NEW YORK – Car insurance premiums have gone up twice the rate of inflation since 1980, according to Consumer Reports. It’s important to consider a few aspects of the car insurance industry before you compare to know if you are getting the best possible deal.

How much your car costs to insure depends, in large part, on how much it costs to repair. This industry information is proprietary. Though air bags have contributed a great deal to car safety, they are expensive to fix after an accident.

Customers who typically have to pay more for car insurance are those who have live in a ZIP code with a high rate of auto theft and men under age 25.

Though you can’t change your ZIP code or what car you drive, you can compare prices. www.InsWeb.com provides a reliable service to check quotes online. Another good tool is the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Web site at www.naic.org/state-contacts/sid -websites.html.

One good way to save on car insurance is paying bills on time – some insurers consider credit scores. Another is to buy a car that is less frequently stolen. To check ratings, see www.hwysafety.org.