Five Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Car Insurance Premiums Low

Here’s a list of tips that will keep your ride in great shape and help you save money on auto insurance at the same time.

PERFORM CHECK UPS REGULARLY

This can refer to a variety of things, such as changing your oil, checking your brakes, monitoring fluid levels (i.e. coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid), testing your battery, and inspecting your vehicle's belts and hoses. These all play an important role when operating your car, but are often overlooked as they are out of sight and out of mind. 

Experiencing an issue with any of these while driving could result in a car crash, which will almost undoubtedly lead to an increase in your car insurance. Be proactive and contact a trusted mechanic to check the status of your car. This way, you can tackle any necessary fixes and hit the road worry-free. 

REPAIR YOUR WINDSHIELD AND REPLACE YOUR WIPERS

Similar to the previous section, your windshield and wipers are key to safe driving. These, however, are a bit more obvious as they are directly in your field of view while operating your car. Repairing a cracked windshield is critical to having unobstructed visibility and avoiding obstacles and collisions. 

If your windshield is in good condition, you’ll still want to keep an eye on your wipers. These lose their effectiveness with time, and replacing them can be required more often if you live in an area that has colder conditions. Staying on top of this will reduce the chances of you struggling to see the road ahead during inclement weather and getting in an accident.

SWAP OUT YOUR TIRES IN THE WINTER

Every winter, people across Canada swap out their regular tires for winter tires. In some areas, this is legally required. In others, it’s just best practice and a smart way to keep you and your vehicle safe while driving during the cold months. 

Black ice and snow-covered roads are major contributors to vehicular accidents during the winter, so investing in a set of winter tires is a wise decision, especially if you need to drive regularly. Discounts on vehicle insurance are often provided to policyholders who make this adjustment to their car.

LOOK FOR DISCOUNTS BASED ON YOUR DRIVING BEHAVIOUR

Driving less is a great way to reduce your car insurance premium. Many providers have programs where policyholders can save if they know they won’t be driving as much. Not only is your car at a lower risk of being in an accident, you will also see a significant decrease in the wear and tear on it as well.

Additionally, responsible drivers are eligible for discounts and can reap the rewards of their good driving habits. If you opt into one of these programs, metrics such as speed, acceleration, braking, fast turns, and the time of day you drive will all be collected via a mobile app or a device that is installed into your car. If you maintain good numbers in these areas, savings will be reflected in the cost of your vehicle insurance.

TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR CAR

Anti-theft measures such as installing alarm systems, immobilizers, steering wheel locks, and tracking devices are great proactive steps that you can take to prevent your car from being stolen and reduce your auto insurance. 
If your home has a garage, use this to your advantage and park your car in it. This will keep your set of wheels in a secure location and protect it from the elements. It will also act as another barrier to theft and prevent damage from people and other vehicles.

If you are curious about other ways you can lower your car insurance, a BIG Broker can help. Contact your nearest BIG branch today to find out what discounts are available to you.