While you legally need to have car insurance in order to operate your vehicle on the road, you can find ways to reduce these costs so you’re only paying for what you need.

However, because figuring out car insurance can be a hassle, many people won’t go through the effort of finding ways to save themselves some money. But if times are tight, it’s well worth it to do a little research or adjusting to get your car insurance at a price you can handle.

To help you with this, here are three ways you can save money on car insurance costs.

Change Your Driving Habits

How you drive and what that says about you as an insurance risk can have a major impact on how much you’re charged for auto insurance. And with there now being so many things that can distract drivers and cause car accidents, it makes sense why a car insurance company would charge someone more if they perceive them as being riskier on the road. The trick here is to appear less risky.

According to Kelley Blue Book, if you can show an auto insurance company that you don’t drive much, therefore being at lower risk for an accident, you can usually secure a better insurance rate. Additionally, if you can prove that you’re a safe driver, like by taking a defensive driving course or having a record of no accidents, your rates will also likely be lower.

Check The Rates Every Year

Just as the things in your life can change with each passing year, so can the rates that are available for you for your car insurance. According to Jon Linkov, a contributor to Consumer Reports, it can be a great idea to compare rates with different insurers each year.

Especially if you’ve been with the same company for a while, it can be beneficial to see what other options are out there for you. While many insurance companies do offer discounts for loyalty, there are plenty of discounts available that might work out better for you if you switch.

Switch Up Your Coverage

Another great way that you can save money on your car insurance is to change up your coverage. As the years go on, you might not need the same type of coverage as you once did on your vehicle.

For example, according to Erin Huffstetler, a contributor to The Balance, you might want to drop some coverages completely, like roadside assistance, car rental reimbursement, and comprehensive or collision. Additionally, you can also raise your deductible so that you’ll pay more out of pocket before your insurance will kick in but you’ll also save a lot of money on your monthly bill.  

If you’re looking for ways to save on your monthly car insurance, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you do just that.