You have lots of choices when comparing insurance rates on your vehicle. You can get prices from an insurance agent or go online to compare rates from multiple companies. Buying car insurance online can be fast and easy and at the same time you may find lower rates.

If you're new to shopping for car insurance online, it's easy to be confused by the hoards of online car insurance companies and websites selling insurance. The are a couple different ways to compare quotes from car insurance companies in your area. One of the best ways to compare is to get quotes online. It is quite easy and can be accomplished by comparing rates here.

Which factors influence car insurance premiums?

Insurance premiums for your 2012 can be significantly different depending on several factors. Taken into consideration are:

• Higher performance 2012 vehicles cost more
• How many accidents you have had
• Multiple policies can save money
• Pleasure, commuting or business use can affect rates
• Special coverage such as replacement cost
• Your job
• The amount of protection requested
• Whether you rent or own your home

One important consideration that helps determine your rates is the age of the vehicle. Older models have a reduced actual cash value compared to new models so the payout to repair may result in lower rates. But newer models have more advanced features including dual-stage airbags, tire pressure monitors, and blind-spot warning system that may help lower rates.

Liability coverage - This coverage protects you from damages or injuries you inflict on other's property or people in an accident. Liability coverage protects against things such as emergency aid, pain and suffering, and medical services. Coverage is generally pretty cheap so buy as large an amount as possible.

Collision coverages - Collision insurance pays for damage to your resulting from colliding with an object or car. You first must pay a deductible then your collision coverage will kick in. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so you might think about dropping it from lower value vehicles. You can also increase the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Comprehensive coverage - Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for damage that is not covered by collision coverage. A deductible will apply then your comprehensive coverage will pay. The highest amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the ACV or actual cash value, so if it's not worth much more than your deductible consider dropping full coverage.

Uninsured and underinsured coverage - This protects you and your vehicle's occupants when the "other guys" do not carry enough liability coverage. Since 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 very important.

Medical payments coverage and PIP - Med pay and PIP coverage pay for expenses like doctor visits, EMT expenses, and X-ray expenses. They are often utilized in addition to your health insurance policy or if there is no health insurance coverage. Personal Injury Protection is not available in all states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay.