RICHMOND -- Are you driving fewer miles this year because of the higher cost of gasoline? Has your commute to work or school changed recently or have you joined a carpool or begun riding the bus? If so, you may be able to save some money on your automobile insurance. Many insurance companies consider the length of your daily commute to work or school or how many miles you drive throughout the year when determining the rate you will pay for auto insurance.

     “We encourage Virginia consumers to contact their insurance agent or company if their driving habits have changed. If you are carpooling to work because of higher gas prices, or using mass transit more often to get to work, you may be entitled to a lower auto insurance premium,” said Alfred W. Gross, commissioner of insurance for the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC).

     The SCC’s Bureau of Insurance encourages Virginians to talk to different insurance agents and companies to compare prices and coverage. “Only by shopping around can consumers ensure that they are getting insurance coverage for their vehicles at a competitive price,” Gross said.

     The Bureau recommends reviewing your automobile coverage regularly and notifying your insurance agent or company if you experience any changes that might reduce your premium. In addition to possible discounts based on miles driven, insurers may offer discounts for such things as a safe driving record, multiple vehicles, the existence of anti-theft devices, airbags, or automatic seatbelts in your vehicles, and successful completion of a driver education or defensive driving course. You can also reduce your auto insurance premium by increasing your deductibles – the amount you pay when you have a claim.

     According to the latest information provided by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Virginia has among the lowest auto insurance premiums in the country, ranking 41st out of the 50 states in terms of the average premium. “Virginia has a very competitive market with more than 200 insurers writing policies. Not every company charges the same rate, so shop around for identical products and services,” Gross said.

     The Bureau of Insurance offers an Automobile Insurance Consumer’s Guide and a brochure with sample auto insurance premiums. The auto insurance guide is designed to help consumers understand their insurance coverage, how to shop for it, and what to do if a problem arises. The premium tables reflect current samplings of automobile insurance premiums for 50 of the top writers of automobile insurance in Virginia. The tables are categorized by geographic region and show premiums for 20-year-old unmarried males and females and for 45-year-old married adults.

     The Bureau also offers consumer guides dealing with homeowner and renters insurance. These and other consumer guides are available by calling the Bureau of Insurance Property and Casualty Consumer Services Section at (804) 371-9185 or toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 or by visiting the Bureau’s website at http://www.scc.virginia.gov/division/boi/.