How to save on your auto insurance
Auto insurance rates can vary dramatically depending on the insurance company, the agent or broker you choose, the coverage's you request, and the kind of car you drive. Here are a few tips on how you can make significant savings on your insurance coverage.

1. 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 cost by 15% to 30%.

2. Drop collision or comprehensive coverage on older cars
It may not be cost-effective to have collision or comprehensive coverage on cars worth less than $1000 because any claim you make would not substantially exceed annual cost and deductible amounts. Auto dealers and banks can tell you the worth of cars.

3. Eliminate duplicate medical coverage
If you have adequate health insurance, you may be paying for duplicate medical coverage in your auto policy. In some states, eliminating this coverage could lower your personal injury protection (PIP) cost by up to 40%.

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. Write to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 1005 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22201 and ask for the Highway Loss Data Chart.

5. Consider area insurance costs if you are going to move
Costs tend to be lowest in rural communities and highest in center cities where there is more traffic congestion.

6. Take advantage of low mileage discounts
Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive fewer than a predetermined number of miles a year.

7. Find out about seat belt, air bag, and side impact discounts
You may be able to take advantage of discounts on some coverage if you have automatic seat belts and/or air bags.

8. Inquire about other discounts
Some insurers offer discounts for more than one car, no accidents in three years, drivers over 50 years of age, driver training courses, anti-theft devices, anti-lock brakes and good grades for students. See the following page for a guide to these and other discounts.