Every single car owner needs insurance, but not every owner can afford expensive insurance rates. After reading this article, you will no longer feel ?helpless? when it comes to controlling your hard earned money. There is a good chance you could immediately save hundreds, even thousands of dollars on your car insurance.

Here are 6 secrets that will get you the insurance protection you need, while also protecting your wallet.

Secret #1: Driving less saves you money.

Some insurance companies offer discounted rates to customers who drive less. Installed in the glove box, or under the dash, is a technological device that tracks when, where and how fast you drive. If the data proves that you are a low risk driver, you could get a discount from an insurer that offers usage based insurance.

Secret #2: Waive your first at-fault accident.

If you've been accident free in recent history, contact your broker and ask if you qualify for the accident protection coverage. Here's how it works. If you get into a minor at fault accident while driving, your insurance company will waive your first at-fault accident if you qualified and purchased the accident protection endorsement. You will save hundreds of dollars on your car insurance rate upon renewal.

Secret #3: Car Insurance companies reward good drivers.

Car insurance companies value good drivers. Most auto insurers will reward young drivers or people over the age of 55 if they complete professional or defensive driving courses by offering up to a 15% discount off their rate.

Secret #4: Ask your employer about company car insurance perks.

Your employer may have exclusive discount rates with your own car insurance company that could save you up to 30% on your annual insurance rate. Affiliations with professional organizations may also qualify you for lower auto insurance rates

Secret #5: Have you ever rented a car? It counts as insurance experience!

Most insurance companies attempt to validate high premium rates if you've never held an insurance policy in your name. They consider you as having ?no prior insurance experience?. Renting a vehicle from a rental car company for more than one day, and purchasing liability insurance will qualify you as having insurance experience. Simply provide proof of insurance to your broker. Your wallet will thank you later.

Secret #6: Some insurance companies offer free quote searches.

Auto insurance quotes between companies can vary by hundreds, even thousands of dollars. Saving money is on everyone's mind. The only way to ensure that you find the companies that offer the best price is to do an online rate search. For instance, InsuranceHotline.com offers free rate searches for consumers and directs you to the company that has the lowest rate for you and your family.