Easy Tips for Saving on Your Car Insurance

There's no way around the fact that car insurance can be expensive. Depending on your age, driving history, the state you live in and other factors, it can be one of the biggest expenses you have. So, what are some tips for saving on your car insurance?

Lots of different things impact the cost of a car insurance policy. One easy way to get cheaper car insurance is to look into the many discounts that your insurance company offers. Each company is different, so you have to go to your particular company, but here are some common discounts that insurance companies offer for saving on your car insurance.

Grouped policy discounts. If you bundle your car insurance with another kind of insurance that your company offers, such as home or life, you could get some discounts.

Take a defensive driving class. Have you ever really gone to school for driving since high school? Some insurance companies offer a discount for taking a defensive driving class. Sometimes, the discount will even last for a few years, and then you'd have to take the class again to keep getting the discount.

Driver behavior discounts. These discounts are usually the easiest to find. If you're a good driver and have a stellar record, then you could get some driver behavior discounts. Also, if you don't drive much, some insurers even offer discounts for not driving a lot. Notably, if you drive under 10,000 miles a year, many insurers could offer you a discount.

Company and affinity discounts. Certain professions could get insurance discounts, such as members of the military, veterans, first responders and more. Also, belonging to certain organizations, such as the AARP, could also result in discounts.

Vehicle-specific discounts. If you have some special driving safety features, such as anti-lock breaks, or anti-theft devices on your car, such as On-Star, you could get a discount.

Get driver monitoring. You could get a major discount if you let your insurance company monitor your driving habits. That's usually using a smartphone app or a device that plugs into your car. It could be worth it, but you're also allowing your insurer to follow you everywhere you go. Kind of creepy.

Veterans Day is observed on November 11, a day initially known as Armistice Day, which was established in 1919. This day commemorates the historic moment of November 11, 1918, when World War I ended at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

On Veterans Day, numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and fast-casual dining establishments express their gratitude to veterans and active-duty U.S. military personnel by offering various discounts and promotions, often providing free or reduced-price meals. It's worth noting that most of these establishments typically request verification of military service, and the types of identification required vary among businesses.

According to information from Military.com, people currently serving in the military, including those in the Guard or Reserve, or military dependents, can easily show their veteran status by presenting their official military ID card. Those who receive VA health benefits typically possess a VA benefits photo ID card, which is also accepted as proof of veteran status by many businesses.

In 2017, the Department of Veterans Affairs introduced a new ID program for all honorably discharged veterans in accordance with a congressional directive from 2015. This veteran ID card is provided free of charge to veterans who apply for it, though it does not serve as an official federal ID. The primary purpose of this program is to offer veterans a means to demonstrate their service to private businesses.

For veterans with DD-214 documents, these can be used as proof of service at numerous businesses. The VA's veteran ID card program was introduced to reduce the necessity of carrying the DD-214 form.

In some states, there is the option of adding a veteran designation to driver's licenses. It is advisable to inquire with your state's driver's license office to determine if this option is available.

Additionally, several online businesses extend discounts to veterans, often using verification platforms like ID.me. Users are typically required to register once and provide supporting documents to prove their veteran status or other affiliations, such as with law enforcement. These businesses rely on ID.me to verify users before applying the offered discounts.

Not all franchise locations participate in national chain Veterans Day programs, so it's a good idea to contact your nearest establishment to check if they offer these discounts.

Take a look at some of the places offering Veterans Day deals, discounts, and freebies.

Applebee's is giving veterans a free dine-in entrée for the 16th year in a row, available nationwide. There are eight meal options, and veterans also get a $5 card for their next meal within three weeks. The menu includes a six-ounce sirloin, classic bacon cheeseburger, Oriental Salad, Three-cheese chicken Penne, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Chicken Tenders Platter, or Double Crunch Shrimp.

Veterans and active-duty military personnel, upon presenting their ID, are eligible for a free dine-in appetizer or dessert along with a soft drink. Additionally, service members and first responders can benefit from a year-round 10% discount on any visit. It's worth mentioning that some of their franchise locations may not have this offer available.

Current and former military personnel at McDonald's can receive a complimentary breakfast combo meal, provided they have a valid ID. This offer is available during breakfast hours. This includes a breakfast item, hash browns, and a choice of any size soft drink, tea, or coffee.

Participating Starbucks in the United States offers complimentary tall (12-ounce) hot or iced brewed coffee to veterans, military service members, and military spouses. Starbucks has a network of over 35,000 locations, as stated on their website. It's something worth checking.

Dave & Buster's is offering veterans something other than just coffee or breakfast. On November 11, veterans with a valid veterans ID card can enjoy a complimentary entrée (up to $20 in value) and receive a free $10 Power Card. This special offer is available at participating Dave & Buster's locations.

On November 11, veterans and active-duty service members can receive a complimentary order of 10 Boneless Wings and Fries by presenting a valid ID. This offer is exclusively for dine-in customers, and it's worth noting that Buffalo Wild Wings GO locations will be participating, but the offer is limited to walk-in orders placed at the counter.

On November 11, veterans and active-duty military personnel can receive a complimentary donut of their choice. This offer is valid at participating locations. It's exclusively available for in-store customers.

Veterans and active-duty military members can enjoy complimentary Red, White, & Blueberry Pancakes or a Pancake Combo on November 11. This offer is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It's only for dine-in customers and is only at participating restaurants.

Veterans, active-duty military personnel, and reservists can obtain free printed meal vouchers for Veterans Shrimp & Chips between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. local time on November 11. A valid military ID or proof of service is required for voucher issuance. These vouchers can be redeemed for dine-in meals between November 13 and December 10.

On November 11, active-duty military personnel and veterans can enjoy a complimentary entrée from the Hooters Veterans Day Menu when they purchase a beverage. This offer is valid for dine-in customers at participating locations. The Veterans Day menu features options such as 10-piece boneless wings, buffalo chicken sandwich, grilled chicken sandwich, buffalo chicken salad, and the Hooters burger. Please note that there may be additional charges for any modifications or add-ons.

On November 11, veterans and active-duty military members can receive a complimentary Lunch Combo. This offer is available at participating stores between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Please note that this offer is available for in-store only.