You would think that, after working within the auto industry not only full-time but part-time as well, that I would have read about every means legally (and stupidly) how to save on fuel. But I fell into a common fallacy that only the vehicle is the culprit. Suze Orman’s recent article on saving on car insurance reminded me there are other expenses beside gasoline and car maintenance.

Orman recommends the following tips:

1. Boost Your Deductible

This may sound a bit counter intuitive at first, but the smartest way to save big bucks is to boost your auto-insurance deductible. Raising it from $250 to $1,000 could slash your premium by 15 percent to 30 percent or more. With the average premium hovering around $1,000, that could save you a couple of hundred dollars a year. That’s going to come in handy at the pump.

2. Get Less Mileage Out of Your Policy

Many insurers will reduce your premium cost by 5 to 10 percent or more if you don’t drive your car that much. The rules vary at each insurer, but putting less than 10,000 or 12,000 miles on your car a year could qualify you for the discount.

3. Home In on a Discount

It definitely pays to get your auto and home insurance with the same company — this could yield a discount of up to 30 percent on the combined premiums.

4. Couple Up on Your Policy

Auto insurance is one area where it might not make financial sense to keep your expenses separate from your significant other. If you combine you auto policies, you could see your total insurance costs drop by 30 percent. That’s going to help keep your tank full! If you and your partner aren’t married, you will need to have both names on each car’s registration to be able to qualify for this discount.

5. Get Defensive

Ask your auto insurer if taking a defensive-driving course will reduce your insurance premium. And hey, it’s a great safety move even if there’s no premium break.

6. Put Your Degree to Work

Your education can pay off for you with a lower auto insurance premium. Many insurers offer discounts for advanced degrees and for specific professions. Make sure you check with your insurer if your education or job can drive a better deal.

7. Play Group

Being a member of a certain professional groups — say a teachers’ association — could also qualify you for a discount. And while you’re at it, check in with any group you’re affiliated with, such as your college alma matter. Quite often, they sponsor a plan that can get you a lower rate.

8. Slow Down

A clean driving record can qualify you for a “good driver” discount of 20 percent or so. This means you can’t have more than one “minor” blemish, such as a speeding ticket or non-injury accident, on your driving record in a three-year period.

9. Give Yourself Credit

Believe it or not, a version of your credit score plays a role in setting your auto-insurance premium in many states. Yep, if you’re a good credit risk, insurance companies figure you’re a better insurance risk, too.

A full explanation can be found here.