Automobile insurance is a necessity of life. If you can afford to purchase and operate a motor vehicle, you need to make sure that you can afford the insurance, as well. Not only is there the state requirement for you to have it, but you also have a moral responsibility to other motorists to be able to pay for any mistakes caused by you. So here are a few ideas on how you can obtain affordable auto insurance.

To save money on your car insurance, choose a car make and model that does not require a high insurance cost. For example, safe cars like a Honda Accord are much cheaper to insure than sports cars such as a Mustang convertible. While owning a convertible may seem more desirable at first, a Honda will cost you less.

Contact your auto insurance agency if you have a change in your work situation. Retiring, cutting back your hours, or switching to telecommuting all mean that you will be driving considerably fewer miles each week. The number of miles you drive can have a significant impact on your auto insurance rates.

When you are dealing with car insurance you have to walk that fine line of how much coverage that you actually need. You don’t want to end up with not enough but you also don’t want to have too much insurance because that can be expensive. Insurance will depend on how much income you have and also, how many assets that you have. Be sure to research because most times, the state minimum, is actually not enough coverage.

Lower your car insurance premiums by taking a safe driver class. Many car insurance companies will offer a discount if you can provide proof of completion of a safety driving class. Taking, and passing, such a class gives the insurance company a good indication that you take your driving skills seriously and are a safe bet.

Ask your insurance agent if your age can get you any discounts. Studies have shown that, much like fine wine, drivers tend to get better with age. Your insurance company may offer you a discount for being a long-term driver, giving you a discount each time you pass the age milestones they have set.

Anyone shopping for a great rate on auto insurance should investigate the availability of group or affiliate discounts. Employer groups, professional associations and other organizations commonly negotiate special rates for their members, which can result in significant savings. Therefore, it pays to comparison shop with these types of potential discounts in mind.

Downgrade your vehicle to a less-sporty model. Insurance companies charge higher rates for insuring a sports car. Pick a small, less flashy, economical car. When it comes to insurance, larger motors cost more to insure. Insurance companies charge more for sports cars because there is a higher chance of them getting stolen.

When it is possible to do so, try not drive your car. In many states, the premium amount is based on how many miles you drive each year. If you do end up driving less, make sure to call and let the insurance know so that they can lower our premium rate.

You should not let your insurance coverage lapse. If you are not able to pay for your insurance policy in full, you should call and talk to an agent. If you allow the policy to lapse it is very possible that you will not have coverage should an accident take place. That is a big risk that can be avoided by making a simple phone call.

Using the information provided above and by doing some comparison shopping, you should be able to obtain auto insurance that is adequate enough to meet your needs. Remember to keep your policy current and payments up to date, so that any claim can never be voided due to this oversight. Happy motoring to you.