Getting several car insurance quotes for a motor vehicle may save you hundreds of dollars a year.

Here are some other ways to reduce your insurance premiums:

* Raise your deductibles on collision and comprehensive coverages. If you have an old car, you might want to drop these coverages altogether. I recently reduced my insurance premiums by
$ 10.00 per month by raising my Collision deductible from $500 to $750. While it may not pay off in a year but in the last 25 years I have had no accidents so I am betting that I will be able to save the $250 in the increased deductible.

* Take advantage of discounts. Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive less than a certain amount of miles per year, are students with good grades, have taken a safe-driving course or are over 50 years old. You might also be able to get discounts if you insure more than one vehicle, insure your vehicle and your home with the same company, have had no moving vehicle violations or accidents in three years, have anti-theft devices or have safety features such as air bags.

Shopping for and buying insurance on the Internet offers consumers a new level of convenience, but you need to protect yourself when purchasing insurance online. Do your research, double-check the company and agent, update your browser (newer browsers are equipped with security measures that alert you to insecure sites), get all quotes and policy information in writing and keep detailed records. Go to your state insurance department for more information on company and agent requirements.

Insurance Tips

* Be wary of people selling insurance door-to-door and over the telephone.

* Be suspicious if, after an accident, a stranger contacts you to offer "quick cash" or recommends a particular attorney or healthcare provider. Report the incident to your police department.

* Don't give your insurance identification numbers to companies you don't know.

* Carry a disposable camera in your glove compartment. If you are in an accident, take pictures of the damage and the people involved. Ask for names, telephone numbers and driver's license information for all those involved. Getting contact information for any witnesses is also a good idea.