Ways to lower insurance costs

Most insurers will shave a modest amount off your policy (like $5 a month) if you make an annual payment instead of paying monthly. If you can swing it, you could save $60 a year and not have a monthly payment to worry about – for the next 11 months, anyway. Or if you raise your health insurance deductible, you could lower your monthly payment significantly.

Review your insurance with your agent.

You may feel like you're walking into the lion's den, but a meeting with your agent may pay off, especially with homeowners’ insurance. Review the replacement cost on your home, or any other property you insure, every couple of years.

Improve your credit.

Consider that a lot of insurance companies look at policyholders’ credit reports. So if you can reduce your debt and keep paying bills on time, you may pay less for insurance in the future.