5 Insurance Agents Share Their Best Money-Saving Tips

Whether it's for your car, home, rental unit, or yourself, getting insured is pricey. And, with all the things we need to have insured these days, the bills can add up fast. Following some simple tips — like bundling your insurance plans, negotiating bills, and simply asking for discounts — can help lower your financial stress significantly.

To help you save, we asked insurance agents with different specialties, from health to home, to share their best money-saving tips. Here are 10 simple things you can do right now.

Brain Miller, COO and Co-Founder of OneHealth suggests taking the time to evaluate the different health insurance plans offered by your employer or marketplace so that you truly understand what you're paying for.

"Insurance benefits and associated healthcare expenses cost an average of $14,570 per person annually, and yet most people don't spend enough time considering their options and ways to mitigate these costs," he says.

Miller also highly recommends taking advantage of HSA, FSA, and related accounts if your healthcare plan offers them, as they can help you save quite a bit of cash over time.

"Utilizing tax-advantaged savings accounts like HSA, FSA, dependent care, and transit is a good idea for many people," he explains. "These accounts can save you money on taxes for expenses you would incur anyway through the year."

Most people just renew the same healthcare plan each year without considering the different options that might make more sense as time goes on, according Miller.

"As your health care needs change, it makes sense to re-evaluate your plan options to coordinate with those needs," he says.

You may be able to score lower premiums on life insurance policies if you're willing to share your fitness data, according to Matt Schmidt, Co-Founder of Diabetes Life Solutions.

"Many people are using FitBits or other apps to track progress and exercise routines," he explains. "If you provide this information at the time of applying [for insurance], you may qualify for 6-9% discounts on your life insurance premiums."

There are a few things you can do to upgrade your home — like replacing windows or the roof — that can lower your home insurance costs, according to Erika Tortorici, owner and principal of Optimum Insurance Solutions.

"Homeowners can take several steps to lower their insurance costs, such as installing water mitigation systems, using security monitoring services, and keeping their property well-maintained," she adds.

Combining multiple policies can also lead to major savings, according to Tortorici.

"The most common and effective bundle is combining auto and home insurance, which often provides the biggest discount." But, the discounts don't end there. Tortorici says that some carriers also offer additional savings when bundling with an umbrella policy — a policy that extends your policy limits beyond what traditional insurance will cover — or insuring a second home.

Taking advantage of preventative healthcare services can save you money in the long run, according to Dan Hardle, health insurance expert and CEO of Agent Boost Marketing, which is why he highly recommends taking advantage of your policy's coverage for annual wellness visits.

"On Medicare and [Affordable Care Act] plans, most preventative care is free," he says. "Early detection of illness and disease significantly increases your chances of treatment or even prevention."

Opting for the generic when you fill your prescription can help cut costs, maximizing your insurance coverage.

"Generic drugs contain the same active ingredients, making them as effective as brand names while being much cheaper," Hardle says. "You can also ask your doctor for a generic alternative when being prescribed medication."

The first medical bill you get may not be what you actually have to pay — and Hardle recommends people try to negotiate with their health insurance providers and ask for discounts where possible.

"Consider these options: Ask if they offer financial assistance or discounts, ask if they offer discounts for payments-in-full or lump sums, and inquire about student, military, or senior discounts," Hardle suggests. If that fails, talk to your insurance billing department and see if they have suggestions for lowering those bigger bills.

Surprisingly, one of the smartest (and simplest) ways to save on car insurance involves asking your agent about what you could qualify for..

"Some [companies] even offer discounts for affiliations based on a job or alumni network," according to Fran Majidi, an insurance expert with SmartFinancial. "You may qualify for a safe driver discount if you've never filed a claim or a multi-vehicle discount if you insure more than one car with the same insurer."

It turns out that making smart money moves for car owners, home owners and/or renters, and those trying to save on health insurance may not be as complicated as they may seem.

Simply putting in the time to shop around for the best plans, asking about available discounts, and learning to negotiate on coverage can save you serious cash over time, making it easier for you to keep some of your hard earned money in your wallet.