Keep a Clean Driving Record—Practicing safe driving by eliminating distractions, driving defensively and being aware of your surroundings. By avoiding accidents and traffic citations, you can maintain a clean driving record, which may translate into lower auto insurance premiums.

Ask about discounts—Insurers may offer various discounts for things like having a good driving record, utilizing antitheft devices or taking a driver’s safety course. Check with your agent about the discounts for which you may be eligible.

Select the right deductible—By raising your deductible, which is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance coverage steps in, you may be able to lower your premiums. Review your budget to see if this option works for you.

Ask your agent to shop around—Different insurance companies have their own ways of calculating premiums. Your independent agent can help in shopping around, you can save money with a policy that offers the best value for your coverages without having to change agencies. Work with your insurance agent to secure quotes from multiple insurers. Comparing declaration pages are not always true representation of coverages.  Be wary of online raters, they are far from accurate so let your agent do the leg work to best protect you. 

Consider insurance costs when choosing a car—If you are planning to buy a different car, check with your agent about the costs to insure the models you are considering. Insurance companies may consider safety ratings and repair costs when calculating premiums. Getting this information before you make a purchase can help you choose the most cost-effective car to insure.

Reduce annual mileage—The miles you drive per year may affect your premiums. Lowering your annual mileage may reduce your costs. If you can reduce your mileage, make sure to let your insurer know, as that information may allow them to lower your auto insurance rate.

Maintain good credit—Insurers will often review your credit history when determining auto insurance premiums. Paying bills on time, keeping credit balances low and regularly monitoring your credit report for errors can help you maintain a good credit score, which could help lower your auto insurance premium.

Bundle—If you buy multiple policies from the same insurance provider, you may receive a bundling discount. For instance, purchasing your home and auto insurance through the same carrier may offer savings.

Telematics-- Ask your agent about Telematics or pay per mile programs and see if they are available in your state.