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When shopping around for car insurance it can feel like the deck is stacked against you. The insurance companies have data on you and in return you have no idea how they come up with their auto insurance rates. Like anything else in life, having a little bit of knowledge about how insurance companies operate can go a long way to even the playing field and saving you money.

Here are five secrets of the auto insurance industry that the big insurers would prefer you not know:

• The car you drive has a big impact on your insurance rate. It is probably not surprising that it’s easier to get inexpensive auto insurance if you drive a compact car than if you drive a flashy sports car. But did you know that you could be paying more simply because you drive a two door model rather than a four door model? A big factor in determining your insurance rates is the history of insurance claims for your make and model. Even small differences like he body style or color can make a big difference in the rate you pay.

• You will save money by paying for your car insurance up front. While those quarterly or monthly installment plans offered by insurers look tempting, be aware that almost every insurer charges an administrative fee for allowing you to break up the payments. The more payments you make during the year the more those fees will add up.

• The insurance company can easily cancel your policy. Under the terms and conditions of most auto insurance policies, your company can cancel your policy for late payment with little or no notice. If you do decide to go on an installment plan, be sure you don’t miss any of those payments or you could be without coverage faster than you think.

• Your car insurance policy doesn’t cover lost or damaged personal items. If someone breaks into your vehicle and steals that prized U2 compact disc, you will be paying for a replacement, not your insurance company. If you regularly drive around with expensive items like a laptop computer or iPod, make sure these items are covered by a rider on your homeowners or renters insurance policy. Also take photos of expensive products you own before they go missing.

• Comparing rates really does pay off. Remember that Geico commercial that said “spending 15 minutes could save you 15% or more”? Well, they weren’t wrong. But they key is to check rates with not just Geico, but a range of insurers. These days there are dozens of sites on the Internet that let you instantly compare rates, so there is no longer a reason to settle on just one or two policy quotes. So start shopping around to save money.