If you've ever called an insurance company for a quote on auto insurance, you know that one of the first questions the agent will ask you is how many miles you put on your car every year. Statistics say the more you're on the road, the more likely you are to be involved in an accident, and the higher your premiums will be. But did you realize it's the other way around if you work from home?

More and more companies are allowing employees to telecommute, and even in a recessive economy, many people are starting businesses they can run from their homes. Working from home significantly cuts the time you spend on the road. Some insurance companies have caught on and now offer special telecommuter rates. And even if your insurance company doesn't, it's worth calling them and informing them of the reduced number of miles you're now driving if you work at home.

If your job would prohibit your working from home all the time, talk to your boss about the possibility of working from home just one or two days a week. If your company doesn't currently have any telecommuters, suggest working from home on a trial basis so your supervisor and company can gain assurance that it won't affect your productivity. Be sure to mention how the company can benefit through reduced overhead. You'll also be able to reduce what you spend on gas, and on auto insurance premiums.

It may also be possible to reduce your insurance premiums during periods of unemployment. Even if you're driving to and from job interviews, it's likely you're on the road less frequently than if you're driving to and from work every day. Talk to your insurance company and see if they're willing to reduce your rates temporarily while you search for work. Better yet, try to find a job that will allow you to work from home and keep those lower rates permanently.

Created by Auto Insurance .org