You have many choices when attempting to insure your vehicle. You can either buy through a local agent or get quotes online to compare insurance costs of many different companies. Comparing auto insurance from online companies saves time, is easy to do, in addition you might just save a little.

Using the web to shop for auto insurance direct can be complicated if you are a beginner to quoting online. But don't let that discourage you because comparing prices is actually very simple. Getting cheaper insurance rates is actually quite simple. The only requirement is to invest a few minutes to get quotes online from several insurance companies. This can be done by getting a quick quote here.

Criteria which help determine

Auto insurance rates for a 1998 can be significantly different and are calculated by many factors. A few of these criteria are:

• High performance increases premiums
• How many accidents you have had
• Home and auto can earn discounts
• Use of your vehicle
• Optional coverages like vehicle replacement
• Claims drive up premiums
• Maintaining coverage lowers rates
• Owning a home can lower rates

A final factor that can impact is the model year. Models that are new have a higher 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 an advanced theft deterrent system, all-wheel drive, and traction control that may help help offset higher rates.

Liability coverage

This provides protection from injuries or damage you cause to other people or property. 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.

Auto collision coverage

This coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage caused by collision 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. 1998 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 coverage

Comprehensive insurance covers 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 your deductible is as high as the vehicle's value consider removing comprehensive coverage.

UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage

This coverage provides protection when the "other guys" either have no liability insurance or not enough. Because many people carry very low liability coverage limits, their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is a good idea.

Medical payments coverage and PIP

Medical payments and Personal Injury Protection insurance kick in for bills (i.e. ambulance fees, surgery, and doctor visits). 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.