Memorial Day Driving: Be Safe!

With Memorial Day approaching, online car insurance quotes may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But how you drive can affect your car insurance rates in unexpected ways.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says a third of fatal car crashes involve speeding—around 1,000 a month. Find out more about speeding and car insurance quotes in our article "Driving Fast: Is It Worth It?"

Alcohol often causes many holiday car fatalities. Because of this, police will be out in force, setting up sobriety checkpoints and watching for drunk drivers. Although the national campaign doesn’t reach full force until August, Memorial Day is still a focus for enforcement. Don’t drive drunk, for yourself and for everyone else. Inexpensive car insurance quotes and rates depend on all drivers keeping claims at a minimum.

It’s easy to make your Memorial Day holiday a time for gathering with family or remembering loved ones. Keep in mind that Memorial Day doesn’t have to be about partying, reckless driving, and speeding. A good reason to slow down and drive safely is that it can help save gas. For more great tips on a good holiday car experience, check out our articles on how to Save Money On Summer Driving and saving money on gas.

Even if you’re not speeding, are wearing your seat belt and paying attention, and have not been drinking, summer is still prime time for accidents. You can do everything right and still be hit by someone else. In case the worst happens, be prepared with the right car insurance. Make sure you’re getting your best car insurance rate by getting free online car insurance quotes.

Marriage and Car Insurance: What will it Cost?

As you prepare for one of the biggest (and best) days of your life, you may be worrying about money. The ceremony, reception, and honeymoon are expensive, but you might be surprised to learn that getting married can save you money in unexpected ways.

Car Insurance. Marriage can lower your car insurance rates. Married people are considered safer and more stable because of their new commitment and responsibilities, and this can translate into discounts. As a couple, you may qualify for reduced car insurance rates with the same coverage. You could also earn a multiple car discount if you combine both your cars on the same policy. Depending on the driving records and cars of you and your spouse, you may get a better car insurance rate with separate policies. If one of you has a bad driving record, you might get better rates by taking a safe driver course. The only way to know for sure is to compare car insurance quotes from different companies.

New Home or Apartment. If you’re moving to a new house or apartment, your new ZIP code could get you lower car insurance rates. If it’s closer to where you work or places you visit often, a new location could also lower the car insurance quotes you get. That’s because you could qualify for a low-mileage discount on your car insurance, something to look for if you or your spouse will stay at home.

Other Insurance. Be aware that you may need to look for different insurance that covers your new wedding gifts and rings. Although your insurance rates might go down in general, you’ll want to consider adding other types of insurance and higher coverage amounts. Remember, you have more assets to protect now, so you’ll need to examine all of your options. Keep in mind that you might get better rates if you buy multiple types of insurance from the same company.

Life Changes. Whenever you have changes in your life, it’s a good idea to see if your insurance rates have changed and if you need different coverage. Life insurance, home or renters insurance, disability insurance, beneficiaries… it can seem overwhelming, but our many informative articles can help you understand insurance. With all the changes in your life, you’ll need to shop around, which is easy with Insurance.com’s free online car

Save Money On Summer Driving

Getting ready for summer driving means making sure your car is in good shape. Sure, you know how to Winterproof Your Car, and how to Make Your Car More Dependable. But how can you cut car costs for summer?

Car maintenance like tire inflation, oil and filter changes, and alignment can save money. Make sure to use the proper type of oil, since summer is hotter and some cars require different oil to accommodate the heat. To really avoid overheating, have your car’s cooling system serviced, especially if you’re planning a long car trip. And make sure your radiator isn’t damaged, since a hotter engine is less efficient and more likely to break.

Figure out if you’re really set on visiting a specific place. It’s true that going to a far-away theme park or expensive resort is more fun for everyone, but is it really necessary? Check out closer attractions. You might even save money by just having a picnic at a local park—as well as saving gas on the trip. In fact, you might save money on your car insurance rate by keeping your yearly miles under 10,000.

Pack meals, snacks, and drinks in a cooler instead of stopping all the time. You’ll save money on food, and save time because you won’t have to stop. If you’ve decided to travel far from home, try to pack as little as possible. This will save money on gas because of the lower weight and also make sure you don’t have to put stuff on the roof, which cuts gas mileage because of wind resistance. Also, plan your route so that you’ll avoid heavy traffic if possible. That’ll save you time and gas—and reduce stress, too.

A great way to start saving for the summer is examining your car insurance. Comparing car insurance quotes tells you if you’re getting the best rate. You can get free online car insurance quotes from