Thursday, July 3, 2008

With gas prices rising and the stock market diving, we could all use ideas for saving a little money. Here's one we thought was worth passing along:

If you're carpooling in someone else's car or using mass transit instead of driving to work, call your car insurance company to see if you're eligible for a cheaper premium. Insurance companies typically assign rates based on how far you drive to work, whether it's less than three miles one way, three to nine miles, or 10 or more miles. Driving less could mean a 5 percent rate decrease, says Mario Morales, an underwriter at MetLife Auto and Home. Many car insurance discounts are available only when you buy a new car, he added, but the commuting discount applies at any time.

Share your ideas on shaving household expenses at home@washpost.com.