Because when they start advertising cheap insurance on TV they're almos talways assuming that you're going to be coming into this with a perfect, unblemished driving record, a car that's relatively cheap to replace and a home address that's somewhere 4 cars or less happen to drive past per day. Doesn't sound like you? Fuhgeddaboutit.

The good news is, there are ways to get cheaper car insurance rates than you're paying right now. No, it might not be for hundreds of dollars a year less than Joe Schmoe with the 50 year old clunker down the street is paying, but it's bound to be less than you're paying now! The secret to cheap car insurance is all in the discounts, so talk to your insurance agent to see what you could be qualifying for that you're not. Common car insurance discounts include ((but are not limited to):

• Anti-lock brakes

• Electronic locks

• Fuel switches

• Seat belts

• 4-wheel drive

• Age (drivers under 25 are always going to pay more for insurance, and drivers over 52 may be entitled to additional discounts if it cuts their commute)

• Location. If you live in an urban area with heavily congested traffic or along an interstate where accidents are common you're going to pay more for car insurance than if you'd settled in Mayberry.

• Grades. If you're a student, you don't have a driving record or a credit score to give your car insurance company an idea of how responsible you are behind the wheel. Because of that, the insurance company is going to look at how responsible you are in the classroom instead! Honor roll and Dean's list students are entitled to a good student discount with just about every Kansas car insurance company currently in business.

• Credit score. No, you can never get away from that little three digit number-so why not make the most of it? A good credit score will go a long way toward helping save you money on your car insurance.

• Driving Record. Your driving record can have a huge impact on your car insurance rates, so it's better to brace for it now! Keeping your nose clean is the best way to keep your car insurance rates down to a dull roar, but if you do find yourself in an accident or convicted of a traffic violation the best thing you can do for yourself is volunteer to take a driver improvement course.

So what do you think? Are you getting all the car insurance discounts you qualify for? Or is cheap car insurance always just out of your grasp? Whichever situation you happen to be in, pick up the phone and call your car insurance agent to fix it today.