Buying car insurance through online rate quotes saves time, is easy to do and at the same time you might just save a little. The key to finding lower rates is to compare rates from all providers in order to accurately compare all your choices.

Shopping online for car insurance is challenging if you are a beginner to online rate quotes. But relax because comparing prices is actually very simple. When shopping for car insurance there are multiple ways to get quotes from car insurance companies in your area. The fastest way to find the cheapest is to get quotes online. It is quite easy and can be accomplished by getting a quick quote here.

What factors determine the rate you pay?

Auto insurance rates paid to insure a 1998 will vary greatly and are calculated by many factors. Taken into consideration are:

• Tickets increase premiums
• Your credit history
• Where you live
• Annual mileage can affect rates
• Men typically pay more than women
• The deductible you choose
• Your vehicle's safety rating
• What you do for a living
• The amount of protection requested
• Whether you rent or own your home

A final factor that helps determine is the model year. Older models have a reduced actual cash value in comparison to older models so the costs to repair may end up costing you less. But more recent vehicles may have a trim level with safety features including autonomous braking, an advanced theft deterrent system, a telematics system, and adaptive headlights so those may help offset higher rates.

Auto liability

This will cover damages or injuries you inflict on a person or their property in an accident. Liability insurance covers things such as emergency aid, pain and suffering, and medical services. It is cheap coverage so consider buying as much as you can afford.

Auto collision coverage

Collision insurance will pay to fix damage to your from colliding with an object or car. You have to pay a deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company. This coverage can be expensive, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from vehicles that are older. Drivers also have the option to bump up the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Comprehensive auto coverage

This covers damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You first must pay your deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by your comprehensive insurance. The maximum amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the cash value of the vehicle, so if your deductible is as high as the vehicle's value it's not worth carrying full coverage.

UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage

This provides protection when the "other guys" are uninsured or don't have enough coverage. Since many drivers carry very low liability coverage limits, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is very important.

Medical payments and PIP coverage

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage kick in for expenses (i.e. doctor visits, EMT expenses, and X-ray expenses). They can be used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance plan or if there is no health insurance coverage. PIP coverage is only offered in select states and may carry a deductible.