Finding online car insurance quotes is easy, but finding the cheapest auto insurance rates can be more of a challenge. To get the lowest quotes, follow these tips to help you find ways to trim possibly hundreds off your car insurance quotes.

1. Give them details – If you don’t provide information about your zip code, marital status, car’s safety features, and annual commuting miles, by default insurance companies will quote you a higher auto insurance rate. Provide as much detail as possible to make sure you get each discount that you qualify for.

2. Shop around – Auto insurance rates can vary as much as 300% between companies for the same coverage. You can save hundreds of dollars a year by comparing prices between companies. Don’t forget to check out your current insurance company, they may have lower rates for new customers that you may be able to negotiate for yourself.

3. Raise your deductible – Higher deductibles equal lower insurance premiums. For example, increasing your deductible from $250 to $500, can save you a hundred dollars or more on your annual premium. However, plan on having additional financial resources to cover the deductible in case of an accident.

4. Cut the miles you drive – For drivers who travel on average 40 miles or less a day, they qualify for a low mileage discount with most insurance companies. Consider carpooling or taking public transit a couple of days a week to reduce your car’s mileage to qualify for the discount. By flying or taking a train for vacations instead of driving, you can further reduce the miles on your car.

5. Switch drivers – For married couples, compare insurance quotes between the male as the main driver and the female as the main driver. You may get a lower quote if the female is insured on a truck and the male is insured on the minivan. Teens should also be insured on safer cars such as the family sedan, rather than a sports car.

6. Add an anti-theft device – By installing car alarms or a tracking system in your car, you will get a discount from auto insurance companies. Since anti-theft devices reduce the risk of your car being stolen, insurance companies pass on the savings to you. A certified defensive-driving class can also reduce your premium for three years with most insurance companies.

- Before buying a car get the car insurance quote for the model you intent to buy; insurance costs may vary a lot between different cars and even between different models of the same car.

- Shop around, get quotes from as many insurance companies as you can, rates vary between different insurance companies.

- Consider higher deductible - the amount you pay from your pocket before your insurance will pay should you have a claim.

- If you have a low value vehicle, consider to drop comprehensive and (or) collision coverage; If you car worth just $1500 - $2000 it makes more sense to buy another vehicle rather than repair the old one.

- Ask for all possible discounts available - some insurance companies may offer you a discount if your car has certain safety features such as Antilock Brakes (ABS) or anti-theft devices like an alarm system or an immobilizer.

- Some insurance companies offer discounts if you insure other things such as your house with the same company.

- Not all insurance companies offer the same level of service. Choose a reputable company, there is a web site where you can check ratings of various insurance companies.

- The Insurance Information Source. Ask your friend and relatives what is their experience with particular insurance company.

- Shop around for an insurance quote every time before your current policy is due for renewal - your current insurer no always offers you the best rate. Insurance rates vary between different companies. And it's very possible that other insurance company will offer you lower rates if you switch. I shop around every year and switched my insurance few times to get lower rates.

- If you are planning to move to different place, check the insurance quote for that location first, the insurance rates may vary depending on where you live and how far you drive to and from work every day.

- If you found another job that requires you to drive less to and from work, call your insurance company, they may offer you lower rates.

- And finally, and most importantly, drive safely, so you will never have to use your insurance.

by Vlad Samarin