Tired of paying outrageous amounts of money for your auto insurance? Well, I can't promise that the amount you pay still won't seem outrageous, but I can offer some tips to lowering the abominable number.

First and most important, when looking for an insurance company, do some research. Don't pick the first name you see in the phone book. Call around and ask friends about their insurers. Find an insurer with a good reputation. And find an insurer who is notable for settling claims fast - that can make a huge difference when you've been in an accident and are waiting for the money to make repairs.

An obvious but often overlooked penny-saver is to ask your agent about special offers. Many insurers offer discounts for a variety of reasons, including: safe-driving record, multiple cars insured, years of experience, college graduate, marital status, retirement status, etc.

A common error made is the tendency to over-insure or under-insure. When selecting coverage, choose only what you need. Don't be talked into extra packages that don't apply to you and your car. But don't skimp too much on your coverage. Sure, you might save a few dollars up front, but you could lose a lot in the long run.

Ask questions to make sure you get the right coverage, and make sure you fully understand what is and isn't covered.