Every cloud—even sky-high gas prices—has a silver lining. If steep fuel costs have forced you to carpool or take public transportation to work or school, then you might deserve a significantly lower annual auto insurance premium.

“Auto insurance rates are partially based on how much you drive and how you use your car,” says J. Robert Hunter of the Consumer Federation of America (CFA). “If you drive less to save money on gas, these driving changes might mean that you qualify for immediate insurance rate relief.”

According to CFA, finding alternative transportation to work or school might result in a 10 to 15 percent insurance rate reduction by removing you from the “driveto-work” classification. Since the typical New York State motorist pays $1,262 in annual premiums, such a rate reduction would translate to $189 in savings.

By driving only to a train station or bus stop rather than all the way to work, you might cut your premiums 5 to 10 percent. By consolidating trips, forgoing vacation road trips and otherwise reducing your annual mileage, you might save 5 to 10 percent.

You have to notify your insurance company about your new driving habits, however. “While savings will vary based on the specific auto insurance coverage you have, it is certainly worth a call,” notes Hunter. “Simply estimate how many fewer miles you are driving a month and then tell the agent or company representative that you want the cheapest rate they have for drivers reflecting your new driving circumstances.”