Auto insurance. Connecticut.

   Insurance rates you pay for your car can vary dramatically depending on the insurance company, agent or broker you choose, the coverages you request and the kind of car you drive. Consumers may be able to keep their premiums down if they:

• Drive safely. Accidents and violations increase rates.
• Increase deductibles, but this should only be done if you can afford to pay the amount of the deductible in case of a loss.
  Deductibles represent the amount of money you pay before you make a claim. By requesting higher deductibles on collision and comprehensive (fire and theft) coverage, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision cost by 15% to 30%.
• Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage on a low value car that is not financed, but be careful. This option should not be considered under any circumstances unless you can afford to repair or replace the vehicle or do without it.
  Also, if the car is financed, carrying collision and comprehensive coverage will probably be required by the bank or financing company and dropping the coverage would probably be an event of default.
• ELIMINATE DUPLICATE MEDICAL COVERAGES - If you have adequate health insurance, you may be paying for duplicate medical coverage in your auto policy. In some states, eliminating this coverage could lower your personal injury protection (PIP) cost by up to 40%.
• Think about insurance when buying a new car. High performance and luxury cars, and some other cars which experience has shown to be prone to damage or theft often have high premiums. Also, consider buying safety devices such as anti-lock brakes and passive restraint systems both to protect you and your family and to be eligible for premium discounts.
• Consider area insurance cost if you are making a move - costs tend to be lowest in rural communities and highest in center cities where there is more traffic congestion.
• Get good grades and take driver training since both qualify for discounts, if you are a teenager.
• Take advantage of low mileage discounts - some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive fewer than a predetermined number of miles a year.
• Take an accident prevention course which qualifies for a discount, if you are over 62.
• Shop around. There are considerable differences in rates among companies. The insurer you select should offer both fair prices and excellent service. Quality personal service may cost a bit more, but provides added conveniences, so talk to a number of insurers to get a feeling for the quality of their service. Ask them what they would do to lower your costs. Check the financial ratings of the companies too. Then, when you've narrowed the field to three insurers, get price quotes.