Top2) Know Which Coverages You Want

Purchasing car insurance is a little like eating at a cafeteria: You can pick and choose what you want, and how much you want of it.

So, before you even attempt to obtain quotes, do your homework. Understand the different coverages available to you, and know how much protection you need; consult our Types of Coverage section to learn more about these considerations. It might be tempting to try to get by with minimal amounts of coverage, but doing so might wind up causing you financial distress if you're in an accident.

Depending on where you live, you might be required to buy certain types of coverages, such as bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. See what your state demands in our Car Insurance article.

Top3) Shop Quotes

Once you've decided on the types and amounts of coverage you want, and you have your information handy, it's time to get some quotes. It's a good idea to obtain several quotes, and then take a closer look at the top two or three candidates.

Top4) Shop Coverages

Policy costs are important, but don't let cost be the only matter you consider when choosing a provider. Coverages vary by the carrier, so see exactly what's protected under a carrier's coverage and look for policy exclusions. You might need to request this information by mail.

Top5) Shop Carriers

Find out how an insurer handles accident claims. Some companies offer accident forgiveness plans to those with a safe driving history, and others will hike your premiums regardless of your claims history. Because a single accident can raise your rates by 20-40% (or more), it's critical to know this information to make the best policy choice.

Plus, carriers often offer a variety of savings, some of which can make a big difference in your premiums. Visit our Discounts section to get an idea of what may be available to you.

Also, check the customer satisfaction ratings for each carrier. Doing so can give you a better feel for how well an insurer company deals with claims, how often it hikes rates, how easy it is to communicate with, and how it treats its customers. You can find this information online, but don't overlook the experiences of family, friends, and co-workers.

Each provider must be licensed by your state's department of insurance in order to sell insurance within the state. So, if you've never heard of a carrier, just call the insurance department and ask if the company is permitted to sell insurance.

Top6) Make Your Decision

Once you've looked at the price, coverage, and carrier factors mentioned, you're ready to make an informed decision and purchase your policy. (If you'll need to cancel a policy, read our Change Providers article to learn how to properly do this.)

Top7) Keep Shopping

Don't stop comparison shopping altogether once you've bought the policy.

Just as your carrier continually evaluates you as a customer, you should actively monitor your insurance company's performance. Checking rates at least once a year―just before renewal time―is a sound move, and may end up saving you a substantial amount of money.

And, if you're not satisfied with how your provider handled a claim or treated you in general, find a carrier with a higher customer satisfaction score.