If you are new to researching automobile insurance policies, you may be shocked at the prices, as well as the options available. Insurance companies actually want you to be overwhelmed, so that you will just take their advice and purchase what is their own best interest – rather than in yours. Do not let this happen. Become a savvy, informed consumer yourself and pay lower prices because of it. Read some tips here on getting the best bang for your insurance buck.

The first and best thing you can do for yourself in order to get the lowest insurance prices is to research what is available. Never just go for the first or even second quote that you get, because prices can vary greatly between companies. Find out who offers policies in your area, then compare features, making sure to compare “apples to apples.” Make a list of exactly how much coverage you need for each policy benefit, then ask for quotes with the exact same figures with each insurance provider. For example, if you want $50,000 of liability coverage and $100,000 of collision, make sure each quote you get has those same benefits. Many companies will give you a “blanket quote” for full coverage, but the payouts may range considerably. Always ask.

Do comparisons yourself online, using calculators that let you change the coverage limits line-by-line and will reconfigure the rates with each change you make. You may be shocked to see how much you can save by altering coverage amounts from the pre-set amounts they start you out with. For example, you may not need $100,000 for liability, since most cars you could damage will not cost that much to repair. Check to see how much you could save by lowering the coverage to $50,000. Play around with deductible amounts, as well, until you come up with the rates you want to pay and the coverage you feel comfortable with.

Decide whether you are comfortable with a large online corporate company who does not have a local office near you. Some people want the assurance of knowing that they can walk into a local branch to get the personal service they desire. If, however, you are confident enough in your abilities to deal with services via phone, email and mail, then you can actually save a lot of money by using larger Internet companies. Weigh the pros and cons, then decide whether the cost savings are something that you feel confident enough to take advantage of. Always remember that a simple phone call to your state’s Insurance Commissioner or Attorney General’s office to lodge a complaint will help immensely to resolve disputes that may arise.

There are many considerations when finding a new auto insurance policy, but remember that it is in your power to obtain one that works for your needs. Be persistent and wise, using the tips you have learned here to be confident and safe while driving in your newly insured automobile.