How to Compare a Car Insurance Quote

Getting cheap coverage is easiest when you first compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies. Comparison shopping with companies like Progressive or GEICO is one of the best ways to find the cheapest coverage you can. It's important to make sure you're gauging quotes fairly, so follow these steps to make sure you're making an accurate comparison.

Step 1: Decide on Coverage

You might consider getting minimal bodily injury and property damage liability insurance, or collision or comprehensive insurance. After deciding on the type of insurance you want, you will need to decide how much your policy covers and what the deductible will be. Plans can cover as little as $10,000 or as much as $500,000 or more, depending on the vehicle. Obviously, the higher the deductible and the higher the insurance amount, the higher your costs will be. The important thing is to make sure you're comparing the same levels of insurance - type, coverage and deductible - all across the board.

Step 2: Get Free Online Quotes

After deciding on the specifics of your insurance policy, you can visit websites to get instant and free online quote estimates. Almost all auto insurance companies now offer this service, so visit all the insurance websites you can think of. The following links may help you get started:

• Progressive
• GEICO
• Allstate
• State Farm
• Esurance

Make sure you enter the same insurance parameters for every website, in order to get fair quotes for comparison. Choose the 3 or 4 lowest quotes you receive to start narrowing down your search.

Step 3: Ask What's Covered

Once you've collected a number of quotes and narrowed it down to several of the lowest prices, contact the companies individually. Clarify any questions you may have as far as precisely what the quote covers. Also ask about any discounts which may be available.

Step 4: Look for Discounts

If you already hold life or health insurance, using the same insurance provider to insure your car can get you a bulk discount. Students may be able to get good student discounts, and there are special programs for those who are involved in the military. You might even be able to get a discount if you have a great credit score or if you've taken safe driving classes. Ask the insurance companies which discounts may be available to you, and how much money you could expect to save with those discounts applied.

Step 5: Compare Prices

You're now ready to compare prices! Look at the down payment and the premiums you will be paying, and choose the insurance which turns out to be the best deal for you.

By taking the different aspects of auto insurance into account and making fair comparisons between companies, you can find the best price on car insurance.