Even though car thefts were down 11% in 2006 in Washington State, car insurance still comes at a premium price. Trying to wade through the maze that is automobile insurance rates to find the best deal can be challenging for anyone. It can feel as though you're at the mercy of the car insurance companies and you have to take whatever they are offering. That's not the case. There are ways you can get the upper hand and save at least a few dollars off the cost of premiums each year.

The first thing you need to arm yourself with when you journey into the world of automobile insurance is what coverage you are interested in. Many insurance companies have a wide range of policies and typically agents will begin by trying to sell you the most comprehensive one they offer. The reason is simple and it's that they make money by selling these policies so it stands to reason that if they can lure you into buying a more expensive one; it means more money in their pocket.

You need to first think about what would happen should you be in an accident that is your fault. How much coverage would you need to adequately protect yourself, repair or replace your automobile and cover any medical expenses that may be related to an accident? All of this is dependent on several factors including your driving record, the vehicle you drive now and the area you typically drive in. If you have a baseline idea of what you should be paying, you can then negotiate with an insurance agent realizing the limitations of your situation. Obviously someone who drives in a major metropolitan area and has numerous speeding violations won't enjoy the same low rates as someone who drives rurally and has never been ticketed. Be realistic in your goal and you'll find a rate that fits.