Drivers have lots of options when buying insurance for your vehicle. You can either buy through your neighborhood insurance agent or price shop online to compare rates from many different companies. Shopping for car insurance from online companies is simple to do, plus you will probably save money.

Comparing car insurance rates direct online can be difficult if you have never used online rate quotes. Don't let that stop you because there is an easy way to compare rates. To find the best car insurance prices, there are several ways to compare quotes from car insurance companies in your area. The recommended way to compare consists of shopping online. This can be done by comparing rates here.

Car insurance rates influenced by these factors

Insurance rates for your 2009 will vary greatly subject to many criteria. Including but not limited to:

• More performance equals higher cost
• Your accident history
• Whether you insure your home with the same company
• Pleasure, commuting or business use can affect rates
• Add-on coverages such as rental reimbursement
• Your profession
• The amount of protection requested
• Home ownership saves money

One last important factor that will help determine the rate you pay on your is the year of manufacture. Older cars and trucks have a lower value so the payout to repair can decrease annual premiums. But newer models may have options including lane departure warning system, dual-stage airbags, and pedestrian detection so those may lower rates.

Liability coverage - 2009 liability coverage protects you from damage or injury you incur to other's property or people by causing an accident. Liability insurance covers claims like pain and suffering, repair costs for stationary objects, and legal defense fees. This coverage is usually fairly inexpensive so purchase as much as you can afford.

Collision coverage - Collision coverage pays for damage to your resulting from colliding with a stationary object or other vehicle. You have to pay a deductible and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so consider removing coverage from vehicles that are 8 years or older. You can also choose a higher deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Comprehensive coverage - Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You need to pay your deductible first then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage. The maximum amount your car insurance company will pay is the market value of your vehicle, so if it's not worth much more than your deductible consider dropping full coverage.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage - Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle's occupants when the "other guys" do not carry enough liability coverage. Due to the fact that 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 important protection for you and your family.

Medical payments coverage and PIP - Med pay and PIP coverage reimburse you for immediate expenses for things like EMT expenses, pain medications, and nursing services. They are often utilized in addition to your health insurance plan or if there is no health insurance coverage. Personal injury protection coverage is not available in all states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay.