If you own a car, you should own a car insurance policy, as well. The amount you pay for that policy is determined by a variety of things, including your age, credit, and employment. Your rate is even affected by where you live. However, the biggest determining factor in your policy rates is your driving history. If you've had a few too many tickets, or one too many at-fault accidents, you could end up seeing your car insurance premiums go through the roof. Luckily, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of car accidents; here are four of them. By following these tips, you can keep yourself safe on the road and keep your insurance premiums at an acceptable rate.

Take a Defensive Driving Course

Whether you're just starting out as a driver or you've been driving for decades, it's always a good idea to learn a few new driving strategies. That's where a defensive driving course comes into the picture. Defensive driving courses teach drivers how to drive more defensively, including how to react when hazardous situations arise. Not only will a defensive driving course help you avoid car accidents, but it will also reduce your insurance rates. That's because most insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who take these courses.

Keep Your Car in Good Repair

If you want to reduce your risk of being at-fault in a car accident, you need to keep your car in good repair. Car problems increase your chances of causing an accident while you're driving. For instance, faulty brakes may cause you to run into other vehicles, while a faulty suspension may cause you to swerve into the other lane. To reduce your risk of at-fault accidents, make sure that you take care of car problems as soon as you identify them.

Practice Safe Driving Techniques

When it comes to reducing your risk of at-fault accidents, one of the most important thing you can do is practice safe driving techniques. Safe driving techniques include using your turn signals whenever you make a turn or change lanes and using your side and rear-view mirrors appropriately. These safe driving techniques make you a safer driver and reduce your risk of at-fault car accidents.

Pay Attention to Other Drivers

When you're driving your car, you need to pay attention to the drivers around you. Being an inattentive driver puts you at an increased risk for car accidents – those you don't cause and those you do. For instance, the car next to you may swerve into your lane. If you were inattentive, you may not notice soon enough, which will cause you to react by swerving into another car. Unfortunately, you will be at fault for the accident involving the car that you hit. However, if you remain attentive at all times, you're able to react to those situations quicker, which will reduce your risk of at-fault accidents.

For more information on reducing your insurance costs, contact a local company like Webers Insurance Service Inc. 

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