Want to save on your auto insurance? Check out these surprising ways you could be saving.

By Terence Loose    

So you haven't had a ticket in years and you're accident-free. That must mean your auto insurance rate is as low as it can be, right? Perhaps.

But depending on your auto insurance, there may be more ways to lower your rate than you think.

To make sure you're getting all the savings you can, check out these six surprising ways you could potentially reduce your auto insurance rate.

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Surprising Way to Save # 1 - Get Married

If you recently tied the knot, make sure your auto insurer gets the good news. You could receive a wedding gift in the form of a discount.

"Getting married often results in a lowering of your insurance premium," says Loretta Worters, vice president of the Insurance Information Institute (III). "From an underwriting perspective, insurers believe someone who gets married is usually a better risk as they take fewer chances than someone who is single."

Surprising Way to Save # 2 - Use Anti-Theft Devices

When your car gets stolen, it costs you and your insurer. Therefore, insurers have a big incentive to provide discounts for anti-theft devices, such as LoJack, which uses a hidden transmitter to allow police to track the vehicle, according to Worters.

"The amount of the discount varies, but is typically 15 to 20 percent for passive devices, which are automatically activated when the vehicle is locked," Worters adds.

In some states, the savings can be more substantial.

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"For instance, Massachusetts residents are eligible for a minimum 25 percent discount if they have both an anti-theft device and an auto recovery system, and some combinations of devices can result in a 36 percent discount," says Worters.

Surprising Way to Save # 3 - Buy an Ugly Car

Okay, we're kidding here. But owning a car that's not especially attractive to car thieves could help you get some savings. Think that just means avoiding the Mercedes and BMW showrooms? Think again.

"A convertible car is more likely to cost more to insure as it is easier to rip into the cloth of the top of the car," says Worters. "There are cars that are older that are favorites of thieves because of their parts resale value."

Other top stolen vehicles include sports cars with spoilers or souped-up engines.

And no matter what type of car you own, Worters says you could lower your rate if you park your car in a garage or off the street, as most car thefts take place on the street.

Surprising Way to Save # 4 - Become a Test Pilot

Techies are always coming up with more efficient ways for us to improve our lifestyle, but did you know their latest auto technologies could also help lower your rate? Specifically, we're talking about devices that insurers install in your car to gather data on your driving habits. These are designed to benefit safe, defensive drivers, according to Worters.

"One program offers a discount to drivers in about 30 states who use a monitor in their vehicle that tracks mileage and times of the day the vehicle is used, along with driver behaviors such as how quickly the car speeds up and slows down," she says.

New customers could earn a first-time discount of up to 10 percent for signing up, adds Worters. After 30 days, they could earn discounts up to 30 percent. Other companies have similar programs, so be sure to ask around.

Surprising Way to Save # 5 - Carpool

That's right, all those days being stuck in the back seat with Bob from accounting could pay off in more ways than just fuel savings. Your auto insurer might offer a low mileage or carpooling discount.

"Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive a lower-than-average number of miles per year. Low mileage discounts can also apply to drivers who car pool to work," says Worters.

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According to the Insurance Information Institute, low mileage discounts usually apply when you drive less than 10,000 miles per year, but this could vary depending on your auto insurance. Insurance companies will require some form of proof, so make sure to have that information handy.

Surprising Way to Save # 6 - Raise Your Deductible

If and when you file an insurance claim, deductibles are what you pay out-of-pocket. If you can afford - and are willing to pay - a higher deductible, it could save you money on your rate.

"By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your costs substantially," says Worters. For example, going from a $200 deductible to a $500 one could result in a 15 to 30 percent savings on your collision and comprehensive coverage, says Worters. Raising it to $1,000 could save you 40 percent.

Just make sure that you have enough money set aside to pay the deductible in case you need to file a claim.

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