2. Ask for a higher deductible
   Your deductible represents the amount of money you pay before your insurance policy kicks in when you have a claim. By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $250 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 percent to 30 percent. Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you 40 percent or more. Keep in mind that claims occur on average only once every 11 or 12 years.

3. Before you buy a car, compare insurance costs
   If you are in the market for a new car, get an insurance quote before you buy. Your premium is based in part on the vehicle’s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record and the likelihood of theft so some cars and models will cost less to insure than others. Many insurers offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft. These include air bags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights and anti-theft devices. Some states even require insurers to give discounts for cars equipped with air bags or anti-lock brakes.
   Cars that are favorite targets for thieves often cost more to insure. Information to help you decide what car to buy is available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

4. Reduce coverage on older cars
   Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage on older cars. It may not be cost-effective to continue insuring cars worth less than 10 times the amount you would pay for coverage. As a general rule, it does not make sense to pay comprehensive or collision on a car worth less than $1,000 as any claim payment you receive would not substantially exceed your premiums minus the deductible. Auto dealers and banks can tell you the worth of a car, or you can look it up online at Kelley Blue Book.

5. Buy your homeowners and auto coverage from the same insurer
   Many insurers will give you a discount if you buy two or more types of insurance from them. Also you may get a reduction if you have more than one vehicle insured with the same company. Some insurers reduce premiums for long-time customers. But shop around—you might save more money by buying from different insurance companies despite the multi-policy discount.

6. Maintain good credit
   Your credit rating may affect what you pay for insurance (along with the cost and availability to finance the purchase of the car), so keep a close eye on it. Using credit ratings can make insurance rates more accurate, fair and objective. While the use of insurance scoring varies from state to state and company to company, it is a fact that drivers with long, stable credit records have fewer accidents than drivers who don’t. There are various Internet services that allow you to check your credit rating and provide tips on how to improve your score.

7. Seek out safe driver discounts
   Companies offer discounts to policy holders who have not had any accidents or moving violations for a number of years. You may also qualify for a premium cut if you have recently taken a defensive driving course.

8. Take advantage of low mileage discounts
   Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive a lower than average number of miles per year. Low mileage discounts can also apply to drivers who carpool to work.