Shopping for auto insurance by comparing rates online saves time, is easy to do, in addition you might just save a little. The key to finding lower rates is getting rates from all providers so you can get every company's rates.

Comparing auto insurance rates direct online can be complicated if you are a beginner to quoting online. But relax because comparing prices is actually very simple. Getting lower can be quick and easy. The only thing you need to do is invest a little time to get quotes online from several insurance companies. This is very easy and can be done by completing this short form.

Criteria which help determine car insurance premiums

Auto insurance rates paid to insure a 2006 can be significantly different and are calculated by many factors. A few of these criteria are:

• Tickets increase premiums
• Better credit means lower rates
• Where you reside can make a big difference
• Annual mileage can affect rates
• Male drivers pay higher rates
• Low deductibles cost more
• NTSB crash rating for your vehicle
• Claims drive up premiums
• Maintaining coverage lowers rates
• Owning a home can lower rates

A final factor that will help determine is the model year. New vehicles have a higher replacement value in comparison to later models so the costs to repair may end up costing you more. But new models may have a trim level with safety features including blind-spot warning system, a telematics system, forward-collision avoidance, and a rollover prevention system that may help give discounted rates.

Auto liability insurance

This provides protection from injuries or damage you cause to a person or their property by causing an accident. Liability coverage protects against claims such as funeral expenses, loss of income, and emergency aid. It is cheap coverage so consider buying as large an amount as possible.

Coverage for collisions

Collision coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage from colliding with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. You first must pay a deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company. This coverage can be expensive, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from vehicles that are older. It's also possible to bump up the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Comprehensive insurance

This pays to fix your vehicle from 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 highest amount a auto insurance company will pay at claim time is the cash value of the vehicle, so if the vehicle's value is low consider removing comprehensive coverage.

Protection from uninsured/underinsured drivers

This coverage protects you and your vehicle when the "other guys" either have no liability insurance or not enough. Due to the fact that many drivers have only the minimum liability required by law, their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is important protection for you and your family.

Med pay and Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Medical payments and Personal Injury Protection insurance kick in for bills (i.e. ambulance fees, surgery, and doctor visits). They are used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance policy or if there is no health insurance coverage. PIP coverage is not universally available but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage.