There are several tips that drivers can use to get the cheapest auto insurance rates. It’s not always about going with a new company or even the vehicle one drives. The tricks that an insurance agent often doesn’t share are pretty simple. One just needs to understand which options will work best in your situation.

Car owners with good driving records often get the best rates. Sometimes, if a good driver discount isn’t an option, taking defensive driving courses can be a great way to lower auto insurance premiums.

The area in which one lives also affects the rates. In areas where the risk of carjacking is higher, the fees are often higher to compensate. This may not be something one can change, so looking at other ways to lower rates is recommended.

There was a time when you would go to an insurance agent’s office to discuss car insurance. To qualify for cheap rates, the agent would review every detail and find the best rate. Car owners are no longer required to visit an office as quality insurance is available online and it is possible to request a quote from multiple carriers by entering basic information and hitting submit.

Insurance companies are very responsive to drivers who have anti-theft devices installed in their vehicles. This includes car alarms and tracking devices. Anything that will determine theft can qualify a driver for reduced coverage.

If there is more than one car that requires insurance, this can be beneficial for those eligible for a discount. The more cars insured, the lower the rates. Also consider bundling auto insurance with homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. If the current carrier doesn’t offer cheaper rates, shop around.

If possible, an easy way to find the cheapest car insurance prices is to increase the deductible in the event of an accident. An example would be instead of $500, opting for a $1,000 deductible would reduce premium payments. Paying for an insurance policy monthly often increases the premiums. Opt to pay quarterly, every six months, and even once a year for less expensive auto insurance.

For car owners where the deductible is higher than the cost of the car or it would cost more to repair, it’s a good idea to reevaluate whether the car should have comprehensive coverage. Liability may be all the car needs. Consider all of your options when looking for the cheapest auto insurance rates, and if a change is needed for those rates to take effect, don’t be afraid to jump to another company.