Best Car Insurance Quotes

With so many companies claiming to offer the lowest rates, finding the best car insurance quotes can be difficult. However, there are a few steps you can take to ensure lower car insurance quotes, no matter what company you choose.

1.

 Car insurance quotes can vary greatly from company to company. Shop around to find the best deals for your vehicles and your coverage needs. InsWeb is a helpful website for comparing several insurance companies all at once. In addition to featuring big names like Allstate and Prudential, the site also offers quotes from smaller insurance companies that don't always get the attention large firms do. You can also visit the websites of most major insurance companies for customized quotes.

2.

 An older car may be worth less than the cost of insurance for the year. In a feature on understanding auto insurance, Money magazine offers that if your car is worth less than $5,000, it probably won't be worth it to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage. You're likely to pay more in insurance than you would receive if the car were totaled.

3.

 One aspect of a low-profile car is that is unattractive to thieves. Certain cars have a very high theft rate, which makes insurance companies wary. For instance, as of 2005, the National Insurance Crime Bureau reported that a 1991 Honda Accord was more likely to be stolen than any other car. Sports cars also raise insurance premiums, so if you purchase a Corvette, expect to pay more insurance on it than you would for a family sedan.

4.

 Instead of monthly payments, make yearly, biannually, or quarterly payments. For instance, a Progressive insurance policy that would cost $1,139 if paid in 11 installments of $94.93 would only cost $904 if paid in full yearly.

5.

 If you’ve been with a company for a long time, don't be afraid to bargain. Tell them that you are currently shopping around for car insurance quotes, and inquire if they would be willing to provide you with a better deal. Insurance companies may be willing to work with you to keep your business.

6.

 One example is a low mileage/restricted mileage discount. The less time you spend on the road, the less chance you have of being involved in an accident. This means less risk for the insurance company, and greater savings for you. Other discounts may be available for drivers over the age of 55, non-smokers, those with safe driving records, defensive driving class graduates, and teen drivers with good grades. GEICO offers military discounts of up to 15 percent off a standard policy and discounted storage protection plans for military members facing emergency deployment.

7.

 Automatic seat belts, airbags, and anti-lock brakes may make you eligible for a safety features discount. Anti-theft devices like fuel cut-off systems, alarms, wheel-locking devices, and window identification systems may also lead to discounts.

8.

 If you purchase car insurance from your home or life insurance provider, you will most likely qualify for a discount. Allstate offers a multiple policy discount of up to 10 percent if you also purchase property insurance. However, you should still shop around to make sure the discounted rate is cheaper than the best car insurance quotes from other insurers. If you insure more than one car with the same car insurance company, you should also receive a discount.

9.

 Raising your deductible will lower your car insurance quote. Progressive offers a 15 to 30 percent reduction in collision and comprehensive coverage when you raise your deductible from $200 to $500.

10.

 Insurance rates are based in part on how frequently you drive your car and how many miles you travel. State Farm offers that "people who use their car for business and long-distance commuting normally pay more than those who drive less." If you can reduce your driving through public transportation or carpooling, you can lower your car insurance quote.

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