You have many choices when finding cheaper insurance coverage on your vehicle. You can either contact a local agent or go online to compare rates from multiple companies. Shopping for car insurance online can be fast and easy, in addition you might just save a little.

If shopping for car insurance online is new to you, you may be confused by the hoards of online car insurance companies and websites vying for your business. When shopping for car insurance there are multiple ways of comparing rates from different insurance companies. The easiest way by far to compare consists of shopping online. This is very easy and can be done by comparing rates here.

Criteria which help determine your insurance rates

Auto insurance rates for your 1998 can be significantly different depending on several factors. A few of these criteria are:

  • Higher performance 1998 vehicles cost more
  • How many accidents you have had
  • Whether you insure your home with the same company
  • Pleasure, commuting or business use can affect rates
  • Optional coverages like vehicle replacement
  • What you do for a living
  • The level of coverage
  • Owning a home can lower rates

A final factor that will help determine is the model year. Older cars and trucks have a much lower replacement value in comparison to older models so the payout to repair may result in lower rates. Conversely, newer vehicles may have a trim level with safety features such as forward-collision avoidance, sideview assist mirrors, and all-wheel drive that may help lower rates.

Liability coverage

This coverage can cover injuries or damage you cause to other's property or people by causing an accident. Liability coverage protects against claims such as funeral expenses, loss of income, and emergency aid. Coverage is generally pretty cheap so consider buying as large an amount as possible.

Collision protection

Collision coverage covers damage to your resulting from colliding with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. You first must pay a deductible then your collision coverage will kick in. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so you might think about dropping it from vehicles that are older. You can also bump up the deductible to bring the cost down.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for damage caused by mother nature, theft, vandalism and other events. A deductible will apply and the remainder of the damage will be paid by your comprehensive insurance. The highest amount a car insurance company will pay at claim time is the ACV or actual cash value, so if it's not worth much more than your deductible it's probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.

Uninsured or underinsured coverage

This coverage protects you and your vehicle's occupants from other drivers when they either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. Due to the fact that many drivers only carry the minimum required liability limits, their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. So UM/UIM coverage is important protection for you and your family.

Medical payments coverage and PIP

Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP pay for bills (i.e. ambulance fees, surgery, and doctor visits). They are often utilized in addition to your health insurance policy or if you do not have health coverage. Personal Injury Protection is not an option in every state and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay.