Car insurance premiums continue to rise across much of the country, but the good news is that there are more ways than ever to save, without sacrificing quality coverage. The key is knowing where to look and taking advantage of options that many drivers miss.

Whether you’re a careful driver, someone who uses smart technology, or simply haven’t compared rates in years, there are simple steps you can take to cut costs in 2025. Here are some proven strategies, including one quick method that can uncover better rates in less than two minutes.

1. Compare Rates Before Renewing

One of the biggest mistakes drivers make is letting a policy auto-renew without checking current rates. Insurance prices fluctuate, and you could be overpaying by hundreds of dollars each year. Using a real-time comparison tool is a fast way to see what other top carriers, such as GEICO, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, and Nationwide, are offering in your area.

Example: Sarah from St. Louis had been with the same insurer for 6 years, paying $1,600 annually. After using an online comparison tool, she discovered another reputable company offering the same coverage for $1,150. She switched and saved $450 a year without sacrificing benefits.

2. Try Telematics Programs

Insurers now offer “pay-how-you-drive” discounts through telematics apps or plug-in devices that monitor driving behavior. Safe driving habits—like avoiding hard braking or late-night speeding—can reduce premiums by up to 30%.
Popular programs include:

• Progressive Snapshot
• GEICO DriveEasy
• State Farm Drive Safe & Save                                                                                                        

Example: Mark, a daily commuter in Kansas City, installed Progressive Snapshot. Because he drives mostly during daylight hours and rarely exceeds speed limits, he earned a 25% discount, reducing his policy by nearly $300 annually.

3. Ask About Overlooked Discounts

Many Missouri drivers qualify for savings they don’t even know exist. Look into:

• Low-mileage discounts for driving fewer than 7,500 miles per year.
• Good student discounts for full-time students with a B average or better.
• Affinity discounts for groups such as teachers, nurses, veterans, or AARP members.
• Multi-policy bundling—combining home or renters insurance with auto insurance can lead to major savings.

Example: Jennifer, a teacher in Springfield, learned she could get an educator discount plus additional savings by bundling her home and auto insurance. Together, these changes knocked $320 off her annual premium.

4. Consider Raising Your Deductible

If you rarely file claims, increasing your deductible (for example, from $500 to $1,000) can significantly lower your monthly payment. Just make sure you have enough set aside to cover the higher out-of-pocket expense if an accident occurs.

Example: Mike, who drives an older sedan, raised his deductible to $1,000. His premium dropped by $18 per month—saving him over $200 per year—while keeping emergency funds available just in case.

5. Install Anti-Theft Devices or Dash Cams

Simple tools like steering wheel locks, dash cams, or GPS trackers show insurers that you’re proactive about safety. These devices can earn you additional discounts while giving you added peace of mind.

Example: After installing a GPS tracker and a dash cam in her SUV, Carla received a 10% discount from her insurer. The dash cam also helped her prove she wasn’t at fault in a minor parking lot accident, preventing her rates from going up.

6. Drop Extra Coverage on Older Vehicles

If your car is over 10 years old and fully paid off, you might not need collision or comprehensive coverage. Keeping liability and medical coverage is important, but cutting unneeded extras can lower your premium.

Example: Dave’s 2011 pickup was fully paid off and worth only $3,000. By dropping collision coverage, he reduced his annual premium by $275 while maintaining liability protection.

7. Time Your Policy Switch Strategically

Timing can make a difference. Studies show that shopping for insurance 30 days before your renewal date can often result in lower rates than waiting until the last minute.

Example: Amanda began comparing rates a month before her renewal date. She locked in a new policy two weeks early and discovered that her proactive timing saved her an additional $80 compared to a quote she received closer to her renewal date.

Find Out If You’re Overpaying

Not sure if you’re getting the best deal? You don’t need to spend hours calling different companies. With the right comparison tools and a quick review of your coverage, you can see what you should be paying, often in just seconds. It can be incredibly frustrating to suspect you’re overpaying for car insurance, especially when rates seem to creep higher each year without explanation. 

Many drivers feel stuck, assuming their current provider is offering the best deal simply because they’ve been loyal for years. In reality, loyalty can sometimes cost more, as insurers reserve their best offers for new customers. That sense of being overcharged not only impacts your budget but also creates unnecessary stress. By taking just a few minutes to compare rates or explore hidden discounts, you can regain control and ensure you’re not leaving hard-earned money on the table.

The Smarter Way to Save on Auto Insurance

Instead of spending hours comparing policies on your own, let our local experts handle it. We partner with leading carriers and use advanced comparison tools to instantly identify the best rates tailored to your driving habits and budget. With the Alexander Insurance Agency of St. Charles, finding savings isn’t just easy—it’s guaranteed. Contact us today to get started!