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Consumer Reports Offers Money-Saving Tips On Auto Insurance

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Motorists run the risk of being involved in a fender-bender each day they are behind the wheel, so that is why they have to have insurance. In Wake County, that cost averages more than $1,000 per year for a driver with no points.

Consumer Reports

has advice to save some money on insurance.

More than 120 million cars are on the road, which means that that are a lot of drivers who need auto insurance. It is an expense people love to hate, but there is something you can do.

Consumer Reports

suggests checking your current policy every year to see if you are getting the best deal.

"Every time you make a change in your life, it can have an impact on your car insurance. If you move to a different neighborhood, if your child leaves home and is no longer on your policy, that can drive your rates down," said Tobie Stanger of

Consumer Reports

.

Consumer Reports

suggests some other ways to cut the cost of car insurance.

They suggest making sure your agent knows about any safety features your vehicle has such as anti-lock brakes and front and side air bags. You may also qualify for a reduction if you have an anti-theft device or if you take a defensive driving course.

Consumer Reports

also suggests that if your premium is more than 10 percent of your car's value, you should consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage.

Plus, compare rates from other companies every year.

Consumer Reports

found some insurers charge as much as double for the same coverage.

You may want to consider raising your deductible to $500 or $1,000. A $1,000 deductible can cut your premium by more than 40 percent.

©2002 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. All rights reserved.

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