Safe drivers, safe vehicles – it all adds up to better military auto insurance rates

The price of an auto insurance policy will depend on a number of factors, some of which you can control and some of which you can't.

Let's start with things you can control: the 3 key elements of a safe driver:

1. Character/Responsibility. Respect for the law, not speeding, never drinking and driving - these define the character of the driver. If you're a military parent, withhold the driver's license until your military kids demonstrate maturity.

2. Good Driving Skills/Habits. An example would be staying behind the vehicle in front of you a good safe following distance, usually 3 to 4 seconds of travel time, then showing that you can implement it every time you behind the wheel - until those habits become automatic.

3. Experience. This is recognized as one of the most crucial elements by all safety experts - and it comes with time and practice. The learned or incorporated into a new driver's abilities - it comes by actually gaining more driving time behind the wheel.

Here's a mix of things you can control and things you can't always control, which can augment your auto insurance discount:

Good driving record. Generally, a clean record -- no accidents or moving violations for the past three years -- will result in lower premiums.

Drivers over 55 who have taken a recent driving course.

Carpool drivers. Drivers who carpool to work sometimes receive a 10-20 percent discount on premiums.

Insuring more than one car on the same policy may earn you a 15-20 percent discount.

Low annual mileage. Some companies offer discounts if you drive less than a certain number of miles each year.

College students away at school. Some insurers offer discounts to parents with a college-age student who attends school more than 100 miles from home and doesn't keep a car on campus.

Anti-theft devices. Some insurers offer 5-15 percent discounts for alarm systems, wheel locks, hood locks, and ignition protection devices.

Safety devices. You may receive up to a 30 percent discount in medical coverage for automatic seat belts and air bags. Some states like Florida, New Jersey, and New York require insurers to give discounts for cars equipped with antilock brakes.

Being a nonsmoker. Smoking is considered a high-risk behavior. Nonsmoking drivers may receive discounts on liability, medical benefits, and collision.

Long-time customers. Although it's wise to comparison shop, it doesn't always make sense to switch companies. Some insurers reward long-time customers with discounts and other money-saving programs.