Chances are, if you’ve been operating a vehicle for any amount of time, you’ve gotten some sort of traffic violation, been involved in an accident or had something else happen to blemish your driving record. If so, finding a good deal on auto insurance is tough. But armed with a little knowledge, your chance of securing a decent rate is much better.

Driving less can help you save money on your auto insurance. If you’ve retired or started telecommuting, tell your insurance agent right away. Without those long commutes every day, you’ll probably be able to get a lower premium. The fewer miles you drive, the better rate you’re likely to get.

If you are a senior citizen and you own your car but don’t drive very much anymore, then you may be able to save on automobile insurance. Consider insuring only the main driver of your vehicle. If this person has a good driving record then you can get a much lower rate.

With auto insurance, the lower your deductible rate is, the more you have to pay out of pocket when you get into an accident. A great way to save money on your auto insurance is to opt to pay a higher deductible rate. This means the insurance company has to pay out less when you’re involved in an accident, and thus your monthly premiums will go down.

Figure out what kind of coverage is good for you and your car prior to seeking an auto insurance policy. Not all coverage options make sense for everyone. If you find that you are involved in many accidents, you should include collision coverage in your policy.

Be extra careful when you drive so as not to be caught in a scam. Insurance rates are as high as they are due to sophisticated staged accidents which are perpetrated by criminals all over the country. Ensure that you photograph any crash scene and call the police immediately to report the accident.

If you have developed a history of trouble-free driving over the course of several years, inquire with your car insurance company about a no-claim discount. Many companies offer these discounts for reliable customers they have not had to pay-out for. Some companies apply no-claim discounts automatically; with others the driver must inquire. It never hurts to ask!

Although it may be obvious, driving safely is key to maintaining low rates and premiums. Bad driving such as speeding can increase your rates and also lead to non-renewal of your policy. A car accident will usually increase your costs by up to 40%. Of course you should avoid bad driving regardless of your car insurance to avoid tickets and dangerous accidents.

Having more vehicles than one needs is a way to pay more than one needs to be paying for insurance. By selling or storing cars or anything else that one does not use often they will no longer have to pay insurance on that vehicle. It will save them money off their insurance.

If you are looking to get auto insurance, do not commit to any company until you have gotten multiple quotes. You can do this online without having to speak with an insurance agent or sales representative. By getting multiple quotes you are reducing the chances of auto insurance companies cheating you.

With a spotty driving record, finding cheap automobile insurance won’t be easy, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Just remember that the insurance companies want and need your business. Follow the tips that you’ve learned, to make sure the insurance company is willing to work with you, to offer the lowest auto insurance rate possible.