19 Most Popular Auto Insurance Discounts

By Jim Donovan

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- When was the last time that you shopped around for auto insurance?   Well, if you haven't reviewed your policy in a while, you could be missing out on some valuable discounts.

No matter what you drive, auto insurance companies use discounts to win your business.  "It does seem like they are coming up with new ones all the time as they try to remain competitive to their rivals," says Doug Whiteman of Bankrate.com.

When Bankrate reviewed discounts offered by the 10 largest auto insurers, Whiteman says, "We did see more discounts generally and there were a couple of new ones that we hadn't looked for last year.  They didn't really register with us and this time they've gone mainstream."

Four out of the 10 largest auto insurance companies now offer discounts if your vehicle has daytime running lights.  Eight of 10 offer discounts for low mileage.  According to Whiteman, "In many cases you need to have a gadget on board your vehicle that monitors your mileage and reports back to the insurance company. so the insurer knows that you are indeed driving as little as you say."

Even certain groups, like alumni associations, fraternities, sororities, or working in certain occupations may qualify for discounts.  Whiteman says, "The insurance companies believe that people in certain positions are less likely to spend a lot of time on the road and also might be less likely to take risks.  So for example, teachers and scientists quality for those occupational insurance discounts."

But searching for discounts isn't always easy.  Bankrate has put together a great chart so that you can compare the 19 most popular discounts offered by the top 10 auto insurers.   To check it out, visit:

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/insurance/car-insurance-discounts.aspx