If you’re like me, you go through a lot of gas just driving to work and back every day. But did you know that the number of miles you drive not only affects your gas consumption–it also affects what your auto insurance costs?

We’re all looking for alternatives to spending big bucks at the gas pumps these days. But short of buying a hybrid vehicle or driving at a snail’s pace, the best way to lower your insurance rates is to reduce the number of miles you drive by taking a city bus, subway or other transit system to work daily, or even carpooling with coworkers.

Says who?

The Insurance Information Institute, a leading consumer insurance source. On its Web site, the I.I.I. says:

“Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive a lower than average number of miles per year. Low mileage discounts can also apply to drivers who carpool to work.”

WCCO-TV, a Minneapolis-St. Paul news station, agrees. In its story today by reporter Terri Gruca, one consumer that reporter interviewed said he saves about 15 percent off his yearly auto insurance premium by not driving to work.

Overall, experts agree that driving fewer miles can translate into savings of 10 percent or more. That may not sound like much, but it sure adds up when you consider what we’re paying for gas!

If you put a lot of miles on your car, I’d suggest checking out alternative forms of transportation. You may spend a little time doing it, but the results could definitely be worthwhile.