Comparing auto insurance through online providers saves time, is easy to do, plus you might just save a little. The key to finding lower rates is to compare rates from as many companies as possible in order to accurately compare all your choices.

Using the web to shop for auto insurance direct can be difficult if you are a beginner to online rate quotes. Don't let that stop you because comparing prices is actually very simple. Getting cheaper insurance rates is surprisingly easy. The only requirement is to invest a few minutes to get quotes online from several insurance companies. This can be done by getting a quick quote here.

Rates are determined by...

Auto insurance rates for your 2009 will vary greatly and are calculated by many factors. Including but not limited to:

• Tickets increase premiums
• Your credit history
• Your location impacts rates
• High miles vs. low miles
• Men typically pay more than women
• The deductible you choose
• Crash test rating for your 2009
• Claims drive up premiums
• Maintaining coverage lowers rates
• Home ownership saves money

A final factor that can impact is the model year. Models that are new have a higher value in comparison to later models so the costs to repair will push premiums up. But more recent vehicles may have a trim level with safety features including active head restraints, automatic crash notification, blind-spot warning system, and adaptive cruise control so those may help offset higher rates.

Liability auto insurance

This will cover damage or injury you incur to other's property or people. Liability insurance covers claims like pain and suffering, repair costs for stationary objects, and legal defense fees. It is cheap coverage so consider buying as much as you can afford.

Auto collision coverage

This coverage will pay to fix damage to your resulting from colliding with a stationary object or other vehicle. You have to pay a deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from vehicles that are older. Drivers also have the option to bump up the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Comprehensive (Other than Collision)

Comprehensive insurance coverage covers damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You first must pay your deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by your comprehensive insurance. The maximum amount your auto insurance company will pay is the cash value of the vehicle, so if your deductible is as high as the vehicle's value it's not worth carrying full coverage.

UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage provides protection when the "other guys" are uninsured or don't have enough coverage. Because many people carry very low liability coverage limits, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is a good idea.

Medical expense insurance

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage kick in for immediate expenses (i.e. EMT expenses, pain medications, and nursing services). They can be utilized in addition to your health insurance plan or if there is no health insurance coverage. PIP coverage is only offered in select states and may carry a deductible.