If opening your auto-insurance bill is a painful task because your premiums are so high, it may be time to find a new policy. There are many ways to lower your auto-insurance premiums, and usually, all it takes is a little time and effort to save a lot of money. If you feel that your current auto insurance is too expensive, use the following tips to find insurance that is more affordable.

Shop Around

When your current insurance company is charging too much, it is a good idea to see what other companies have to offer. There is no set rule for calculating insurance premiums, so take the time to get auto-insurance quotes from several different companies so you can see which one offers the best deal. Make sure that each policy offers the same coverage and protection so you know that you're comparing similar products.

Check Your Driving Record

If you have moving violations or accidents on your driving record, you will most likely be paying more for insurance. Luckily, these things do not stay on your driving record forever. If it has been a few years since your last accident or ticket, check your driving record to see whether it has been removed. When you discover that an accident or ticket has fallen off your record, ask your insurance company to re-evaluate your driving record to see whether you can qualify for lower rates.

Reconsider Your Insurance Coverage

Many states require that drivers carry liability insurance, but comprehensive insurance usually is not required. If you drive an older car that is not worth a lot of money, you may want to think about lowering your insurance coverage. Dropping comprehensive insurance on an older, low-value car can save you a lot of money on your insurance premiums.

Increase Your Deductible

When you purchase an insurance policy, you have to select a deductible amount. The deductible is the amount of money that you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. A good rule of thumb is that the higher your deductible, the lower your auto-insurance rates will be. If your current premiums are too high for your budget, call your insurance company and see how much you can save by increasing your deductible. Most people don't make auto-insurance claims very often, so having a higher deductible can be a wise choice when you're trying to save money. 

Call companies such as Horgan Insurance Agency to start comparing policies.