By Alison Overholt alison.overholt@complete-insurance-guide.com Complete Insurance Guide Columnist October 7, 2004

For many people, buying car insurance is the first time they’ve ever tried to get insurance for anything - health insurance usually comes through your school or job, and most people buy a car before they tackle owning a home. It can be daunting, but with these guidelines in mind, you can find vehicle insurance that’s right for you, as well as cheap auto insurance that won’t break the bank.

• Step One: Look for immediate online car insurance quotes

  Don’t just sign up with the first auto insurance company that’s willing to give you a car insurance rate over the phone or online. It’s important to shop around, in order to find a company that provides coverage you’re happy with, at a price you can afford. These days, it’s simple: go online and look for sites that offer free online car insurance quotes. Get quotes from several different companies in order to compare their offers.

• Step Two: Compare offers

  Once you have quotes for car insurance rates from several online car insurance companies, compare the prices they are charging for the level of coverage offered. Do you have good health coverage? Then you may not need as much supplemental medical coverage for injuries included in your car insurance policy. Do you have a special kind of car? If it’s a classic car, for example, make sure your policy offers classic car insurance.

• Step Three: Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your car insurance quote

  Ask whether the company is accredited. Check with the better business bureau to find out if there are registered complaints against the company, or if they pay out claims on time. Ask friends and family for references, and if they’ve had good experiences with the car insurance company. And remember: the most important thing is that you feel safe and secure about your insurance purchase, so take the time and car to find an insurance company that will make you feel that way.

About the Author
Alison Overholt is a freelance writer based in New York. She holds a degree in government, with honors, from Harvard University and writes frequently about business, travel, and lifestyle subjects for national magazines and other publications.