Saving money on insurance isn't difficult - you just have to invest some time, organize your findings, and decide who's offering the best deal for your needs.

• Shop around, but don't buy insurance on price alone. Get quotes from at least three companies and go to your state's department of insurance website to check on the number and resolution of consumer complaints.
• Raise your deductible (the amount you have to pay for a loss before insurance kicks in).
• Buy home and auto policies from the same insurer to take advantage of multi-policy discounts.

Homeowners

• Keep your home in good shape. Prevent water damage by maintaining your roof and windows, have your chimney cleaned every year, check electrical outlets for damage that could lead to fire; get periodic termite inspections. These common-sense precautions will limit your claims and reduce your premiums.
• Check into discounts for fire and smoke alarm systems and for home-security devices, such as deadbolts, burglar alarms, and window locks.
• Before buying a home, check its claim history. Insurers consider previous owners' claims before setting rates. You could even be denied coverage.

Auto

• Compare insurance costs before buying a car, since rates vary substantially by model.
• Reduce coverage on older cars. It may not make economic sense to carry collision insurance on a car worth only a few thousand dollars.
• Ask about discounts. Rates can be lower for safe drivers (those with no moving violations for three years), vehicles with such safety features as air bags and antilock brakes, and student drivers with good grades.

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