You have many choices when attempting to insure your vehicle. You can either contact a local agent or price shop online to compare rates from insurance providers. Shopping for car insurance by comparing rates online is simple to do, in addition you might just save a little.

Comparing car insurance rates direct online can be complicated if you have never used quoting online. But don't be discouraged because comparing prices is actually very simple. When shopping for car insurance there are multiple ways to compare rate quotes from car insurance companies in your area. The fastest way to compare consists of shopping online. This is very easy and can be done by comparing rates here.

Criteria which help determine insurance rates

Auto insurance rates on a 2012 can be significantly different subject to many criteria. A few of these criteria are:

• More performance equals higher cost
• How many accidents you have had
• Whether you insure your home with the same company
• Pleasure use vs. commuting use
• Optional coverages like vehicle replacement
• What you do for a living
• The amount of protection requested
• Owning a home can lower rates

A final factor that will help determine is the model year. Older cars and trucks have a much lower replacement value in comparison to older models so the cost to replace them can decrease annual premiums. But new models may have a trim level with safety features including a backup camera, dual-stage airbags, and an advanced theft deterrent system that may help lower rates.

Auto liability insurance

2012 liability coverage provides protection from injuries or damage you cause to people or other property by causing an accident. Liability coverage protects against claims such as funeral expenses, loss of income, and emergency aid. This coverage is usually fairly inexpensive so consider buying as large an amount as possible.

Auto collision coverage

Collision coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage resulting from a collision with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. You first must pay a deductible and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage. Collision coverage for your 2012 can be pricey, so consider removing coverage from vehicles that are older. You can also bump up the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Comprehensive insurance

This coverage pays for damage caused by mother nature, theft, vandalism and other events. You need to pay your deductible first and the remainder of the damage will be paid by your comprehensive insurance. The highest amount a car insurance company will pay at claim time is the market value of your vehicle, so if it's not worth much more than your deductible consider removing comprehensive coverage.

UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage

This coverage protects you and your vehicle's occupants when the "other guys" either have no liability insurance or not enough. Due to the fact that many drivers only carry the minimum required liability limits, their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is important protection for you and your family.

Med pay and Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Medical payments and Personal Injury Protection insurance reimburse you for bills (i.e. ambulance fees, surgery, and doctor visits). They are often used in conjunction with a health insurance policy or if there is no health insurance coverage. Personal injury protection coverage is not universally available and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay.