 TITLE: When Should You Change Auto Insurance Providers? CONTENT: Tailoring Your Coverage to Save Money\n-------------------------------------\nThe first thing to do when you're comparing auto insurance alternatives is to look at your current policy. If you're in the market to save money, reviewing your coverages for savings opportunities is a good place to start. You might even kick things off by contacting your current insurance company to ask about modifying your coverage or applying discounts to bring your premium down.\nAdditionally, consider these three ideas for fine-tuning your policy to reduce your auto insurance costs:\n**Downgrade your coverage.** If you own your car outright, nixing comprehensive and collision coverage can bring down your premium drastically. This coverage kicks in to help you pay for repairs or replace your vehicle if you're in an accident or another covered event (vandalism, for instance). Review your policy for \"extras\" like roadside assistance or car rental coverage. Proceed with caution, though: Downgrading your coverage is only a good idea if your remaining coverage and savings are such that you won't be left high and dry if something happens to your vehicle.\n**Check your credit.** In most states, insurance companies use what's called a credit-based insurance score to help determine premiums. Check your credit report and score to see where you stand. If your credit is good, it may be a bargaining chip when you talk to prospective insurance companies. If not, taking steps to improve it can help bring down your premiums.\n**Look for discounts..** Auto insurance companies offer discounts for a variety of things: being a good driver, having multiple policies (such as auto, home and life), belonging to affiliate groups, having good grades—the list is usually long. Take a close look at each company's list of available discounts, note the ones that apply to you and make sure your insurance provider is including them in your premium calculation. END