First, let’s tackle car insurance. Here are some tried and true ways to lower the cost of owning an automobile.

1. Drive less. The more you drive the more your chances for an accident. So, insurance costs are less for those who drive less. If you can combine trips for errands, or carpool to work, you can save on insurance.
2. Set higher deductibles. The more you are willing to pay in the event of an accident, the less you will pay month to month. Typically, deductibles range from $0 to $1,500. If you can swing a higher deductible, you can save big.
3. Take a defensive driving course. Typically, teenage drivers and seniors take these courses, but any driver may benefit from taking one and it may save you some $.
4. Use that garage. It may be handy for storing all that stuff you haven’t used in years, but it’s most effective for keeping your car safe. Garages can reduce your cost of insurance.
5. Be a safe driver. Most all insurance companies reward safe drivers with clean driving records. That includes speeding too, so watch your speed and save!

Now for homeowner’s insurance.

1. Make your home safer. Here are some things you can do now to help reduce your insurance premiums:
   • Secure your doors and windows with dead bolts and strong locks.
   • Install a security system with an outside signal and connection to local polices.
   • Install and maintain smoke detectors.
   • Install a fire alarm that automatically alerts the local fire department.
   Safety is always a good thing, but consult your independent Provident Insurance agent to be sure safety upgrades will lower your costs.
2. Don’t smoke. Generally, non-smokers qualify for lower homeowners insurance premiums than smokers. If you’re a non-smoker, then be sure to ask for any available discounts.
3. Bundle Policies. Merge all your policies with one provider. You may have found better rates on each individual policy by shopping them around, but it’s often more affordable to bundle them all with one company.
4. Increase the deductible on your policy. In many cases, a higher deductible means a lower premium. It also means paying more out of pocket in the event of a covered loss though. Talk to your Provident Insurance agent so you can determine the best balance for you.
5. Insure the replacement value only. You may have paid $250,000 for your home, but it may not cost that much to rebuild it. The land your home sits on has some value, so subtract that from the equation. Likewise, the market value may be more than the cost to rebuild – this is common in popular coastal areas or even high-demand neighborhoods with good schools. So only pay what it costs to replace…not what you paid or what it’s current market value.

To learn more, contact your independent Provident Insurance agent. We serve Plainfield, Greenwood, Avon, Brownsburg, Indianapolis, Carmel, Zionsville and the entire central Indiana area. Stop in one of our convenient locations to discuss your insurance needs today.