Save on Auto Insurance

Some insurance companies offer a savings of up to 35% off their comprehensive coverage policies for autos if you buy a car with anti-theft devices or signal-activated recovery systems. This is not true across the board, so be sure to check with your agent.

You can save big by eliminating those pesky little (and not so little) advisor commissions that drive up the cost of your insurance policy. It is possible to purchase no-commission policies through "fee only" advisors. They will charge a flat rate for their work instead of a fee plus a percentage of the policy that they sell you.

Shop around when selecting an insurance company and policy. Also read consumer guides and online insurance quote services. This will give you an idea of price ranges and tell you which companies have the lowest prices. You should also consider consulting the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (naic.org) which supplies information to help you choose an insurer in your state.

If your family has more than one vehicle, you can save up to 5% off collision or limited collision. This works for individuals or married couples who insure multiple vehicles with the same insurance company. The policies are for experienced drivers only and business and antique cars are generally ineligible.

Encourage new drivers to take driver's education. It's easy, results in better driving skills, and can save you up to 10% off premiums for bodily injury, property, and collision for the first 3 years that the new driver is behind the wheel.

If you have a child who is away at college and still on your car insurance policy for when they are home and need to drive, check with your insurance company to see if you qualify for a discount. If the school they attend is a minimum distance away, many insurance companies will lower the amount you pay, because they won't be driving most months of the year.

Don't buy credit life or credit disability insurance through your car dealer when purchasing a new car. Some dealers do a hard sell on these coverages because they're profitable for the dealership, but not good for you. These policies are highly overpriced, and if they're folded into your car loan, you not only end up paying 100% to 500% more than you should for the coverage; you also pay interest on it.