Did you know that one of the easiest ways to ensure low rate car insurance for yourself is to drive a vehicle that is both safe and considered 'low-profile'? It's true. You're more likely to get low rate car insurance on a minivan that you are a flashy sports car or SUV.

If you choose a safe vehicle, not only are you better protecting yourself and passengers, but you're also protecting the vehicle itself. Insurance companies will look at how much it's going to cost to repair your vehicle in the event of an accident, as well as how safe you and your passengers are going to be inside the vehicle in the event of an accident. Insurance companies are going to look at statistics such as crash test ratings and features such as air bags for both drivers and passengers, so you should research them as well when you head out to purchase your next vehicle.

Also, if you choose a 'low-profile' vehicle, it's less likely to be burglarized, vandalized, and/or stolen. This is especially true for people who already live in areas that are considered 'high crime' areas; that is, areas where a lot of crime, including auto-related crimes, occurs. Insurance companies can find information about particular vehicles by checking out the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). These organizations keep track of vehicles that are most often burglarized, vandalized, and/or stolen.

So, the next time you set out to purchase a new, or even used, vehicle, do some research. Find out how safe the car is and how well it will hold up to collisions or other auto-related accidents by checking out the crash test ratings and safety components of the vehicle. Also find out whether or not the vehicle you have in mind is at a high risk for being burglarized, vandalized, and/or stolen. These factors will help you get low rate car insurance.