Auto insurance can be an expensive bill for many people each month. Some people can barely even afford it, or worse – try and go without it, despite it being illegal to do so. Trying to obtain really cheap car insurance is something into which drivers put a lot of time and effort. While using a site that offers quotes and comparison tools can be helpful, not all of them are equal. Even if you do use such a site, you might not get the low quotes that you want.

In order to get cheaper quotes, here are a few tips and “hacks” for getting deals on auto insurance:

• Know the factors that affect the types of policies and rates you get. While many factors vary from one company to the next, there are a few that are always considered: your driving record and history, age, model and make of vehicle you drive, city and state, how often you use the vehicle you want insured, and credit score. Some factors, like where you live and how old you are, cannot be changed. For the ones that can, make improvements as best you can.

• Check for any and every discount possible. If you have close family in the military, for instance, you yourself might be able to get reduced auto insurance due to “affinity discounts”. In some areas, you can get discounts by taking safety driving courses. Look for site-specific and company-specific coupons as well.

More Tips for Really Cheap Car Insurance

• Try adding a more experienced driver with a clean driving history to your policy. If you are under 25 or have a poor driving record, it might be in your best interest to ask a family member who has a sparkling clean driving record and more experience to join your policy. If they agree to this, DO NOT let them down and make any mistakes, as being on the same policy as you could actually hurt their own score.

• Know what to look for when using really cheap car insurance quote sites. The lowest quote you get might not be the best, depending on what it does cover and does not cover. You could end up paying more money in the long run if you choose the wrong kind of policy. Understand what kind(s) of coverage each quote includes and decide whether or not you really need it all, or if there is any you can do without. On the flip side, make sure it doesn’t LACK anything you WILL need.

Whenever you think you are ready to start searching for really cheap car insurance, use a quality, reliable website. One site recommended by many people is Esurance. Discounts of all kinds are available, so check and see if you qualify for any of them.