Auto insurance premiums can vary from company to company and from coverage to coverage, so be sure to shop around. Comparison shop Use consumer information provided by your state's insurance department. These guides tell you what coverages you need and show you sample rates, usually from the biggest companies. Visit your state's home page by choosing the state in which you live from the pull-down menu at the top of this page. When you file a claim, a deductible is the amount of money you pay before your insurance company pays for the rest of the damage.
Higher deductibles mean lower premiums.
Although insurance companies use their own criteria to determine fair market value for vehicles, you can find out how much your car is generally worth by checking with your bank or using the Kelley Blue Book . Take advantage of low-mileage discounts Some insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who put fewer than a predetermined number of miles on their vehicles each year. Consider insurance cost when making a move Costs tend to be lowest in rural communities and highest in cities, where more traffic congestion occurs and the likelihood of theft increases. Ask about discounts for automatic seatbelts or air bags Your insurance agent should let you know about these discounts when you purchase your coverage. Most policies give discounts for air bags and automatic seatbelts.