You have lots of choices when trying to insure your vehicle. You can either buy through your neighborhood insurance agent or get quotes online to check prices from many different auto insurance companies. Shopping for auto insurance through online rate quotes saves time, is easy to do and at the same time you will probably save money.

Comparing auto insurance rates direct online is challenging if you are a beginner to online quotes. Don't let that stop you because there is an easy way to compare rates. Finding a lower price on 2009 insurance can be surprisingly simple. You just have to take a little time comparing rates online from several insurance companies. This is very easy and can be done by completing this short form.

What factors determine your insurance rates?

Insurance rates for your 2009 can vary widely and are calculated by many factors. Taken into consideration are:

• High performance increases premiums
• Any accidents you may have
• Whether you insure your home with the same company
• Pleasure, commuting or business use can affect rates
• Mature drivers pay less
• Having a spouse can save money
• Special coverage such as replacement cost
• No claims lowers premiums
• Maintaining coverage lowers rates
• Whether you rent or own your home

One last important factor that will help determine the rate you pay on your is the year of manufacture. New vehicles have a higher replacement value so the costs to repair can inflate annual premiums. But new models may have options including lane departure warning system, a telematics system, and adaptive headlights which can give discounted rates.

Auto liability

This provides protection from damages or injuries you inflict on other's property or people by causing an accident. Liability coverage pays for things such as emergency aid, pain and suffering, and medical services. It is cheap coverage so purchase higher limits if possible.

Collision coverage

Collision coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage resulting from colliding with an object or car. You will need to pay your 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 8 years or older. It's also possible to choose a higher deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Comprehensive auto coverage

Comprehensive insurance coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You first must pay your deductible then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage. The maximum payout you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the cash value of the vehicle, so if the vehicle's value is low consider removing comprehensive coverage.

Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist insurance

This protects you and your vehicle when the "other guys" either have no liability insurance or not enough. Due to the fact that many drivers have only the minimum liability required by law, it doesn't take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is important protection for you and your family.

Medical payments and PIP coverage

Medical payments and Personal Injury Protection insurance kick in for expenses for things like doctor visits, EMT expenses, and X-ray expenses. They are utilized in addition to your health insurance policy or if there is no health insurance coverage. PIP coverage is not universally available but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage.