Why cutting corners on car insurance could leave you with a big bill

(InvestigateTV) — The cost of car insurance can vary greatly depending on location, amount of coverage needed, and other factors – but the most important thing for drivers is to make sure they are covered for what they need.

Kaz Weida, an insurance expert with NerdWallet, said full coverage is the goal unless drivers would be able to afford to completely replace or repair their car out of pocket – and most are not in that situation.

Also, she said most drivers have seen their premiums rise over the last two years, which is why it’s important to shop around for car insurance. 

“You want to check in on your insurance. You want to call your insurance company or your insurance agent make sure you’re getting all the discounts you’re eligible for,” Weida advised. “A lot of times maybe your situation has changed, and your insurance agent and company can make sure that you’re really getting the rate that you deserve.”

She said check in on car insurance on a yearly basis to ensure a good rate. She also suggested taking a look at bundling insurance. Bundling home and auto insurance together might create a discount.

“There are also sorts of longer-term things you can do if you stay persistent,” she noted. “So, improving your driving record, improving your credit score. Those sorts of things are going to help but they take persistence, and they’re not sort of an immediate payoff.”

Weida said sometimes people are tempted to raise their deductible or lower their coverage to save money. 

She said that should be a last resort since the average bodily injury claim last year was about $26,000. Cutting coverage could make the policy holder more personably liable to make up the difference.

• Submit story tips to our Investigators
• Share errors or concerns with our Digital Editors
• Watch full episodes of InvestigateTV+
• Subscribe to the InvestigateTV YouTube Channel

Copyright 2025 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.