Drivers have lots of options when attempting to insure your vehicle. You can either contact a local agent or get quotes online to compare rates from multiple insurance companies. Comparing auto insurance on the web saves time, is easy to do, plus you might just save a little.

Using the web to shop for auto insurance direct can be difficult if you are a beginner to online rate quotes. But relax because comparing prices is actually very simple. Getting cheaper insurance rates isn't really that difficult. The only requirement is to invest a few minutes to get quotes online from several insurance companies. This can be done by comparing rates here.

Rates are determined by these things

Auto insurance rates paid to insure a 1997 will vary greatly and are calculated by many factors. Including but not limited to:

• High performance increases premiums
• Your accident history
• Home and auto can earn discounts
• How you use your vehicle
• Mature drivers pay less
• Whether you are married
• Add-on coverages such as rental reimbursement
• Claims drive up premiums
• No coverage lapses saves money
• Home ownership saves money

A final factor that can impact is the model year. Newer models have a higher value in comparison to later models so the costs to repair will push premiums up. Conversely, new models may have a trim level with safety features such as automatic crash notification, anti-lock brakes, and a backup camera so those may lower rates.

Liability car insurance

This provides protection from damage or injury you incur to a person or their property. Liability insurance covers claims like pain and suffering, repair costs for stationary objects, and legal defense fees. It is cheap coverage so consider buying as much as you can afford.

Auto collision coverage

This coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage from colliding with a stationary object or other vehicle. You have to 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. You can also bump up the deductible to bring the cost down.

Comprehensive auto insurance

This pays for damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You first must pay your deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by your comprehensive insurance. The maximum amount your auto insurance company will pay is the cash value of the vehicle, so if it's not worth much more than your deductible consider removing comprehensive coverage.

UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle's occupants from other drivers when they either have no liability insurance or not enough. Because many people only carry the minimum required liability limits, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. So UM/UIM coverage is a good idea.

Coverage for medical expenses

Medical payments and Personal Injury Protection insurance kick in for immediate expenses (i.e. EMT expenses, pain medications, and nursing services). They are often used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance plan or if you do not have health coverage. PIP coverage is not universally available and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay.