My car insurance policy came up for renewal recently.  With this economy, I have been examining every expense and I decided it was time for adjustments in my car insurance.  My agent helped me to save a significant amount of money in less than 15 minutes.

Here are some questions to ask your car insurance agent when you review the policy with him.  It may not be necessary to wait until the policy is up for renewal as some car insurance agencies will make changes mid-policy as well. 

• If the car is more than 7 years old, then decide whether it is financially feasible to keep coverage for collision and comprehensive.  My car is quite a bit older and the cash value if it were totaled was less than the premium.  I saved more than $200 on my car insurance by dropping this feature.
• I work part-time at home and part-time at a job nearby in the next neighborhood.  I was given an additional discount for driving lower miles each year.  So if your home and your place of work are only a few miles apart, ask the car insurance agent if an additional discount can apply.
• Ask about additional discounts for safety and theft features on your vehicle.
• Ask about discounts for owning your home or having other policies with the same company.
• There may be age-related discounts, especially if one is retired.
• An adjustment to the level of liability insurance can result in a lower premium on the car insurance policy.  Different states have their own laws on the minimum amount necessary.  However, liability insurance is usually a significant part of the premium.
• There are discounts for safe drivers.  Sometimes it is necessary to take a class even if one has not had any tickets or accidents.
• Ask the agent about other discounts which may apply.  This is where it helps to meet with him in person in the office. You will have his undivided attention while he reviews your history with the insurance company.  Every little discount means more money saved.

Most car insurance policies are written for 6 months.  When the agent quotes prices for features such as collision and comprehensive, double that amount to reach a yearly rate.  Then decide if that is an amount that you are willing to pay. 

If the quote is still rather high, then it might be time to research other car insurance companies.  Part of that research should include the financial stability of the company to pay claims as well as its history of paying claims quickly.   Whatever you decide, these tips will hopefully save you some money on car insurance.