When you think of ways to save money, auto insurance should be one of the first items on your agenda. From choosing certain kinds of cars to getting good grades, find out if you're saving all you can on car insurance.

Choosing the right car: Certain cars are statistically cheaper to insure. Just google "cheap cars to insure" to find out which models cost the least.

Driving less: Let your agent know if you've started driving fewer miles than in the past. Whether you've moved, lost your job, or started working from home, you may be able to shave quite a bit from your bill.

Multiple policies: Insuring your car and home with the same provider can lower your rates significantly.

Higher deductible: Raising your deductible will lower your premiums. It's important, though, to decide how much you can afford to pay out of pocket in case of an accident before you change your deductible.

Paying annually: Pay your insurance bill once per year if possible, since many insurers charge administration fees of several dollars if you pay monthly.

Safe driver discounts: Avoiding tickets and accidents goes a long way when it comes to car insurance rates. Check with your agent every year to make sure you're getting a price break for driving safely.

Good grade discounts: Students with good grades can also snag lower car insurance rates. Be prepared to provide proof of your high marks.

Age-related discounts: Drivers can often receive discounts at certain ages. Ask your agent for details.

Safety devices discounts: Arming your car with an anti-theft device can lower your insurance costs. Driver and passenger airbags and anti-lock brakes can help as well.

Location, location, location: Where your car is stored at night impacts your auto insurance rates significantly. Neighborhoods with high vehicular crime statistics can raise rates, as can areas where accidents frequently occur.

Comparison shopping: Most people are familiar with the iconic characters used to advertise insurance comparison shopping sites on TV. While you need to have relevant information about your car, license, registration, and driving history handy, the 15 to 30 minutes it takes to compare rates really can save you a lot of money. Some sites even give you a lower rate if you sign up online.

Good credit: Many insurers raise customers' rates when their credit scores go down. Making credit card and loan payments on time and monitoring your credit report for accuracy will help you avoid higher auto insurance premiums.