Working from home has many perks and advantages. You don’t have to commute to an office building, and you don’t have to worry about dress codes. You can just work in your pajamas if you want. It also gives you the freedom to work at your own pace and make your own schedule.
With telecommuting being one of the big trends of this past year because of the pandemic, and it was becoming more popular even before that, let’s look at the history of telecommuting.
One of its many benefits we’ll detail includes how insurance for working from home can be reduced so that you can save as much as possible on your monthly premiums. We’ll also look at how the pandemic brought telecommuting into the spotlight, and go over other ways to save on auto insurance.
The Early Beginnings of Telecommuting
The word “telecommuting” was first introduced to the world in 1972 by Jack Nilles. He worked remotely for NASA and coined the phrase, which caught the attention of many and became a typical term for working offsite.
As time went on, initiatives and projects like the Interagency Telecommuting Pilot Project and the National Telecommuting Initiative were created to help popularize telecommuting. Both seemed to have lasting effects on the U.S. work environment and culture.
By the 2010s, telecommuting became widely accepted and encouraged by many employers. It was shown that there was increased productivity by working from home, which was more cost effective for employers.
How the Pandemic Encouraged Telecommuting
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the way companies look at telecommuting in the 2020s. Because of government shutdowns, many businesses were forced to have their employees work remotely.
As 2021 comes to an end and the pandemic still rages on, telecommuting is very relevant. Many companies are still letting their employees work remotely. The risk of an outbreak is too great.
Until the world can get the coronavirus under control, there will continue to be companies that allow their employees to work from home. Some workers will have to adjust and learn how to make their workspace ergonomic. Some will find working from home or remotely enjoyable and easy to do.
Despite being around for several decades, telecommuting will be something that many will have to get used to doing. It’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
How Telecommuting Can Save You Money on Auto Insurance
Working from home definitely has its perks. As stated previously, one of those benefits is that working remotely can save you money on auto insurance.
Because you don’t drive as often, your insurance rates should drop. Providers see you as a low-risk driver because you’re not on the road as often as other drivers. Being on the road less means that you are less likely to get into an accident, which saves the insurance company money in the long run. Usage-based car insurance can especially lower your rates.
Many providers have a low-mileage program that can reduce your monthly premiums by 30%. Progressive has their Snapshot, while Nationwide has their SmartRide. State Farm has their Drive Safe & Save, and Allstate has their Drivewise program.
Enrolling in one of these programs can be beneficial for you if you work from home or remotely.
Other Ways to Save on Auto Insurance
Low-mileage programs are not the only ways telecommuters can save on auto insurance. Let’s look at some other methods to save below.
Compare Quotes From Different Providers
Comparing quotes is a common way to save. Many providers offer free quotes. Simply note which providers offer the best rates and decide which provider to go with from there. Using a spreadsheet to compare quotes can help you as well.
Hiring an insurance broker could also be beneficial if you want to find the best policy that suits your needs. Brokers represent you rather than the provider. You can also use insurance quote comparison sites as well.
Avoid Getting Moving Violations on Your Driving Record
Moving violations could be speeding, driving without a license, or driving under the influence. Your driving record is significantly affected when you accrue violations. In rare cases, providers will stop insuring you if you have too many violations on your record. They consider you to be a high-risk driver.
Remember to drive defensively, follow the rules of the road, stop at stop signs and lights, and avoid getting pulled over by the police. Doing so can save you up to 30% off your monthly premiums.
Have a Good Credit Score
You may not think that your credit score affects your insurance rates, but the truth is that it does. Providers are more inclined to insure those with good credit scores because it shows that they are able to make payments on time.
There are several ways to increase your credit score. One of those ways is simply paying your bills on time. Another way is checking your credit report in case there are errors and disputing any errors on the report. Increasing your credit limit can also be a way to boost your credit score.
See What Discounts Are Available for You
Along with the typical low mileage and good driver discounts, there are so many discounts available. You can get a deal for the type of security features you have in your car. You can save up to 30% off your monthly premiums.
You can also get a price cut for bundling insurance. For example, bundling home and auto can save you up to 25% off.
There are also military, good student, multi-vehicle, and defensive driving course discounts available. Consult with your provider or agent to see which deals can help you save.
Working From Home in a Nutshell
Ever since Jack Nilles coined the term “telecommuting,” the workforce has never been the same. It has revolutionized how many employees do their jobs and has increased their productivity in ways that few could have guessed.
One could predict that telecommuting will increase in popularity and usage as the years go by. Whether you work from home or work at the local coffee shop, there’s nothing quite like telecommuting and the freedom you get from doing it.
