Comparison shop - Insurance rates can vary by $1,000 or more from one company to the next, so the first step toward getting cheap rates is to visit an insurance comparison website. Once there you'll fill out a simple feedback form in order to get rate quotes from different companies. Then all you have to do is pick the best rate. Don’t forget to check out your current insurance company, they may have lower rates for new customers that you may be able to negotiate for yourself.

Give them details – If you don’t provide information about your zip code, marital status, car’s safety features and annual commuting miles, then by default the insurance companies will quote you a higher auto insurance rate. Provide as much detail as possible to make sure you get each discount that you qualify for.

Raise your deductible – Higher deductibles equal lower insurance premiums. For example, increasing your deductible from $250 to $500, can save you a hundred dollars or more on your annual premium. However, plan on having additional financial resources to cover the deductible in case of an accident.

Cut the miles you drive – For drivers who travel on average 40 miles or less a day, they qualify for a low mileage discount with most insurance companies. Consider carpooling or taking public transit a couple of days a week to reduce your car’s mileage to qualify for the discount. By flying or taking a train for vacations instead of driving, you can further reduce the miles on your car.

Switch drivers – For married couples, compare insurance quotes between the male and the female as the main driver. You may get a lower quote if the female is insured on a truck and the male is insured on the mini van. Teens should also be insured on safer cars such as the family sedan, rather than a sports car.

Get safety and security discounts - Most insurance companies will give you discounts for air bags, anti-lock brakes, car alarms and anti-theft devices. By installing car alarms or a tracking system in your car, you will get a discount from auto insurance companies. Since anti-theft devices reduce the risk of your car being stolen, insurance companies pass on the savings to you. A certified defensive-driving class can also reduce your premium for three years with most insurance companies.

Consolidate your insurance - Insurance companies will give you up to 15% off on your yearly premium if you purchase both your auto insurance and your homeowners or renters insurance from them.

Ask about discounts - Most insurance companies offer discounts if you've had no accidents in the last three years, if you're over the age of 50, if you've taken a driver's Ed course and a number of other reasons. Ask for all the discounts you may be eligible for.

For great tips before you buy your next auto insurance policy, please visit us online at http://www.aboutautoinsurance.net