A lot of people assume the price they’re given is the price they have to accept. That’s true for some things, but plenty of everyday expenses have some wiggle room.

A phone call won’t magically cut every bill, but asking for a better rate, pointing out an error, or mentioning a competing offer can sometimes save real money. You don’t need to be an expert negotiator, either. In many cases, all it takes is asking the person on the other end of the line if there’s a lower rate or another option available.

Here are 10 expenses worth calling about before you automatically pay the full amount.

Medical Bills

A medical bill can look final when it arrives in the mail, but it doesn’t always mean you have to pay exactly what’s listed.

Ask for an itemized bill and look through the charges. If something looks unfamiliar or incorrect, ask the provider to explain it. Hospitals and medical offices may also have payment plans, financial assistance, prompt-payment discounts, or other options for patients who are having trouble paying.

A short phone call can sometimes uncover a billing mistake or a way to reduce what you owe.

Car Insurance

Your car insurance rate isn’t necessarily set in stone forever. Rates can change as your driving record, vehicle, location, coverage, and the insurance market change.

Before renewing, call your insurer and ask whether there are any discounts you aren’t currently receiving. It also helps to get quotes from other companies. If you’ve found a lower price elsewhere, tell your current insurer. They may have a better rate available if they know you’re considering leaving.

Rent Renewals

Rent can feel like one of those expenses you have no choice but to accept, but a lease renewal can sometimes be negotiated.

A landlord may prefer keeping a dependable tenant rather than dealing with an empty apartment, advertising, repairs, and the cost of finding someone new. You can ask whether the rent increase is flexible or whether another perk could be offered instead.

If the rent itself can’t be reduced, there may be room to negotiate parking, pet fees, storage, or other charges.

Your Salary

A paycheck is another area where asking can make a long-term difference.

If you’re offered a new position, don’t assume the initial salary is the company’s final offer. A higher starting salary can affect future raises and other compensation tied to your base pay.

Current employees can also ask for a pay review when their responsibilities have grown or they’ve taken on more work. Come prepared with specific examples of what you’ve accomplished and how your role has changed. You don’t have to make a dramatic demand. A straightforward conversation about compensation can open the door to a better offer.

Credit Card Interest Rates

If you’re carrying a credit card balance, the interest rate can make it much harder to pay down what you owe.

Call the card issuer and ask whether a lower APR is available. Your payment history, account history, and credit standing may work in your favor. There’s no guarantee they’ll say yes, but there’s little harm in asking.

A lower rate can mean less money going toward interest each month and more going toward the balance itself.

Internet, Cable, and Phone Service

Promotional rates have a way of disappearing before you notice. A bill that started at one price can become much more expensive after the introductory period ends.

Before accepting the higher monthly charge, call your provider and ask what plans or discounts are available. If you’ve found a lower price from a competitor, mention it.

You may be offered a different plan, a temporary discount, or another option that brings the monthly cost down. Just make sure you know when any promotional rate expires so you’re not surprised by another increase later.

Furniture and Appliances

The price on a furniture or appliance tag isn’t always the end of the conversation.

There may be room to negotiate on floor models, older inventory, discontinued products, or items with minor cosmetic damage. Ask whether the store has any discounts available before paying the marked price.

A retailer may also be willing to throw in delivery, remove a fee, or offer another perk instead of lowering the sticker price. You won’t know unless you ask.

Property Taxes

Property taxes are based on your home’s assessed value, and mistakes can happen.

Check your assessment and compare it with similar properties in your area. If you believe the assessment doesn’t reflect your home’s actual value or you find an error in the records, contact your local assessor’s office to ask about the appeal process.

This isn’t a case where a phone call will automatically lower your bill. You may need to provide documents or formally appeal the assessment. But if the valuation is wrong, challenging it could reduce your property tax bill for years.

Bank Fees

Bank fees can be easy to overlook because they’re often relatively small. A monthly maintenance fee here or an unexpected charge there may not seem like much, but they can add up over time.

If you notice an account fee, call the bank and ask whether it can be waived. Some banks may remove certain charges, particularly if you have a long account history or the fee was unusual.

You can also ask whether switching account types, meeting a minimum balance requirement, or setting up direct deposit would help you avoid future fees.

Large Purchases and Home Services

A quote for a new roof, flooring, bathroom renovation, landscaping job, or another major service is often worth discussing before you agree to it.

Get several estimates so you have a sense of what the work should cost. Then ask the contractor or service provider whether there’s any flexibility in the price.

You might be able to negotiate the total cost, payment schedule, materials, or extra work. If the price can’t move, you can still ask whether anything else can be included.

The key is to have the conversation before signing the contract. Once the work has started, your negotiating position may be much weaker.