You just received your most recent automobile insurance bill and it has gone up once again. More than 10%, in fact! A little gecko is clamoring for your business and so are a handful of other companies that you even no less about. So, what should you do? Switching insurance carriers is one option, but before go through all the hassles of making a change, let’s first take a look at five ways you can reduce insurance premiums instantly.

Bump Up Your Deductible. You can gain instant savings by increasing the deductible you are willing to pay. You may find a $1000 deductible for collision to make more sense and save you a considerable amount of money in the long run.

Receive Discounts. If you park your car in a locked garage, have an alarm system installed, possess an excellent driving history, etc., make certain that your insurer is aware of all of this. Your premium should be adjusted downward to reflect your special security measures you’re your superior driving record.

Change Your Coverage. If your vehicle is old, you many want to consider dropping collision coverage. Your comprehensive coverage may also be due for review. Finally, make sure that there aren’t pricey supplementary costs being assessed to you such as towing insurance. Your automobile club likely covers towing insurance and vehicle rental insurance; check your member’s agreement for duplicate coverage.

Adjust Your Family Status. You may be paying more for your insurance if your policy shows that you are single when, in fact, you are married. Rates are generally less for married couples and for those in their thirties and beyond.

Correct Your Address. Your insurance company may have you listed at the right address, but list you under the wrong zip code. You could be paying a higher premium for living in a “high risk” neighborhood.

In some cases you can save money on automobile insurance by packaging it with your homeowners insurance. Lastly, discuss with your broker whatever other steps you can take to gain additional savings. You may have missed something or you may not be aware of a special program or offer in place.

Copyright 2005 -- Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for Auto Parts Canada, a wholesaler of OEM parts and accessories for your vehicle.

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