# Table of contents

1. [How to lower the cost of car insurance](https://www.policygenius.com/auto-insurance/how-to-get-car-insurance-discounts/#how-to-lower-the-cost-of-car-insurance)
2. [Driver safety discounts](https://www.policygenius.com/auto-insurance/how-to-get-car-insurance-discounts/#driver-safety-discounts)
3. [Driver characteristics discounts](https://www.policygenius.com/auto-insurance/how-to-get-car-insurance-discounts/#driver-characteristics-discounts)
4. [Vehicle discounts](https://www.policygenius.com/auto-insurance/how-to-get-car-insurance-discounts/#vehicle-discounts)
5. [Usage-based discounts](https://www.policygenius.com/auto-insurance/how-to-get-car-insurance-discounts/#usage-based-discounts)
6. [Policy discounts](https://www.policygenius.com/auto-insurance/how-to-get-car-insurance-discounts/#policy-discounts)
7. [Methodology](https://www.policygenius.com/auto-insurance/how-to-get-car-insurance-discounts/#methodology)

Car insurance discounts can save you money on your policy. You can qualify for more than one discount, and usually they're subtracted from your premium automatically when you apply for [car insurance](https://www.policygenius.com/auto-insurance/compare-car-insurance-quotes/).

## How to lower the cost of car insurance

Depending on the insurer, a single car insurance discount could save you between 4 and 40% on a policy. Many insurance companies offer various discounts, but not all can be stacked. Common factors that can yield discounts include:

- Your driving history
- Your personal characteristics
- Your vehicle's features
- How you use your vehicle
- Your insurance policy

If you're having trouble getting enough discounts, consider comparing quotes from multiple insurers.

## Driver safety discounts

Driver safety discounts are commonly offered and can be substantial.

### Safe driver and claims-free discounts

Offering discounts for safe drivers (also known as good drivers), avoiding accidents, and staying claims-free is standard among insurers. The time required to qualify varies, but many companies offer discounts after being incident-free for three to five years.

### Defensive driver course discounts

Discounts for completing a [defensive driving course](https://www.policygenius.com/auto-insurance/how-to-get-a-defensive-driving-course-discount/) are readily available and may not only be beneficial for savings but also for enhancing driving skills.

## Driver characteristics discounts

These discounts apply based on personal traits and can be harder to qualify for.

### Homeowner discounts

Homeowners often receive slight discounts as they pose less risk to insurers.

### Mature or older driver discounts

Insurance providers may offer specific discounts for drivers aged 55 and older, recognizing their experience.

### Affinity and occupational discounts

Discounts for members of certain organizations, professional groups, and occupations can lead to an overarching decrease in premiums.

### Military service discounts

Military members and veterans may get discounts reflecting their service.

### Student discounts

Various discounts may apply for young drivers, including:
- Young driver specific discounts for safe driving
- Good student discounts based on GPA
- Away-from-home discounts for students attending school away from home.

## Vehicle discounts

Insurance companies reward policyholders based on their vehicle's attributes.

### Discounts for driver safety technology

Discounts are commonly available for vehicles equipped with safety features that reduce accident risk, potentially leading to savings of up to 23%.

### Anti-theft device discounts

Having anti-theft devices can provide significant discounts based on reduced risk of stealing.

## Usage-based discounts

These discounts often relate to driver performance.

### Telematics and behavior-based discounts

Several insurers provide discounts by monitoring driving behavior through telematics, which could result in lower premiums for safe driving habits.

### Low mileage or frequency-of-use discounts

Drivers who use their vehicles infrequently may also qualify for lower rates due to reduced risk.

## Policy discounts

Discounts based on how policies are structured or paid.

### Bundling and multi-car discounts

Bundling policies often yield significant savings of up to 25% or more.

### Shopping and payment discounts

Discounts can be applied for shopping habits like online quote requests or paying premiums in full.

### Renewal or loyalty discounts

Discounts are frequently offered to long-term customers.

### Switching insurers

Changing insurance companies can lead to significant savings on premiums.