Automobile insurance is not an option. Now that the pandemic is passed and we’re back to our routines, people are driving their cars and traveling the Washington D.C. Beltway and traffic is once again bumper-to-bumper, seven days a week. 

You may have saved some money on your auto insurance premium during the pandemic as you weren’t driving as much. Now, however, your premiums may have returned to pre-Covid levels or even higher. This is a frustrating development, especially as all of us are trying to save money wherever we can.

There is, though, a light at the end of the tunnel. You can save money on your insurance premium. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce your costs:

1. Keep your driving record clean: We tell our insureds all the time: Slow down and obey all traffic laws. It sounds simple but it is so true! One speeding ticket won’t increase your premium. But the second ticket or the third ticket can increase your premium. Worse, reckless driving or driving while intoxicated may move you into an assigned risk pool which is not where you want to be! Your premium may double or triple. Additionally, accidents such as collisions will also increase your monthly auto insurance premium. Bottom line: Obey all traffic laws and pay attention while you drive. Put the smartphone down and keep your eyes on the road. It will save you a lot of money! 

2. Adjust your auto insurance coverage to assume more risk: You may be driving an older car that is worth less than a couple of thousand dollars. If you wrecked it, it would not be a huge financial loss. So, set your deductible to $1,000. Then your insurance premium will be reduced greatly, and you would still have all the coverage you need or are required in Maryland.   

3. Discounts: You may save on your auto premiums if you have your homeowners, business liability, and auto insurance with the insurance agency. If you have been claim-free for a certain number of years or, perhaps, be available if you work remotely and drive your car(s) for a certain number of miles each month. These discounts can be bundled, too, saving even more money.  At Lindquist Insurance we are an independent insurance agency meaning we can offer coverage from a variety of carriers and will work for you to find the best insurance value.

4. Auto safety features: In Maryland, if your car has an anti-theft device or a vehicle recovery system attached to your vehicle, you are eligible for a discount on your car insurance. (Consult your insurance agent for details.)

Driving fewer miles: You may now be working remotely, entirely, or a few days a week. Since you are less of a risk, you may be eligible for discounts on your auto insurance. 

Auto insurance, while required and essential, it doesn’t have to be a financial burden. Check with your insurance agent to see how you can save on your auto insurance quote. 

Lindquist Insurance can give you an auto insurance quote and provide the coverage you need, whether you drive a lot or not. Call (301) 694-0008 to speak to our experienced and licensed insurance agents for a consultation. We serve the Annapolis, MD, and Frederick, MD areas.

*** For more information on auto insurance discounts, visit the DMV.org website .