Saving gas money isn't enough automotive penny-pinching for Scott Galbreath.

The Duluth corporate trainer already car pools about five miles to work, but buying higher deductible car insurance further reduced his vehicle expenses.

MICHAEL MACIAG/mmaciag@ajc.com (ENLARGE)

Scott Galbreath of Duluth takes a higher deductible to reduce the cost of his automobile insurance.

By choosing a combined $1,100 deductible for two cars, he shaved $300 off his annual premium.

Galbreath, 45, said he is comfortable with the high deductible because he is financially stable and doesn't drive much. But the risk might not be for everyone.

"We're at a point in our lives when we have enough savings to cover an accident," he said.

Galbreath also receives a price cut for having his car and homeowners insurance on the same policy.

"Every month, I'm saving extra money for our mortgage," he said.

Since his car spends a lot of time in the driveway, he could qualify for another reduction. Many insurance companies offer discounts around 8 percent to 12 percent for driving less than 7,500 miles per year, said David Colmans, executive director of the Georgia Insurance Information Service.

— Mike Maciag

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