Nearly every state in the U.S. requires you to insure your vehicle. Many lienholders also require it if you finance your vehicle and use it as collateral to secure the car loan. Auto insurance can be pricey depending on where you live and other factors. According to Forbes, motorists who are at least 60 pay the nation's lowest average auto insurance rate of $1,915 annually. Whether you are that age or younger, you can take the following steps to help keep your auto insurance rates down.

Don't Get Traffic Tickets

The reason many older drivers pay lower rates is that they tend to do a better job of obeying traffic laws. Having a lead foot and ignoring stop signs and other traffic controls is a sure way to earn traffic tickets. The more tickets you get, the more points go on your driving record, which triggers higher auto insurance rates. A DUI conviction or causing an accident while breaking one or more traffic laws are two of the most serious offenses that will cause your auto insurance company to raise your rates or refuse to renew your policy, states The Zebra.

Get a Multi-Policy Discount

Whether you own a home or rent your place of residence, the same property and casualty insurer underwriting your auto insurance likely offers homeowners or renters insurance coverage. When you obtain auto and home or renters insurance coverage through the same insurer, most will offer a multi-policy discount. You likely have seen TV insurance ads encouraging you to bundle your coverage. A bundle is the same thing as a multi-policy discount that might significantly lower your auto insurance rate.

Ask What Qualifies You for a Rate Discount

Many auto insurers have a variety of ways for policyholders to get a lower auto insurance discount. An auto insurance company will often lower your rate if you successfully complete a driver's safety course. You also might earn a lower rate by parking in a secured garage, installing an anti-theft device, or specifically naming the only drivers who are insured while driving your car. A named insured policy might apply to just you and exclude others from your household who might have serious moving violations.

Turn to Alamo Insurance & Financial Service, a top auto insurance company, to learn more about our policies. We can help you lower your car insurance rates! Call today.