You make your car insurance payment each month to make sure you're protected while you're behind the wheel, but when was the last time you really thought about the factors that determine your monthly payment? By having a better idea of what goes into calculating the cost of your car insurance coverage, you can be a better-informed consumer. Likewise, there are some steps you may be able to take to lower your rates with this newfound knowledge in mind.

Your Credit Score

Your credit-worthiness is a major factor that all auto insurance carriers take into account when deciding how much to charge you for coverage. The higher your credit score (and the more established your credit history is), the lower your rates will be. On the other hand, a lower credit score or lack of credit history may lead to higher rates.

If you haven't done so already, now is a great time to request a copy of your latest credit report. From there, you can get a better idea of where you stand and dispute any errors that may be affecting your score (and your insurance rates as a result).

Your Driving History

It shouldn't come as a surprise that your driving record can also influence how much you pay for car insurance. Most insurance carriers base your rates off of your your driving record for things like moving violations, traffic infractions, and crashes (at-fault or not).

You can contact your local bureau of motor vehicles (or equivalent state office) to request a copy of your driving record. From there, you can see where you stand in terms of how many points are on your driving record and when they will expire. In some cases, you may be able to have points "forgiven" or removed from your record if you complete an accredited driving-safety course, so don't hesitate to ask about this!

Where You Park Your Car

The ZIP code where you park your car can also influence your insurance rates. If you live in an area that sees statistically high instances of car theft, vandalism, or similar crimes, then you'll probably end up paying more for your coverage as a result.

Now that you have a better idea as to what influences your car insurance rates, you know what steps you can take to potentially lower your rates and save some money! Contact a car insurance company in your area to learn more.