How can I save money on ______?

[Skylark]

This is a thread in which we can ask questions about reducing costs on things that thus far have eluded us.

I just picked up a copy of the complete Tightwad Gazette book. I'm reading through it, but it can't possibly contain every idea, nor are those ideas necessarily tailored for our lives.

I'll get us started. How can I save money on car insurance? I am riding my bicycle as much as I can, and my boyfriend and I are working toward only using his car once every two weeks to go visit my family and friends who live 50 miles from our town. The car may soon go into my name (long story), and that will mean putting the insurance policy in my name, too. Are there discounts I can ask for based on low car usage? Certainly with the age and condition of the car, liability-only is a better idea than comprehensive coverage.

[Starblossom]

I don't know much about car insurance but a friend of mine was able to get a lower rate because he has a college education. His insurance company helped him to get the lowest rate he could just by asking him questions. Maybe your insurance company could help you out.

[hollywoodveg]

My friend just bought a scooter to save money on gas, not only is he saving a ton of money on gas, but his insurance went down due to the fact there are two vehicles on the policy. He is going to come out ahead, kinda cool.

Also, you can call around and price different policies with places like Mercury, Geico etc.

[NoMeatMary]

Definitely tell them how little you will be using the car. If you have a renters policy or homeowners insurance, you'll get a multi-line discount if you use the same company. Some give discounts for good grades. It helps if you live in a gated community and/or park it in a garage.

[Michael]

They usually ask for a rough estimate of your annual mileage but people can easily lie so I doubt there'd be much of a discount. Multi-line discount is your best bet.

[rvijay]

I just picked up a copy of the complete Tightwad Gazette book. I'm reading through it, but it can't possibly contain every idea, nor are those ideas necessarily tailored for our lives.


Excellent book, excellent start. The book gives great ideas to build upon. No two frugal situations are the same for sure. :)

[sarahjayn1980]

http://www.teachers.com

This is the cheapest car insurance in the world that's worth two figs. If you work in education, it's worth a look into. I was paying 4x's as much before I signed on with them.

[Skylark]

Education as in "administrative assistant at a private university," Sarahjayne? That's the closest I'm likely to get for now. Thank you for the suggestion.

[Dirty Martini]

State Farm is a mutual insurance company, so you get dividends each year. My premiums for my 2 cars & house are about $1200 a year and I get over $100/year back in dividends. Works for me - I've been with state farm for about a decade now and don't plan on changing any time soon.

Ask your insurance company about a low mileage discount. They might offer it.

[Wolfie]

Definitely ask about the low milage discount. State Farm gave me one on my Jeep when I told them I only used it to drive my dogs around. They also give discounts for various safety features/antitheft devices.

[sarahjayn1980]

Education as in "administrative assistant at a private university," Sarahjayne? That's the closest I'm likely to get for now. Thank you for the suggestion.

Perhaps! I'd call and actually talk to someone about it because a lot of paras I know told me they have this insurance, and they fill a variety of roles.