Just because you need auto insurance doesn't mean you have to pay more for it. There are a number of ways you can save money on auto insurance and you should take advantage of as many auto insurance discounts as you possibly can.

Discount Auto Insurance: Monthly or Annual Premiums?

For example, many drivers pay for their auto insurance each month. Do you? Auto insurance premiums are usually calculated on a semi-annual (six months) or annual basis. As a result, many auto insurance companies will charge you a little extra for offering you the convenience of monthly payments on your premium. If you can afford to pay the full auto insurance premium instead, do so and save money.

The type of car you drive will impact how much you pay for auto insurance. That hot sports car will cost a pretty penny when it comes to auto insurance. To get a discount on your auto insurance, you might want a more modest vehicle with added safety and security features such as anti-theft devices, a vehicle theft recovery system, side-impact air bags, back-up sensor and more.

Your driving record is something you can control and can earn discounts from on your auto insurance. If you've ever taken a safe driver course, let your insurance agent know. Driving safely and following the law means you'll reduce your risk of getting into accidents or getting tickets, which can translate into safe driver discounts on your auto insurance. If you plan to add your teen-aged children to your auto insurance, make sure they've taken driver's education at school, for a discount. And if they make good grades, many auto insurance companies will offer a discount for that as well.

Do you have other insurance needs besides auto insurance? If so, check with your auto insurance company to see if they'll give you a discount for purchasing other types of insurance from them. Whether it be home owner's or renter's insurance, life insurance, boat insurance, motorcycle insurance, or any other type of insurance, most insurance companies will give you a discount for purchasing another type of insurance from them along with your auto insurnace.

Customer loyalty—or not—could result in discounts on your auto insurance as well. Many companies will give you a discount after several years of using their auto insurance. Some auto insurance companies will give you a discount for switching to their product. Do your homework and you might get a nice discount on your auto insurance.

Use the Internet to seek out auto insurance discounts. The Internet is a great tool for shopping around for auto insurance discounts. This is true no matter what your driving or auto insurance history. But it may make more of a difference if you're getting auto insurance for the first time, or after a long gap without auto insurance coverage, or if you have a blemished driving record. In these situations, your auto insurance premiums are likely to be high, especially at first, until you've established a good track record. Shopping around on the Internet can help you find the best possible auto insurance rates, especially if you have a less than perfect driving record.

There are a number of discounts available to drivers for auto insurance. Just because auto insurance is required doesn't mean you can't save money on it. Do some research and you might save money on your auto insurance by discovering discounts you'd never thought of before.