Your Car Door Sticker Decoded: What All That Info Actually Means

While getting in and out of your driver’s seat, you may have noticed a little sicker in your door jamb. And it probably looks a little like gibberish, if you don’t understand the specifications it’s conveying.

“It may look unimportant, but ironically, it contains some of the most practical information for everyday vehicle safety,” says Lucas Waldenback, co-founder of Zutobi driver education. “It became standard in modern vehicles as safety regulations required manufacturers to make weight limits and tire specifications clearly accessible to drivers.”

Here’s more about what’s on your car door sticker, and how to interpret it.

What Information Is On the Side of Your Car Door?

The door jamb sticker, officially called the safety compliance certification label, signifies that your car meets specific safety standards, plus provides a quick reference guide for the vehicle’s key operating limits. They are usually located on the driver’s side pillar, or within the latch post. Occasionally they’re in the engine bay.

Recommended Tire Pressure (cold PSI)

This tells you the correct pressure to inflate your tires to when they’re cold, as determined by your car’s weight and load.

“A common misconception is that the number printed on the tire sidewall is the correct pressure to use,” says Waldenback. “In reality, that number is the maximum pressure the tire can handle, not the recommended operating pressure.”

Vehicle Weight Ratings

The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross axle weight rating (GAWR) indicate the maximum safe weight your vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo and fuel.

“This information is especially important for people towing trailers or loading vehicles for long trips,” says Waldenback. “Exceeding these limits can affect braking distance, steering stability and suspension performance.”

Tire Size Specifications

This displays the vehicle’s intended tire size, and is useful when replacing tires. “Using incorrect tire sizes can affect speedometer accuracy, braking performance and traction systems,” says Waldenback.

Manufacturing Information and VIN

The door jamb sticker also displays the manufacture date of the vehicle and the VIN (vehicle identification number), which can be useful when ordering replacement parts or verifying vehicle specifications.

“If you know how to read a VIN code, you can tell the vehicle’s brand, engine size and type, security code and the plant in which it was assembled,” says Duane “Doc” Watson, a technical trainer at Bosch Mobility Aftermarket.

FAQ

How is the information on the car door decided?

All of the specifications on the car door jamb sticker are set through extensive testing, where engineers analyze how the vehicle performs relative to its weight, suspension, tires, loads and road conditions. “The recommended tire pressure, for example, is chosen to balance safety, ride comfort, tire wear and fuel efficiency,” says Waldenback.

What happens if the sticker on my car door is missing or damaged?

In some states, a door jamb sticker may be required to pass inspection. A missing one can also set off red flags, indicating potential VIN tampering or vehicle identity fraud, potentially making it more difficult to sell your vehicle. “If you’re buying a used car, check to make sure the door jamb sticker is present and intact,” says Watson.

Can I get a replacement sticker if mine has faded or peeled off?

Yes. The dealership, and sometimes the manufacturer, can order a replacement sticker using the vehicle’s VIN number. Expect to spend $60 or so. There are also third party companies that produce replicas, usually for a bit more money. Whatever route you choose, you’ll likely need to provide proof of ownership.

“Because the stickers are exposed to the elements and subjected to physical stress, many fade and peel,” says Justin Dugan, brand ambassador at American Trucks. “Obtaining a replacement is more common than you might expect.”

Where Can I find the information that was on my car door sticker?

Check your vehicle owner’s manual. You can likely also obtain it from the manufacturer’s website, dealership service departments and online vehicle specification databases.

What if I’ve modified my vehicle?

If your vehicle has upgraded suspension or a modified tire size, as is common with truck enthusiasts, those may alter the optimal tire pressure and payload calculations for the vehicle, says Dugan. “The sticker represents the baseline for the safe operation of the vehicle, and one of the fastest ways to ensure that your modification does not exceed the vehicle’s limitation,” he says.

About the Experts

• Lucas Waldenback is co-founder of Zutobi, a driver education platform used by millions of learners worldwide to understand road safety, vehicle operation and driving regulations.
• Duane “Doc” Watson is a technical trainer at Bosch Mobility Aftermarket. He has more than 45 years of experience in automotive repair.
• Justin Dugan has been a brand ambassador at American Trucks for more than 14 years.

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Some States Pay Quadruple What Others Do for Water — Is Yours One of Them?

Much like it’s important to know the average gas bill or electric bill in your area, it’s a good idea to keep tabs on the average water bill. If your bill is significantly higher than the average, you might want to check for leaks and see where in your routine you can cut down on your usage to bring it down to a more affordable level.

Average Water Bill By State

According to HomeGuide, the average water bill in each state is as follows:

State	Monthly Bill
Vermont	$18
Wisconsin	$18
North Carolina	$20
Louisiana	$21
Mississippi	$23
Nebraska	$23
Maine	$24
Arkansas	$26
Illinois	$26
Nevada	$26
South Dakota	$26
Kansas	$27
New Hampshire	$27
Ohio	$27
Georgia	$28
Minnesota	$28
Michigan	$29
Alabama	$30
Indiana	$30
New York	$30
North Dakota	$31
Pennsylvania	$31
Iowa	$32
New Mexico	$32
Rhode Island	$32
Florida	$33
South Carolina	$33
Massachusetts	$34
Oklahoma	$35
Virginia	$36
Texas	$37
Idaho	$38
Montana	$38
Utah	$38
Colorado	$39
Missouri	$39
Tennessee	$43
Delaware	$46
Maryland	$46
Kentucky	$49
Wyoming	$53
District of Columbia	$59
Arizona	$64
Hawaii	$64
Alaska	$68
Connecticut	$69
New Jersey	$72
Washington	$75
Oregon	$76
California	$77
West Virginia	$91

The cheapest state is Vermont, with an average water bill of $18/month. That’s $73 cheaper than the most expensive state, West Virginia, where the average water bill is $91/month.

Contributing Factors

Your water bill depends in part on the water rates for your area, but other factors include household size, water usage, and location. You can cut down on your water usage in some cases if your bill is too high, but it’s also helpful to look into how your utility company bills water so that you can budget accordingly.

Per HomeGuide, common rate structures include:

• Uniform: much like it sounds, your rate is consistent
• Increase block: your rate will increase once you hit certain usage thresholds
• Seasonal: if demand varies greatly between seasons, you might see higher rates in the summer and lower rates in the winter
• Water budget: similar to increase blocks; you’re charged one rate for the “budget” the company gives you, and a higher rate for usage that exceeds it. The difference between this rate structure and the increase block structure is that your budget is given based on what the company thinks you’ll use, whereas the increase block rates are stair-stepped at certain usage levels to promote water conservation.

How Can I Cut Down My Usage?

If your water bill is quite high, you can try replacing bathroom fixtures with low-flow alternatives, keeping showers short, and adjusting your yard watering schedule. If you’ve got the money to invest up front, you can also look into replacing the grass in your yard with drought-tolerant native plants that will require less water overall.

Source

How Much Is the Average Water Bill?, Homeguide, 2026.

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An Inventor Built a Better Version of That Dirty Laundry Chair in Your Room

When it comes to laundry, staying on top of doing it can feel like a Sisyphean task. It seems that no matter how often you run a load, the work required to wash, dry, fold and putting it away takes longer than the time it takes for a new load to accumulate. Everyone has different strategies to try to stay on top of things. For me, having a small apartment with an even smaller bedroom means there’s just no place for laundry to go besides the hamper or the closet. I have to stay caught up, or else I won’t be able to move around in my own place. But for people with a bit more room on their hands, there’s what’s commonly known as the “laundry chair.”

What Is a Laundry Chair?

For those unfamiliar with the term, a laundry chair is simply a chair, usually in your bedroom, where your “half-dirty” clothes go. These are clothes you’ve already worn at least once, are too dirty to put away, but probably have another wear or two in them before they absolutely need to be washed. Think of your favorite jeans that you wore out to lunch the other day.

The appeal of the laundry chair is that it’s an in-between space. You can extend the life of your clothes by washing them only when necessary, while also keeping the clean clothes in your closet fresh for you.

The downside, however, is that you now have a chair in your room that’s probably an eyesore and that you can’t actually sit in. It becomes one more piece of furniture taking up space, and if you live in a smaller home, you desperately need all your furnishings to fulfill as many purposes as possible. Enter Simone Giertz, the Swedish inventor and YouTuber behind the new Laundry Chair.

How is Giertz’s Laundry Chair Different?

Giertz’s new invention is a chair with one important extra feature: a movable rail that allows you to hang and air out your clothing without preventing you from sitting in the chair. Giertz explains that “when you hang something up instead of putting it back in a drawer, the fabric can breathe. Moisture dries out, smells fade, wrinkles relax.” Her Laundry Chair is a practical and space-saving way to do that.

If you’re intrigued by the concept, check out her Kickstarter campaign. The campaign closes April 12, 2026. According to the FAQ page, Giertz anticipates shipping out the chairs in Novemeber 2026.

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Make a Building Block Table the Whole Family Will Love

Pre-paint and cut

Get all your painting done before assembly to minimize touch-ups on the back end. Paint the 3/4-in. plywood faces first — one side near-white for the outside of the table, one side green for the inside. Then paint all remaining components, including the 1×2 pieces and the 1/2-in. plywood for the back (Q), their final colors before cutting and assembly.

Let everything dry completely, then cut all components from the cutting list above on the table saw and miter saw. Leave the edgebanding (H + J) and tabletop trim pieces (L + M) a little long, and trim them to their final lengths during installation.

Assemble the casework

To bring the cabinets together quickly and accurately, first pin the butt joints together using wood glue and 1-1/4-in. 18-gauge nails. Then countersink 1-1/4-in. screws to tighten down all the seams for strength.

Join the two sides (A) of each cabinet to the underside of the cabinet tops (B), then install the cabinet bottom (C) flush with the bottom edges of the two sides (A).

Use wood glue and 18-gauge nails to evenly space the shelves (D) inside each cabinet opening — roughly 8-9/16-in. apart — flush with the back edge of each side (A). Make sure they are square and level. Countersink all screw heads on the sides (A) below the surface so they’re easy to hide with filler during finishing.

Hang the bin rails

Use wood glue and 18-gauge nails to hang the rails (E) for the plastic bins. The bin openings should be snug, not too loose — adjust these measurements based on the size of the bins you’re using. Secure the rails 1-1/2-in. below the top and corresponding shelf.

Flip the cabinets upside down and use scrap 1x2s as spacers to position the bin rails 1-1/2-in below the shelves above them (D) and 1-1/2-in. from the front edge of the cabinet sides (A).

Install bin stops

To prevent the plastic bins from being pushed too far into the cabinet, install bin stops (F) on each shelf (D) five inches in from the back edge. Use a scrap 1×2 cut to five inches as a spacer to position them consistently. Adjust this measurement if you’re using different bins.

Cut the access panels

Place the tabletop (L) on top of the two cabinet tops (B) and clamp them together so the tabletop edges on each end are flush with the outside edges of the cabinet tops. Confirm there is a uniform 1/2-in. overhang at the front and back.

Mark out placement for the two bin access holes (8-1/8-in. wide x 10-1/8-in. long), centered over the plastic bins on each cabinet. For our project, the access panels were cut three inches in from the sides of the top (L) and four inches from the front edge.

For the first cut, set your circular saw depth to cut through both the tabletop (L) and the cabinet tops (B) it’s clamped to. Cut a rectangular hole through both layers that is 1/2-in. smaller in each direction (7-1/8-in. x 9-1/8-in.). Use a clamped or taped-down board to guide your circular saw and keep the cuts straight. Stop the cuts short (or fill them like I did) and clean up the corners with an oscillating tool.

For the second cut, separate the tabletop (L) from the cabinets and, using the same process, cut the access hole to its final dimension of 8-1/8-in. x 10-1/8-in. through the tabletop (L) only. Cutting the first hole smaller in the cabinet top (B) creates a lip where the lid (P) will rest when in place.

Make the lids

Measure the access holes cut in the tabletop (L). Ours measured 8-1/8-in. x 10-1/8-in. Cut the lids (P) from 3/4-in. plywood so they are 1/8-in. smaller in both directions (ours were 8-in. x 10-in.).

At the drill press, use a 3/4-in. Forstner bit to drill a single hole in the center of each lid (P) to serve as a finger pull for removing and replacing them.

Secure the tabletop

Set the tabletop (L) back on top of the cabinet bases, aligning it to the position where you cut the access panels. The tabletop edges on each end should be flush with the outside edges of the cabinet tops (B), with a 1/2-in. overhang at the front and back.

Make sure the smaller hole in the cabinet top aligns under the larger hole in the tabletop, leaving a 1/2-in. reveal. Nail and glue the tabletop (L) to the two cabinet tops (B), then follow with at least two screws connecting each cabinet top to the tabletop.

Trim the tabletop edge

Attach the tabletop trim pieces (M + N) to hide the plywood edges and give the table a finished look. These pieces get a 45-degree miter cut on each end. Cut them long and sneak up on the final fit for tight miters. Secure the trim pieces (M + N) to the tabletop (L) edge using wood glue and 1-1/4-in. brad nails.

Install the back panel

Attaching the back panel (Q) covers the back of the cabinets and keeps the table square. Slide the 1/2-in.-thick back panel under the tabletop trim (M) on the back side of the table and secure it flush to the outside edges of the outermost cabinet sides (A). Use wood glue and brad nails to attach it to the back edges of the sides (A), bottoms (C), and shelves (D) of both cabinets.

Install the edgebanding

To hide all exposed plywood edges on the front of the cabinet sides, bottoms, and shelves, attach 1/4-in.-thick solid edgebanding using wood glue and 23-gauge pins. Attach the two vertical edgebanding (J) pieces flush to the outside of the cabinet sides (A) first, then cut the horizontal (K) pieces to fit between them on the cabinet bottom (C) and inset cabinet shelves (D). To avoid warping and curling, wait until the edgebanding is installed before painting it.

Add building block baseplates

Attach a 15-in. x 15-in. building block baseplate to the outside face of each cabinet side (A). Apply spray adhesive to both the back of the baseplate and the cabinet side, being careful to keep overspray contained. Align each baseplate 3-3/4-in. from the top and centered side to side, then press the pieces together firmly.

Install a 1×2 frame around each baseplate. Use wood glue and 23-gauge pins to attach the horizontal rail (H) pieces at the top and bottom of each baseplate, flush with the outside edges. Then install the vertical stile (G) pieces along the two outside edges of the baseplate, covering the end grain of the rails (H).

Finishing touches

• Break all sharp edges with 150-grit sandpaper.
• Use a nail set to ensure all nail heads are set below the surface of the plywood.
• Fill all nail and screw holes with wood filler. Let it dry, then sand smooth.
• Caulk any open seams with paintable caulk.
• Touch up the paint on the entire unit. Use painter’s tape to keep the line between colors crisp.
• Rolling green paint onto the tabletop surface to refresh the finish.

FAQ

Are all building blocks standard size?

Not all building blocks are standard size.  Look on packaging for phrases like “compatible with major brands.” However, the ultimate assurance comes by testing for yourself.  The true secret to building blocks working with one another is in how snugly they fit together. If they are too loose, a project may come apart.  If they are too tight, they may not connect at all. Stick to one brand for continuity when using building blocks.

What is the best way to clean building block pieces?

The best way to clean a building block piece is to soak it in warm water with dish detergent. Rinse them thoroughly to remove all soap residue. To tackle stubborn dirt, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush or a wet cloth. Allow to air dry and do not use a dishwasher, washing machine, or hairdryer during cleaning. Exposure to high heat will warp and deform the plastic.

What is the best way to clean this table?

A microfiber cloth lightly dampened with soap and water will do a good job of keeping this table clean. Avoid drenching the table with moisture to prevent bloating and water stains.

What is the best way to store building blocks?

When storing building blocks, avoid direct sunlight and extreme heat.  Direct sunlight may cause the building blocks to fade or change color, and exposure to heat may make the plastic brittle and cause the building blocks to warp, shrink, or contract.  The easiest way to store building blocks is in clear plastic bins, sorted by color for easy access. Plastic bins stack easily, taking up a small footprint.

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The Secret to a Garden That Keeps Giving All Season Long

Create a string grid

Use a string and a measuring tape to create a grid with one-square-foot squares in your garden bed. If your bed doesn’t lay out evenly, and you have some bigger and smaller squares, save the biggest for the plants that will grow the largest and put smaller plants, like herbs, in the tighter squares. Secure the string to the edges of your raised bed with tape or wrap it around stakes and insert them into the ground.

Lay out the plants in their pots

Keep the plants in their pots and lay them out in the grid for visual balance. This will give you a chance to move and switch plants around before committing to their placement in the ground.

Plant the veggies

Once you are satisfied with your layout, start by digging holes deep enough to completely cover the root ball with one inch of dirt. Be sure to turn over and loosen the soil in the area where the plant will live to give the roots room to spread out easily. Create a mound of dirt around the root ball, with a circular channel to direct the water flow back toward the plant during watering.

Water the plants

After plants are in the soil, continual observation and maintenance will be key to a good harvest. Give the entire garden bed a thorough soaking for the initial watering and establish a regular watering routine to care for your garden throughout the growing season.  Every summer brings a hot period where you’ll need to water your plants twice a day.  Plants will always give you a warning when they are not doing well and will start to wilt way before they die. Be consistent with watering, pay attention and your garden will be bountiful!

FAQ

Can I adjust the PH in my garden soil?

Yes, you can adjust the PH balance in your soil.  Using a PH meter will let you know if you have to raise the PH – making it more alkaline or lower the PH – making it more acidic. You will often hear people say they add coffee grounds to their soil, which means they are trying to lower the PH to make it more acidic. When trying to lower or raise your soil’s pH, add the additives in small increments until you get a feel for which direction the meter moves. This works for both vegetables and flowering plants.

When is the best time to plant my vegetable garden?

In most regions, planting a vegetable garden in mid-to-late May will be successful, but it’s essential to first check your plant hardiness zone. It is important to wait until the frost season has passed before planting anything outside in your garden.

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Why You Should Never Leave Too Much Empty Space in Your Freezer

Last week, a Reddit user posted an image of their freezer on a LifeHacks forum, and it quickly got the internet buzzing. The image shows the inside of the Redditor’s freezer, where nearly every inch of space is filled with gallon jugs of ice.

The image is eye-catching, as one may wonder why someone would fill the empty space in their freezer with jugs of ice if they don’t know the simple idea behind the practice. Filling up empty space in your freezer with ice has several potential benefits, including:

• Extending the life of your refrigerator’s compressor.
• Cutting down on your electricity bill.
• Keeping the freezer cold longer during a power outage.
• Maintaining an on-hand supply of potable water.

Let’s take a look at the science behind the benefits of stuffing your freezer with jugs of ice.

Fill Empty Space in Your Freezer With Jugs of Water
by
u/Mi_Ki_Ii_Zaru in
lifehacks

Why It Works

Appliance companies typically recommend keeping freezers 75-80 percent full. The reason is simple thermodynamics. Water is what is known as a “thermal battery,” meaning it can absorb, store, and release large amounts of thermal energy. Adding large blocks of ice to the empty spaces in your freezer essentially supercharges its cooling capability.

Be careful not to overdo it, though. An overstuffed freezer is even more of a problem than an empty one. Your freezer still needs to circulate air, and blocking the vents and fans will greatly reduce its ability to do so.

“Don’t put too much food in the freezer,” recommends the Department of Energy. “Chilled air must be able to move evenly around the food to keep it frozen.”

So if you want to try this milk jug hack, just be sure you leave enough room in the freezer for things to flow. Otherwise, you may be doing more harm than good.

How Long Do Refrigerator Compressors Last?

Another purported benefit of filling your freezers with gallons of ice is that it reduces strain on your refrigerator compressor. While we can’t find any solid evidence to back this up, it makes sense: mostly full freezers are more efficient, and more efficient cooling would put less strain on the freezer’s mechanics.

It’s important to note, however, that refrigerator compressors typically last around a decade. While this milk jug hack may squeeze a little more life out of your machine, there’s no evidence it would significantly extend its lifespan.

Backup Cooling During Power Outages

Of course, one situation where this milk jug hack could really help your freezer is during a power outage. In an emergency situation, having drinkable water and rations can make all the difference. Having jugs of ice on hand gives you an immediate source of potable water.

But there’s more to it than just a water supply. Turns out, the amount of space in your freezer has a massive impact on how quickly your food stays frozen when the power goes out.

“Foods stay frozen longer if the freezer remains unopened, is full, is in a cool place and is well insulated,” says Whirlpool. “Usually, food in a loaded freezer will stay frozen for two to four days, depending on its size. A half-filled freezer will keep food frozen only about 24 hours.”

Getting an extra 2 or 3 days of food could be a game-changer during an emergency. To keep food frozen as long as possible, Whirlpool also recommends covering your freezer with blankets. Considering this, you may consider forgoing the massive water jugs and just fill the empty space in your freezer with more frozen foods to achieve the same benefits!

Sources

• Reddit “Fill Empty Space in Your Freezer With Jugs of Water” 2026
• Department of Energy, “Refrigerator Freezer Use and Temperature Tips” 2026
• Whirlpool, “What’s the Best Freezer Temperature?” 2026

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• The Real Reason Aluminum Foil Has a Shiny Side and a Dull Side
• Think Adirondack Chairs Are Uncomfortable? You’re Using Them Wrong
• Why You Shouldn’t Crush Aluminum Cans Before Recycling

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Cut Your Insurance Bill: Insider Tips for Better Rates

Insurance rates are rising just about everywhere. In my home state of Colorado, homeowner’s premiums have gone up an average of 10% just in the last year, and, according to Insurify, New Jersey car insurance premiums have spiked 20% in that time.

“Annual increases in the double digits are generally expected in today’s market,” says insurance expert Travis Hodges. “But if you experience a sudden price increase without a clear explanation or reason, it may be a red flag that you’re overpaying.”

For example, I recently helped my mom shop around for a new policy. The result: her insurance is now nearly half of what it was, without reducing any coverage. How is that even possible?

I asked some experts, and here is their advice for lowering insurance premiums.

Why Insurance Premiums Increase Despite Not Filing a Claim

Premiums go up for myriad reasons, including increased claims in your location, general inflation, rising material, labor costs and medical costs. “There’s also a climate risk,” says insurance analyst Matt Brannon. “More frequent severe storms and wildfires increase insurer payouts, which affects regional rates.”

Reasons Your Insurance Quote Might Be High

In general, your insurance rates will be higher if you make frequent claims, have a gap in coverage or have a lower credit score. For homeowners, the condition and materials of your home, including its roof and siding, are also factors. For auto, accidents or infractions will raise your rates dramatically. Your vehicle type and demographic (such as being a teenage driver) are also factors.

Tips to Get the Best Insurance Quote

Review Your Coverage

Every year, look over your policy to make sure it still fits your coverage needs and financial situation. That includes checking if your homeowner’s insurance reflects current rebuilding costs, and deciding if you still need full coverage on your aging car.

Also, if you get a high renewal bill, call your agent and ask what changed, says personal finance expert Eric Croak. “Sometimes just that conversation can eliminate that $350 increase, because more times than not, it’s only one coverable item on your policy that needs to be tweaked.”

Shop Around

Get quotes annually from at least a few companies. “It definitely helps,” says insurance expert Melanie Musson. “As you get older and your life circumstances change, a different company may be better for you than it was the year before.”

To streamline the process, Musson recommends using a website that automatically generates quotes from multiple insurance agencies. “Just keep in mind that you will get more email responses in the aftermath than you ever imagined,” she says. You can also gather quotes from individual companies online or call an independent insurance agent who can help with the process.

“Make sure you are quoting the same coverage limits and deductibles, so you’re comparing apples to apples,” says Brannon. “Otherwise, a lower premium may reflect lower liability limits or a higher deductible, which is not necessarily a better deal.”

Bundle Policies

It can help to bundle your home, auto and specialty insurance policies with a single insurance company. That will generally get you a discount on all of them. “But it might make more sense to decouple them if you receive significant savings from a specialist in that area,” says Croak.

Ask About Other Discounts

Many insurers offer safe driver discounts, as well as occupational discounts for military, medical workers, engineers, scientists and law enforcement, says insurance agent Vlad Cherchenko. “If you have teenagers, look for carriers with a reputation for taking care of them, and ask about student discounts. Most carriers have a discount for kids with great grades.”

Change the Primary Insured

Try switching the primary insured name on your policy to someone else — such as a spouse, child, parent, sibling, or life partner. “If they have better credit or accident history, it will likely lower your premiums,” says Cherchenko.

Install Home Safety Features

Security systems, impact-resistant roofing, fire-resistant siding, water sensors and other upgrades can lower your home premiums. “Homeowners should weigh both the upfront cost of improvements and the long-term savings potential,” says insurance specialist Travis Hodges. “Also, consult with an insurance expert to understand which home improvements will have the greatest impact on insurance rates.”

Sign Up for Telematics, Maybe

Many insurance companies offer a discount for equipping your car with devices that monitor your driving habits, aka telematics.

But, sometimes that backfires, says legal expert Yosi Yahoudai. “A lot of drivers don’t realize how much of their vehicle’s telematics data is now influencing insurance decisions, from rates to claim denials,” he says. “Insurance is no longer just about your driving record. It’s now about your data, your environment and how insurers calculate all of that into risk.”

Upsize Your Deductible

A higher deductible means lower payments, but it also means if something happens, you’ll pay more out of pocket. “The right deductible depends on factors like financial cushion, risk tolerance and how often a homeowner expects to file claims,” says Hodges.

Consider Redundancies and Riders

Between home, auto, umbrella and other policies, check to see if you have redundant coverages. If so, you can save money by dropping the ones that overlap, says Croak. Also, reconsider optional riders. For example, “Ask your agent to explain why you have a $250 claims filing threshold on home, and if it truly benefits you to file small claims,” he says.

FAQ

Why can insurance have such different costs depending on the company?

It mostly comes down to the company’s business strategy, says Brannon. Some companies may be growing in a state, while others may be pulling back. So if you get a high quote from one company, it could mean that, as a whole, that company is trying to reduce its business and exposure in your area.”

Also, insurance companies have different end goals for their consumers, says Cherchenko. “Some carriers focus on ironclad coverage, others focus on having low monthly rates. Look for carriers that focus on your end goals,” he says.

Does my credit score really affect my insurance premiums?

Usually. Insurers use credit-based insurance scores, which are heavily correlated with traditional credit scores. They’re especially interested in aspects such as how reliable your payment history has been, says Brannon. “Drivers and homeowners with poor scores tend to pay more for insurance, all else being equal,” he says.

However, if you live in one of the following states, there are limits on how your scores can affect your rates: California, Michigan, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Utah and Oregon.

About the Experts

• Vlad Cherchenko is the founder of Cherchenko Insurance Agency and Insurance Sales Lab. He is also one of Farmer’s top insurance agents.
• Matt Brannon is a senior economic analyst of insurance trends at Insurify online insurance services.
• Travis Hodges is managing director at VIU by HUB online insurance services.
• Eric Croak here is a personal finance expert and president of Croak Capital, an Ohio-based fiduciary financial firm.
• Yosi Yahoudai is co-founder and managing partner at J&Y Law in Los Angeles, where he’s handled thousands of car accidents over 15 years.
• Melanie Musson is an insurance and finance expert at Clearsurance.com online insurance services.

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