When people think about buying a new car they consider the price, the interest rates, the physical characteristics of the vehicle, and the motoring of the vehicle. The thing that many people forget to consider when purchasing a new or used vehicle is what it will cost to insure. Insurance premiums are pretty costly, and they are even more costly for certain cars. Everyone wants cheap car insurance but don’t realize how important the car choice is.

According to Insure.com, the Top 20 least expensive cars to ensure are as follows:
The 20 least expensive
2009 vehicles to insure
________________________________________
Rank Average
premium Vehicle Class
1 $832 Hyundai Santa Fe Midsize SUV
2 $840 Kia Sportage Small SUV
3 $848 Hyundai Entourage Minivan
4 $857 Kia Sedona Minivan
5 $870 Kia Rio5 Small wagon
6 $871 Honda Odyssey Minivan
7 $881 Smart Fortwo Small passenger car
8 $911 Saturn VUE SUV
9 $913 Mazda Tribute SUV
10 $915 Chrysler Town & Country Minivan
11 $921 Scion xB Small wagon
12 $929 Mazda Mazda5 Minivan
13 $936 Volkswagen Passat Passenger car
14 $939 Jeep Wrangler SUV
15 $951 Honda Accord Passenger car
16 $954 Suzuki Forenza Passenger car
17 $955 Lincoln Town Car Passenger car
18 $957 Mazda Truck Pickup
19 $959 Chevrolet Impala Passenger car
20 $960 Dodge Grand Caravan
The rates listed above, will vary, based on age, sex, driving record, and commuting distance. Now for the real question: What makes these vehicles so much cheaper than other vehicles to insure?

Faster cars are more likely to get into accidents, than those that are more conservative with speed. Insurance companies see that if you are purchasing a car that has high speed and power, such as a convertible or sports car, you will be using that power and speed, and that puts you more at risk for accidents. It is also looked at that these types of vehicles are attractive to younger generation drivers, and younger drivers are more likely to speed, and also have higher premiums than someone with more driving experience.

Another big reason that sportier cars have a higher premium is because they are more attractive to car thieves. They are more likely to be broken into or stolen, because of the money value of the vehicle. Soft-top convertibles have a higher premium, as well, because they are so much easier to break into than a regular car or sport car.

Cars such as hybrids or foreign cars cost more money to replace or to replace parts. Therefore, they have a higher insurance rate than a car that has general, standard equipment. Luxury cars that contain DVD players or high-end luxuries are more expensive to replace than a car that has standard equipment. Hybrids are considered a car with a higher insurance premium because parts are sparse and are expensive to replace.

The age of a car has a lot to do with the insurance rate that you receive from your insurance agent. If a car is brand new, they are expensive to insure because the parts are new and expensive. If the car is an older car, the parts will be harder to find and more expensive because of the availability. Along with the age of the car comes the color of the car. Many people believe that if you get a bright colored car, such as yellow, orange, or red, that it will cost more to insure. That is considered a myth. A red car will not cost anymore to insure than a white or black car with the same features. The pearly or metallic colors in cars are slightly higher to insure than basic car colors because the ingredients in those paints are more expensive to obtain.

A vehicle with 4 wheel drive is more to insure because they are more complex to put back together. There are more parts to insure and therefore bring in a higher rate. It is somewhat a win-win situation though, because a 4 wheel drive vehicle such as an SUV or large truck, are not considered a car that is likely to be stolen because they are harder to hide. Therefore, the premium would be relative to that of a luxury sedan. Another aspect of more complex vehicles is a diesel vehicle. They are like a 4 wheel drive vehicle in the aspect that they are more complex and parts are more expensive to repair, making the premium higher. Turbo or high performance cars are the same way. If you have the MUSCLE car, you want to be able to use the power and turbo to show off the car. The effect of this is that there is a lot of engine wear and tear. This is another item to think about when purchasing a car of this nature.

The vehicles listed above, may have some of the features mentioned in the previous paragraphs, but they are standard cars that will save the driver a little money to insure. Think about insurance before you go out and buy your new vehicle. It may save you thousands in the life of the car.

When someone receives a speeding ticket, it gets noted in the insurance company’s filing and the driver’s premium can be increased significantly. In fact, it almost always increases. And by quite a bit, too. Some statistics to ponder:

-Speeding tickets are doled out to over 100,000 people a day in the United States.

-A ticket will cost the driver on average about $150.00. This is just upfront.

-After insurance premiums get raised, the average sum of money calculated after three years of paying upped premiums sits around $900.

-An average of 41,000,000 speeding tickets are issued in any given year in the United States.

Nine hundred dollars is a lot of money to pay for something that could easily be avoided. Speeding can be dangerous and risk lives, however, most people do it anyway. So what does someone with empty pockets who gets bagged speeding do to help themselves?

Most people don’t realize how effective contesting a ticket can be. The statistics show that most police only show up for ticket hearings about fifty percent of the time. The exact reason for this is unknown, but logic would dictate that most police officers have better things to do with their time than to contest a ticket for 45 MPH in a 35 MPH zone. However, sometimes the police officer will show up to the hearing, and you will not always win your case. But there are some precautionary measures you may take to prevent getting a ticket to begin with.

-Driving a flashy sports car that screams “write me up!” will make you an instant target for the radar gun. It’s certainly nice to have a fancy car, but keep in mind when you go to the Infiniti dealership that cars like that are profiled by police officers on radar patrol. Perhaps rightfully so.

-Try not to cut too many corners on simple vehicle maintenance. So many people drive around with busted headlights and taillights, either careless to the fact that this is cop magnet behavior or just plain ignorant to the facts. If an officer sees you with a broken headlight or taillight, it’s an easy and perfectly ethical reason to pull you over and cite you for whatever he sees fit.

-Don’t be stupid on the road. Perhaps easier said than done, but use some common sense. If you are on the highway and are behind a police car - don’t pass it. Resist whatever temptation you may have. Even if you do it “politely” and without speeding, this will most likely be enough to incite resentment in the police officer - something that’ll never get you anywhere.

-Get rid of the police affiliation sticker. Okay, if you really want to keep it, you can, but police officers have stated on record that this will not cut you any sort of break. If you are going to get a speeding ticket, thWe “Support our State Troopers” sticker on your bumper won’t help you any.

-While we’re at it, the “No donuts for bad cops” bumper sticker should probably go too.

-Make sure to keep your eyes open in your rear-view and side mirrors. You should most likely be doing this anyway to watch for errant or reckless drivers who may sideswipe you, but keeping an eye open for police cars behind you and in what appear to be obvious hiding spots can stop you from getting a ticket.

-In the event that you do get pulled over, just be polite. Don’t kiss up, don’t act indifferent, and DEFINITELY don’t get an attitude with the officer. This would normally seem like common sense, but police officers have noted that most people who get pulled over could have gotten off light if it weren’t for the way they handled the situation. If a person shows remorse, they are much more likely to appear willing to avoid speeding in the future. On paper, that is the essential job of the police officer - to condition people to stop committing crimes that can endanger the community.

-If all else fails, when you do receive the ticket, don’t go home and pay it right away. Think about the repercussions that come along with a ticket financially. If you can really swallow the costs given the statistics provided earlier, then by all means, go for it. But more than likely, it would be in your favor to contest the ticket, especially when the police officer has a fifty percent chance of ditching out on the hearing anyway.

Clearly, there are plenty of ways you can avoid getting a ticket. While you’re at it, it wouldn’t hurt to request a copy of your driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles - it’s only a few dollars and you can do it online. You don’t even have to deal with the obnoxious lines or cranky employees.

So why bother getting a ticket when it can be easily avoided? As the economy sinks farther and our pockets get even more shallow, most of us can ill-afford the consequences of a speeding ticket. Most insurance companies reward safe drivers with lower premiums, and there is so much you can do to avoid being cited anyway - so why speed?

Just remember, if you STILL get caught speeding despite all this advice - contest it. When in doubt, remember that the officer probably won’t show up anyway.

Obey the speed limit. You’ll save money and maybe your life , too.

Good Credit

Every insurance company, including the top five insurance companies, will pull your credit report. Anyone who has good credit will pay less for their insurance. This is because studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between your credit score and how likely you will be to file a claim. Insurance companies also know that if you pay your bills on time and have had the same credit accounts for a long time, then you are more stable than someone who pays their bills late and opens and closes accounts on a frequent basis. So, this information is used to create what is known as your “insurance risk score,” just one of the many factors that is used to determine just how much you will pay for car insurance. While you cannot see your insurance risk score, more than likely it will be similar to your credit score. Therefore, if you have really bad credit, you should work to improve it before purchasing car insurance.

Your Car Model

The type of car that you drive will affect your premium. Unfortunately, your insurance company won’t tell you this information but there is a rating system for every make and model of car. Usually the Insurance Services Office devises this system. They begin by looking at how much money you paid for your car and then factor in safety and theft information. With this information your car will then be given a number rating between 1 and 27. The higher this number is, the higher your premium will be. If you are planning to purchase a new car, you should not only keep this in mind but you should also ask your insurance company about the different insurance premiums for the cars that you are considering purchasing.

Pay In Full

Whenever possible, you should pay your car insurance in full so that you can avoid installment fees, which are known as “fractional fees.” These are fees that are usually charged whenever you pay your annual premium in installments. While insurance companies will allow you to pay on six month, quarterly or a monthly basis, they will charge you this administrative fee because they had to break the payments down for you. This is why you will want to ask them about any fees that you will incur whenever you pay in installments. Usually, the more that you break it down, the more you will have to pay in fees. However, if these fees are small enough, then it may be worth it to pay in installments. Of course, you don’t want to miss any of these payments because the insurance company can cancel your policy for missed or late payments and they only have to give you minimal notification before doing so. Paying up front really will simplify the process and save you money at the same time.

Safety First

Any personal items that are stolen or damaged from your car aren’t covered by your car insurance policy. However, you can file a claim on your homeowner’s insurance. Most of these policies will cover small, inexpensive items such as CDs. If you plan to be carrying around expensive computer equipment though, you will want to ask about a rider to your homeowner’s policy. You may also want to take pictures or vides of any of your expensive personal items before they are stolen.

Don’t Be A Bad Driver

Bad drivers will have to pay 40% more of a premium on their insurance base rate after their first at-fault accident. For instance, if you are already paying $400, your premium will go up an additional $160. Not all car insurance companies operate this way. In fact, there are some that will increase your individual rate by 40% instead. Fortunately, there are some insurance companies that will forgive your first accident. There are a wide range of qualifying variables here so you will need to ask your insurance company if they have such a policy and how you can qualify for it.

Your Friends’ Bad Driving

You are also going to find yourself having to pay for your friend’s bad driving to. For instance, if your friend borrows your car and gets into a wreck, then you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. You will then have to pay any applicable deductible and your rates will more than likely increase due to your claim. The only thing that may save you from this is if your friend didn’t have your permission to borrow your vehicle. Most of the time you won’t be held liable in such a case. However, if your friend is uninsured and causes damage that exceeds your policy limits, the injured party can sue you for their medical and property damage expenses. This is why you are better off not letting your friend borrow your car.

Know Your Car’s “Real” Worth

You may be surprised by the cost of your totaled car. This is because car insurance companies don’t use the standard Kelley Blue Book values, nor do they use the National Association of Automobile Dealers values. Instead, each insurance company has its own proprietary list of what each car is worth. Most insurance companies also have specialized software that they use for valuing a car depending upon where you live, your car’s mileage and its condition before the accident. Some insurance companies also ask local car dealers what they would charge for a similar replacement car. As such, you may have a long drive in order to reach the cheapest dealer then only to find that the insurance company was quoted a better deal.

Whenever you disagree with the value that your insurance company placed upon your car, you should do one of the following things:
· Get “gap” insurance, which pays the difference between what an insurance company covers and what you owe. This can save you as much as several thousand dollars.
· Keep your maintenance records to show that you have had your oil changed every 3,000 miles and that you have had routine maintenance performed on a regular basis. This can be used to show that your car was in good condition.
· Make sure that you have paperwork showing that what you have been paying for special parts or upgrades. This should be included in your insurance company’s evaluation.
· Get a price quote on a replacement car from three car dealers who are within a reasonable driving distance, then submit these to your insurance company. Make sure that the insurance company does the same thing for you.
· If you are still unsatisfied, take it to mediation (present your case to a neutral party so that you can reach a compromise) or arbitration (a binding decision). You can also take the decision to court.

Know Your Car’s Diminished Value

The diminished value of your car is what your car is worth whenever it has been repaired after being in an accident. If you find that your car is worth less money, you can file a claim for that lost value in 14 states (Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia). Of course, this means that 36 states, including Washington D.C., you will be unable to claim this loss. However, if you live in one of the states that does allow for this and you weren’t at fault in the accident, you can usually make a successful case against the insurance company of the driver who did cause the accident.

Sales Tax

There are only 28 states Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin) that require you to pay sales tax whenever you replace your totaled car with a new or used car. You will need to make the request though because your insurance company isn’t going to offer to pay this money upfront. Even if you don’t live in a state where this type of a sales tax reimbursement is required, you should still go ahead and request it. There are actually a lot of car insurance companies who won’t deny this request because your car insurance policy requires that your insurance company make you “whole,” which means that they must return you to the same condition that you were in before the accident without any cost to you.

It is important to understand that this tax is going to be calculated on the pre-accident value of your car. This means that if the insurance company values your car at $10,000 and you purchase a new, replacement car that costs $20,000, the tax will be calculated on the $10,000, not the $20,000.

Uninsured Motorists And You

Whenever an uninsured motorist hits your car, you should try to “stack.” This means that you will be able to collect from more than one car insurance policies that you hold. While most states forbid this practice, there are 29 states that either allow it or don’t address it at all (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin). Make sure that you check to see if your policy allows stacking.

There are two scenarios in which stacking is allowed:
· If you have multiple cars on your insurance policy and have UM/UIM coverage on both, then you can collect the limit of the UM/UIM coverage on as many cars as necessary in order to recover full payment for damages.
· If you have more than one policy with UM/UIM coverage from two different insurance companies, you can make a claim on all of your policies until all of your damages have been recovered.

Your Teenage Driver

Wait until your teenager actually has their driver’s license before adding them to your policy. Of course, you don’t want to forget to tell your insurance company as soon as your teenager gets their license. This is important because if you have to file a claim on behalf of your teenager, your insurance company can charge you back premiums from the date that your teenager got their license.

Changing Insurance Companies

You will need to officially cancel your insurance policy whenever you are changing insurance companies. More than likely your insurance policy clearly states that you are allowed to cancel your coverage any time that you want as long as you notify the insurance company in writing of the date that the termination will take place. If this is done at the end of a coverage period, you cannot cancel your policy by simply ignoring the bill. The insurance company will not view you as canceling your policy and so they will send you another bill and when you don’t pay it, then they will cancel you for nonpayment, which will go on your credit record. For this reason you will want to make sure that the insurance company knows that you are canceling your policy as of a specific date so that you will not go uninsured for any time whatsoever. Once you do this the company will send you a cancellation request form that is usually already filled out and thus will only require your signature. Before signing it, you will want to make sure that there are no errors on it. Sometimes you will have to prove that you have new insurance coverage and update your dealer with this new information if your car has been financed by them and thus requires proof of coverage.

To read more go to:
http://www.usinsuranceonline.com/news/article/state-farm-looks-to-increase-auto-insurance-in-florida-19601366

1. Comparison Shop

Finding the most affordable car insurance isn’t as hard as it once was. With so many different car insurance agents located all around the country, and some available exclusively online, your options are now more plentiful than ever before. The hard part is sorting them out in order to make sure you are getting the most affordable rates while still maintaining the exact amount of coverage you need.

The first thing you should do when looking for cheap car insurance is comparison shop. Consult your area’s local phone book, call or visit agencies near you, and remember to take notes regarding prices.

Next you’ll want to do some online research to find out your online car insurance options. Again, take notes and compare these to the notes you have concerning local agents.

Finally, ask your friends and family members what insurer they use, and ask for any recommendations or warnings they may have about other agencies. You’re sure to receive an unbiased opinion every time.

2. Age-Based Discounts

Many younger drivers may not realize this, but your age is an important factor in setting the exact price of your auto insurance premium. You’ll typically see premiums lowered once you hit the age of 25, with discounts that can sometimes be as high as 20%, though other factors such as marital status and driving record are also taken into consideration.

The lowest premiums associated with cheap car insurance rates are typically given to drivers between the ages of 25 and 55. This age group is considered to be amongst the safest drivers on the road; certainly safer than teenagers and elderly drivers.

Depending on your insurance agent you may also see discounts as you age beyond 25. These discounts usually cease once a driver reaches their mid 50’s, though you may be eligible to receive other discounts on your car insurance at that time.

3. Move to a Lower-Crime Area.

The location of your home as well as your daily commute to the workplace is also taken into consideration by insurance agents when determining your car insurance premiums. This is a factor for a number of good reasons.

Individuals who live and park their car in wealthy neighborhoods are statistically less likely to have their car stolen, broken into, or damaged while it is parked overnight. Secondly, those who have shorter commutes to and from work are statistically less likely to be involved in an accident as they spend less time on the road than drivers with longer commutes.

This is why agents always make sure your home address and telephone number is correct. They use this information to determine if you live in a low-risk neighborhood or a high-risk area, and they compare with your employer’s information to determine how long of a commute you have back and forth each day. This will determine the exact rate of your cheap car insurance.

4. Consider Getting a Different Vehicle if Savings Warrant it

Did you know that insurance on a honda can be more expensive than insurance on a Jaguar?

The exact make and specific model of your vehicle is also used to determine how much you pay for cheap car insurance. This information is important to your insurance agent for a number of reasons.

The newer the car, the higher the repair/replacement cost.

On the other hand, First of all, some vehicles are simply more reliable than others. A used vehicle that’s been on the road for 20 years is not nearly as reliable as a brand new car. Though it may be more affordable to buy the older, used car, you may wind up paying higher insurance rates because of it.

Owners of sports cars and luxury vehicles can also expect higher premiums than most other drivers. These automobiles are usually capable of much greater speeds than other vehicles on the road, and some may even have upgrades or aftermarket parts added on. All of this increases the risk of an accident or breakdown, and your agent will charge you extra for the coverage.

5. Increasing Your Deductible Can Save You $100’s a Year

A deductible is the amount of money you are actually required to pay out in the event of an accident before your insurer will pay out on your claim. The amount of your deductible is also one of the biggest factors in determining your auto insurance premiums. In fact, the larger this deductible is, the less you’ll have to pay for coverage on a month-to-month basis.

Most drivers don’t realize this, but most agents will actually allow you to raise the deductible amount in order to lower your monthly rates. If you’re looking for cheap car insurance then this is a good deal for you; especially if you have a clean driving record as you may not ever have to actually pay this deductible. Ask your agent if they offer this service and, if they do, ask them how much you’ll be able to save by going with an increased deductible. The answer may surprise you.

6. Consolidate Your Policies With One Company

If you currently have multiple insurance policies through several different companies then you may be able to consolidate them so you just have to deal with one insurance agent. For example, many individuals have separate policies on their house, their car, and maybe even a boat or recreational vehicle.

Combining all of these separate policies into one, or at least choosing one company to handle all of your policies, can eliminate a number of hassles. It can also lower the amount of money you pay each month for insurance all around.

Other types of insurance include health, dental, life, and travel. Depending on the company you are working with, you may be able to combine these types of insurance to receive cheap car insurance as well. This will save you even more money on a monthly basis.

7. Check For Multiple Vehicle Discounts

Many individuals own multiple cars, and most of these owners keep insurance on all of their vehicles year round. Others may own seasonal cars, show cars, or other vehicles that are only brought out on rare occasions.

If you own multiple vehicles for whatever reason, you can consolidate them all onto one insurance policy when looking for cheap car insurance. The benefits of this include less paper mail being sent to your house as well as a reduction in your insurance premiums each month.

Multiple drivers can also be added to an insurance policy, allowing you to further reduce your auto insurance premiums. This includes spouses, boyfriends or girlfriends, and even roommates. Remember to comparison shop and do the math beforehand, however; in some cases it is cheaper to hold policies with separate insurance companies.

In fact, even if you have a vehicle thats not working, adding it to your insurance policy can save you a lot of money in some cases.

8. Stay Loyal

Loyalty means a lot in any business, and the car insurance business is no different. In fact, many auto insurance companies are now offering reduced premiums as a way of rewarding some of their most loyal customers.

When looking for cheap car insurance, agent loyalty can be your best friend. Once you find an insurance company that offers the amount of coverage you need for the right price, develop a relationship with them. Get to know your local insurance agents and most importantly, stick with the same company year in and year out. After all, if you’re already receiving great rates and the coverage you need there’s simply no reason to go elsewhere and look for a new policy with a new company.

Loyalty also relates to making your payments on time. Paying your premiums on or before the due date every single month will help you avoid late fees and additional fines or charges.

9. Get Liability Only if Your Car is Older

Most drivers automatically opt for full coverage on their vehicles when in reality, not every one of us needs full coverage. If you’re looking for cheap car insurance, try to find a policy that covers only the areas you need and nothing more.

If you already have full coverage insurance, it’s never too late to ask your agent for a decrease in coverage. Towing fees and rental car fees that are covered by a policy may sound good, but if you have a second car then you might not ever need to use a rental car. Furthermore, some individuals may hold memberships elsewhere that grant them access to reduced towing or automobile service charges.

If your vehicle is valued at less than $1,000, you may also want to consider dropping your collision and comprehensive coverage. In cases like this it might not be worth it financially to repair your vehicle after a crash or accident.

This can save 50% in some cases.

10. Get Storage Insurance if Your Not Driving a Vehicle Year Round

If your vehicle is used as a seasonal vehicle or a show vehicle you may not require full insurance year round. For vehicles that are put in storage for any amount of time, storage insurance is your best option for cheap car insurance.

Note that this type of insurance is not legal for driving on, though it will pay out in the event your vehicle is damaged during storage. Depending on the exact make and model of the car in question, and depending on the type of damage that has been done, repairing the vehicle without insurance may end up costing you thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses.

As long as you maintain storage insurance on your vehicle while it is being stored away, no matter the location, then you can save yourself a lot of time, frustration, and money if something does happen to your vehicle.

11. Improve and Fix your Credit Score

Your credit score affects many different things in your life, not the least of which is your auto insurance rates. If you’re looking for cheap car insurance, one of the best things you can do is clean up your credit score; it may be costing you thousands of dollars annually on your car insurance payments.

Keep your credit score clean by paying bills on time, paying back loans on time, and avoiding maxing out your credit cards. Bounced checks and bank overdrafts can also hurt your credit score, not to mention your pocketbook as well.

You should also request a copy of your credit report on an annual basis, even if you know your report is clean. Identity theft is on the rise, and many innocent victims could have been spared if they only would have been monitoring their credit report more closely.

12. Clean Your Driving Record

Maintaining a clean driving record is the key to getting dirt cheap car insurance from your agent. Your first accident alone may result in as much as a 40% increase on your monthly premium, so driving carefully while on the roadways really can help keep your auto insurance as affordable as possible.

Most auto insurance companies offer a discount for safe drivers, though the exact definition and criteria of “safe” driving and a “clean” driving record will likely vary from agent to agent and company to company. Remember that agents aren’t likely to bring this discount up on their own, so don’t be afraid to ask them about it as long as you feel you have the clean driving record to back it up.

Also remember that if you do happen to get into an accident while on a program like this it’s going to be extremely difficult to regain your safe driving benefits and you’ll certainly see a rate increase at least for the first couple years.

Remember that if you ever get a ticket, going to the driving school may help as well.

13. Vehicle Safety Issues

The safety of your vehicle will also be taken into consideration by your agent when you are trying to get cheap car insurance. The technology and features seen in newer vehicles make them far safer than older vehicles, so you can get a start on lowering your premiums either by having updated safety features professionally installed into an outdated vehicle, or simply by purchasing a more recent car.

Things to look for when taking vehicle safety into mind include automatic seatbelts, as this feature almost guarantees that both the driver and passenger will be wearing their belts at all time, and both driver-side and passenger-side airbags. Airbags in the rear seats of the vehicle can also help to improve the safety rating of your car, thereby lowering your monthly car insurance rates in the process.

Make sure your windshields and windows are free of cracks and chips, and make sure all of your mirrors are intact. If your vehicle is visually inspected by an agent, faults like this will surely result in higher insurance rates.

14. Get A Security Device

Exactly where you park your car at night is a big factor when calculating your auto insurance premiums, but having advanced vehicle security may also be factored in. If your vehicle is already equipped with a modern, functioning alarm system, mention it to your agent; you may be able to get a reduced premium because of it.

If your vehicle doesn’t already have an alarm and you want cheap car insurance, it may be worthwhile to pick up a brand new system and have it installed. Today’s vehicle alarm systems are not nearly as expensive as they used to be, they are quick and easy to install for anyone with common automotive knowledge, and they can save you a lot of money not only on your car insurance, but in case someone tries to break-in to your vehicle as well. With all of the reasons in front of you, it’s hard to say no to a car alarm.

Since every company has different rules and discounts, check with them to see which security devices will give you the best discounts.

15. Park Off-Street, or Even in a Garage

While vandalism is more obvious in certain parts of the country, there is no doubt that the trend is on the rise throughout the entire country. Unfortunately, one of the top targets for today’s thieves and vandals include cars that are parked out in the open and left unlocked and unattended. They are the easiest targets to hit, and many drivers have trouble finding cheap car insurance because of it.

If your car is parked in a private garage on your property, however, you are likely to see a sharp decrease in your auto insurance coverage. This is not to say that a garage is a foolproof method of protecting your vehicle or your property, but it can help deter thieves. Insurance agents know this, and they’re willing to charge you a little bit less if you are able to park in a garage at night. Even a simple carport may help lower your insurance rates; it never hurts to ask.

16. Verify Accuracy on Your Policy

It never hurts to browse through your insurance policy to make sure everything is correct. Make sure you are being given the right amount of coverage and paying the right price for your premiums. You’ll also want to make sure that your personal information is all accurate, as an error here could end up costing you money every month.

If you want cheap car insurance, it is crucial that you take your time and double-check all of your information. If you find any kind of errors, make sure to report these to your insurance agent as soon as possible, preferably immediately. Some of the most common errors include birth date and marital status errors, but these two mistakes are also amongst the most costly. Be certain that this information is accurate in order to receive the absolute best car insurance rates from your insurer.

17. Retirement Discounts

Depending on the exact area in which you reside, retirement typically comes at 55 or 65 years of age. Certain insurance agents offer discounts to retired drivers, and this is done for a variety of reasons.

Firstly, retired drivers usually spend less time on the road than most other drivers. Without a daily commute to and from work, retirees typically put far less mileage on their vehicles than drivers who have to drive to work and home each day.

If you want cheap car insurance and you are 55 years of age or older, don’t be afraid to tell your insurance agent. A retiree discount can make a huge impact on the amount of money you pay each month, but many don’t even realize this. Again, this is a benefit that isn’t typically offered outright by your agent, so you’ll need to ask about it in order to gain the discount.

18. Affiliate Discounts

Nearly every car insurance company offers different discounts based on your personal group affiliation. Like with most other discounts, this one is not usually advertised by your insurance agent. Never be afraid to mention the groups you are a part of and ask your agent if there any discounts available for you.

The most common group affiliations cited to receive discounts on their auto insurance include your work, college or university, military organizations, and many more. No matter how small or unknown the group or organization may seem to you, don’t hesitate to ask about a discount; it could be your ticket to cheap car insurance through the insurer that you already use.

Depending on your personal situation, it may be cost-effective to join a group solely based on the reduction of your auto insurance policy. Ask your insurer if they can provide a list of groups that provide these types of discounts, and look into joining any that interest you.

19. Take An Advance Driving Course

Driving classes are offered by a variety of organizations, both public and private. If there are any types of driving classes available through your insurance agent, you may want to consider attending and completing them in order to find cheap car insurance through an existing insurer. If you are unaware of any classes being offered in your area ask your agent; they’ll be glad to help. Be aware that if you take a class and fail, however, you may end up with an increased insurance rate instead.

There are many different types of driving classes, but defensive driving classes are usually the most effective at reducing your car insurance premiums. Note that you will probably be required to show your agent proof of completion (usually in the form of a certificate) in order to be eligible for any benefits, so you won’t be able to fake it.

20. Get Good Grades & Ask For Student Discounts

Getting good grades is important in school, but it can also help lower your auto insurance premium as well. In fact, if you are looking for cheap car insurance one of the best things you can do is succeed in school.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a teenage driver still in high school and driving under a parent’s policy or a student in college with your own vehicle and insurance, there are usually many discounts available to you for receiving good grades.

Of course you’re going to need proof of your educational achievements, so get a copy of your most recent report card and bring it in to your local insurance agent. You may be surprised to find an instant reduction in the amount of money you pay each month for car insurance.

21. Drive Less: Walk, Bike, Carpool, Take Public Transportation

The amount of time you spend on the road, as well as the actual mileage you put on your vehicle can also be factored in when determining your cheap car insurance premium as well. If you don’t drive very often and don’t put many miles on your vehicle, then you’re likely to be eligible for a rate reduction. Like with many of the other methods that can be used to decrease your premium, however, you’re going to have to ask for this discount specifically.

Auto insurance discounts for low mileage are more actually more common than you might think. Insurance companies realize that there’s not as much risk involved with drivers who aren’t on the roads very often, and they’re usually willing to adjust your rates accordingly. If your current insurance company doesn’t offer any kind of low mileage discount, you may want to shop around until you find one that does. The amount of money you may be able to save is truly worth the time and effort.

22. Make Larger Payments on Your Premium

You have more control over the specific payment arrangements that are made with your agent than you may think. In fact, you can actually choose to pay off your entire premium, either on a 6 month or yearly basis, and save quite a bit of money in the end.

Of course paying in full isn’t always a viable option in every scenario, and some have no choice but to make monthly payments. Some even struggle to make that.

Many people don’t realize this, but if you are making monthly payments to your insurance company then you’re not getting the cheap car insurance that you should be. Don’t be afraid to ask your agent about paying in full. You’re likely to see a smile on their face as well as receive a good discount on your car insurance.

23. Verify VIN Accuracy

Many drivers don’t know this, but if the VIN (vehicle identification number) of your car is off even by one digit, then you’re probably not receiving the correct auto insurance quotes. The VIN is used to identify your vehicle, and is unique to each specific vehicle. It is also used by law enforcement to positively identify your vehicle in a wreck or if it is stolen. If your VIN is entered incorrectly you might be getting overcharged through absolutely no fault of your own and without even knowing it.

Being aware of your vehicle’s exact VIN and double-checking its accuracy on your specific policy is something that few drivers do, yet something simple that nearly everybody can benefit from. VINs vary greatly, though all cars manufactured after 1980 feature VIN consisting of 17 characters.

24. Review your Policy for Unnecessary Add-Ons.

Since automobile insurance companies are far more numerous than they were just 10 years ago, some companies have started offering benefits and plans that are aimed at helping the driver. However, many of these packages are added to your normal insurance policy automatically and with your knowledge, and some of them aren’t even worth the amount of extra money you’ll have to pay on your insurance premiums.

Some plans offer to replace your car with a new one of equal value if your car is wrecked in an accident, but this is actually referring to the value of your car at the time of the wreck and not at the time of the original purchase. Factor in depreciation, and you’re looking at recouping only a fraction of what you paid for your car. These types of “benefits” can be dropped from your auto insurance in order to make sure you are getting cheap car insurance from your insurer.

25. Go Green!

With global warming and other environmental concerns more publicized than ever before, “green” vehicles are now being pushed as replacements for our modern vehicles that are already on the road. In order to add an increased incentive for purchasing one of these environmentally-friendly vehicles, many car insurance companies are offering lower auto insurance premiums to owners of “green” or environmentally-friendly vehicles.

While the cost of a new vehicle might not be worth the lower premium, if you are in the market for a new car then you may as well buy an energy efficient model. Not only will it help save the environment, but it will also help you find cheap car insurance rates that you might not have had access to otherwise.

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Since insurance prices can vary by hundreds of dollars from company to company, it always pays to shop around for the best rate. It is recommended that buyers get quotes from as many companies as possible. This step is extremely easy as you can get free rate quotes from multiple insurance providers conveniently online. This will give you the opportunity to compare plans and find the one that fits your budget and your needs. Before signing up with an insurance provider, be sure to check for additional discounts that new drivers may be eligible for.

There are many discounts available to new drivers that can reduce the overall cost of car insurance. Most insurance companies offer good student discounts to students who maintain a B average or earn a spot on their school’s Dean’s List or Honor Roll. Enrollment in a driver safety course is another excellent way to reduce premiums. It gives new drivers a way to prove their ability behind the wheel and insurers are often willing to reduce premiums by 15% or more for drivers who complete the course.

The car you drive can also have a significant effect on your insurance rates. New drivers should look for a vehicle with a strong safety record and low theft rates. In general, a 4-door sedan will cost much less to insure than a sports car or large sport utility vehicle. Cars with safety features such as side air bags, anti-lock brakes, automatic seat belts, and daytime running lights can provide discounts to drivers. An anti-theft device like cut-off switches and computer chip ignition key systems can also reduce insurance rates.

With a little research it is possible to obtain cheap car insurance for new drivers. While insurance companies like to lump all new drivers into the high risk category, new drivers who prove they are responsible and who own a safe vehicle are often eligible for deep discounts.