Teenage Driver? Don't Sweat It!

Do you have a teenage driver? Or are you sweating about the thought of your tween driving in a year or so? Back to school time is a great opportunity to think about car insurance savings!  

Having a teenage driver can be stressful enough without even adding in the cost.  You worry, first and foremost, about their safety. And then of course there are a lot of costs! Things like purchasing an additional vehicle, getting licensed, and paying more for insurance. 

Fortunately, when it comes to the insurance, it doesn’t have to be as detrimental as you think. You have options.

First you want to think about the vehicle your teen will be driving.  Premiums are higher on vehicles with comprehensive and collision coverage, which pays to fix your vehicle after an accident.  When you have a car that has only liability insurance (which pays only for damage your driver does to someone else’s car), you pay a lot less.

If you are purchasing a car for your teen and need to watch your budget, consider buying an older reliable model for cash that will not require comprehensive and collision coverage. Not a hoopdie, but a car that you can feel safe with your child behind the wheel while not breaking the bank. If you are thinking about one car or the other, call us. We can help you weigh the cost and the risk to see if it is a good option for you.  

You also want to take advantage of all available discounts.  These vary by policy but typically include a discount for driver's ed and one for having good grades.  With school about to start, it's a great time to setup an incentive plan with your teenager to make sure they keep those grades up and your premiums low! Most policies will give you an additional 10% off for a B or above average and driver’s ed can be up to 20%. On top of these if your child also takes an accident prevention course, this can be an additional discount as well. They can take the course online now as well at www.HVDDonline.com

Still have questions?  Call us to review your current policy and look for ways to help you manage the cost of having a teenage driver.  888-565-2212 or visit us online at www.bryanagency.com

At the Bryan Insurance Agency we are the leading local agent in New Windsor, Long Island, and New York for teenage drivers and car insurance.

9 Ways To Save On Your Car Insurance

Looking for ways to keep your auto insurance premiums manageable?  Here are 9 ways you can save on your insurance (without sacrificing coverage.)

1. Driving Record

Your driving record plays a big role in how much you pay for insurance. By keeping a clean record for 3-5 years, you can save hundreds of dollars! Be a cautious driver, don’t speed, and you'll lower your premiums.

2. Driving Course

Defensive driving courses are an easy way to achieve an extra discount. They can also help keep a ticket from showing up and messing up your clean driving record. Make sure to call us before taking the class if you're using it for a discount so we can verify that your policy qualifies.

3. Anti-Theft Devices

Installing an alarm or other anti-theft device can lower premiums on your vehicle. Make sure to discuss all features with us, sometimes even power locks and a remote can count!

4. Your Credit Score

While insurance uses a different formula then the credit bureaus, your credit still affects the rate you pay. Good credit can save you hundreds (even thousands) on your premiums! Make sure to review your report on a regular basis and have any mistakes corrected.

5. Where You Live

Rural areas pay less for insurance than the big cities do. It's all about risk and with a large population, there is more chance for an accident. Therefore, where you choose to live can impact your rates. Consider visiting with us before purchasing a home if you’re concerned about the costs (it is based on the zip code).

6. Your Vehicle

The vehicle you choose to purchase also makes a difference! Some vehicles cost a lot more to repair than others, which drives up their rates. Easy way to avoid buying a money-sucker? Call us first and let us quote the vehicle before you sign on the dotted line.

7. How Often You Drive

If you take public transportation and only drive on the weekend, you'll pay less than someone with a long commute. Make sure to review your annual mileage and daily commutes with us (especially if they change) so that you can receive the extra savings.

8. Raise Your Deductible

A higher deductible (your out of pocket cost in a claim) means a lower monthly rate. If you have $1000 in savings and could afford to use it if you had an accident, then you’ll save on your insurance cost by having a $1000 deductible instead of a $250. We can help you review the costs and benefits in your specific situation.

9. Your Agent

And the best way to save? Work with a local agent! You'll get the coverage you need plus you'll have an advocate working on your behalf to find the best rate, all the discounts, and an easy explanation of any gaps in your coverage. It's the #1 way to control your risk, maximize your savings, and protect your family.

We want to be your agent!  Call us to discuss your policy today and let us see how we can save you money on your car insurance! At Bryan Insurance we have over 10 different car insurance carriers that specialize in giving you the best coverage at the best price in New Windsor, Long Island and the surrounding New York area. Call us at 888.565.2212 or visit us online.

Discounts, Discounts, Everywhere... But Are You Getting All of Them?

 

 

Discounts are the best way to save on your insurance premium each and every month.  But a lot of people are missing out on them!  With a little bit of paperwork from you to your agent, you could see great savings.

1.)  Security Discounts - Does your home have a security system or fire protection system?  Some of these devices will help you save big on your home or renters insurance.  If you have a certificate of installation (and even if you don’t), let us know and we’ll see if you qualify.

2.)  Driver Training & Defensive Driving- Did your child take Driver’s Ed?  Did you take a Defensive Driving course?  These classes will typically qualify for discounts!  Just bring in a copy of your completion certificate and we’ll get it added to your policy. Did you know you can now take the course online from the comfort of your couch? www.HVDDonline.com

3.)  Good Grades - Good grades will help you save!  Some of our policies offer a discount for full time students 25 years of age and under who maintain a high GPA.  Give us a call to see the requirements for your policy. 

4.)  Payment Discounts - There are many different options when it comes to paying your premiums.  Some policies offer discounts for paying in full or a reduced installment fee if you put the payment on auto-draft.  We can advise you of all the payment options so you pay as little as possible.

5.)  Multi-Policy Discounts - When you have all of your insurance in one place, you save more!  If your auto and home insurance is spread out between multiple companies or agencies, let us help you consolidate.  You’ll be better protected (with less gaps in coverage) and save money!

The key?  Talk to your agent!  When we schedule regular annual reviews, we can review your policy discounts and make sure you are receiving the best coverage at the best price.  Call today (888) 565-2212 or visit us online to schedule an appointment.

At the Bryan Insurance Agency we are your local car insurance agents for the Hudson Valley, New Windsor, and Long Island and other surrounding New York areas.

4 Simple March To Do's to Protect Your Family and Save You Money

 

 

What do you need to do this month to keep your home running smoothly and your family protected?  There are a few simple things that you can do and take less than 30 minutes of your time. Schedule one each week in March! Read below to find out! 

1.)  Change Batteries In Smoke & CO Detectors - When the time changes, it’s a great idea to change the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  This way you always know that they are working and in good order!  The spring time change this year is on Sunday March 8th. 

2.)  Make A Severe Weather Plan – March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. That being said, it is the start of spring and the stormy season. Designate a safe place in your home in case of bad weather.  Stock it with basic emergency supplies and throw in an extra flashlight and batteries too! Here are some tips on downloading

3.)  Check Your Credit Report – Did you know that March is Credit Education Month?  When was the last time you checked to see that your credit reports were accurate?  If it’s been over a year, stop by www.annualcreditreport.comand order a free copy today. 

4.)  Review Your Insurance Discounts – I’m all about the discounts. Did you know that on any given car insurance policy, there are up to a dozen discounts available to you? ONE DOZEN, 12, aka a whole lotta savings opportunities! Are you getting all the discounts you qualify for?  Call us at 888-565-2212 or visit us online to review your policy and see if there are any changes that need to be made. 

And as always, give us a call if you have any questions or need assistance with car, home, business, or life insurance. At the Bryan Insurance Agency we are the top insurance agency in the Hudson Valley area serving New York, New Windsor and Long Island. Contact us today at www.bryanagency.com/contact or 888.565.2212.

 

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