Good news on auto insurance

While auto insurance rates will go up again this year, they’re expected to rise no more than 3.5 percent, which is the lowest increase since the year 2000.

According to a study by the Insurance Information Institute, there are two reasons for the lowered rates: 1) fewer car accidents, and 2) an increasingly successful crackdown on fraud and insurance abuse.

You might assume that the drivers most likely to benefit from this downward move would be those with the best driving records. However, that fact alone may not be enough to qualify for a lower premium. Getting a break would also depend on where you live, and your car’s sticker price, repair costs, safety record and theft risk.

All these factors aside, you might still be able to cut your premiums by taking driver-safety courses. Insurance companies love this: It tells them you’re really determined to stay out of trouble that might cost them money later on.

Another way to cut premiums is to insure both your car and your home with the same carrier. Package deals tend to cost less. And, of course, you might want to consider raising your deductible.

Finally, ask about a lower premium. You may be surprised to learn that you qualify — it’s just that the company somehow didn’t get around to informing you of that fact.

Surgery for Success: A few weeks ago I ran prices of some of the most asked for plastic surgery procedures by people who believe that improving their appearance will improve their chances for professional success. I asked if you would have plastic surgery for that reason, and I thank you for your response. I’ll have some of what you said in an upcoming column.