Thinking about car insurance isn't high on most people's list of fun things to do. But what if you save more money by spending an hour or two learning some trade secrets? You won't get that from another two hours of reality television.

Here are some insider tips that may help drop your car insurance premiums:

Choose a high deductible. Companies appreciate customers who take on more risk. Not everybody is willing to have a $3,000 or $5,000 deducible. However, statistically speaking, you will be a better customer than those who have $500 deductibles. Your insurance company might not have to issue a claim for smaller damage. You agree to handle it yourself.

Consider whether to make a claim or not. Assuming you choose a high deductive, this will be easy. But even a $200 repair will likely be worth making out of pocket. Insurance companies often look at your past claim history to determine your rates. The more frequent you make claims, the more your car insurance costs. Remember insurance is a safeguard to protect you when something goes wrong, such as when you get rear ended and need thousands of dollars of repairs. It's not an investment. Companies will reward you with lower rates when you show that you don't cost them much money. It's probably not worth it to make a claim on the scratches left by the neighbor’s kids when you can fix it for $100.

Bundle your auto and home insurance. It's easier to keep a client than to get a new one. Auto insurance companies will often give you a discount for giving them the extra business. You might also get benefits for referring new clients, as well.

Raise your credit score. Easier said than done, but important nonetheless. Paying your bills on time and paying off debt, especially old debt can help increase your score. These are key factors in your credit score. Insurance companies use your credit score to gauge how much of a risk you will be. It's not foolproof, but it's an industry standard.

Pay annually. While you won't see a huge drop in the price when you pay once a year, it might drop by several dollars or more. Companies frequently reward customers who pay their full premium up front. This is because they won't have to rely on you to make a monthly payment. To make it easier on your bank account, set aside 1/12 of the total amount every month. Come next year, you'll make your payment painlessly.

Remember, every little bit of savings adds up. To save money on auto insurance, look for a company that offers these or similar policies.

As we get older, our instincts don’t respond like they used to. Sometimes that means it is harder to react quickly while driving. What’s more, changes in your vision and hearing can impact your ability to drive. Some seniors get a bit nervous knowing this.

You should not be afraid to drive. Instead, consider improving your skills with a senior safe driver course. Your auto insurance may encourage this.

This type, of course, can happen in two ways. Sometimes, seniors can watch a program online or in a classroom. You will learn how to react better behind the wheel. You will also learn defensive driving methods. These can help you to gain confidence when driving with other drivers who may be more aggressive.

The second type of course happens on the roadways. You will get tips and techniques taught to you while driving. This gives you hands-on attention to your needs. And, you’ll often feel more confident after the first day. This type of class is great for those who need a bit more hands-on experience and want to gain real-world skills.

This type of course is available from a variety of driver education programs. One of the best options is to call your car insurance provider first. Sometimes these agencies can help make recommendations for the program. If they do, they may also offer a discount to you for enrolling in and completing the program.

If your agent cannot help you, the local Department of Motor Vehicles will likely have information available. The courses may have a fee, but the safety you receive in return is worthwhile. Ask your local authorities for more information.

Seniors gain real-world skills for challenging situations on today’s roads. Even if you have years of experience, you will learn more about how to be a safer driver. You will also learn how to avoid dangerous situations you do not cause. Seniors may also see a discount on their car insurance for enrolling in this program. It may even pay for itself in that way.

A senior safe driver course is an excellent way to gain new skills for today’s challenging roads. It can give you peace of mind every time you head out on the road. And, your auto insurance company will appreciate your vigilance in remaining a fit driver. For more information on auto insurance, you can contact one of our agents today.

Investing in a new car is a big step. Many times, individuals go to the dealership as a first step. That can be a costly mistake.

Before you buy a new car, especially a convertible, sports car, or another high-end luxury vehicle, there are several steps take right from home. A good place to start is with a call to your car insurance provider. He or she can share important insight with you.

Once you have an idea of what specialty vehicle you would like to buy, talk to your car insurance provider. Ask questions about the coverage available to you. What insurance will you need? Most often, this will include:

• Comprehensive coverage
• Collision insurance
• Liability insurance (under state law)
• Full property insurance at least to the value of the car
• Uninsured and underinsured coverage
• Additional coverage for medical payments

This type of vehicle has a high value. It needs coverage to match that high value. If you plan to buy the vehicle with a loan, the lender will likely require this coverage. Speak to your agent about the options for covering the vehicle.

Convertibles and other sports cars are more expensive for several reasons. Some people also drive these vehicles faster. This also increases the risk of accidents. If the vehicle suffers significant damage, the insurer might have to pay out a large amount of money. Insurers use statistics to gauge this risk. You will likely pay more for car insurance here.

Nevertheless, you can still reduce your costs on car insurance overall. To do so, consider these tips:

• Remain a safe driver. Don’t get moving violations on your record.
• Update the security on the vehicle. Make them less likely to be a target for a thief.
• Increase the deductible on your insurance policy.
• Bundle the coverage with other vehicles or with home insurance.
• Ask your agent for other discounts that fit your needs.

Buying a convertible or other luxury car can be a good thing. Before you make that decision, speak to your auto insurance company. Find out what it will cost to insure the vehicle. You can often get a free, no obligation quote based on the vehicle you are thinking about buying. It’s fast and easy to see what you can expect.

Driving after dark is very common in the late fall and winter months. The sun sets sooner, making it harder to navigate the way home after work. The risks are many. Deer are crossing the street virtually unseen. A child could be walking along the edge of the road, hard to notice until you are right next to them. And, of course, it is hard to tell if a road is wet or icy. You don't want to spend your evening filing an auto insurance claim. For that reason, consider these tips for safer driving at night. 

To be safe on the road, you need to realize risks are numerous. Even drivers with years of experience are more likely to be in an accident at night. Remember, depth perception is off at night. You cannot see color as well. And, your peripheral vision is likely to be low.

For these reasons, give yourself more room between your vehicle and other vehicles. You also want to slow down a bit. Just these two things give you the ability to avoid an accident. You have more room to react and stop.

It is easy to get in your car and just go. Before you do, check your headlights. Are they all working? Don't forget your turn signal and brake lights. You want to ensure that your headlights are as new as possible. They are brighter when new. Also, speak to your mechanic about their location. Be sure they aim directly out in front of the vehicle. This ensures you have ample visibility.

Dim your dashboard lights. Turn down the lights on any devices in the vehicle. When you make it darker in the vehicle, you do not have the glare outside. Interior lights should always be as low as possible. This gives you better vision outside.

If you wear glasses, talk to your eye doctor about nighttime driving. Many people have difficulty seeing well at night. Prescriptions can have an adjustment to them that allows for better driving at night. You'll appreciate the difference and less glare.

Car insurance agents are always available to help you if you do find yourself in an accident. Yet, safe driving at night can help you to avoid those types of complications.