Shopping for car insurance through online companies is easy, in addition you will probably save money. The key is to take the time to get rates from as many companies as possible in order to have every company's rates.

Consumers not familiar with comparing rates may think purchasing cut-rate 2004 insurance is difficult. To find the best car insurance prices, there are several ways of comparing rates from different insurance companies. The simplest method 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

Insurance rates for your 2004 can vary widely based upon several criteria. A few of these criteria are:

  • Your driving record
  • Credit rating
  • Where you reside can make a big difference
  • High miles vs. low miles
  • Male rates may be higher
  • Deductible amount directly impacts your rate
  • NTSB crash rating for your vehicle
  • Your profession
  • The level of coverage
  • Owning a home can lower rates

One last important factor that will help determine the rate you pay on your is the year of manufacture. Older cars and trucks have a much lower replacement value so the payout to repair will push premiums down. Conversely, newer vehicles may have options such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, and lane departure warning system which can lower rates.

Coverage for liability

Liability insurance can cover injuries or damage you cause to other's property or people by causing an accident. Liability coverage pays for claims such as funeral expenses, loss of income, and emergency aid. Liability insurance is relatively cheap so purchase higher limits if possible.

Coverage for collisions

Collision coverage covers damage to your resulting from colliding with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. You will need to pay your deductible and then insurance will cover the remainder. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so consider dropping it from vehicles that are 8 years or older. You can also choose a higher deductible to bring the cost down.

Comprehensive coverage (or Other than Collision)

Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for damage caused by mother nature, theft, vandalism and other events. You first have to pay a deductible then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage. The maximum payout a car insurance company will pay at claim time is the actual cash value, so if it's not worth much more than your deductible it's probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.

Protection from uninsured/underinsured drivers

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, it doesn't take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. So UM/UIM coverage is important protection for you and your family.

Insurance for medical payments

Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP provide coverage for bills for things 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 is not an option in every state and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay.