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Save on car insurance

INSURANCE-Take a lesson from Nicolas Joseph Cugnot. The 18th-century French inventor crafted a steam-powered car, which traveled at two miles per hour and ran out of power every ten minutes. Despite this, in 1771 he somehow managed to drive it into a stone wall, thus becoming the first person to have a motor vehicle accident.

Today's drivers are more adept behind the wheel than Cugnot (most of the time), but they still need protection from the unexpected.

Here's how to save cash while making the most of your insurance policy.

Keep it current. Review your policy every year to make sure it reflects the changes in your life. Driving less because of high gas prices? That could trim your insurance payments.

Take on more risk. Raising your deductible is a quick way to cut insurance costs. If you're driving an older car, consider moving to liability coverage; the car's replacement value might not match what you're paying for insurance.

Ask about discounts. Some insurers offer deals if you have both your auto and home policies with them. You might qualify, but you won't know if you don't speak up.

Consider your ride. Check out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org) for a look at the safest cars. These cars usually qualify for less expensive insurance. On the other hand, extra features ranging from rims to costly sound systems could drive up your insurance charges.

Take a class. Teens and seniors can often save money on their insurance by completing an approved driver skills course.

For more information, talk to your insurance agent.