Buying car insurance through online companies can be fast and easy and at the same time you may find lower rates. The most important part is getting rates from all providers so you can get the cheapest rate quotes.

If you're new to shopping for car insurance online, it's easy to be confused by the hoards of online companies selling insurance. The are a couple different ways to compare rate quotes from local car insurance companies. The recommended way to find competitive is to get quotes online. It is quite easy and can be accomplished by completing this short form.

Which factors influence car insurance premiums?

Insurance premiums paid to insure a 2006 can be significantly different depending on several factors. Taken into consideration are:

• A clean driving record keeps rates low
• Better credit means lower rates
• Male drivers pay higher rates
• Low deductibles cost more
• Your vehicle's safety rating
• Your job
• Your coverage level
• 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 costs to repair may result in lower rates. On the flip side, new models have more advanced features like adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning system that may help give discounted rates.

Coverage for liability - This coverage provides protection from damages or injuries you inflict on a person or their property in an accident. Liability coverage protects against things such as emergency aid, pain and suffering, and medical services. Coverage is generally pretty cheap so buy as large an amount as possible.

Collision coverage - Collision insurance pays to fix your vehicle from damage from colliding with an object or car. You first must pay a deductible then your collision coverage will kick in. This coverage can be expensive, so you might think about dropping it from lower value vehicles. It's also possible to increase the deductible to get cheaper .

Comprehensive coverage (or Other than Collision) - This pays to fix your vehicle from damage that is not covered by collision coverage. A deductible will apply then your comprehensive coverage will pay. The highest amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the ACV or actual cash value, so if the vehicle's value is low consider removing comprehensive coverage.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage - This protects you and your vehicle when other motorists either have no liability insurance or not enough. Since many drivers have only the minimum liability required by law, their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. That's why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is very important.

Insurance for medical payments - Medical payments and Personal Injury Protection insurance pay for expenses like doctor visits, EMT expenses, and X-ray expenses. They are used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance policy or if you lack health insurance entirely. Personal Injury Protection is not universally available but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage.