Shopping for auto insurance by quoting online saves time, is easy to do, in addition you may find lower rates. The key to finding lower rates is getting rates from as many companies as possible in order to have all possible prices.

Comparing auto insurance rates direct online can be complicated if you are a beginner to quoting online. Don't let that stop you because we're going to show you how. Finding cheaper coverage prices is a fairly straight forward process. All you need to do is take the time to compare quotes online from several insurance companies. This is very easy and can be done by comparing rates here.

Criteria which help determine your insurance rates

Insurance premiums for your 2004 can be significantly different and are calculated by many factors. A few of these criteria are:

  • Tickets increase premiums
  • Better credit means lower rates
  • Men typically pay more than women
  • Deductible amount directly impacts your rate
  • NTSB crash rating for your vehicle
  • Whether or not you have claims
  • No coverage lapses saves money
  • Owning a home can lower rates

One important consideration that will help determine your rates is the age of the vehicle. Newer models have a higher replacement value compared to older models so the costs to repair may end up costing you more. Conversely, more recent vehicles have more advanced features such as automatic crash notification, blind-spot warning system, and an advanced theft deterrent system that may help lower rates.

Liability coverages

This will 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. It is cheap coverage so buy as large an amount as possible.

Collision protection

Collision coverage will pay to fix damage to your resulting from colliding with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. You first must pay a deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from lower value vehicles. You can also increase the deductible to bring the cost down.

Comprehensive coverages

Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for damage caused by mother nature, theft, vandalism and other events. You first must pay your deductible then your comprehensive coverage will pay. The highest amount a auto insurance company will pay at claim time is the cash value of the vehicle, so if it's not worth much more than your deductible it's not worth carrying full coverage.

Uninsured or underinsured coverage

This coverage protects you and your vehicle's occupants from other drivers when they are uninsured or don't have enough coverage. 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.

Coverage for medical payments

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage kick in for bills like 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. PIP coverage is only offered in select states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay.