Cheap full coverage car insurance: 6 simple tips to try

Let’s face it, car insurance can be confusing and expensive. You want to make sure you’re fully covered if something happens, but you also don’t want to break the bank. You’re on the hunt for that perfect balance: cheap full coverage car insurance.

While finding truly cheap full coverage car insurance can feel challenging, it’s entirely possible with the right strategies. This guide is here to help. We’ll break down what “full coverage” really means and then give you six simple, actionable tips to help you get the solid protection you need at a price you can afford. Let’s get started on your path to saving money!

What Does “Full Coverage” Actually Mean?

First things first, let’s clear up a common mix-up. “Full coverage” isn’t an official insurance policy you can buy. Instead, it’s a handy term people use to describe a combination of coverages that protect both you and your car from a wide range of problems.

Think of it as building a strong shield with a few key parts. When most people talk about a cheap full coverage car insurance policy, they are usually referring to a plan that includes:

• Liability Insurance: This is the part that’s required by law in most states. If you cause an accident, it pays for the other person’s medical bills and car repairs. It does not, however, pay for your own expenses.
• Collision Coverage: This is what covers the cost of repairing your own car after an accident, no matter who was at fault. Hit a guardrail? Back into a pole? Collision coverage has you covered.
• Comprehensive Coverage: This is your “life happens” coverage. It pays for damage to your car that isn’t caused by a collision. This includes things like theft, fire, hail, flooding, or even hitting a deer.

So, the goal isn’t to find a magical “full coverage” button. The goal is to get this powerful bundle of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage for a lower price. Now, let’s look at how you can do exactly that.

6 Simple Tips for Finding Cheap Full Coverage Car Insurance

You don’t need to be an insurance expert to save money. You just need to know a few smart tricks. Here are six of the best ways to lower your costs and find affordable cheap full coverage car insurance.

1. Shop Around and Compare Quotes Regularly

This is the golden rule of saving money on insurance. It is the single most effective way to find cheap full coverage car insurance. Every insurance company has its own secret formula for calculating your price. Because of this, the exact same driver can get wildly different quotes from different companies.

You might love your current company, but loyalty can sometimes cost you. Make it a habit to get new quotes at least once a year, or anytime you have a big life change like moving, buying a new car, or getting married.

Action Step: Don’t just check one or two companies. Aim to get at least three to five quotes online. It only takes a few minutes, and the savings can be hundreds of dollars a year.

2. Raise Your Deductible Strategically

Your deductible is the amount of money you agree to pay out of your own pocket before your insurance kicks in to cover the rest of a claim. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and you have $2,000 in damage from an accident, you pay $500 and your insurance pays the remaining $1,500.

Here’s the key: choosing a higher deductible lowers your monthly premium. Why? Because you’re agreeing to pay more if you have a claim, so the insurance company charges you less every month. Moving your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can make a significant drop in your bill.

Important Caution: Only raise your deductible to an amount you can comfortably afford to pay right now if you had an accident. The goal is to save money, not to create a financial crisis.

3. Bundle Your Auto and Home Policies

This is one of the easiest wins for finding cheap full coverage car insurance. Insurance companies love when you give them more of your business. To thank you, they offer what’s called a “multi-policy” or “bundling” discount.

If you have renters insurance or homeowners insurance, try getting a quote from that company for your auto insurance. Often, bundling your car and home together can save you 10% to 20% on both policies. It simplifies your bills and puts more money back in your pocket.

4. Leverage Discounts You Qualify For

Insurance companies offer a huge menu of discounts, but they won’t always apply them automatically. It’s up to you to ask! When you’re getting quotes, be sure to ask about all available discounts. Here are some of the most common ones to look for:

• Safe Driver Discounts: If you’ve gone several years without an accident or ticket, you likely qualify.
• Good Student Discounts: Often for young drivers under 25 who maintain a B average or higher.
• Paid-in-Full Discount: Pay your entire six-month or one-year premium all at once instead of monthly.
• Anti-theft Device & Safety Feature Discounts: Having car alarms, tracking systems, or modern safety features like automatic emergency braking can save you money.
• Low-Mileage Discounts: If you don’t drive very far to work or you work from home, you could get a discount.
• Defensive Driving Course Discount: Completing an approved driving course can often lead to savings.

5. Maintain a Clean Driving Record

This tip might seem obvious, but it’s the most important long-term strategy for keeping your insurance costs low. Nothing makes your insurance premium go up faster than accidents and traffic tickets. Insurance companies see drivers with violations as high-risk, and they charge them more.

Safe driving isn’t just about avoiding tickets; it’s a direct investment in your financial well-being. Every year you drive safely is another year you prove to insurers that you are a responsible driver who deserves lower rates for your cheap full coverage car insurance.

6. Improve Your Credit Score

In most states, insurance companies are allowed to use your credit-based insurance score to help set your rates. Studies have shown that people with better credit scores tend to file fewer insurance claims. So, a strong credit score can show insurers you are less of a risk.

Please Note: Using credit scores to set insurance rates is not allowed in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan.

If you live in a state where it is used, improving your credit is a powerful way to find cheap full coverage car insurance. You can boost your score by:

• Paying all your bills on time, every time.
• Paying down credit card debt and keeping your balances low.
• Checking your credit report for errors and disputing any mistakes.

Putting It All Together: Your Path to Affordable Protection

Finding cheap full coverage car insurance doesn’t have to be a stressful mystery. It’s about being a smart and proactive shopper. Let’s quickly recap the six simple tips you can try today:

1. Shop around and compare quotes from multiple companies.
2. Raise your deductible to a comfortable level to lower your premium.
3. Bundle your policies for an instant, easy discount.
4. Ask about every discount you might qualify for.
5. Drive safely to keep your record clean and your rates low.
6. Improve your credit score (where applicable) to show insurers you’re a low risk.

You have the power to take control of your insurance costs. You deserve to have peace of mind on the road without worrying about a huge bill. The strategies are simple, and the potential savings are real.

Ready to see how much you can save? Don’t wait! Get your free quotes now and take the first step toward securing the cheap full coverage car insurance you need.