Any time you get behind the wheel of your car, it's easy to be acutely aware of the many hefty expenses associated with driving. And while you don't have any control over the price of gas or repair bills, you can lower the amount of your auto insurance bill with a number of clever steps. Some ways to lower your bill require an investment of time or effort, while others are as simple as making a policy change over the phone. Here are three steps that will have you smiling when your auto insurance bill arrives each month.

Beef Up Your Vehicle's Security

Adding an aftermarket security system to your vehicle will make it less likely to be stolen, which is something your car insurance provider will look upon favorably. A vehicle more resistant to theft will lower your insurance bill. The exact discount you get depends on your insurance provider, the specifics of your policy and the security system you decide to get installed. In general, however, you can expect the addition of the system to help you save up to 25 percent of the cost of your monthly bill. Before moving forward on this step, contact your insurance agent to determine which type of system -- often, those with tracking are ideal -- will give you the greatest discount.

Switch Your Commuting Habits

Although it's tough to beat the convenience of traveling to and from work in your own vehicle, this extra time on the road -- and in high-traffic situations -- is increasing your risk of being in an accident. If you're able to change up your commuting habits so that you don't use your own vehicle, you can expect an insurance rate reduction. Alternate methods of traveling to and from work include doing so by train, city bus and the subway. If you live close enough, you might also try riding your bicycle, as it will provide a fitness boost as you save money on your auto insurance.

Change Your Billing Schedule

While it's convention to pay your auto insurance on a monthly basis, you can reduce the overall amount that you're spending if you have the financial ability to pay for the entire year of coverage in a single installment. Although the amount of money you can save varies according to your policy and provider, it's reasonable to expect that you'll save more than $100 by making this simple switch. Contact a local insurance company, like Estabrook & Chamberlain Insurance Inc, for more information.