Shopping for auto insurance through online companies saves time, is easy to do and there is a good chance you might just save a little. The key to finding lower rates is to take the time to get rates from all providers in order to have the lowest prices.

Comparing auto insurance rates direct online can be a challenge if you are a beginner to online quotes. But relax because comparing prices is actually very simple. Cutting your is not a difficult process. Drivers just need to take a couple of minutes to get quotes online from several insurance companies. This is very easy and can be done by comparing rates here.

Auto insurance rates paid to insure a 2011 can vary widely and are calculated by many factors. Some of these factors include:

• Tickets increase premiums
• Credit rating
• Male drivers pay higher rates
• Deductible amount directly impacts your rate
• Safety rating of your 2011
• Claims drive up premiums
• Maintaining coverage lowers rates
• Whether you own your home

A final factor that will help determine is the model year. Newer models have a higher replacement value in comparison to later models so the costs to repair can inflate annual premiums. But new models may have a trim level with safety features including a rollover prevention system, forward-collision avoidance, and dual-stage airbags which can lower rates.

Coverage for liability - This provides protection from damage that occurs to a person or their property by causing an accident. Liability coverage pays for things like legal defense fees, bail bonds, and repair bills for other people's vehicles. It is cheap coverage so consider buying higher limits if possible.

Collision - Collision coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage from colliding with another car or object. You will need to pay your deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company. This coverage can be expensive, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from vehicles that are older. You can also bump up the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Comprehensive coverage (or Other than Collision) - This pays for damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. You first must pay your deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by your comprehensive insurance. The maximum payout you'll receive from a claim is the cash value of the vehicle, so if it's not worth much more than your deductible consider removing comprehensive coverage.

UM/UIM Coverage - Your UM/UIM 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, it doesn't take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is important protection for you and your family.

Insurance for medical payments - Medical payments and Personal Injury Protection insurance kick in for short-term medical expenses (i.e. nursing services, prosthetic devices, and dental work). They are often used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance policy or if there is no health insurance coverage. PIP coverage is not universally available and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay.