Some things in life are free. Car insurance is not one of those things, and it can be quite expensive. Here are some ideas on how to save money on car insurance.

Depending on what state you live in, having auto insurance may not only be a smart way to protect your car, it may also be the law. Certain states require drivers to have insurance on their vehicle, and for good reason. Car repairs can be very expensive, and most people don’t have a few thousand dollars set aside in case of an accident.

Since car insurance is something we have to spend money on, we should at least try to save some money while we’re at it, right?

Here are some tips to help you save some money on your car insurance bill.

1. Get quotes from more than 1 company. You are severely limiting the money you could save by signing up with the first company you get a quote from.

2. See if your employer has any special relationships that might entitle you to cheaper insurance. Some companies that are only available to groups have incredibly attractive rates and can save you a lot of money.

3. Some companies offer percentage discounts for a good driving record, good grades in school, and defensive driving courses. A defensive driving course may cost you a few hundred dollars, but it can save you a lot of money for years to come. Check with the insurance company to see which programs qualify for this discount.

4. Make sure your motor vehicle registration does not have incorrect information. Identity thieves have found that it’s not too difficult to get their traffic violations on someone else’s record.

5. Having a higher deductible, say $1,000 instead of $500, can result in lower rates. If you’re not accident-prone, a higher deductible might be a good option for you.

6. If you have a teen driver, consider getting their own policy. At least get quotes to compare if they are adding unnecessary expense to your rates.

7. Move to a rural area. This probably isn’t a viable option, but auto insurance varies a lot by area and state. More densely populated areas often have much higher rates than rural areas.

8. If your vehicle is fully paid for, you may only need to carry a minimal amount of insurance. Check with your insurance company and state laws to see if you are required to have coverage such as liability, collision, or comprehensive coverage.

9. Some auto insurance companies will give you a discount if you have an alarm or anti-theft device installed. If your car doesn’t already have one, consider getting one.

There you go. Some free tips on how to save money on your car insurance. Some may work for you and some may not, but you won’t know you’re getting the best rate unless you try some of these tips. Good luck lowering your auto insurance bill!