You have many choices when shopping for insurance coverage for your vehicle. You can buy direct from a local agent or go online to check prices from many different car insurance companies. Finding cheaper car insurance through online rate quotes can be fast and easy, in addition you might just save a little.

If you are a novice to online car insurance shopping, you may be confused by the hoards of companies vying for your business. When shopping for car insurance there are multiple ways of comparing rates from different insurance companies. The best method to find competitive is to perform an online rate comparison. This is very easy and can be done by completing this short form.

Criteria which help determine insurance rates

Auto insurance rates on a 2003 can fluctuate considerably depending on several factors. A few of these criteria are:

• Higher performance 2003 vehicles cost more
• Accidents raise premiums
• Home/auto policy bundles save money
• Pleasure use vs. commuting use
• Your birth date
• Having a spouse can save money
• Optional coverages like vehicle replacement
• What you do for a living
• The level of coverage
• Owning a home can lower rates

A final factor which can affect is the model year. Models that are a few years old have a much lower replacement value in comparison to older models so the cost to replace them may result in lower rates. Conversely, newer vehicles may have a trim level with safety features such as an advanced theft deterrent system, blind-spot warning system, automatic crash notification, and tire pressure monitors which may give discounted rates.

Auto liability - This coverage can cover injuries or damage you cause to people or other property that is your fault. Liability can pay for claims such as funeral expenses, loss of income, and emergency aid. Coverage is generally pretty cheap so consider buying as high a limit as you can afford.

Collision coverage - This covers damage to your resulting from a collision with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. A deductible applies then your collision coverage will kick in. Collision coverage for your 2003 can be pricey, so you might think about dropping it from vehicles that are older. It's also possible to bump up the deductible to bring the cost down.

Comprehensive auto coverage - This coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage caused by mother nature, theft, vandalism and other events. A deductible will apply and the remainder of the damage will be paid by your comprehensive insurance. The most a car insurance company will pay at claim time is the ACV or actual cash value, so if the vehicle's value is low it's probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage - This coverage protects you and your vehicle from other drivers when they either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. Since a lot of drivers have only the minimum liability required by law, their limits can quickly be used up. So UM/UIM coverage should not be overlooked.

Medical payments and PIP coverage - Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP pay for bills (i.e. ambulance fees, surgery, and doctor visits). They are used in conjunction with a health insurance program or if you do not have health coverage. Personal Injury Protection is not an option in every state but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage.