Do I have to tell my car insurance agent that I changed jobs?

You should if the new job will impact how many miles you put on your car. The number of miles you drive is among the factors car insurance companies consider when setting the premium. Generally, the more you drive, the higher your car insurance rates.

So if the new job means a longer or shorter commute, call your car insurance agent with the details. You'll likely get a discount if you drive substantially fewer miles, and you may have to pay a bit more if you drive farther to work every day.

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Inaccurately reporting mileage is one of the biggest lies car insurance customers tell their insurers, according to Quality Planning Corp., which helps auto insurance companies identify rating errors and recover lost premiums. Not surprisingly, customers are quicker to report a decrease in their mileage to get a discount on their auto insurance. Underestimated car mileage cost insurers $3.1 billion in 2010, Quality Planning says.

Even if it means higher rates, it's best to be honest with your insurance company. Insurers may cancel a policy or even refuse to pay a claim if they learn a customer knowingly provided false information.

Firms like Quality Planning help insurance companies uncover rating errors. Quality Planning uses sophisticated analytical testing to find discrepancies. Insurance companies can use a variety of resources to verify information. The mileage you report to your insurance agent can be checked against your vehicle's odometer readings at smog testing stations, for instance.

More insurance companies are introducing verified mileage-based car insurance programs that use technology, such as OnStar or telematics devices, to track driving habits. Some programs collect exact odometer readings from customers.

Progressive, GMAC, American Family Insurance, Allstate, State Farm and the Automobile Club of Southern California have all launched programs, although some of them are available only in a limited number of states. Customers receive a small discount for participating and even larger discounts if their total mileage falls below certain thresholds.

For more, see Your lying, cheating ways: 5 biggest car insurance customer lies revealed.