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Ways to Save When You Shop for Car Insurance:

   Get quotes from several different insurance companies. Some sell through their own agents. These agencies have the same name as the insurance company. Some sell through independent agents who offer policies from several insurance companies. Others do not use agents. They sell directly to consumers over the phone or via the Internet.

    Before you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. Car insurance premiums are based in part on the car’s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record, and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft. These include daytime running lights and anti-theft devices.

  Deductibles are what you pay before your insurance policy kicks in. By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 to 30 percent. Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you 40 percent or more. Before choosing a higher deductible, be sure you have enough money set aside to pay it if you have a claim.

    Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverages on older cars. If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, purchasing the coverage may not be cost effective. Auto dealers and banks can tell you the worth of cars.

    Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive a lower than average number of miles a year. Low mileage discounts can also apply to drivers who car pool to work

    Many insurers will give you a break if you buy two or more types of insurance. You may also get a reduction if you have more than one vehicle insured with the same company. Some insurers reduce the rates for long-time customers. But it still makes sense to shop around! You may save money buying from different insurance companies, compared with a multi-policy discount.

    Establishing a solid credit history can cut your insurance costs. Many insurance companies are using credit information to price auto insurance policies. To protect your credit standing, pay your bills on time, don't obtain more credit than you need and keep your credit balances as low as possible. Check your credit record on a regular basis and have any errors corrected promptly so that your record remains accurate

    A credit report is a compilation of how you pay your credit card bill, loans, rent, and selected other debts and bills. A credit score is a number that is based on your credit report and reflects your financial responsibility. Your credit history can determine your chances for a lower-cost policy.

    Always pay on time. Consumers who pay their bill late may face late fees or even  a major hike in the price of their policy.  Late payments can trigger rate increases on credit cards or loans, especially if your credit record shows other signs of risk.

    Avoid late-payment fees. These are penalties, often $20 or more, when you don't make a  payment on time. One way to prevent late fees is to arrange for an automatic withdrawal from your checking account to cover these recurring expenses. The automatic debiting of your account takes the hassle out of making scheduled payments and saves on postage

    Check your credit report for accuracy. Something as simple as correcting incomplete or erroneous information in your credit record may be enough to qualify you for a better interest rate on a loan or credit card and save you hundreds of dollars each year in interest payments. For example, if you always pay your loans on time, but your credit report shows late payments, you'll want to correct that.

    By federal law, you are entitled to one free copy of your credit report every year from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus -  Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Each company issues its own report, so it's smart to check each one. Although you can ask to receive copies from all three credit bureaus at the same time, you also can spread out your requests throughout the year to check for major changes or inconsistencies.

    Companies offer discounts to policyholders who have not had any accidents or moving violations for a number of years. You may also get a discount if you take a defensive driving course. If there is a young driver on the policy who is a good student, has taken a drivers education course or is at a college out of the area without a car, you may also qualify for a lower rate.

When you comparison shop, inquire about discounts for the following:

[   ]  $500 deductible
[   ]  $1,000 deductible
[   ]  More than 1 car
[   ]  No Accidents in 3 Years
[   ]  No Moving Violations in 3 Years
[   ]  Driver Training Courses
[   ]  Defensive Driving Courses
[   ]  Anti-Theft Devices
[   ]  Low Annual Mileage
[   ]  Air Bags
[   ]  Anti-Lock Brakes
[   ]  Daytime Running Lights
[   ]  Student Drivers with Good Grades
[   ]  Auto and Homeowners Coverage with the Same Company
[   ]  College Students away from Home
[   ]  Long-Time Customer
[   ]  Other Discounts

The key to savings is not the discounts, but the final price. A company that offers few discounts may still have a lower overall price.

    Always read the fine print before signing up for any insurance policy.  Don't pay for expensive insurance coverage you probably don't need. Some insurance agents will offer to sell you coverage you may not really need. Ask a lot of questions. If you don't understand something - keep asking until you do!

 If Saving more money and Building Wealth are your goals - there is a science to getting rich!

    However you choose to save - teach your children to start saving money at an early age. Give them the a headstart on saving and building wealth. Here are some money saving tips for children. Teach your children one of life's most valuable lessons - the art of building a solid financial future.

    Here are even  more money saving tips.