer drivers the option to pay for their insurance for the whole year in one go or in monthly installments. The latter option, however, typically includes an administrative fee. Avoid the fee of about 1.3 per cent and pay your premium annually if you’re able.
5. Shop Around
With so many insurance providers out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. A price comparison website, like InsuranceHotline.com, lets drivers compare quotes in one place and find the best policies based on their lifestyle and budget. In a single search, for example, you can compare Ontario car insurance quotes from our network of over 30 insurance providers to find your lowest price.
6. Bundle Your Insurance Policies
Bundling your car insurance with other types of insurance from the same provider—home insurance, for example—could save you five to 15 per cent off your policies. Having several policies with the same company can also make life much easier with a single point of contact.
7. Take a Driving Course
Driver's training can help motorists prevent accidents and improve safety when on the road which is why insurance providers see young drivers who have recently taken a driving course in a positive light. If you’re a new driver or have one in your household, it’s an option worth looking into because the premium savings can be considerable for up to three years.
8. Review Your Insurance on a Regular Basis
Policy prices can fluctuate and reviewing your insurance on a regular basis could result in bigger savings. Drivers should review their insurance at minimum, annually, and shop around for the best car insurance quotes in Ontario.
9. Change Your Tires Seasonally
When the weather in Oshawa is cold and snowy, winter tires can help lower the chance of collision. They also can help you lower your premiums as all Ontario auto insurers offer a winter tire discount. It’s estimated that about 84 per cent of drivers in Oshawa have winter tires which means they may be benefiting from a winter tire discount that could be as much as five per cent.
10. Ask About Discounts
Insurance providers offer a variety of discounts, some of which you may not know about. Ask your current provider for a list of their discounts to see if there’s a way to further reduce the cost of your insurance. For example, if you have a student who is away at school for most of the year, you may be eligible for the "student away from home" discount. Some insurers even offer a discount for child’s good grades.
Although all of these tips could help you spend less on your coverage, the fact is, if you’re a driver looking for cheap auto insurance in Oshawa your best bet for lower rates is to shop around. Spend less on your coverage and compare quotes today.
