Finding cheaper car insurance by comparing rates online saves time, is easy to do and at the same time you might just save a little. The key to finding lower rates is getting as many rate quotes as possible in order to accurately compare all possible prices.

Finding the best direct price on car insurance is challenging if you are a beginner to quoting online. But don't let that discourage you because comparing prices is actually very simple. When shopping for car insurance there are multiple ways to compare rate quotes from car insurance companies in your area. The easiest way by far to find the cheapest is to perform an online rate comparison. It is quite easy and can be accomplished by getting a quick quote here.

What factors determine car insurance premiums?

Auto insurance rates for a 1997 can be significantly different and are calculated by many factors. Taken into consideration are:

• Tickets increase premiums
• Better credit means lower rates
• Male drivers pay higher rates
• The deductible you choose
• Your vehicle's safety rating
• What you do for a living
• The amount of protection requested
• Whether you rent or own your home

A final factor which can affect is the model year. Models that are a few years old have a reduced actual cash value in comparison to older models so repair costs tend to be lower which may end up costing you less. But new models may have a trim level with safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning system, and pedestrian detection that may help help offset higher rates.

Auto liability insurance

This provides protection from damages or injuries you inflict on other people or property that is your fault. Liability coverage protects against things such as emergency aid, pain and suffering, and medical services. It is cheap coverage so consider buying as large an amount as possible.

Collision protection

This pays to fix your vehicle from damage caused by collision with an object or car. You first must pay a deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company. 1997 collision insurance is rather expensive coverage, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from vehicles that are older. Drivers also have the option to bump up the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Comprehensive insurance

Comprehensive insurance covers damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You first must pay your deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by your comprehensive insurance. The highest amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the cash value of the vehicle, so if your deductible is as high as the vehicle's value consider removing comprehensive coverage.

Uninsured or underinsured coverage

This provides protection when the "other guys" either have no liability insurance or not enough. Since a lot of drivers carry very low liability coverage limits, their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages should not be overlooked.

Med pay and Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Medical payments and Personal Injury Protection insurance kick in for expenses (i.e. doctor visits, EMT expenses, and X-ray expenses). They can be used to fill the gap from your health insurance policy or if there is no health insurance coverage. PIP coverage is not universally available and may carry a deductible.