Cutting your costs

Here are some ways to save on your auto insurance without sacrificing your insurance needs.

Shop around. Check with several insurance companies and agents before making a final decision. Chances are that you'll find differences in service as well as premiums. Service should be a major factor when making an insurance decision. Also ask questions regarding their claims handling process; how long they've been in business; and their financial stability or rating. Ask your friends and family for recommendations as well.

Increase your deductibles. You can reduce your premiums if you shoulder more of the risk. By increasing your deductible, you are responsible for small losses, not your insurer. Increasing your deductibles from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and other than collision premiums between 15-30%.

Choose the right car. Before you buy a car, ask your agent or company representative how the premiums for the vehicle you want compares with those of similar models. Premiums are higher for most luxury and sport models and four- wheel drive vehicles because of higher accident repair costs and auto theft experience.

Contact the Ohio Department of Insurance for an auto insurance shoppers' guide. In it, you'll find all types of information, including the average cost of auto insurance for various parts of the state. Call them at 1-800-686-1526.

Eliminate collision and comprehensive coverages. This is especially true as your car gets older and depreciates in value. A general rule is to eliminate these coverages if your car is worth less than $1,000, because it may cost more to insure it than what you'd collect after on accident. Keep your auto liability coverage intact.

Ask companies what discounts they offer. Most offer a multiple car discount or a discount if you also carry homeowners or another type of insurance with them. Some give a discount to students with good grades, and others allow a credit if a young driver is away at school more than 100 miles with or without a car, depending on the location. Some companies provide discounts for airbags, daytime running lights and factory installed antitheft devices. Seniors completing a state- approved defensive driver course are also eligible for discounts.

Eliminate duplication of coverages. Some auto medical expense coverages may duplicate insurance provided by your employer. If you belong to an auto club that provides towing and labor services or it's provided by the auto manufacturer, you don't need policy coverage.

Reduce your daily driving. Statistics show that the farther you drive, the more likely you are to be involved in an accident and the more you'll pay for insurance. Some companies offer discounts to those who drive fewer than a predetermined number of miles annually, while some offer discounts to car-poolers.

Become a defensive driver. One at- fault accident or major traffic violation can increase your rates by as much as 40%. In some cases it can place you in a high risk category. Some companies reward policyholders for remaining accident free for a certain period of time.

Double check how and where you park. Often the cost of vandalism and auto theft is overlooked, which invariably costs us all. Always lock your car and pork under streetlights.

Avoid filing excessive claims. The more claims you file, especially small ones that you can pay for yourself, the greater the likelihood that your premiums will reflect this.