Not All Car Insurance Companies are Created Equally
Do not assume that all car insurance companies provide the same service. Each company, like fast food chain, or each type of car, has a different product, and caters to a slightly different audience.
There are things that you can look for in an auto insurance company, that will get you on the right track.
Does the company have a strong record of paying out without a fight?
Cheap car insurance companies sometimes are cheap for a reason. Each insurance company has a set of lawyers that sit around all day reviewing auto claims. When they stumble upon one that sounds fishy, or one that is for a lot of money, they try not to pay out. They try to find reasons why it might be your fault, or why the coverage plan you've chosen doesn't qualify you for any compensation. Ask around, do searches on the web, and don't be afraid to ask numbers and difficult questions.
Does your insurance company advertise in your grandparents AARP magazine?
Make sure that your insurance company understands your needs. Every one started out as a teenage driver, so some companies out there make that their pitch. With higher volume, they can afford to charge lower rates.
Ask for multiple insurance quotes from different companies.
Tell them who you are, what type of car you drive, how many miles per year you drive, and all the other questions they will ask. They are calculating your risk quotient, and will use this information to determine your insurance premium. Get a few quotes, you'll notice a difference.
Drive safely. Don't speed, and don't drive drunk.
If you do these things, your rates will go up, and stay up for a few years. So if you do decide to go 90 on the freeway, or drink a few road beers, just make sure you have a good lawyer!
