If you have recently been in a car accident, then you should be prepared for your auto insurance rates to increase at least a small amount. If this was your first accident, then it may be a bit scary and troublesome to get a higher insurance bill in the mail. However, you should remain calm because there are definitely some easy ways to reduce your costs over time. Keep reading to find out how.

Drive As Safely As Possible

If you were in an accident and the damage to your car cost over $2,800, then this is likely the reason why your insurance rates increased. Increases are typically minimal when it comes to a first-time accident. On average, your insurance premiums will rise between 3% and 50%. The increase will be closer to 3% than 50% if the damages cost only a bit more than $2,800, if you were not at fault for the accident, and if you have a relatively clean driving record. Your insurance rates will often stay raised for about three years. They will begin to drop slowly afterward and return to normal. You can wait out the increase and pay the increased premiums, but you need to make sure that you drive as safely as possible. If you do not do this and get into another accident, then it is very likely that your premiums will increase by about 50%.

Following the rules of the road to the letter is one of the easiest ways to reduce accident risks. Also, you should be cautious and aware of your surroundings during the times when accidents are most likely to happen. Simply put, most accidents occur when the most cars are on the road, and evening rush hour is one of these times. Specifically, the majority of all car accidents happen between 6 pm and 9 pm, when individuals are rushing home from work. Also, if you drive after midnight, then you need to watch out for individuals who are driving under the influence of alcohol.

If you drive during the times when accidents are more likely, then be diligent about watching all of the cars around you. Minimize distractions by turning your cell phone off, turning the radio down, and putting all foods and beverages aside until you get home. 

Take a Driving Course

You may already know that a defensive-driving course can reduce your insurance premiums. It is true that this can reduce your rates, but the defensive-driving course is not the only class you can take to reduce your costs. If you have never taken a driver-education course, then you can take the basic instruction class offered to adult drivers. If you have taken the course already, then you can sign up for a driver-education refresher class. If you are an older individual, then you can take the AARP Smart Driver Course. You can also check with your local AAA to see if they have courses you can take to reduce insurance rates. In many cases, an AAA membership alone can make you eligible for an insurance discount. 

Many classes can be taken online now, but you should check with your insurance company to see if an online course is eligible for a discount. Some insurance companies only offer discounts if you take courses in person. Once you complete the course, make sure that you ask for a certificate of completion. This way you can provide your auto-insurance company with proof that you successfully completed the class. 

An accident can increase your insurance premiums, but there are many ways that you can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses after an accident occurs. Make sure to speak with your auto-insurance company to learn about more ways that you can drop your premium rates. 

Talk with a company such as Family Insurance Centers for more information. 

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