Indiana, with its rolling hills, cornfields, and vibrant cities, is a great place to explore by car. But for drivers insured by Erie Insurance, the open road might feel a little less carefree soon.
What’s Happening?
Erie Insurance, the 6th largest auto insurance carrier in Indiana, is enacting a 9% rate increase for drivers across the state. This rate hike is set to impact renewal business starting on May 1st, impacting roughly 167,673 policyholders.
Why Are Insurance Rates Increasing?
Climbing insurance rates are driven in part by rising claims and inflation, but that’s not all. Insurance companies are increasingly leveraging complex algorithms and data analytics to pinpoint risk with remarkable precision.
This means your rates might be influenced by factors you wouldn’t expect, like the safety features in your car, your daily commute patterns, or even the frequency of your online shopping habits. Furthermore, the unpredictable nature of severe weather, exacerbated by climate change, creates a volatile environment for insurers, leading to fluctuating costs they must account for.
How to Save on Your Car Insurance
If you’re concerned about rising auto insurance rates, there are a few things you can do to save money:
- Shop around for the best rates: Don’t assume that your current insurer is offering you the best deal. Get quotes from several different companies to see if you can find a better rate. With our free shopping tool, you can compare rates in seconds!
- Increase your deductible: A higher deductible means you’ll pay more out of pocket if you have an accident, but it can also lead to lower premiums.
- Improve your driving record: A clean driving record can qualify you for discounts on your car insurance.
- Take a defensive driving course: Completing a defensive driving course can also qualify you for discounts on your car insurance.
- Bundle your policies: If you have multiple insurance policies with the same company, you may be able to get a discount on your car insurance.
- Ask about discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for a variety of reasons, such as good grades, safe driving habits, and membership in certain organizations.
Long-Term Strategies for Sustainable Savings
To save on insurance over time, there are a few things you can do:
- Embrace public transportation: Reducing your reliance on personal vehicles can lower your mileage and, consequently, your insurance premiums.
- Invest in driver education: Even experienced drivers can benefit from refresher courses on safe driving practices.
- Monitor your policy: Insurance companies change rates often, and you don’t want to be caught off guard! Auto Quote Tracker can keep an eye on your policy for you, alerting you when it’s time to start shopping around.
Take Control of Your Insurance Costs
Rising insurance rates don’t have to be a foregone conclusion. By adopting a proactive and informed approach, you can navigate the complex world of auto insurance and secure the best possible rates. It’s about more than just finding cheap car insurance; it’s about making smart, strategic choices that align with your needs and budget.
Start tracking your policy for free with Auto Quote Tracker, and we’ll notify you directly if your rates are going to go up.