You have lots of choices when buying insurance for your vehicle. You can either buy through an insurance agent or price shop online to check prices from lots of different providers. Buying auto insurance through online providers is simple to do and at the same time you may find lower rates.

Shopping online for auto insurance is challenging if you have never used online rate quotes. But don't be discouraged because we're going to show you how. Finding lower is surprisingly easy. You just have to spend a little time to compare quotes online with multiple companies. This can be accomplished by completing this short form.

What influences the rate you pay?

Insurance premiums on a 2012 will vary greatly subject to many criteria. Taken into consideration are:

• More performance equals higher cost
• Your accident history
• Multiple policies can save money
• Pleasure use vs. commuting use
• Your birth date
• Having a spouse can save money
• Special coverage such as replacement cost
• Whether or not you have claims
• Maintaining coverage lowers rates
• Whether you rent or own your home

One important consideration that helps determine your rates is the age of the vehicle. New vehicles cost more compared to older models so the payout to repair will push premiums up. But newer vehicles have more advanced features including active head restraints, an advanced theft deterrent system, and lane departure warning system so those may give discounted rates.

Liability auto insurance - 2012 liability coverage can cover damages or injuries you inflict on people or other property in an accident. Liability insurance covers things such as emergency aid, pain and suffering, and medical services. This coverage is usually fairly inexpensive so buy as much as you can afford.

Collision coverage - Collision insurance covers damage to your resulting from a collision with an object or car. You have to 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 lower value vehicles. It's also possible to increase the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Comprehensive (Other than Collision) - This coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You need to pay your deductible first then your comprehensive coverage will pay. The maximum amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the market value of your vehicle, so if the vehicle's value is low it's probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage - This protects you and your vehicle when the "other guys" either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. Since many drivers have only the minimum liability required by law, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is very important.

Medical expense insurance - Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP reimburse you for expenses like doctor visits, EMT expenses, and X-ray expenses. They are used in conjunction with a health insurance plan or if there is no health insurance coverage. Personal injury protection coverage is not an option in every state but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage.