5 Christmas Gifts That Can Lower Car Insurance Premiums
If you’re looking for a Christmas gift that can be of benefit for many years, why not give a gift that can lower car insurance premiums for that special someone?! Here are five holiday gift ideas that can save someone long-term on their car insurance.
Car Alarm
If you have a newer vehicle that comes with a stock car alarm, the anti-theft device discount is already factored into your car insurance premiums. If your vehicle doesn’t already have a car alarm, installing an anti-theft device is a great way to save up to 10% on your car insurance premiums.
In order for your broker to activate your car alarm discount, you’ll need to provide proof (receipt) of the car alarm system you purchased AND verification that is was professionally installed.
Radar Detector
By no means is this condoning speeding, of any kind. That said, if you happen to be driving along going a few KMs over the speed limit, a friendly reminder that your speed might be getting checked at that point would be a nice help to get you back down to the speed limit.
Once you’ve gone three consecutive years without a traffic ticket, you’ll be eligible for a convictions-free discount, which will save you up to 15% on your car insurance premiums.
Car Starter
Nothing like a harsh, Canadian winter, or two, or twenty to make you want to be able to start your car without having to go outdoors.
Did you know you can get ticketed for not having your windows properly scraped off? The fine amounts and name of the ticket vary, by province, but if you’re unwilling or unable to properly scrape off your windows, you do stand to get ticketed.
Aside from being able to avoid a potential ticket, being able to see out of all your windows properly increases your ability to drive safely. If you’ve gone six consecutive years without an at-fault claim, you’ll be eligible for a claims-free discount, which will save you up to 15% on your car insurance premiums. Check also this guide on how to lower your car insurance premiums.
Bluetooth
Distracted driving is a major issue amongst Canadian drivers. In fact, one of Canada’s largest insurers has taken the bold step to classify distracted driving as a major conviction.
Using a Bluetooth device will cut down on the likelihood that you’re distracted while driving. As mentioned above, the longer you go without tickets and claims, the more likely you are to be eligible for car insurance discounts.
Winter Tires
Winter tires are required, by law, in a couple Canadian provinces (British Columbia and Quebec). Others, such as Ontario, will offer insurance discounts for having winter tires installed through certain months (usually November 1 or December 1 through April 1).
Even if you’re in a province, such as Alberta, where few – if any – insurers offer a winter tire discount, it’s still in your best interest to make sure your vehicle is capable of driving in the conditions you’ll be out and about in. Car insurance discounts are nice but navigating the roads in a safe manner is even more important.
As a reward for driving safely and within the law, you’ll put yourself in a better position to be eligible for convictions-free and claims-free discounts. Check also this article about 5 trendy holiday gifts that can increase insurance rates instead.
