You have lots of choices when trying to find low-cost insurance for your vehicle. You can either contact a local agent or go online to compare rates from many different companies. Buying auto insurance from online companies can be fast and easy and at the same time you might just save a little.

If you're new to shopping for auto insurance online, it's easy to be confused by the hoards of online companies vying for your business. Getting lower is actually quite simple. The only thing you need to do is invest a little time to get quotes provided by online insurance companies. This can be accomplished by comparing rates here.

Which factors influence your insurance rates?

Auto insurance rates paid to insure a 2008 can vary widely depending on several factors. Taken into consideration are:

• Higher performance 2008 vehicles cost more
• Any accidents you may have
• Multiple policies can save money
• How you use your vehicle
• Special coverage such as replacement cost
• Claims drive up premiums
• Having continuous coverage saves you money
• Whether you rent or own your home

A final factor that helps determine is the model year. Newer models cost more in comparison to later models so the cost to replace them can inflate annual premiums. Although more recent vehicles may have a trim level with safety features included like autonomous braking, a telematics system, a collision avoidance system, and a rollover prevention system which can lower rates.

Liability coverage

This coverage will cover damages or injuries you inflict on a person or their property in an accident. Liability coverage pays for things such as emergency aid, pain and suffering, and medical services. Coverage is generally pretty cheap so consider buying higher limits if possible.

Coverage for collisions

Collision insurance will pay to fix damage to your from colliding with an object or car. You will need to pay your deductible then your collision coverage will kick in. This coverage can be expensive, so you might think about dropping it from vehicles that are older. You can also bump up the deductible in order to get cheaper .

Comprehensive coverage

This pays for damage that is not covered by collision coverage. A deductible will apply and the remainder of the damage will be paid by your comprehensive insurance. The maximum payout you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the ACV or actual cash value, so if it's not worth much more than your deductible it's not worth carrying full coverage.

Protection from uninsured/underinsured drivers

This protects you and your vehicle's occupants from other motorists when they are uninsured or don't have enough coverage. Since many drivers only carry the minimum required liability limits, it doesn't take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage is very important.

Medical payments coverage and PIP

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage pay for expenses (i.e. doctor visits, EMT expenses, and X-ray expenses). They are often used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance policy or if you are not covered by health insurance. Personal Injury Protection is only offered in select states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay.