As you probably know if you’ve ever looked for auto insurance before, it can be difficult to know which company, and what policy to choose to fit your needs. Many companies are untrustworthy, and others charge way more than they should. In addition there are common mistakes that individual’s make that affect their premiums. Read on for tips and tricks for weeding out the good from the bad.

When considering auto insurance for a young driver, be sure to check with multiple insurance agencies to not only compare rates, but also any perks that they might include. It also cannot hurt to shop around once a year to see if any new perks or discounts have opened up with other companies. If you do find a better deal, let your current provider know about it to see if they will match.

When trying to keep down the cost your auto insurance, try to maintain a clean credit record. For some reason, auto insurers believe that people with a better credit record are also better drivers and will suffer fewer accidents. Knowing your credit score puts you in a better position to negotiate for lower rates.

When keeping down the cost of auto insurance, protect your no-claims record. If you have several years of auto insurance with the same company and you have not needed to file any claims, avoid filing a small claim. The increase in your premiums will be more expensive than simply covering the small claim damage out of pocket.

If you are thinking of adding a teenager to your auto insurance, find out how much it would cost to put them on your policy, versus the amount it would cost to get them a separate policy. Sometimes it is a wiser financial decision to get your teenager their own separate policy.

If you’re planning on buying a new car, choosing one that is less desirable to thieves will lower your insurance rate. Online, you can find lists of the cars reported stolen most often and it’s likely that they are the same lists that your insurance company uses to calculate your premium. Use this information as part of your research into which car you should buy.

Look for state health insurance policies. While federal health programs exist for low-income families, some states are working towards adopting low-cost health insurance plans for middle-class families. Check with your state department of health, to find out if these low cost plans are offered in your area, as they can provide great comprehensive coverage for a minimal cost.

If you can pay your annual car insurance premium all at once, do so instead of paying monthly. Car insurance companies can tack on anywhere from $3-$5 on average a monthly bill. It may not seem like much, but it adds up quickly. It can become a source of frustration on top of your other bills. Stick to this simple rule: make as few payments as possible.

Before choosing the auto insurance policy that you think is right for you, compare rates. Comparing rates has been made easy with so many online insurance companies. Many of these companies will compare rates for you. Go to a couple of these sites and get many quotes from each before making your decision.

With a little foresight, you can avoid common mistakes that can cause people to pay higher premiums than necessary or end up with inadequate cover. As you can see, once you are armed with some of these facts and suggestions, it is a lot easier to get what you need. You may also be able to save some money in the process.