Living with the possibility of being called to active duty requires the ability to adapt - to new places, new responsibilities and new challenges. It’s no different when it comes to staying on top of the family finances. With activations occurring more frequently, Reserve and National Guard members and their families find they must closely evaluate their financial plan and insurance coverage more often than most.

Auto insurance, in particular, requires routine review and adjustments to maintain the right level of coverage and avoid paying too much. Still, studies suggest that most people don’t understand their insurance coverage well enough to make informed decisions that could save them money.

In fact, a 2002 survey by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners concluded that only one in four (28 percent) Americans believe they understand the details of their insurance policies “very well.”

The good news is that you’re in the driver’s seat, and you have the power to control many of the factors that determine your premiums. Here are a few tips to help you take the wheel and find auto insurance savings down the road:

Research Your Ride
Before you buy your next car, gather as much information as you can to consider its potential insurance costs. While that sporty convertible invokes visions of cruising with the wind in your hair, your insurance company will likely be more concerned with the risk it presents. A vehicle that is accident-prone, typically suffers serious damage in collisions or is expensive to repair will cost more to insure. Cars that are popular among thieves also warrant higher premiums, such as the Dodge Stratus - currently one of America’s most stolen vehicles according to the Highway Loss Data Institute. You can research all of these factors for many different vehicles by visiting the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website at www.iihs.org.

Brush Up On Geography
Where you live and work also can have significant impact on how much you pay for auto insurance. Drivers will have higher rates if their daily routines make an accident more likely, such as commuting a long distance to work or regularly driving through congested metropolitan areas.

High rates of theft and vandalism in your neighborhood also can drive up insurance costs. Looking into crime rate statistics for specific areas can help you make more confident decisions about where to establish a residence. Even more important than saving money on insurance, you and your family could be safer thanks to your research.

Understand Your Options
If you’re called to active duty, take extra care to discuss your specific situation with your insurance company to explore moneysaving opportunities. For example, some Guard and Reserve members leave a car behind when they deploy. If the vehicle will be properly stored and no one will drive it during your absence, it may be possible to save money by discontinuing liability coverage and only keeping comprehensive coverage, which would reimburse you for theft, vandalism or weather damages.

Find Your Comfort Zone
Raising your collision or comprehensive deductible to pay more out of pocket in the event of a loss can significantly lower your monthly premiums. For instance, increasing your deductible from $250 to $500 may reduce your premiums and help you save money over the long term. But be careful - only take this direction if you are financially prepared to pay the higher deductible without putting a strain on your personal finances. Conversely, you may take more comfort in paying higher monthly premiums, knowing that you’ll pay less out of pocket should an accident or theft occur. The choice is yours to make, and your insurer can offer you a quote for a number of premium/deductible scenarios.

Save Through Safety
Safety should always be a top priority, especially when you purchase and drive a car. Driving safely and having the right equipment on your vehicle could save your life, not to mention saving some money on auto insurance.

When car shopping, remember that safety features such as air bags, anti-lock brakes and daytime running lights might merit an insurance discount. Keep in mind that a clean driving record also can keep your monthly premiums down. A defensive driving training course (when not required by law) can more than pay for itself in the form of reduced insurance rates, and the classes are frequently available on military installations.

Investigate Your Insurer
To determine your premiums, your insurance company needs to know a lot about you. And you should take the time to learn as much as you can about them to make sure the company you choose can hold up its end of the bargain. Before deciding on a carrier, review the company’s complaints record and rankings on customer satisfaction and financial security, available through your state’s department of insurance website or industry analyst companies like J.D. Power and Associates or A.M. Best Company. You’ll also want to explore a number of other money-saving opportunities the company might offer, such as policyholder dividends or special rates during deployment. As you wind through the twists and turns of your civilian and military lives, remember to keep your hands on the wheel and adjust your auto insurance accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to review your coverage annually, and check in with your provider in advance of any major changes to your lifestyle or financial situation. It just might make your life a little easier, and leave your bank account a little larger.

Mitch Swanda is a salaried Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner with USAA, a diversified financial services company serving the military community since 1922. Prior to his career in the financial services industry, Swanda served six years on active duty in the U.S. Navy.