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How to Compare Auto Insurance Quotes

There is no way around it: you have to have car insurance. No matter how you go about it, getting auto insurance quotes from multiple carriers is easy. Most of the larger insurance companies offer quotes on their web sites, though auto insurance quotes are also available over the phone and in person by appointment. So many insurance quotes from so many different companies may compel you to go with the carrier that offers the lowest price for simplicity's sake alone. Instead, you should choose an auto insurance policy that best suits your needs, of which low cost may be part.

Here are some of the many ways to compare auto insurance quotes:

• Price. This is an easy one, but not always the best way to compare quotes. You may be on a tight budget, but shaving off vital coverage like comprehensive can cost you dearly in the end. By choosing to go with the smallest possible amount of coverage you are, in essence, opting to pay potentially thousands more out-of-pocket on auto repairs than you would if you had chosen to part with a little more for a better policy. If you can only afford liability--the legal minimum amount of coverage in most states --you have one more thing to check: your deductible.
• Deductible amount. It is the amount of money you will have to pay out of pocket should you be involved in a collision. A policy with a high deductible is fine if your car will be sitting in a driveway, but if you plan on driving your car, aim for a policy with a lower deductible so you will not end up strapped if you are involved in an accident.
• Extent of coverage.  Of course, you will want to know the exact ways in which your policy will cover you--how comprehensive your comprehensive coverage truly is. Yet there is probably more to your policy than just coverage, so pay attention to these as you shop. Auto insurance policies come with a number of perks. For example, if you do any traveling at all, see if your auto insurance covers damage done to rental cars. Some policies also have extras like roadside assistance and minor cosmetic (such as a rock chip) repair coverage.

Determining your ideal package

Before you choose a policy, it is key that you know what you are looking for, and that the details extend well beyond price. Answering the following questions will help you determine the features you should look for in an insurance policy:

• What kind of car do you drive?
• What are the biggest risks your car will face?
• What does your driving record look like? 
• Will other people be driving your car?
• What are the minimum policy requirements in your state?
• What kind of coverage is not available in your state? (Florida, for example, no longer requires personal injury protection.)

There is no getting around the fact that you need auto insurance, but that does not mean you have to pay an exorbitant amount for it. Knowing multiple ways of looking at insurance quotes will help you save a good deal while ensuring the best possible coverage.