As is true in almost every state in the Union, Alabama requires each of its drivers to purchase automobile insurance. Failure to purchase insurance - and then driving on a public roadway - can result in fines and fees and wasted time that, ultimately, is more than if you had simply found and purchased cheap automobile insurance in the first place.

So how do you get the best rates on automobile insurance in Alabama? The answer is surprisingly simple.

Start with your own driving record. If you want the best rates on automobile insurance then you are going to have to drive legally and safely - all the time. If you earn even one speeding ticket or other moving violation then you can't expect to get the best rates on automobile insurance.

If you are stupid enough and irresponsible enough to drive when drunk or when impaired and you are convicted of a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) then it will be years - usually a minimum of 3 years - before you will be offered automobile insurance at anything approaching an affordable rate.

Getting the best rates on automobile insurance begins with your choice of car. In the eyes of your insurance company not all cars are created equal. Some cars cost a lot more to insure than others. If you're really serious about paying the least amount of money possible for your insurance then begin by asking your agent for a list of the least-expensive cars to insure.

If you can keep your car in a garage at night then you will save money on your insurance.

If you can use public transportation for as many of your "driving" needs as possible, you may be able to save quite a bit on your insurance. If you can keep your average driving down to less than 500 miles a month you could qualify for a Low Mileage Discount on your monthly premium.

If you have recently stopped working and you are no longer driving back and forth to work everyday then you will also save money on your insurance. Let your agent know about any change in your routine driving habits.

Adding simple anti-theft features to your car can save you some serious money. Ask your agent how much you could save if you simply purchase (and regularly use) a simple steering wheel locking device. There is also a relatively simple electronic device that shuts off your fuel pump unless you punch in a secret code or press a hidden button. Such devices are inexpensive and relatively easy-to-install yourself. Talk to your agent and see what your monthly savings could be.

Check around at work as well as with any clubs, groups or associations you might belong to and see if any of them offer a group discount rate on automobile insurance. You'd be surprised at how common this is becoming.

If you are 25 years old or younger stay in school and get good grades. If you can manage to maintain at least a "B" average then you could save 5% each month with your Good Student Discount.

If you are 55 or older ask if you qualify to take a special driver's refresher course. Not every company offers this discount, but if you qualify and you pass the course it can save you a cool 10% per month on your insurance premiums.

And then there's your deductible. The bigger your deductible the smaller your monthly automobile insurance premium will be. Of course, you need to exercise caution when increasing your deductible because if you ever have a claim you will have to come up with your deductible in cash. Don't promise to pay more than you can actually afford.

Now it's time for you to go online and find 3 different websites that permit you to make quick and easy comparisons of auto insurance prices among different insurance companies. Using everything you have learned from this article carefully enter the exact same information onto the form on at least 3 different comparison websites.

Now simply pick the company that offers the best price for the insurance you want. That's it. You're done. You've done your homework and you've compared prices and now you've got the best rates on automobile insurance in Alabama and you'll be saving money every single month for a long time to come. Congratulations!