Roughly 89% of all adult Americans hold valid driving licenses, and the chances are that many of them follow the rules of the road. Not only for legal purposes, but for safety, too.

But driving carefully can also help you in other aspects of life. You might be seen as more responsible or trustworthy, especially if you’re tasked with the school run, but you also have the potential to save yourself some money if your driving is of good standard.

Think about it; if you are to blame for a car accident, your insurance costs can shoot up. There might be other costs involved, too. Yet, if you are a safety conscious driver, you are less likely to be the cause of an accident and have to claim on your insurance.

In this article, we will delve into the ways your driving methods could help you save money.

 

The Cost of Insurance

If you have a driving license, you already have a car insurance policy. But how much is it, and how does it compare to the average?

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the average cost of car insurance in the US is $1,429. In the UK, the average cost is £550. This is a rough guide, though, and there are plenty of factors that affect how much you will pay.

The level of cover that your insurance provider gives you will have a big impact on cost. If you have an accident, you will have to pay out of your own pocket if you have a basic policy. If your insurance company has to pay out on your behalf, they will charge you for the costs.

The type of vehicle you have, your location, and your age can all influence your insurance costs. But your driving record will also affect your car insurance cost. Insurance companies will see how many accidents you’ve been in and how many claims there have been.

If you’ve been in a lot of accidents, you’ll pay more. If you’ve made a lot of personal injury claims, you’ll pay more.

On the other hand, if you’ve been driving carefully, you’ll likely enjoy a lower insurance cost. Your driving record will have a big impact on your insurance cost, so it’s important to keep a clean record. This is why is it important to shop around and compare car insurance costs; there are companies that reward good drivers with discounts and other benefits.

If you’re a good driver, find a company that celebrates this and you could see yourself saving money.

Gas Consumption

If you use more gas, you’ll spend more on gas. It’s as simple as that.

You can save money by driving economically. Most modern cars are capable of averaging more than 30 miles (48km) per gallon (11.3L/100km). For every extra mile you drive per gallon, you’ll save money.

The way you drive can also affect your gas consumption. For example, if you drive smoothly and at a steady pace, you will use less gas than if you drive erratically or quickly.

 

Maintaining Your Car

Of course, the most obvious way your driving could help you save money is if you are able to keep your car in good condition. If you do not have to go to the mechanic for repairs, you will have less bills to pay.

Maintaining your car is not just about avoiding costly repairs. You could also save money on fuel, as previously mentioned. A car that works well will get you further on a gallon of gas.

Areas of your car to check regularly include:

• Air Filter – Regularly change the air filter. This will help your car run smoothly and efficiently.
• Battery – Check the battery regularly to ensure it is the correct size. A battery that isn’t functioning correctly will not drive your car as well as it could.
• Wipers – Look out for worn out wiper blades as this could reduce visibility.
• Lights – Check that your lights are working properly. This could save you from being pulled over or from being involved in a car accident.
• Oil – Make sure your oil is of good quality.
• Tires – Check the tread on your tires.
• Transmission – Keep your transmission in good working order.

Doing all these checks will help you get the most out of your car, keeping it working efficiently, and save you money in the long run.

 

Becoming a Safe Driver

Safety is of utmost importance on the road, but it can also save you money. A bad driver can cause accidents, get points on their license, and more. A good driver, on the other hand, will be able to avoid accidents and traffic tickets, and will be seen as a person of high moral standards by those around them.

Becoming a safe driver could also mean that you are unlikely to need to make a claim on your insurance. The less you have to make a claim on your insurance, the lower your insurance premiums will be.

The benefits of driving safely don’t end on the road; they extend into other areas of your life. By being a careful driver, keeping other road users safe, you can also save yourself money.

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November 24th, 2021 by financetwitter

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