Getting cheap insurance doesn't mean going to a discount auto insurance company!!

• If a quote seems too good to be true, it may be too good to be true. Discount auto insurance might sound like a great idea but the company may not stand by your claim. Many companies will offer you a great rate only to send a letter to you a month later claiming they made an error and your rate is hundreds more. To avoid this, only do business with well known, established companies.

• Check the rating of the insurance company you might sign up with. Insurance companies are graded on their ability to pay when a claim is issued. They are given grades such as AA, A, B etc. A small discount auto insurance company may have low rates but they may not have the ability to pay large claims.
  
  
  
• To get the cheapest car insurance available, you'll need to shop around. Get a quote from every reputable insurance company in your area.

• Raise your deductible. Many deductibles are in the $300-$500 range. If you raise it slightly you'll see a reduction in your auto insurance rate.

• Try to insure everything (house, second car, RV, boat) with one company.

• Have you taken any driver's education courses in the last few years? This mostly applies to new drivers. If so, you likely qualify for a discount.

• Many insurance companies also offer a discount for students who maintain good grades in school.

• If your car has airbags, ABS, or an anti-theft alarm you may qualify for a discount.

• Drive respondsibly. Insurance companies will lower the rate as you prove you're a good driver.

• Reduce coverage on older vehicles. There is no point in fully insuring a car that is not worth very much.

• Try to purchase a "low profile" vehicle which isn't a target for thieves. The more likely your vehicle is to get stolen the more it will cost to insure.