Your lifestyle

We know, you're not going to turn the way you live upside down just to save a few bucks on car insurance. We wouldn't either. But there are some small things you can do to save yourself big money.

Drive less and drive more safely. Insurance companies always offer safe driver incentives, which can mean a big auto insurance discount. Drivers with no points in the last three years qualify for much lower car insurance rates.

There's good reason for this. For every speeding ticket you get within one year, your chances of being at fault in a motor vehicle rise dramatically. (We're talking almost 100% per ticket.) So slow down!

The less you drive the less you pay, too. If you can carpool or use public transit to and from work, your rate will go down. Lower your mileage and you'll lower your premium.

If you have kids who drive, it's going to be harder to qualify for a safe driver insurance plan. But teenage drivers who are good students, or who drive older model cars, may earn you an auto insurance discount. And college kids who attend school more than 100 miles away from home (without a car) might too.

Your car

The kind of car you drive can have a big effect on your insurance costs. High profile cars (this means both sporty coupes and popular cars preferred by thieves, like Honda Accords) will earn higher premiums than lower profile sedans and station wagons.

Of course, new and expensive cars mean higher collision and comprehensive premiums. Driving an older model can lower your car insurance premium by quite a bit.

Don't feel like trading in your ride? An easier way to earn a discount auto insurance rate is to install safety devices on your car. Air bags, automatic seatbelts, and anti-lock breaks will all improve your rate on medical and un/under-insured motorist coverage.

Car alarms and locator devices can also reduce the cost of comprehensive coverage. Many insurance providers (in fact, almost all of the ones we feature) will offer you a discount if you provide proof of having some sort of anti-theft device installed.

Your provider

Shopping around several car insurance companies might be the best way to save on car insurance. Quotes for the same coverage can vary widely from lender to lender, and gathering a few before you make your decision can be a real money saver.

Shopping for the cheapest auto insurance online is great way to get multiple quotes without a lot of hassle or commitment. Our recommended car insurance companies will get you several low quotes with one easy application. And even if you don't decide to go with any of them, you'll have some figures to use comparison shopping.

Your Policy:

Choosing the right amount of coverage in the right areas will both save you money and protect you better.
Raising deductibles, increasing liability limits, and eliminating redundant policies will make your car insurance dollar stretch farther. You can learn more about these and other car insurance choices.

But changing your coverage amounts isn't the only way to save money on your policy. Insuring your automobile with the same company that provides your family with other types of coverage can earn you lower premiums. And some companies will offer a lower rate if you pay your premium electronically.

Don't forget to shop around for the best rate.