Once you've found the right insurance company and you've gotten a premium quote, ask the agent or broker about getting discounts if you agree to:

Raise your Deductible: Think about what you could afford to pay today if you totaled your car. That should be your deductible. Remember, the higher the deductible, the lower your premiums. According to the National Insurance Consumer Organization, raising a collision deductible from $100 to $250 will slash around 20 percent off your premium. Raising it to $500 will save you 50%.

Drop Collision Coverage: Collision coverage tends to be the most expensive part of car insurance. And if your car is over five years old, it's probably isn't worth it to pay for collision coverage. If you get into an accident the most you'll receive is the blue book value of the car, which may even be less than what it will cost to replace the car. Understand though, that if you drop collision coverage, you'll be assuming the risk yourself.

Get Good Grades: Good Students tend to have fewer accidents and are therefore better risks for insurance companies. If you're a student, keep your grades up and you'll qualify for the good student discount

Take a Defensive Driving Course: Like good students, defensive drivers have fewer accidents. Completion of a defensive driving course should take another 5 to 15 percent off your premiums.

Install Antitheft Devices: The installation of a burglar alarm, hood lock or any other antitheft device will typically shave 5 to 15 percent off your premiums.

Buy a Car with Passive Restraints: Air bags and automatic seat belts can shave 10 to 30 percent off your liability coverage.

Carpool to Work: If you use your car for "pleasure purposes" you can shave up to 5 to15 percent off your premiums, depending on how much you drive. This is also something to take advantage of if you have a child who attends college far from home and is covered on your policy. If the student only drives occasionally, that portion of your premium should be lower.

Give the Insurance Company More of Your Business: Insurance companies want your business and the more business you bring them; the more they'll reward you. If you own two or more cars, insure them with the same company and you'll receive a "multicar discount".

Drop Duplicate Coverage: Many car insurance polices include medical payments coverage to pay for your medical bills if you've been in an accident. But if you already have decent health insurance, there's no need for medical payments coverage. And if you don't have decent health insurance, put your money into getting some - that's where it will work harder for you.

Drop unnecessary Coverage: Remember the purpose of insurance: to pay for losses that would be financially devastating of you had to incur them yourself. I don't think towing and emergency road service fall into this category. I'd much prefer to see you become a member of another roadside assistance service for towing and emergency service than to pay for coverage under your car insurance policy.