Admit it. There has been a time when you’ve purchased a car and insured it with the car insurance office nearest the dealership. Or the same car insurance company your dad uses. Or the same one your significant other uses. Or the one whose advertisement you heard on the radio as you were pulling into the dealership. The point is, you purchased car insurance without giving it much thought. You just wanted to insure your new car and drive it off the lot.

These kinds of hasty decisions can result in paying much more than necessary for car insurance. That’s bad news for those of us on a budget. If you are looking for budget car insurance, as many of us are, there are a few things you should consider before purchasing just any old car insurance policy.

1. Take a defensive driving course. Many states require these kinds of courses, and many car insurance companies will offer lower car insurance rates to drivers who take them regardless of whether or not they are required.

2. Use what you learn from the driving course. Follow the rules of the road, and keep your driving record clean! Accidents and traffic citations will raise your car insurance rates.

3. Safeguard your car and yourself. Install an alarm system, and make sure you are driving with antilock brakes and air bags.

4. Raise your deductible. Most car insurance companies will lower your rates if you raise your insurance deductible.

5. Utilize your policy. If you own more than one car, cover all of them under the same car insurance policy.

6. Review your policy. Your car insurance needs may change as time passes. For example, you may get around to taking that driving course or adding additional safety features to your car. Contact your car insurance agent and schedule an appointment to make changes to your policy and lower your car insurance rates!