You have lots of choices when attempting to insure your vehicle. You can either buy through an insurance agent or go online to compare rates from car insurance companies. Buying car insurance from online rate quotes 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 rate quotes from car insurance companies in your area. The fastest way to compare is to get quotes online. It is quite easy and can be accomplished by comparing rates here.

Which factors influence the rate you pay?

Insurance premiums for your 2009 will vary greatly depending on several factors. Taken into consideration are:

• Higher performance 2009 vehicles cost more
• Your accident history
• 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 new models have more advanced features including forward-collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning system so those may lower rates.

Liability insurance

This coverage provides protection from damages or injuries you inflict on other's property or people in an accident. Liability insurance covers things such as emergency aid, pain and suffering, and medical services. Coverage is generally pretty cheap so buy as much as you can afford.

Auto collision coverage

Collision insurance pays to fix your vehicle from damage resulting from colliding with an object or car. You have to 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 protection

Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for damage that is not covered by collision coverage. A deductible will apply then your comprehensive coverage will pay. The maximum 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 removing comprehensive coverage.

UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage

This protects you and your vehicle's occupants when the "other guys" either have no liability insurance or not enough. Since many drivers only carry the minimum required liability limits, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is very important.

Medical expense coverage

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