There isn’t a driver out there who wants to pay more than necessary for auto insurance premiums. It’s an important part of auto ownership, but far less enjoyable than the vehicle itself. Combined with a car payment, a car insurance premium can really put a dent into your monthly finances. Although we can’t help you with the car note itself, here are a few tips to get a lower auto insurance quote, and therefore, a lower monthly insurance bill to ease up on those debts.

First point; check your credit reports for errors-one from each of the three main credit bureaus- Experian, Equifax and Trans Union (available at each bureau’s website, one free report annually from each bureau -by law). Your credit history and current score have a drastic impact on your insurance premiums, so by clearing up and misinformation or inaccuracies on them, you’ll receive lower auto insurance quotes from potential insurers. Keeping up on your credit and paying your bills on time will help to ensure low rates on loans and insurance in the future.

Second, slow down! Speeding tickets and other traffic violations, including any sort of vehicle related ticket (parking included) issued by law enforcement, PLUS accidents, are another key factor in calculating your insurance premiums.

Next point of interest: Students with good grades will have better insurance rates than those with less than high scholastic ambitions. This is good news for parents and children alike, for it provides a wonderful bartering tool for moms and dads.

Another key point: Group discounts are often a money saving tool within the insurance industry. If you have homeowners, life, or any other type of insurance policy, having them all written by the same insurer will yield you a sometimes hefty discount.

Be sure to get a quote on an insurance policy before driving off in your new car. Each vehicle on the market will vary greatly from each other as well as individual insurance providers as to their insurance premiums. Don’t assume that just because something is a four door sedan that the insurance rates will be less than a two door coupe, or visa versa. Insurance costs vary for many different reasons, sometimes for the car’s speed, while other times a car might be a high theft risk in your area.

Finally, shop around. Don’t assume that just because one particular insurance company considers you a risk that another will feel the same. Obtaining quotes from multiple insurers will create competition between then, granting you a “win-win” situation.

If after trying all of these ideas you’re still not completely happy with your insurance quote, you may want to consider raising your deductible for collision and comprehensive coverage. If your policy’s coverage now contains a $250 deductible, raising it to $500 will save you some money on your auto insurance premiums.