You have lots of choices when insurance shopping for your vehicle. You can buy from a local agent or go online to compare rates from many different auto insurance companies. Shopping for auto insurance through online rate quotes can be fast and easy and at the same time you might just save a little.

If shopping for auto insurance online is new to you, it's easy to be confused by the hoards of online auto insurance companies and websites vying for your business. Cutting your can be surprisingly simple. Drivers just need to take a couple of minutes to get quotes provided by online insurance companies. This is very easy and can be done by comparing rates here.

Which factors influence car insurance premiums?

Auto insurance rates for your 2004 can be significantly different depending on several factors. Taken into consideration are:

• Higher performance 2004 vehicles cost more
• How many accidents you have had
• Whether you insure your home with the same company
• Pleasure, commuting or business use can affect rates
• Young drivers cost more
• Whether you are married
• Special coverage such as replacement cost
• Claims drive up premiums
• Maintaining coverage lowers rates
• Whether you rent or 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 cost to replace them may end up costing you more. But more recent vehicles may have a trim level with safety features including an advanced theft deterrent system, traction control, lane departure warning system, and dual-stage airbags that may help lower rates.

Auto liability - This coverage will cover damages or injuries you inflict on other's property or people by causing an accident. Liability coverage protects against things such as emergency aid, pain and suffering, and medical services. Coverage is generally pretty cheap so consider buying as large an amount as possible.

Collision - Collision coverage will pay to fix 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 vehicles that are older. You can also bump up the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Comprehensive auto coverage - Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for damage that is not covered by collision coverage. A deductible will apply and the remainder of the damage will be paid by your comprehensive insurance. 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 it's not worth carrying full coverage.

UM/UIM Coverage - This protects you and your vehicle's occupants when the "other guys" are uninsured or don't have enough coverage. Due to the fact that 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 important protection for you and your family.

Medical payments and PIP coverage - Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage pay for expenses (i.e. 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 only offered in select states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay.