Fortunately there are some things car owners can do to lower their premiums, starting with making sure they are taking advantage of all of the discounts to which they are entitled.

Most car insurance companies provide drivers with discounts for a number of things, but many drivers fail to ask their agents about the availability of these discounts.  As a result, millions of drivers are overpaying for the car insurance coverage they need, spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year by not taking advantage of the discounts to which they they may be entitled.  Just consider these available discounts and how you may be able to save considerable money.

ü      Retired drivers – if you no longer drive to work every day, you may be entitled to a significant savings on your car insurance.  Fewer miles driven equals less risk of having an accident, and that can mean lower car insurance rates for you.

ü      Low mileage drivers – even if you are still working, if your commute is a short one you may be able to save yourself a lot of money. When you applied for your policy you were probably asked how many miles you drive to work, but what if you changed jobs since you first took out the policy?  If your commute has shortened since you first bought your policy, be sure to call your agent and let he or she know that your circumstances have changed.

ü      Drop your collision coverage – when your car was shiny and new, collision coverage was a must, but if shiny and new no longer describes your wheels it may be time to carry liability coverage only. The rule of thumb is that if your car is worth less than $3,000 full coverage may no longer be worth the extra cost.

ü      Side airbags – if your car has side airbags, a supplemental restraint system and other safety equipment, you may be able to save yourself a great deal of money.  Be sure to check your policy and make sure your car insurance company is giving you credit for any safety equipment installed on your vehicle.

ü      Ongoing driver education – while everyone knows that driver education is offered to teenagers, not everyone knows that ongoing education is available to older drivers as well.  Taking a defensive driving course can yield significant savings on your car insurance, while also helping you to become a better and safer driver.

ü      Garage kept vehicles – something as simple as keeping your car in the garage can save you a great deal of money on car insurance.  Cars that are kept in the garagae at night are less likely to be stolen or damaged, and that means lower rates on collision and comprehensive coverage.  If your car spends its nights in the garage, be sure your car insurance company knows about it.

ü      Anti-theft devices – car theft is a big driver of car insurance, so if your car is equipped with one or more anti-theft devices you may be able to save a great deal of money when you start or renew your policy.  Be sure that your agent knows what type of anti-theft devices are installed on your vehicle, and be sure you are getting credit for all of them.

By taking advantage of all available discounts you may be able to save hundreds of dollars a year on your car insurance, without sacrificing the coverage you need.  So grab a copy of your most recent policy, read it carefully and make sure you are getting the credit you are due.