Auto insurance premiums have climbed sharply across Minnesota and Wisconsin, in some cases rising more than 35% from 2022 to 2024! With these increases being felt right here at home, many Northland families are wondering the same thing:
“Can I save money without reducing the protection I rely on?”
The good news: YES, you probably can!
Below are eight smart, strategic ways to lower your auto insurance costs without sacrificing the coverage that matters most—all based on real guidance from Reliable Insurance Agency’s Minnesota and Wisconsin experts.
1. Consider Higher Deductibles (While Keeping Full Protection)
Many drivers still carry low deductibles they chose years earlier. Today, most carriers offer options from $500 to $2,000 for comprehensive and collision.
Raising your deductibles can effectively reduce your premium without affecting your core coverage. And yes—you can still carry full glass coverage with a $0 deductible even if other deductibles increase.
Best for: drivers with solid emergency savings or low claim frequency.
2. Eliminate Duplicate Coverage You Don’t Need
It’s more common than you might think to pay for the same benefit twice. Examples include:
- Roadside assistance through AAA
- Roadside built into your new vehicle purchase
- Roadside included in your auto policy
If you only need one, removing the duplicate coverage is an easy place to save. Be sure to review each roadside coverage policy carefully, as they each may include or exclude items important to you. Know what you’re cancelling before it’s gone.
3. Rethink Rental Reimbursement Coverage
Rental reimbursement covers a rental car while yours is repaired following a covered claim. But you may not need this optional coverage if:
- You have more vehicles than drivers
- You work from home
- You have access to a company vehicle
- You can borrow a car from family or friends
- You could comfortably manage without a vehicle for a few days
If any of these apply, removing rental reimbursement may reduce your premium without risk. If you do remove it, be aware that the savings won’t be very sizeable, typically ranging from just $25-$50/month.
4. Use Good Student Discounts for Teen or College Drivers
If you have a student driver in your household, many carriers offer discounts for maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher.
This applies to high school and college students, and all you need to do is provide a current transcript. Good student discounts can significantly offset the high cost of insuring young drivers.
5. Explore Telematics Programs—Strategically
Think of telematics as the modern version of Progressive Snapshot. Instead of a plug-in device, most carriers now use smartphone apps to track driving behaviors like:
- Hard braking
- Rapid acceleration
- Nighttime driving
- Mileage
Potential savings: anywhere from 5% to 30% depending on the carrier.
BUT:
Some carriers surcharge for risky driving habits. Our agents can help you understand whether telematics will help – or hurt – your premium before you enroll.
6. Take a Defensive Driving Course
A simple defensive driving course (online or in-person) can earn:
- 5%–10% premium savings
- A discount valid for three years
- Additional savings if your spouse/partner is also on the policy
This is one of the easiest long-term savings strategies available.
7. Bundle Your Auto With Home or Renters Insurance
Bundling your auto and home or renters policy can unlock some of the largest discounts available.
If you don’t currently have renters insurance, here’s a surprise:
In many cases, the bundle discount exceeds the cost of the renters policy itself—meaning you get more protection and pay less overall.
8. Keep Your Personal Information Updated
Life changes often bring new discounts with them. Be sure your agent knows when any of these apply:
🚗 Your annual mileage has decreased
💍 You recently married
👍 You’re newly retired or receiving pension income
🎓 You’ve completed higher education
👔 Your occupation has changed
👨👩👧👦 Your household has fewer or more drivers
Even small updates can trigger meaningful savings.
⭐ Savings Should Never Come at the Expense of Protection ⭐
Minnesota and Wisconsin drivers face unique risks—snowstorms, ice, deer, hail, and rural highways, just to name a few. Cutting important coverage can cost more in the long run.
That’s why we help clients optimize rather than reduce their protection. With offices in Cloquet, Hermantown, and Superior, we pay close attention to what
Reliable Insurance Agency is here to guide you through every discount, deductible, and coverage option—ensuring your policy stays strong, smart, and affordable.
📞 Contact Reliable Insurance Agency
Ready for a personalized insurance review?
We’ll help you identify savings opportunities without cutting the coverage you rely on.
🌐 reliablemn.com
📍 Cloquet • Hermantown • Superior
📞 (218) 879-4663 (main office number)
Click to get a PERSONALIZED QUOTE – and see for yourself why We’re true to our name!
