 TITLE: Do You Have to Pay Auto Insurance When You’re Not Driving? CONTENT: Other Ways to Reduce Car Insurance Costs\n----------------------------------------\nThere are other, less drastic steps you can take to help lower your auto insurance costs while still maintaining your coverage.\n*   **Eliminate extras.** You might not even realize it, but your car insurance policy may cover things like rental cars, roadside assistance or providing a loaner car if yours is in the shop. Cutting out these little extras can save money.\n*   **Ask about usage-based insurance.** Also called _low-mileage_ or _pay-per-mile_ insurance, usage-based insurance offers lower premiums to people who don't drive very much. For example, if you drive under 10,000 or 12,000 miles annually, you might be eligible for a reduced rate.\n*   **Check into discounts.** You may be eligible for car insurance discounts based on membership in certain organizations, bundling your car and homeowners insurance with the same insurance company, or other factors.\n*   **Increase your deductible.** See how much you can save on premiums by increasing your deductible. Just be sure you're prepared to cover the larger deductible if you need to make a claim.\n*   **Shop around.** If you're not happy with the options your current insurer offers, get quotes from other insurance companies to compare prices.\n*   **Improve your credit score.** It's not a change you can make overnight, but raising your credit score might lower your insurance premiums. Car insurance companies in many states use your credit score as a factor in pricing your insurance; insurers generally offer lower rates to those with higher scores.\nThe Bottom Line\n---------------\nIt would be nice if you could simply cancel your auto insurance while you're not driving your car. In reality, however, it's not that simple. Going without auto insurance can put your physical and financial health at risk, which could end up costing you much more than any savings in premiums.\nFortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your costs without eliminating coverage. The best place to start is by contacting your insurance company. Insurance agents will be up to date on current insurance requirements and can suggest options tailored to your specific situation. Chances are, they'll find a way you can lower your auto insurance premiums and still protect yourself, your car and everyone else on the road. END