Affordable car insurance

Many insurance companies issue automobile insurance, so there should be little trouble finding a good one with a car insurance rate comparison.

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Checklist when shopping for affordable car insurance:

1. Shop around for rates, research insurers

Shop online to compare car insurance companies and multiple rates. You'll save time and probably money as well, if you take the time to shop around and compare insurance rates. It's best to get at least three quotes from separate insurance companies. You should also find out what the state requirements are for the minimum amount of coverage you must carry. In addition to price, you should research the insurer's financial rating and reputation for customer service.

Remember that your profile will be a good fit for some companies but possibly not for others. This can result in a big variance in rate quotes. Auto insurance comparison shopping will help you find the policy that's right for you.

Compare premiums offered by various companies and look for high customer service standards and financial strength. The ability to pay a claim promptly will be important if you're ever involved in an accident. Resources for comparing car insurance companies include state insurance bureaus and consumer reference guides.

2. Consider dropping collision/comprehensive coverage

Depending on the age and market value of your vehicle, it may make sense to drop collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. For old cars, it often doesn't make sense to continue to pay premiums to maintain collision and comprehensive coverage. If your car is totaled in an accident, you receive just the actual cash value of the car, so typically, if your car is worth less than $1,000, you can save money by dropping collision and comprehensive coverage.

3. Hike up deductibles, lower premiums

Higher deductibles -- the amount you pay before insurance pays out when a claim is filed -- mean you pay lower premiums. For example, increasing your deductible from $250 to $500 on collision and comprehensive coverage could reduce that portion of your premium by 15 to 30 percent, so this is another way to obtain more affordable car insurance. Increasing it to $1,000 can you save you up to 40 percent or more, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Just make sure you can pay the higher deductible should you need to make a claim.

4. Discounts from bundling, group plans and for safety measures

When shopping for affordable car insurance, you should ask about discounts. You may benefit from multi-car and/or multi-driver discounts. You may receive a multiple policy discount if you purchase your auto insurance coverage through the same insurer that covers your homeowners or renters insurance.

An insurer may also offer you a discount on auto insurance if you have a safe driving record, if you don't log a lot of miles on your car, if you work from home or have completed a driver's education course. Many insurers give discounts for air bags, antilock brakes, car alarms and more. In some cases, you can also score an affordable auto insurance policy if you get coverage as part of a group, for instance, through your alma mater or a professional organization.

Compare car insurance rates

To understand what rates and discounts on auto insurance you may qualify for, fill in one simple application to quickly and easily compare car insurance rates of top companies at Insurance.com. Apply online by using the form on this page or call a licensed Insurance.com agent at 1-800-726-4780.