You have lots of choices when finding cheaper insurance coverage on your vehicle. You can buy direct from an agent or get quotes online to compare rates from multiple companies. Comparing car insurance online saves time, is easy to do and at the same time you can save money.

Using the web to shop for car insurance direct is challenging if you are a beginner to online rate quotes. Don't let that stop you because it's actually quite easy. There are several ways to compare quotes from local car insurance companies. The easiest way by far to compare involves getting comparison quotes online. It is quite easy and can be accomplished by comparing rates here.

What factors determine the rate you pay?

Car insurance premiums for your 1997 will vary greatly and are calculated by many factors. Taken into consideration are:

• High performance increases premiums
• Your accident history
• Home and auto can earn discounts
• Pleasure, commuting or business use can affect rates
• Special coverage such as replacement cost
• Your occupation
• Your coverage level
• Whether you rent or own your home

An additional factor that can impact is the year of the vehicle. Used vehicles have a reduced actual cash value than newer models so the payout to repair may end up costing you less. On the flip side, newer models may have safety features like forward-collision avoidance, sideview assist mirrors, and all-wheel drive so those may lower rates.

Liability coverage

This protects you from damages or injuries you inflict on other's property or people. Liability insurance covers things such as emergency aid, pain and suffering, and medical services. It is cheap coverage so you should buy as much as you can afford.

Collision protection

This coverage pays for damage to your resulting from colliding with an object or car. You have to 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 older vehicles. You can also raise the deductible to get cheaper .

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You first must pay your deductible and then insurance will cover the rest of the damage. The maximum amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the cash value of the vehicle, so if it's not worth much more than your deductible consider dropping full coverage.

Uninsured or underinsured coverage

This protects you and your vehicle's occupants when other motorists do not carry enough liability coverage. Because many people only carry the minimum required liability limits, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. That's why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is a good idea.

Medical payments coverage and PIP

Med pay and PIP coverage kick in for expenses such as doctor visits, EMT expenses, and X-ray expenses. They are often utilized in addition to your health insurance plan or if you lack health insurance entirely. PIP coverage is not available in all states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay.