By Michael (Manoochehr) Kamali
Car insurance prices have surged across California β and in a luxury market like Beverly Hills, the increases feel even steeper. ππΈ Between inflation, pricey repairs, supply-chain issues, and tariff concerns affecting foreign and electric vehicles, premiums have been rising year after year.
But hereβs the encouraging part: you DO have control. With a few strategic moves, you can lower your auto insurance bill without giving up the protection you need.
Below are 10 proven, practical, human-tested strategies to help you pay less for car insurance in Beverly Hills β starting today. π
1. π Reevaluate Your Policy Every Year
Your life changes β your car insurance should too.
You may reduce your premium if:
- Youβre driving less π
- You moved to a new address π‘
- You paid off your vehicle βοΈ
- Adult kids no longer use your cars π
A quick annual conversation with your agent can uncover savings you didnβt know you were missing.
2. π° Donβt Miss Out on Hidden Discounts
Many discounts are NOT automatic β you have to ask for them.
Popular savings include:
- Paperless billing π» (4β10%)
- Auto-pay enrollment π (around 5%)
- Pay-in-full discounts π§Ύ
- Anti-theft devices π (5β20%+)
- Multi-car or multi-policy bundles ππ‘ (10β25%)
- Low-mileage discounts for retirees or remote workers π
- Military or veteran savings πΊπΈ
- Membership discounts (AARP, AAA, Costco, professional groups) ποΈ
Bundling is often the biggest money-saver.
3. π Shop Around for Better Quotes
No two insurance companies calculate risk the same way. Rates for the exact same driver can vary by hundreds of dollars per year.
You can:
- Call insurers directly π
- Use an independent agent π€
- Try comparison sites like Insurify, The Zebra, or CarInsurance.com π₯οΈ
Most drivers who change carriers save money β some save $400 or more annually.
4. π Improve Your Credit Score
Credit matters more than most people realize. Stronger credit = lower premiums.
Studies show:
- Excellent credit drivers pay significantly less
- Low credit scores can increase rates by over 100%
Boost your score by:
- Paying bills on time βοΈ
- Reducing balances π³
- Removing errors from your credit report π§
A small improvement can shrink your insurance bill.
5. β Raise Your Deductible
If you rarely file claims and can handle a larger out-of-pocket amount, increasing your deductible can immediately drop your premium.
Example savings:
β‘οΈ Raising a deductible from $200 β $500 may save 15β30%
Just make sure you have an emergency fund available before increasing it.
6. π οΈ Avoid Filing Small Claims
Small repairs often arenβt worth filing. Even a minor claim can bump up your rate for years.
If the damage is inexpensive, handling it yourself may be cheaper long-term. Your agent can help you weigh both options. βοΈ
7. π¦Keep a Clean Driving Record
Safe driving is one of the best, easiest ways to save.
Many companies reward:
- Accident-free driving π
- No moving violations π«
- Defensive driving course completion (often 10β15% off) π
Better driving = Better pricing.
8. π± Try a Telematics Program
These programs monitor your driving habits through an app or device. They track:
- Braking
- Acceleration
- Speed
- Phone usage π΅
If youβre a careful driver, you could save 10β30%.
β οΈ Note: Some insurers raise rates for risky driving β ask before enrolling.
9. π Drop Extras on Older Vehicles
If you have an older car that isnβt worth much, you may not need:
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
Removing unnecessary coverage can cut your premium immediately. Just be sure the carβs value is low enough to make this worthwhile.
10. ποΈ Consider Insurance Cost When Buying Your Next Car
Insurance should be part of your buying decision β especially in Beverly Hills.
Cars that cost more to insure typically include:
- Luxury models π
- Sports cars π
- Foreign vehicles with expensive imported parts π
- Electric cars with high-cost batteries β‘
Vehicles with anti-theft systems, safety sensors, and crash-prevention tech often get much lower premiums.
As tariffs rise, cars with more domestic parts are generally cheaper to repair β and therefore cheaper to insure.
β¨ Final Thoughts
Even though premiums are rising, Beverly Hills drivers can still protect their wallets. With a combination of smart policy adjustments, discounts, safe driving habits, and strategic vehicle choices, you can significantly reduce what you pay for auto insurance.
Contact Sun Insurance and Financial: https://SunInsurance.us or call (310) 860-5000
