You want to save money on your monthly insurance bill, but don’t know where to start. One of the best places to find discounts for your insurance can start right in the driver’s seat of your car, where many money saving tips are right in front of your eyes.

Safety is one of the primary places where you can save a lot of cash on your premium. Air bags are one of the major features that marks a vehicle as safe, and are not found only in the driver steering wheel. Newer models have passenger airbags and even side impact bags installed in the door panels for added protection during a wreck. Also, there are certain models of cars that are known for having excellent safety ratings. Vehicles are tested and rated according to how well the car survives a crash from different sides at varying speeds, being given one star for poor performance up to a five star for superior safety performance. Before purchasing a vehicle, check its safety rating for the best one that meets your needs. Volvo is an example of a company that has an excellent safety rating history for its vehicle design and engineering.

Prevention is another facet of a car that can reduce costs in the long run and can even get you cheap auto insurance rates to save a ton of money. Taking good care of your vehicle by having regular tune-ups, oil changes, and rotating your tires are key to staving off mechanical problems and keeping your car in prime running condition. A car that is well taken care of will also prevent future claims for problems that creep up from poor care. A good example of this is your windshield, which can be a problem spot if left unattended. If you find a small crack in it, get it fixed immediately. Often, your insurance will take care of it and you will have no out-of-pocket expense. In retrospect, if you don’t take care of it, the crack could expand leaving you with a claim and the need for a new windshield.

The model of the car that you are purchasing can really affect your insurance, which are rated according to statistics dealing with theft and safety record. Consider this when getting ready to make a final decision, and it can save you some money. A car that is safer and has less fancy features is worth the money in your pocket versus the sports car that can cost you more on your premium.

Driving your car with care is another way to keep the rates lower and your pocket fatter. Speeding, wreckless driving, and related mishaps can bring your insurance up in cost, and put you into the high risk end, which can be expensive.

By practicing preventive care on your care, being a smart shopper, driving safely, and knowing which cars are the best in safety, you can keep your insurance rates well within your budget. Asking your insurer about other tips can also help you find practical ways to keep you safe and saving.