9 Ways to Save...

1. Comparison Shop.
Prices for the same coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars from company to company, so it pays to shop around. Surf the net, ask your friends or call your state insurance department for ideas about companies and agents to contact. You should get at least three different quotes. But don't shop price alone.

The insurer you select should offer both fair prices and excellent service. Quality personal service may cost a bit more, but provides added conveniences, so talk to a number of insurers to get a feeling for the quality of their service. Ask them what they would do to lower your costs.

Check the financial ratings of the companies with A.M. Best or Standard and Poor's.

2. Ask for Higher Deductibles.
Deductibles represent the amount of money you pay before you make a claim. By requesting higher deductibles on collision and comprehensive (fire and theft) coverage, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive cost by 15% to 30%.

3. Drop Collision and/or Comprehensive Coverages on Older Cars.
It may not be cost effective to have collision or comprehensive coverages on cars worth less than $1,000 because any claim you make would not substantially exceed annual cost and deductible amounts. Auto dealers and banks can tell you the worth of your car.

4. Buy a "Low Profile" Car.
Before you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. Cars that are expensive to repair, or that are favorite targets for thieves, have much higher insurance costs.

5. Take Advantage of Low Mileage Discounts.
Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive fewer than a predetermined number of miles a year.

6. Consider Insurance Cost When Making a Move.
Costs tend to be lowest in rural communities and highest in cities where there is more traffic congestion.

7. Find out about Automatic Seat Belt or Airbag Discounts.
You may be able to take advantage of discounts on some coverages if you have automatic seat belts and/or airbags.

8. Ask About Anti-Lock Brakes.
Anti-lock brakes improve steering control and stability when a car is brought to a stop, thus reducing accidents. Some states, including Florida, New Jersey and New York, require insurers to give discounts for cars equipped with the brakes and some insurers have a nationwide discount in place.

9. Inquire About Other Discounts.
Some insurers offer discounts for things like no accidents in three years, drivers over 50 years of age, driver training courses, anti-theft devices, good grades for students and having more than one car insured with that company.

source: Insurance Info Institute