Stay protected and save with auto, homeowners policy discounts

In today’s world of inflation and tightening budgets, saving money can be a top priority. Insurance policies are no exception. As people are looking for ways to save, they may be able to take advantage of discounts from insurance providers, cutting down on premiums while keeping assets protected.

Personal auto insurance— navigating the road to savings

Many drivers are experiencing rising auto insurance premiums as people resume their daily commutes, and cars and travel get more expensive.

“Fortunately, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. has several opportunities that can give policyholders a break on their car insurance,” said Barry Light, VFBMIC senior product development manager.

Good driver discounts: Policyholders who remain claim- or accident-free for three years while continuously insured with VFBMIC are rewarded with breaks on their premiums through the premier driver discount. Additionally, drivers 55 and older can save when they have completed a Virginia DMV-approved motor vehicle accident prevention course in the last three years.

Safety features discounts: Vehicles with certain safety features like anti-lock brakes and blind spot warning can qualify for more savings.

Good student discounts: Full-time students under 25 who excel in high school and college by keeping their grades up can earn premium discounts. Graduates under 25 with an associate’s, bachelor’s or post-graduate degree from a two- or four-year college or university also are eligible.

Smart Start Program: Educates new drivers under 18 on safe and responsible driving by having them complete a Smart Start Program course. If the teen remains accidentand conviction-free, they can qualify for additional discounts.

Drive2Save usage-based insurance: Reinforces responsible driving habits with telematics technology for VFB Fire & Casualty policyholders.

“Drive2Save offers drivers a simple and fun way to become more aware of their driving behaviors and habits, affirming the positive habits and highlighting those needing improvement,” Light explained. “People can become safer drivers and also receive participation and good driving discounts on their auto insurance premiums.”

Homeowners insurance— shielding your home and savings

Extreme weather events and escalating costs of building supplies and construction labor have contributed to increased homeowners premiums in recent years. And, like auto insurance, homeowners can find discounts to help alleviate some of the financial burden.

Home alert credit: Recognizes the importance of fire and burglary protection systems in the house. By having these safety measures in place, along with fire extinguishers and fire or smoke alarms, homeowners can receive a credit on their premiums.

Claim-free discount: Rewards new and existing homeowner policyholders who have had no losses paid on their policies. The discount amount is determined by how long policyholders have remained claim-free.

New home credit: A premium credit is applied based on when the house is built. Homes built and occupied in more recent years earn certain credit amounts, with new homes qualifying for a higher credit. Additionally, policyholders who are continuously insured with VFBMIC companies and those who have a personal auto policy along with a homeowners, farmowners and/or umbrella policy also may qualify for loyal member and multi-policy discounts.

To learn about other policy discounts and your eligibility, visit vafb.com or contact your local Farm Bureau insurance agent.

Accident Forgiveness Protection

VFB Fire & Casualty personal auto policies are eligible for one at-fault accident to be forgiven on a policy at any one time when Accident Forgiveness Protection is purchased. The forgiven at-fault accident will not cause any impact or increase to existing premiums that otherwise might have been affected by the accident.

“You’re not going to get a premium increase, saving you money in the long run,” Light said. “And once the first at-fault accident rolls off, the next oldest at-fault accident which occurred on the policy can be forgiven.”

This protection applies to all private passenger, farm and utility vehicles on a policy but excludes antique automobiles and unlicensed farm use vehicles.