How to Compare Auto Insurance Quotes: Get the Best Deal

When it's time to compare auto insurance rates and see if you can lower your premiums a bit, there are a few steps you should follow. Shopping around for auto insurance quotes can take a bit of time, but you can often save hundreds of dollars. Here are a few tips on how to find the best insurance at the right price.

Step 1. Coverage and Limits

Before you pick up the phone or get online, sit down and decide what type of coverage you want and need. Everyone should carry liability insurance. However, the minimum requirements in most states are inadequate if you were to get into a serious accident. Decide what levels are appropriate for your situation. If you drive an older vehicle that has a low resale value or replacement value, it's probably a good idea to skip collision insurance. Paying a monthly premium to protect a car that is only worth a few thousand dollars is not a good deal.

Step 2. Quotes

Get quotes, tons of them. The number one piece of advice that industry experts agree on is that shopping around can often save you lots of money. You can get auto insurance quotes online, on the phone or even in person. How you search for insurance quotes will depend on your needs. If you are sure of the coverage you want and the limits, searching online is probably the easiest way to get quotes. All of the major insurance companies allow you to get instant quotes, which make comparing auto insurance rates easy. You can even purchase your policy online when you have found one that meets your needs.

If you are unsure of what coverage you should carry, or have some general insurance questions, call or visit an agent. Finding a local agent is as easy as opening the phone book or doing a search online. Independent agents and brokers can answer your questions and get quotes from a number of leading insurance companies. All you have to do is make a decision on which policy is best for you.

Step 3. Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Once you have all of your quotes it's time to give them a detailed look and decide which one meets your needs, at the best price. It is important to compare apples to apples. Be sure all of the quotes have the same coverage limits, as well as the same deductible. Do any of them cover additional items that may be of interest to you? Do any provide or cover the cost of roadside assistance? The cheapest policy is not always the best deal. It is best to use large nationwide brands. You don't want to spend a lot of time fighting with your insurance company when it's time to collect on a claim. As with all contracts, be sure to read all of the paperwork, and ask questions about anything you don't understand. When you have found the right policy at the right price, simply purchase it online, or from your agent.

Finding new insurance takes a bit of time but you can save hundreds of dollars a year. Do a thorough search and compare lots of quotes to help ensure you come out on top.