There are lots of ways to save money on auto insurance. Here are a few you may actually be able to use:

Don't get into accidents. There's a reason they're called "accidents." But careful driving pays off with lower premium.

Take advantage of discounts. Many companies offer all sorts of discounts for drivers and special features on your car. Think about taking a course, having an anti-theft system installed or keep them in mind when you buy a new car:

v Choose a car with an air bag or two (or more)
v Have an anti-theft device installed
v Choose a car with passive seatbelts
v Take a Defensive Drivers Course
v Insure more than one car with us
v Buy a car with anti-lock brakes
v Let us know you've retired, graduated college or, if you're a new   driver, you've completed a Drivers Training Course
v Get good grades at school

Check the rates before you buy a new car. Some cars are more expensive to repair or replace. Others damage easily. Find out how this will affect your premiums before you make the final decision.

Be realistic about your deductibles. A lower deductible costs more. You need to consider how much you want to trade off between a lower deductible and a lower premium.

Help stop insurance fraud. We all wind up paying for it. But you can take steps to help keep claims legitimate--like reporting accidents whenever you're in one or you're a witness.  Always get a police report. And, if someone wants you to contact a doctor or lawyer who can help you "make money" after a minor accident or a body shop mechanic wants to inflate the damage estimate, don't just walk away. Call the police or call your insurance company.

Wear your seatbelt. That's more of a public-service announcement, but it bears repeating.