Buying car insurance from online companies saves time, is easy to do and there is a good chance you might just save a little. The key to finding lower rates is to take the time to get rates from as many companies as possible in order to accurately compare the cheapest rate quotes.

Shopping online for car insurance can be a challenge if you are a beginner to online quotes. Don't let that stop you because comparing prices is actually very simple. When shopping for car insurance there are multiple ways of comparing rates from different insurance companies. The recommended way to find the cheapest is to get quotes online. This can be accomplished by getting a quick quote here.

Auto insurance rates for your 2009 can vary widely and are calculated by many factors. Some of these factors include:

• Tickets increase premiums
• Credit rating
• Male rates may be higher
• The deductible you choose
• Safety rating of your 2009
• What you do for a living
• The level of coverage
• Whether you own your home

A final factor that helps determine is the model year. Older models cost less in comparison to older models so the payout to repair may end up costing you less. Conversely, newer vehicles may have a trim level with safety features such as lane departure warning system, dual-stage airbags, and pedestrian detection which can help offset higher rates.

Liability coverage - This can cover damage that occurs to other's property or people in an accident. Liability coverage pays for things like legal defense fees, bail bonds, and repair bills for other people's vehicles. It is cheap coverage so consider buying higher limits if possible.

Collision coverage - Collision insurance covers damage to your resulting from colliding with another car or object. You will need to pay your 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 vehicles that are older. Drivers also have the option to bump up the deductible to bring the cost down.

Comprehensive coverage - Comprehensive insurance coverage covers damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. You first must pay your deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by your comprehensive insurance. The maximum payout you'll receive from a claim is the cash value of the vehicle, so if your deductible is as high as the vehicle's value it's probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage - Your UM/UIM coverage provides protection from other drivers when they either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. Since many drivers carry very low liability coverage limits, it doesn't take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. So UM/UIM coverage is very important.

Medical payments coverage and PIP - Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP kick in for short-term medical expenses (i.e. nursing services, prosthetic devices, and dental work). They can be utilized in addition to your health insurance policy or if you do not have health coverage. PIP coverage is not an option in every state and may carry a deductible.