| l dream of cheap auto insurance (or at least, auto | | | | going to be paying higher auto insurance rates, |
| insurance that isn't going to completely clean our | | | | since you're going to be considered a higher risk. |
| bank accounts out on a monthly basis) but most | | | | No, it's not fair, but there you have it. On the |
| of us never realize exactly how close that cheap | | | | other hand, if you're over 52 and/or retired you |
| auto insurance really is. There's only six degrees | | | | might be eligible for lower insurance rates since |
| of separation standing between you and the | | | | you're probably going to be spending less time on |
| insurance rates you deserve. All you have to do is | | | | the highways during peak traffic hours. |
| figure out how to connect the dots. | | | | 4) What do your job and your credit score say |
| 1) A clean driving record. The number one thing | | | | about your reliability behind the wheel? Did you |
| standing between most people and great auto | | | | know that engineers and teachers pay less for |
| insurance rates is a blemished driving record. | | | | their insurance than just about any other group of |
| Every time you're in an accident, or you get a | | | | drivers? (Although telecommuters are quickly |
| speeding ticket, or you run a red light, your | | | | closing the gap.) That's because statistically |
| insurance rates go up. Even small infractions can | | | | speaking, people in these professions, and people |
| completely kill your chances of cheap insurance, | | | | with higher credit scores, are less likely to be |
| so it's important to make sure you're paying | | | | involved in accidents and therefore less likely to |
| attention when you're behind the wheel. | | | | file auto insurance claims. |
| 2) What kind of car are you driving? Did you | | | | 5) Are you getting all the discounts you qualify |
| know that there are certain types of cars that | | | | for? You'd be amazed by what can save you |
| are 100% proven to get into trouble more often | | | | money on your insurance, so don't hesitate to sit |
| than other types? It seems odd, but it's true. No | | | | down and grill your insurance agent about what |
| one really knows the specifics, but every year | | | | savings you qualify for and which ones you don't. |
| certain makes and models of cars are involved in | | | | If you're not getting all the discounts you're eligible |
| more accidents, stolen from more parking lots | | | | for, you're missing out. |
| and caught speeding down the road more quickly | | | | 6) Shopping around! Yes, comparing auto |
| than any other. | | | | insurance quotes is a hassle, but so is paying too |
| Every year the Highway Loss Data Institute | | | | much. Not all auto insurance companies are |
| tracks these numbers and reports them to auto | | | | created equal, which means not all companies are |
| insurance companies across the nation. To keep | | | | going to charge you the same price for your |
| your auto insurance rates down, keep an eye on | | | | insurance coverage. Digging around until you find |
| these numbers (they're available through the HLDI | | | | that perfect match will go a long way toward |
| website) when you're shopping for your next new | | | | bringing top notch insurance coverage down into |
| vehicle. | | | | your price range. |
| 3) Age. Seriously. If you're under 25 you're always | | | | |