Setting your priorities, checking reputations and financial standings, comparing quotes—shopping for the best car insurance company for your needs might seem daunting unless you tackle the process one step at a time.

Know What You Want

Understand what coverages and amenities you're looking for in a car insurance company. Are you solely looking for cheap auto insurance? How might choosing the cheapest option affect your actual coverage? What about customer service—that's important, too, right?

Know your priorities before you begin looking to buy car insurance. Ideally, you'll want a company that offers great coverage at an affordable price from customer service-oriented agents.

Check for Reputation and Financial Standing

Once you've found a few seemingly compatible car insurance companies, do some investigative work and check out the companies' reputation and financial standing.

    First, check with your state’s Department of Insurance website and make sure the company is licensed to sell auto insurance in your state.

        Also, take a look at complaint ratios, if available.

    Then, look at the companies' financial standing on reputable websites such as J.D. Power and A.M. Best.

        Auto insurance is a two-way street: you pay for the coverage and your company provides the coverage. You need to make sure your company can pay your damages when required.

    Finally, find out how the companies stand with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

        The BBB ranks companies from A+ to F, and gives you a multitude of information about those companies, such as the length of time they have been in operation and information about customer complaints (including resolutions).

Compare Car Insurance Quotes

Consider these tips when comparing auto insurance quotes:

    First and foremost, never look at just one or two car insurance companies; always get and compare at least three quotes.

    Talk with family members and friends about their car insurance providers.

        How long have they been with the company?

        Are they satisfied with their rates?

        What about customer service? How has the provider handled their premiums in the events of traffic violations, at-fault accidents, and other common premium-increasing situations?

    Look for auto insurance companies that offer discounts and good-driver rewards programs.

        Some companies provide breaks for drivers of certain ages or for drivers with anti-theft devices.

        Others offer rewards (e.g. lower premiums) for drivers with consistently good driving records.

    Ask about bundling insurance policies.

        Also known as “multi-line coverage," some companies provide discounts for purchasing two or more lines of coverage (such as car insurance and homeowner insurance).

    Check out the companies' social media accounts.

        Reach out to your potential insurance companies on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter and evaluate how they respond to your questions about issues such as coverage and discounts.

Remember, comparing car insurance quotes is never just about what's cheapest.

Periodically Evaluate Your Coverage

Getting great car insurance coverage at an affordable rate is fantastic, but don't get complacent. Many companies decrease premiums for certain life events, such as:

    Buying a new car. You might get lower rates if you purchase a new vehicle with great safety and anti-theft features.

    Moving. Living in low-crime areas tends to get you lower premiums.

    Getting older. Mature drivers (generally those who are 25 and older) often benefit from lower car insurance rates.

    Getting married. Combining two insurance policies into one can save you money. Married drivers are also viewed as more responsible and often see lower rates.

    Purchasing a new home. Remember multi-line insurance? You could get a discount if you insure your home with the same company.

Of course, some life events can increase your rates—which means you'll want to talk with your agent about ways to decrease them or even start comparing quotes from other providers. Such situations include:

    Moving. Again, moving can affect your car insurance rates, and in this case moving from a low-crime area to one with a higher crime or accident rate might cost you.

    Filing claims. Each claim you file can increase your rates—especially claims for at-fault accidents. Talk with your agent about ways to decrease rates or avoid rate hikes, or consider shopping for another provider.

    Traffic violations. Similar to filing claims, the more traffic violations and driving points you accumulate, the higher your premium could become.

    Adding a teenager to your policy. Often, increased rates when adding a teenager to your policy are unavoidable; however, if you feel the premium has become too high, talk with your agent about ways to decrease it (such as teen driving courses) or start looking at other companies.

Simply put, whenever you experience a life event that might decrease or increase your rates, it's time to evaluate your coverage and perhaps even start comparing quotes from other providers.

Consider Working with an Agent or Broker

The difference between car insurance agents and car insurance brokers is that, generally, agents work with one company while brokers work with several companies.

So, while an agent can help you get the best coverage and rates from his or her particular company, a broker can shop around and help you find the best coverage and rates from a number of companies. Keep in mind, however, they may charge you a broker fee.

Unless you feel comfortable shopping around on your own or have your heart set on one company, you might want to consider consulting an agent or broker about your car insurance needs.

Source : http://www.dmv.org/insurance/how-to-choose-a-car-insurance-company.php

Everyone knows you should carefully shop around when buying a car, but all too many drivers neglect to purchase insurance with the same level of care. Failing to thoroughly comparison-shop can leave you paying more than you need to for coverage, and far from getting the best car insurance coverage for your needs.

Below are tips to help you seek out the best insurance coverage at the lowest rate.

What Is Good Car Insurance?

Getting cheap car insurance does not necessarily mean you bought the right type or amount of coverage.

Having “good coverage" means you don't find yourself paying significant amounts of money out of pocket after an accident.

When you have found the right insurance provider:

    You'll feel assured that you'll be able to handle the financial costs after an accident.

    You'll feel comfortable knowing you're not overpaying for your car insurance.

Comparison-shopping for car insurance can help you make sure you've picked the right insurance coverage.

Deciding on the Best Insurance Coverage

You need car insurance to comply with state laws, to satisfy your lender or leaseholder, and to protect your assets.

Each state has different financial responsibility laws that dictate the least amount of insurance you must have. However, unless you have very few assets, the smallest amount of insurance is most likely not enough coverage. Talk to your insurance company about how much coverage and what types of optional insurance coverages might be right for you. These typically include:

    Comprehensive.

    Collision.

    Medical payments.

    Uninsured/underinsured motorist.

    GAP coverage.

    Towing and labor.

    Rental reimbursement.

NOTE: If you have a loan or lease on your car, it will typically come with coverage requirements. Be sure you understand these when reviewing your loan/lease agreement.

For more information on what your state requires, please visit our section on state car insurance requirements.

What if I Have a Loan?

While commonly believed, it is actually a myth that your car insurance will pay off your loan if your car is totaled. In reality, it will pay the fair market value.

The fair market value, or actual cash value, is the sales price minus depreciation. A car depreciates at a surprisingly rapid rate. In fact, just driving a car off the lot after purchase decreases its value by an average of 11%. During the first 5 years, the car's value depreciates by an average of 15% to 25% every year.

In the event of a serious car accident, you can be left with substantial costs due to normal depreciation. This is where GAP and loan/lease coverage come in.

To protect yourself from having to pay a loan on a car that no longer functions, you can purchase either:

    Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) insurance – Covers the difference between your insurance payout and what you still owe on your car loan after insurance pays, without any maximum limits.

    Loan/lease payments coverage – Also covers the gap between what you owe on the car and its current value, but only covers a percentage of your car's actual cash value in the event of a total loss. This might not be enough to cover the gap between your loan and the cash value.

Shopping Smart

Ratings

Like most consumer purchases, different insurance companies charge different premiums for the same insurance coverage. However, all car insurance companies do not give the same level of service or share the same rankings.

Insurance companies are given a Best Insurance Ranking provided by the A. M. Best Company. Since 1899, the A.M. Best Company has provided ratings of insurance companies based on their financial stability. The stronger the rating, the more likely the company is able to pay if you file a claim.

Rankings range from AAA down to D.

Sales Methods

Insurance companies use one of three methods to sell their policies.

    Exclusive agents: These agents only sell the products of a single insurance carrier.

    Independent agents: These agents represent many companies and can give you multiple quotes on car insurance to compare.

    Direct market: Sales are usually with one company and completed over the Internet, phone, or by mail.

All three sales methods have their merits. The most important thing is to get multiple quotes from the insurance companies you feel most comfortable comparing, as insurance rates can fluctuate widely from insurance carrier to insurance carrier.

What to Notice

When you compare car insurance companies, you should pay close attention to the following:

    The premium. This is the monthly cost for your car insurance.

    Applicable discounts.

        One company may offer you discounts that others did not.

        Ask each insurance company you speak with about car insurance discounts for which you may qualify.

    A. M. Best Rating. This rating indicates the financial strength of an insurance company and their likelihood of paying on your claim.

    Customer service.

        Most state insurance departments have lists of complaints against insurance companies. These complaints are frequently referred to as “valid complaints."

        The higher the number of complaints or the complaint ratio, the higher the likelihood of the company violating a policy, contract, or statute.

Doing your research when shopping for car insurance quotes can ensure you get the best rates, great coverage, and stellar customer service. In contrast, neglecting to comparison-shop can leave you with a policy that does little for you in the long run and can hurt financially if you get into an accident. Informed consumers always get the best deal.

Source : http://www.dmv.org/insurance/get-the-best-car-insurance-rates.php

Car insurance is designed to protect drivers and their passengers from financial hardship after an accident or other vehicle-related incident. Auto insurance, or other proof of financial responsibility, is mandated in every state.

Insurance can be confusing, but it can help you to find the right coverage at the best price to understand more about how it works and why it's required.

Car Insurance Requirements

While the car insurance requirements vary by state, drivers must always prove they can pay damages in the event of an accident. This is called proving financial responsibility.

Some states allow drivers to prove their ability to pay damages by posting a bond or certificate; however, car insurance is typically the easiest way for drivers to fulfill the requirement.

To learn all about the types of car insurance coverage required in your state, visit our Insurance Requirements section.

Benefits of Car Insurance

Before car insurance was widely adopted and mandated, car accident victims would usually get no form of compensation in an accident. In the event that a victim did sue the driver at fault, those drivers often faced huge costs that could be financially crippling.

Requiring car insurance helps states protect drivers from the enormous costs that can be associated with an accident. It ensures that both:

    The at-fault driver can cover the costs of the injuries or property damages resulting from the accident without losing huge sums in a lawsuit.

    The victims of the accident can seek the medical care required, pay for funeral expenses, and/or fix their property in a timely manner without paying out of pocket.

Car insurance can give you the peace of mind knowing that you'll be financially covered after an accident.

Types of Car Insurance

The most common type of insurance that is legally required is liability insurance, which covers damages to the other party when you are at fault. However, there are numerous other types of coverage that can offer additional protection from the costs of injuries and property damage to you and your passengers. These include:

    Comprehensive coverage – Pays for property damage after an incident that is not accident-related.

    Collision coverage – Covers damage to your vehicle from a traffic collision.

    Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage – Helps pay your expenses when you've been hit by someone with no or insufficient insurance.

    Uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage – Helps cover damages to your property if you've been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

    Medical expense payments coverage – Helps you pay for your and your passengers' medical expenses, regardless of who was found at fault.

For more information on the various types of coverage available on the market, visit our Coverages section.

How Insurance Companies Manage Risk

Like all insurance, car insurance rates are assessed based on risk. This means that the insurance provider:

    Calculates your likelihood of making a claim.

    Bases your premium on that level of risk.

Car insurance carriers have found that certain factors statistically affect your chances of getting into an accident, so they use those factors to determine your premiums. They include (but are not limited to):

    Your driving record.

        Tickets, DUIs, accidents, etc. will make you riskier to insure.

    Your vehicle's make, model, and year.

    Your age, gender, and marital status.

    Your occupation.

    Your credit history.

        NOTE: Not all states allow use of your credit history to determine your rates.

    Your claims history.

    How many miles you drive per month/year.

If you are a low-risk driver, you'll have an easier time finding cheap rates. If you are high-risk, you'll find that you you'll pay higher premiums, and you may even have a harder time finding an insurance provider to offer you coverage.*

It's important to remember that not all companies calculate risk the same way. Some companies may place more weight on certain factors and less on others, and it may be reversed in another company. Your best bet is to speak to multiple car insurance companies and/or compare car insurance rates online.

Discounts may also factor into your rates. Make sure when you shop around for car insurance to ask about discounts that may apply to you.

* Drivers who've been denied coverage can find it through their state's automobile insurance plan, albeit at a higher premium.

Accidents and Your Auto Insurance

If you get into an accident and you are found to be at fault, you will file a claim with your car insurance company to cover the damages.

After the claim is processed and funds are paid out, your insurance company may consider you riskier to insure and may increase your premium as a result.

Note that if you don't file a claim but you are still cited by the police in an accident, your insurance rates can still go up due to the increased risk factor associated with your driving habits.

The best way to obtain and maintain low car insurance rates is to drive safely, avoid accidents, and keep your driving record clear.

How Car Insurance Providers Make Money

Car insurance companies make money by collecting premiums from their pool of consumers. The money collected from the company's consumers “in case" of an accident is put away to pay out claims that are submitted.

The large majority of consumers won't file a claim during the span of their relationship with their insurer. This means that the insurance company typically has enough money from their consumers' premiums to pay out their claims, so you can feel comfortable knowing if something happens you'll be covered.

Insurance companies also ensure they don't lose money by imposing coverage limits, meaning they put a specific cap on what will get paid out, based on the customer's chosen premium. Simply put, if the customer pays more, he can elect a higher payout. This helps the company manage risk and make money in the long-term.

Source : http://www.dmv.org/insurance/how-car-insurance-works.php

Online Car Insurance Quoting Questions: What You Need and Why

Quote shopping for car insurance may seem complex; but in reality, it’s simple when you break it down. Insurance companies need specific information to provide an accurate quote.

Understanding what details you must have at your fingertips, and why car insurance companies ask those questions, will simplify the process.

Questions About Your Vehicle

How many miles do you drive each day?

Car insurance companies want to know how far you drive on a daily basis, because the more you drive, the greater your chance of getting into an accident. When you’re at a high risk for accidents, you pose a higher risk to the insurance company, so you’ll likely pay higher premiums.

Do you own your car outright?

If you lease a car or have a lien against it, you may be required to hold both comprehensive and collision insurance in addition to the state-required liability coverage.

Also, you may be a good candidate for gap insurance, which will cover the difference between how much you owe and the car’s current value in the event that it gets totaled.

Do you use the car for business?

A car used for business might require commercial insurance, so you may be redirected to get a commercial car insurance quote.

Is your vehicle equipped with safety and anti-theft devices?

Certain safety and anti-theft add-ons can reduce the premium for your insurance because they reduce your risk of both theft and injury. When going through the quote process, be prepared to provide specifics about these features in each of your vehicles to help you get a lower rate.

How many cars are you insuring?

The company will need to know how many vehicles you’re insuring so they can give you an accurate estimate. Also, insuring multiple vehicles can get you a discount on your respective rates. Note that there may be a maximum number of vehicles per policy.

How many licensed drivers are in your household?

Everyone you live with theoretically has access to your car, so your insurance company considers the other drivers a rating factor.

Do you wish to exclude any drivers?

If you live with someone who has a bad driving record, excluding them from your policy can help reduce the cost. However, if there’s any chance this driver will use your vehicle, this is not recommended. Also, some states prohibit drivers from making exclusions.

Does your vehicle carry a salvage title?

Many insurance companies will not cover vehicles with salvage titles until full repairs are complete.

Questions About Driving and Insurance History

How many violations and tickets are on your record?

Insurance companies base your premium rates on how much risk they absorb by insuring you. Your driving record indicates the level of risk you pose, by showing them your accident and violation history. On average, the company will only be interested in violations from the last 3-5 years.

Who is your current insurance company?

Your current carrier may affect your rate. Some insurance companies only provide policies to drivers with clean records and good credit. If your current insurance company is considered a high-risk company, you may be quoted a higher premium because you would be considered a high-risk driver. Conversely, if your current provider insures primarily low-risk drivers, you may get a better rate.

Additionally, coverage gaps are another risk indicator, so if you’re currently uninsured, this may affect your premium as well.

When does your current policy expire?

Some companies view early shopping as an indicator of responsibility. So if you are shopping for insurance early (e.g., 7 days or more before your policy’s expiration date), you might be eligible for a discount.

What is your birth date?

Young drivers/drivers with no or few years of experience are at higher risk for accidents and so pay higher premiums.

What is your gender?

Gender also factors into the risk equation. Women have fewer accidents on the whole and generally pay less than their male counterparts.

Are you married?

Married drivers tend to get lower rates because the insurance companies view married drivers as more responsible and less likely to get into accidents. You may also qualify for a discount if you’re in a registered domestic partnership.

What is your Social Security number?

Your SSN is used to pull your driving record in order to determine your risk. Depending on your state, your credit may also be pulled. Do note that when an insurance company views your credit history, it is considered a “soft hit” and does not affect your score.

Do you own a home?

Homeowners are considered more responsible by car insurance companies and often get lower rates as a result. You may also be eligible for a discount if you bundle your homeowner’s insurance and your car insurance. Homeowners may also want to consider higher liability limits to protect their assets.

What do you do for a living?

Certain professions are associated with lower accident rates, and vice versa. For this reason, your job can actually affect your quote.

How Many Quotes Should You Obtain?

The more quotes you acquire, the better your odds of finding an affordable rate that meets your needs. The difference between looking 1 quote and 3 quotes could be several hundred dollars in insurance premium savings.

It’s important to remember that different car insurance companies will weight certain factors differently. For example, one company might give more consideration to your profession than another company. For this reason, it’s important to look at multiple companies.

Thanks to the Internet, it's much easier to shop for insurance than it used to be. You can easily compare insurance rates online from multiple providers, without spending a lot of time.

Source : http://www.dmv.org/insurance/what-you-need-for-a-car-insurance-quote.php

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What Information Will I Need?

Your time is important, and we'll try to get you through the quote process as quickly as possible. In many cases we can fill your vehicle information in automatically based on public records, but to make things easier, it's best if you have the following information nearby:

    Your current policy (if you have one) – this is helpful as a reference so you know what coverages you currently have

    Driving record information from the last five years (including accidents, violations and claims) for all drivers you'd like included on your policy

    Driver's license number(s)

    Your car's make, model and year, as well as its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

    The odometer reading for each car you'd like an insurance quote for

    The location where your vehicles are typically parked

What Factors Will Affect My Rate?

When you request an auto insurance quote online, there are three major factors when your rate is calculated:

    Your Vehicle: The more expensive a car is to repair or replace, the more it costs to insure. Your vehicle's safety features can help lower your auto insurance quote, as can how often you drive the car and what type of driving it's used for (business or personal).

    Your Address: Where you live and park your vehicle will affect your auto insurance quote.

    Your Driving Record: Having fewer incidents such as accidents, moving violations or claims in your driving record will help lower your rate.

If you already have a car insurance policy and are comparing new car insurance quotes to determine what is best for you, make sure that you are comparing similar coverage, limits and deductible amounts. In most cases Liberty Mutual can provide multiple car insurance quotes, any of which can be customized to meet your car insurance needs.

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What Coverage is Best for Me? When purchasing a car insurance policy, you want to make sure that you're getting the coverage you need to fit

specific situation. You can learn more in our Car Insurance Coverage section. If you're not sure what type of coverage you need, try using our Car Insurance Coverage Calculator. This easy-to-use tool lets you review different levels of auto insurance coverage to help you determine what best fits your needs,

If you need help during the online quote process, we have an extensive online help center, as well as a real-time chat feature. But of course you can also always give us a call or contact a Local Agent to get the same great insurance quote experience,

Source : https://www.libertymutual.com/auto/car-insurance-quotes