# Bill Negotiation Script Templates: Lower Your Monthly Bills — free download from DollarWise (dollarwise.xyz) Six word-for-word scripts to read on the call. Fill in the bracketed details before you dial. Each call takes 10-20 minutes. ## Script 1 — Cable and internet ``` CABLE / INTERNET NEGOTIATION SCRIPT Before you call: check competitor prices in your area and note your current bill, plan speed, and how long you've been a customer. YOU: "Hi, I'd like to speak with the retention department about lowering my bill, please." (Transferred to retention) YOU: "Hi, my name is [YOUR NAME], account number [ACCOUNT NUMBER]. I've been a customer for [X] years, and my bill is currently $[AMOUNT] per month for [PLAN/SPEED]. [COMPETITOR] is offering [THEIR OFFER] in my area, and I'm considering switching. Before I do, I wanted to see what you can offer to keep me." IF THEY OFFER A SMALL DISCOUNT: YOU: "I appreciate that. Is that the best available rate for a loyal customer? I'd really need to get closer to $[TARGET] to stay." IF THEY SAY NO: YOU: "I understand. Can you tell me the process for cancelling? I'd like to compare that against the competitor offer." (A cancellation mention often unlocks the real offers.) CLOSING: YOU: "That works — $[NEW AMOUNT] per month for [PLAN]. Can you confirm that in writing by email, and confirm there's no contract extension or installation fee attached?" Write down: rep name, date, new rate, confirmation number. ``` ## Script 2 — Mobile phone plan ``` MOBILE PHONE NEGOTIATION SCRIPT Before you call: check your last 3 bills for actual data usage — most people pay for data they never use. YOU: "Hi, I'm [YOUR NAME] on account [ACCOUNT NUMBER]. I'd like to review my plan — I think I'm paying for more than I use, and I've seen cheaper plans from [COMPETITOR]." KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK: 1. "What plans do you have under $[TARGET] per month?" 2. "Are there any loyalty discounts for customers of [X] years?" 3. "Do you offer an autopay or paperless billing discount?" 4. "Can you waive the activation/upgrade fee on my account?" IF THEY OFFER A PLAN CHANGE: YOU: "Before I switch — will this change my coverage, data priority, or hotspot allowance? And is there a contract term?" CLOSING: YOU: "Great, let's do it. Please confirm the new monthly total including all taxes and fees, and email me the summary." Write down: rep name, date, new plan name, monthly total, confirmation number. ``` ## Script 3 — Car insurance ``` CAR INSURANCE NEGOTIATION SCRIPT Before you call: get 2-3 competing quotes (online, 15 minutes). Have your current premium, coverage levels, and renewal date ready. YOU: "Hi, I'm [YOUR NAME], policy number [POLICY NUMBER]. My renewal is coming up at $[AMOUNT], and I've received quotes of $[COMPETITOR QUOTE] for the same coverage from [COMPETITOR]. I'd prefer to stay — can you review my rate?" KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK: 1. "Am I getting all available discounts — safe driver, bundling, low mileage, autopay, paperless?" 2. "Has my rate been re-evaluated since [LIFE CHANGE: new car, moved, married, improved credit]?" 3. "What would my premium be if I raised my deductible to $[X]?" 4. "Do you offer a telematics/usage-based program discount?" IF THEY WON'T MATCH: YOU: "I understand. What's the cancellation process and effective date? I need to decide before my renewal on [DATE]." CLOSING: YOU: "I'll accept $[NEW PREMIUM]. Please email the updated declarations page showing the coverage and new premium." Write down: rep name, date, new premium, confirmation number. ``` ## Script 4 — Medical bills ``` MEDICAL BILL NEGOTIATION SCRIPT Before you call: request an ITEMIZED bill (not a summary) and check each line for duplicates or services you didn't receive. YOU: "Hi, I'm [YOUR NAME], account [ACCOUNT NUMBER]. I received a bill for $[AMOUNT] dated [DATE], and I'd like to discuss the charges before I pay." STEP 1 — VERIFY: YOU: "Can you send me an itemized statement? I want to confirm each charge is correct." STEP 2 — NEGOTIATE: YOU: "I see [QUESTIONABLE CHARGE]. Can you explain what this covers? ... I'd like to dispute that line." YOU: "I'm able to pay $[OFFER — start at 40-60% of the bill] today if we can settle the account. Is that something you can approve?" YOU: "What financial assistance or hardship programs do you offer? I'd like to apply." STEP 3 — PAYMENT PLAN (if needed): YOU: "I can't pay this in full. What 0%-interest payment plans do you offer? I can do $[AMOUNT] per month." CLOSING: YOU: "Please send written confirmation of the agreed amount and that the account will show as paid in full / settled." Write down: rep name, date, agreed amount, confirmation number. Never agree to a plan with interest if a 0% option exists. ``` ## Script 5 — Credit card fees and APR ``` CREDIT CARD FEE / APR NEGOTIATION SCRIPT Before you call: note the fee amount, your payment history, and how long you've held the card. Call the number on the back. FOR AN ANNUAL FEE: YOU: "Hi, I'm [YOUR NAME]. I've been a cardholder for [X] years with a perfect payment history, and I see a $[FEE] annual fee posted. I'd like that waived — otherwise I'll need to close the account." IF THEY OFFER A PARTIAL WAIVER OR CREDITS: YOU: "I appreciate it. Can you waive it in full, or convert me to the no-annual-fee version of this card?" FOR A HIGH APR: YOU: "My current APR is [X]%. I've received offers at [Y]% from other issuers. Can you lower my rate to keep my business?" IF THEY SAY NO TO EVERYTHING: YOU: "Understood. Please note on the account that I requested a fee waiver and rate reduction on [DATE] and was declined — I'll be reviewing my options." CLOSING: YOU: "Thank you. Please confirm the waiver/new rate by email and tell me when it takes effect." Write down: rep name, date, outcome, confirmation number. ``` ## Script 6 — Rent renewal ``` RENT RENEWAL NEGOTIATION SCRIPT Before the conversation: research comparable rents nearby and note your record as a tenant (on-time payments, no complaints, unit condition). YOU (in person, by phone, or by email): "Hi [LANDLORD/MANAGER NAME], my lease at [UNIT/ADDRESS] renews on [DATE], and I see the proposed rent is $[NEW] — an increase of $[DIFFERENCE]. I'd love to stay; I've been here [X] years, always paid on time, and kept the unit in great shape. Comparable units nearby are renting for $[COMPARABLE]. Would you consider [YOUR COUNTEROFFER — e.g., keeping the current rent / a smaller increase to $X] for a [12/24]-month renewal?" VALUE YOU CAN OFFER: - Sign a longer lease (18-24 months) for rate stability - Handle minor maintenance yourself - Pay a few months upfront if cash flow allows - Renew early so they skip listing the unit IF THEY WON'T BUDGE ON RENT: YOU: "I understand. Would you consider keeping the rent flat if I sign for 24 months? Or including [parking/storage/laundry] at no extra charge?" CLOSING: YOU: "Great — let's put the agreed rent of $[AMOUNT] and the lease term in writing before I sign." Get every agreement in the signed lease, not just verbally. ```