Do you know how far your home factors in determining how affordable your auto insurance rate is? In case you do NOT know, we'll explore the many ways your home can make you pay more or less by thousands of dollars...

1. Does your home have a garage? Cars that are parked in garages are more protected from damages and are, therefore, better risks. This means that if your home does NOT have a garage you may pay a little more. Come to think of it, which car is more likely to have its windscreen smashed by a stray missile (probably when some kids are playing "war")?

2. If you live in a rural area, you'll pay less. Common sense tells you that because such areas have less traffic and a low theft rate, cars there are lower risks.

3. Has it occurred to you that how far away you live from your place of business has a significant on your mileage? If your home is 20km from your office, your mileage will be twice what it would have been if you lived 10km away. But what if your home was just 5km away? So think through this especially if you're shopping for a new home.

4. Do you know that some folks are paying much more in auto insurance because of where their homes are? Do you know also know that homes within the same neighbor might actually fall into different risk zones according to the insurance industry's mapping? Therefore, take your time to ask your agent what effect your new zip code would have on your rates before you make that down payment.

I know this isn't usually an issue when you're looking for a home but it's really important. But think about it. If your new zip code adds up to $300 to your annual auto insurance rate, how much would that amount to at the end of your 30-year mortgage?