You’re ready to get car insurance but don’t want to pay more than you need to. To get a good deal, you need to know a few things. The more you know, the better your arrangement is going to be. The following are five things you need to consider as you shop for car insurance.

1. The Claim Frequency

Some insurance companies look back three years to see if you’ve had a claim. Other companies look back five years. If you haven’t had an accident, this shouldn’t worry you too much. If you’ve had an accident in the last four or five years, you might find this information quite helpful. If you don’t want your insurance company to go back that far, then opt for one that looks back three years, and you should end up with a better deal than you would have otherwise. As a side note, if you’ve never had an accident, then ask about a safe driver discount. Some companies offer them.

2. Have a List

You should consider writing a list of questions as you shop for your auto insurance policy. You need to ask questions like do you need insurance on a car that doesn’t run or if the coverage will cover you in certain lines of work. Most policies will not cover you if you’re a delivery person or use your car for freelancing jobs. You’ll need to get additional coverage to take care of yourself during those times. If a vehicle doesn’t run, it needs to be insured unless the car isn’t registered. Include any other questions you can think of on this list.

3. Look for Discounts

It’s essential to find out about potential driver discounts offered by auto insurance companies. Each insurance company offers specific discounts to their drivers, so find out what those are. Some of them offer discounts to warehouse shopping clubs, while others offer discounts to folks who’ve taken defensive driving classes. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you don’t drive your car as much. Each of these discounts could make it easier to pay for your policy. Find out what deals are offered by many companies until you find one that gives you the most.

4. Ask About Optimal Coverage

Insurance companies offer optimal coverage options, and you need to know what those are. Some offer things like roadside assistance, but you can add additional coverage to your policy, like having rental reimbursement. You know how much a car rental can cost. Imagine using a rented car for days. It could end up costing you a lot more than you want to pay. If you get this coverage, you won’t have to worry about it. Remember to find out how these additional coverages are going to affect the entire price tag.

5. Consider Deductibles

Deductibles are important. If you’re willing to accept a high deductible, then you might be able to lower the amount of money you have to pay each month to be covered. If you can’t pay a high monthly installment, you could raise your deductible. It’s crucial to find out more about this before you make a decision. Work your budget out and find out how much you can handle a month. If you are going to have a high deductible, make sure you have this cash saved somewhere, just in case you ever need it.

These five things should help you get pretty good car insurance. Don’t rush this journey. Talk to as many companies as possible so that you get the best deal you can.

If working on your own, building the life of your dreams, and moving your career forward is on your mind—you know that getting ahead is up to you.

Years ago, I worked with Sandy, a personal trainer. This woman was unbelievably fit. She is the mother of 4 children, with an awesome physique and unwavering commitment.

While training with her, Sandy’s favorite phrase was: “If it is to be, it’s up to me.”

Ultimately, it is up to you to make the changes you want to see in your life.

I know. It’s not pretty, fun, or magical. It’s hard work. But, it is the only way forward.

Here are some of the best ways to beat the blues and get ahead in your career.

Ditch Sloth

Whether you’re thinking about lifestyle changes like getting in shape, eating healthy foods, creating your own business, or getting a dream job, you need to be focused.

All the focus in the world won’t do you any good without action. This is why it’s time to ditch sloth. Forget about feeling that being lazy is desirable.

Tip: For one week, track the hours you’re spending doing nothing. Sometimes seeing all those minutes and hours add up can be just the motivation you need to get into gear.

Abandon Self Pity

You’ve got it rough. Things haven’t turned out the way you planned. Someone, maybe a friend, parent, or teacher sold you that success would be easier, faster, and more no-brainer than it turned out to be.

Life is brutal sometimes. But, you can make headway—if you abandon the habit of self-pity. It’s really not going to get you where you want to go.

Tip: For one week, record how much time you’re feeling sorry for yourself. At the end of the week—look at your results. Is there really not a better way to spend your time?

Question Authority

We often don’t question our own thoughts. Habitual thinking has a nasty habit of taking on the tone of an inner authority. This is called negative thinking—and it can seem realistic—until you challenge it.

Tip: For one week, record your thoughts. After a week, examine these authoritative statements. Challenge negative judgmental thoughts, “Is it true? Is it really, really true?”

Question Negative Actions

While we’re living on our own as adults, we often start some negative habits and actions. It makes sense. We may have grown up in a very buttoned down household with lots of rules. We may want to stretch our wings and rebel.

But, after a dose of rebellion has taken place…it’s worth asking some questions.

Did drinking last night really make me feel great this morning?

Did that shopping spree still feel wonderful when you got the credit card bill?

Did paying high interest on lingering debt feel great when you saw the damage?

Tip: Question your actions for one week. Do this gradually, examining your finances, lifestyle, and career moves, one section at a time.

Embrace Learning 

We don’t always know everything we need to. As students in high school or college, we knew this intimately. That’s why going to a new class, learning a new subject, or working with a tutor was so exciting.

It’s not too late to take advantage of learning. If you’re working in an organization, check out employee training offerings. You may find that skills you want to build are already offered—as part of your work package.

Tip: Talk with your manager or supervisor. Find out what training is offered as part of your package.

Put What You Learn Into Action

Naturally, learning is only going to help you if you use it. That’s the awesome thing about action. While you’re learning new skills, you put them into practice. This is a proven way to move ahead in your career and in your life.

Tip: Make an action plan to apply what you’re learning. Use your plan to feel confident, happy, organized, and successful in your life.

Sum Up

If you’re looking for ways to beat the blues and move forward in your career, you’ve got a plan of action. As you move forward, remember, “if it is to be, it’s up to me.” Looking forward to seeing you at the top!