Shopping for auto insurance from online companies saves time, is easy to do, in addition you may find lower rates. The key to finding lower rates is to compare rates from as many companies as possible so you can compare all your choices.

Comparing auto insurance rates direct online can be complicated if you are a beginner to online rate quotes. Don't let that stop you because we're going to show you how. Getting cheaper insurance rates is actually quite simple. The only requirement is to invest a few minutes to compare quotes online from several insurance companies. This is very easy and can be done by visiting this page.

Criteria which help determine your insurance rates

Insurance premiums for your 2005 will vary greatly and are calculated by many factors. A few of these criteria are:

• Tickets increase premiums
• Your credit history
• Where you reside can make a big difference
• High miles vs. low miles
• Your gender can raise or lower rates
• Higher deductibles save money
• NTSB crash rating for your vehicle
• Whether or not you have claims
• Maintaining coverage lowers rates
• Owning a home can lower rates

One important consideration that will help determine your rates is the age of the vehicle. A newer vehicle have a higher replacement value compared to older models so the costs to repair will push premiums up. But newer models have more advanced features including an advanced theft deterrent system, all-wheel drive, and traction control so those may provide discounts that lower premiums.

Liability coverage

This protects you from injuries or damage you cause to other's property or people by causing an accident. Liability insurance covers claims such as funeral expenses, loss of income, and emergency aid. It is cheap coverage so buy as much as you can afford.

Auto collision coverage

Collision coverage pays for damage to your resulting from colliding with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. 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 lower value vehicles. Another option is to increase the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive insurance coverage will pay to fix damage caused by mother nature, theft, vandalism and other events. You first must pay your deductible then your comprehensive coverage will pay. The maximum amount a auto insurance company will pay at claim time is the cash value of the vehicle, so if the vehicle is not worth much consider dropping full coverage.

UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage

This coverage gives you protection when the "other guys" do not carry enough liability coverage. Due to the fact that many drivers only purchase the least amount of liability that is required, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is important protection for you and your family.

Medical payments coverage and PIP

Med pay and PIP coverage kick in for bills like ambulance fees, surgery, and doctor visits. The coverages can be utilized in addition to your health insurance plan or if there is no health insurance coverage. PIP coverage is not available in all states but can be used in place of medical payments coverage.