But a few tips, and the right outlook, can help you shop around, understand the value before you buy and maximize what you're getting for those premiums. Here's how:

Getting the most from auto premiums

1. Pinpoint your financial weak spots 2. Don't just consider your total liability 3. Consider buying an umbrella policy 4. Seek out good advice 5. Keep a good credit rating 6. Sign up for rental insurance 7. Shop around 8. Be specific when shopping rates 9. Take advantage of every discount 10. If your teen is away, notify your insurance 11. Do the math before dropping collision 12. Shop service, as well as price 13. Understand the claims process before you buy 14. Ask about 'diminished value' 15. Call your agent soon after an accident 16. When you make a claim, start a file 17. Do your part in furthering the claims process 18. Include everything in your loss estimates 19. Press for what you need 20. If you switch, notify your old company

1. Pinpoint your financial weak spots
While most people could cover a $500 deductible, a $500,000 lawsuit would be a different matter. So why do so many consumers pay extra for low deductibles and carry close to the minimum on liability coverage?

"Shift the money around to the things that could wipe you out," says Jack Hungelmann, author of "Insurance for Dummies" and an agent/consultant with Corporate 4 Insurance Agency of Edina, Minn.

Raise your deductible (bank that amount for emergencies) and increase your liability coverage, he says. Your premiums should remain roughly the same.

Hungelmann's rule of thumb: In a society where critical care bills can easily cost six digits, "nobody should carry less than $500,000 per person" in liability coverage, he says. (To compare insurance policies and quotes, visit Insureme.com, a Bankrate company.)