Cheaper Car Insurance?

I live in the nation's smallest state as measured by square miles, but according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (www.naic.org) in 2001, we have the nation's third highest car insurance rate ($1,027/year for annual premium). We're fourth behind NJ, NY and Washington, DC, and "up" from 8th in the nation the previous year. This is in a state with a population of less than one million residents.

So why do we pay so much? Some might say that it has to do with the risk pools to which RI drivers are assigned. Others might say that it has to do with underinsured drivers, or the fact that car insurance has only been mandatory for about a decade. Maybe it has to do with drivers with substandard credit ratings, or no credit history. Maybe we have substantially more car accidents than, say, California.

Certainly, speculation can get us into a conversation about why our insurance is so high, but what can we do to lower it? We have lots of options here: we can be in 'good hands' or secure car insurance from the auto club; we can even buy insurance from an amphibian. Surely, there are things we can do short of comparing rates online.

Here are a few suggestions, courtesy of a minivan-driving chauffeur...

1. Use Turn Signals. Or Blinkers. Or Indicators. Whatever you call the little flashing lights that let other drivers know that you are going off your current street and onto a new and better street, USE THEM. I have learned from a credible authority that the use of turn signals is optional in our fair state. So if I hit someone who turns in front of me without signaling, is it optional for me to pay for the damage to their car?

2. Understand the Rules of the Road. And then follow them. I can't tell you how many times I have been traveling straight on a main road, and a car headed in the opposite direction cuts in front of me to get onto a secondary road. Or when people turn halfway out into the street at a red light to beat oncoming cars who have the right of way. Oh, and have you ever had someone pull into the intersection and stop, waiting for oncoming traffic to stop and allow them to pass? Never? OK, then, it's just me. I guess that around here, "right of way" sounds like "right away" -- which is when these folks decide that it's their turn to go.

3. Stop for Pedestrians. I know that those who travel by foot express are an annoyance, jumping recklessly into oncoming traffic, but not onlyare they smaller the average car, but a Yugo can beat them in a fight. Regardless, it seems only fair that people on foot have a chance to cross the street safely. Remember, this ins't Frogger, and there's already plenty of roadkill.

I could go on, but what's the point of whining ad nauseam? Feel free to post your own thoughts and suggestions about how to lower car insurance.

There's really know excuse for not thinking and driving. Want cheaper car insurance? The next time you get behind the wheel, turn on the common sense before turning on the radio.