1. Buy a "Low Profile" Car. Before you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. Cars that are expensive to repair, or that are favorite targets for thieves, have much higher insurance costs.

2. Consider Insurance Cost When Making a Move. Costs tend to be lowest in rural communities and highest in cities where there is more traffic congestion.

3. Inquire About Other Discounts. Some insurers offer discounts for having multiple cars insured with them, anti-theft devices, good driving records, driver training courses, AAA group membership, passive restraints, use of public transit, low mileage, and for drivers over 65.

4. Ask for Higher Deductibles. Deductibles represent the amount of money you pay before you make a claim. By requesting higher deductibles on collision and comprehensive (fire and theft) coverage, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 could reduce your collision and comprehensive cost by 15% to 30%.

5. Drop Collision and/or Comprehensive Coverage on Older Cars. It may not be cost-effective to have collision or comprehensive coverage on cars worth less than $3,000 because any claim you make would not substantially exceed annual cost and deductible amounts. Auto dealers and banks can tell you the worth of your car.

6. Take Advantage of Low Mileage Discounts. Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive less than a predetermined number of miles per year.