Still want more help? Get those pesky Premiums down!

No matter what kind of vehicle you own, you need car insurance, especially since most states require drivers to carry a "proof of insurance" card. Since no two drivers are exactly alike, here is some helpful advice for you to use when looking for car insurance.

Car Insurance Advice: Make Good Use of the Internet

During your car insurance search, you can get a lot of mileage out of the Internet.
Most well-known car insurance companies have Web sites that contain rate quote calculators that help you determine what your car insurance premium will be.

Insurance.com offers a link to Progressive Direct, a car insurance company that works with many different insurance underwriters. Companies like Progressive Direct or AIG compare rate quotes from their various underwriters and offer car insurance rate comparisons to their clients. Using the Internet to shop around makes good sense and can save lots of dollars.

Car Insurance Advice: Location Makes a Difference

You might have a spotless driving record, but car insurance companies are concerned about all the other people that drive through your neighborhood. Insurers check the number of collisions around your home and will factor that into your rate quote. The more accidents in your area, the higher your car insurance premium is likely to be.

Some car insurance underwriters also offer what is called a "low-mileage discount," which means that if you drive a short distance to work, you can get a lower rate based on the amount of time you spend on the road each day.

No matter where you live or how long your morning commute takes you, talk to the insurance agent to see if you can get a better rate based on your good driving record or, if you are a new driver, see if you can negotiate a lower rate after one year of safe driving.

Car Insurance Advice: Raise Those Deductibles

Are you in a financial position to set aside $500 or $1,000 to use in case of a car accident? Buying a car insurance policy with a high deductible can reduce the monthly or annual premium. You will pay more out of pocket if you are involved in a collision, but choosing a higher deductible can save you money in the long run.

Car Insurance Advice: Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and Wrecks

After passing the written part of the driver's test, most people toss the driver's manual aside and never look at it again unless they have to take a driver's education course to get their license back.

Some car insurance companies do offer discounts to good drivers who take refresher courses in driver safety. When shopping around for car insurance, check to see which companies offer a lower rate for taking classes such as these.

Car Insurance Advice: How Old is Your Car?

Do you treat your car like NSA Agent John Casey, Adam Baldwin's character on NBC's "Chuck," who drives a 1985 Crown Victoria that he carefully washes by hand? Or do you own a vehicle that has been handed down to every member of your family and looks more like a tank and less like a car?

Before looking for car insurance, check the Kelly Blue Book value of your car to see if you really need comprehensive insurance or just liability. The Insurance Information Institute says that if your car is worth less than 10 times the car insurance premium, you may want to skip the comprehensive part of your coverage.