Hi, My Name's Liesel

Your auto insurance company doesn't check your coverage regularly to see if you are missing out on a discount. That is something you have to do. If you feel that you are paying too much for your auto insurance, you should call your agent and inquire about your policy.

You don't want to overpay for anything, and it may be time for you to shop around with other companies. Here are a few things you want to ask your current provider about and to tell potential new insurance providers about to save.

Long Term Clean Record

Have you gone 5 years or longer without any type of automobile accident or without a moving violation? If so, your auto insurance provider should have a discount for staying accident-free. Some insurance companies give you a discount if you make it just 3 years without a claim. If they forgot to update your policy, give them a reminder right away.

Safety Features Discounts

Does your newer vehicle have safety features like side air bags, anti-lock brakes, rear cameras and other things? If so, there are insurance companies that will give you a discount you for having features that can reduce injury or the chance of an accident. Ask your agent if they offer this, or look for a company that does.

Change in Career

Did you used to drive for a living or have to commute a long distance for work, but now your drive is much shorter? Did you think to call your auto insurance company and tell them that? If not, they could be charging you more because they think you are on the road for hours a day.

Improved Credit

If you have been working on clearing debt and improving credit over the last year and you know your credit score has gone up a great deal since the last time you applied for auto insurance, get a new quote from your current provider or a new provider. The coverage should be more affordable because of your improved score.

Talk about all of these things with your current auto insurance agent and see what your new auto insurance rate is. After you have a new rate, apply for auto insurance with a different provider and compare the two together. Have each company that gives you a quote print out the terms of the policy and compare coverage while you're shopping around. For more information, contact a company like Northeast Underwriters.