Comparing car insurance through online companies saves time, is easy to do, in addition you might just save a little. The key to finding lower rates is to compare rates from all companies so you can compare the lowest rate quotes.

Using the web to shop for car insurance direct can be complicated if you are a beginner to online rate quotes. But don't be discouraged because comparing prices is actually very simple. When shopping for car insurance there are multiple ways of comparing rates from different insurance companies. By far the easiest way to find the lowest involves getting comparison quotes online. This is very easy and can be done by visiting this page.

Criteria which help determine insurance rates

Auto insurance rates on a 1997 will vary greatly and are calculated by many factors. A few of these criteria are:

• Tickets increase premiums
• Your credit history
• Male rates may be higher
• Higher deductibles save money
• NTSB crash rating for your vehicle
• What you do for a living
• The level of coverage
• Owning a home can lower rates

A final factor that can impact is the model year. Used vehicles have a much lower replacement value in comparison to older models so the cost to replace them may end up costing you less. Conversely, newer vehicles may have a trim level with safety features such as a telematics system, a collision avoidance system, tire pressure monitors, and traction control so those may provide discounts that lower premiums.

Coverage for liability

This can cover injuries or damage you cause to people or other property. Liability insurance covers claims such as funeral expenses, loss of income, and emergency aid. It is cheap coverage so consider buying as much as you can afford.

Collision insurance

This coverage covers damage to your resulting from a collision with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. You have to pay a deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company. Collision coverage for your 1997 can be pricey, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from vehicles that are older. Another option is to bump up the deductible to bring the cost down.

Comprehensive coverage (or Other than Collision)

This coverage will pay to fix damage caused by mother nature, theft, vandalism and other events. You first must pay your deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by your comprehensive insurance. The maximum amount a car insurance company will pay at claim time is the cash value of the vehicle, so if the vehicle is not worth much it's probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)

This coverage gives you protection from other drivers when they either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. Because many people only purchase the least amount of liability that is required, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. So UM/UIM coverage is a good idea.

Insurance for medical payments

Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP kick in for bills (i.e. ambulance fees, surgery, and doctor visits). The coverages can be used in conjunction with a health insurance plan or if you do not have health coverage. PIP coverage is not an option in every state but can be used in place of medical payments coverage.