Many people let their auto policy renew automatically year after year without looking at it. But your situation may have changed. Maybe you're driving less, paid off your car, added a teen driver, moved or improved your credit. Any of these can affect what insurers would charge you.

Pull out your current declarations page and review your coverage limits, deductibles and any discounts listed. Then ask your insurer whether you qualify for anything new, such as discounts for bundling policies, a clean driving record or low mileage. Small adjustments, like raising a deductible you could comfortably afford, may lower your premium.

It also makes sense to compare quotes from other insurers before your renewal date. Prices for the same coverage can differ quite a bit from one company to the next. Make sure every quote uses the same limits and deductibles, and don't drop coverage you need just to lower the price, since a gap could cost far more after an accident.