Paying for car insurance is one of those unfortunate facts of life. Most states require it and even if they didn't, you wouldn't want to be stuck with the entire bill in the event of an auto accident, right? But that doesn't mean you should have to pay through the nose for auto insurance either.

In fact, it's understandable that many drivers look for ways to save even a few dollars extra per month on their car insurance...all that money can add up over time. There are quite a few steps you can take to make sure you're getting the best coverage for the lowest possible rate even though some can take awhile before you see any results. However, here are a few things you can do immediately to help lower your auto insurance rates.

Increase Your Deductible

When you apply for auto insurance, one of the decisions you'll have to make is how much your deductible will be, which is essentially how much you are willing to come out of pocket in the event of an accident. If the accident results in damages that require more than your deductible, your insurance company will cover the rest so in their eyes, a higher deductible makes it more likely that they will be "off the hook". They reward you for that by reducing your premium so for a lower premium, increasing your deductible is certainly an option. Just be sure you have the cash on hand to cover those expenses in case an accident does occur. This also means not having any insurance claims on your record since that will obviously make the insurance cautious about doing business with you.

Add an Anti-Theft Device

This can help save you a few dollars per month as long as you purchase a system that your insurance company recognizes. It would be a good idea to check with them to see what the requirements are or if they have any recommendations on particular makes and models. In addition to the lower premiums you'll enjoy, you can also rest easy knowing that your car will be a much harder target for thieves once you add your new alarm system.

Enroll in a Defensive Driving Course

This can also save you a bit on your payments but much like the anti-theft suggestion, you'll want to be sure that your insurance company recognizes the course and that it's approved. They might even be able to recommend some training facilities in your area.

Compare Rates Online

Quotes from different auto insurance companies can vary wildly, even for the same driver and same car. Since that's the case, it's always a good idea to check your insurance rates against what other companies might be prepared to offer. As long as you know you're getting the exact same coverage in terms of the type of coverage and amounts, it might make sense to switch to a new insurance company and pocket the difference. Luckily many sites online provide instant quotes for auto insurance, allowing you to compare multiple offers at your convenience, any time of the day. Once you find an offer that meets your needs, you can have your new policy and insurance cards in hand in a matter of minutes.