• How much co pay or deductible expense can you pay? That deductible is a major feature in cost quotes.
• How important is the agent to you? Are you willing to do all reporting on the Internet?
• How important are features like towing? Will you need a rental car? Do you need road services like flat tire replacement, or locksmith services? Do you often run out of gasoline and need it brought to you? Do you take trips in a motor home or camper? These additional services come as standard in some insurance policies and cost extra in others.
• Are you a member of a company like Costco or Farm Bureau, etc? Membership is required to get insurance from some carriers. Does your job have an auto insurance plan?
• Does the state you reside in, have rules that tell you how much insurance you must carry?

Before you look at the price of automobile insurance, you need to know what you are going to be required to have by state law or car loan needs. There are as many plans as there are companies.

A survey taken in the spring of 2007 had some interesting bottom line results.

Some companies have no local agent or office where you can go with questions or problems regarding an accident you have been involved in. Some national advertising auto insurance companies will pay quickly but offer no other help. Other local agencies might give you the name of a repair shop, the name of a towing company and car rental company.

Often, you hear the statement that you get what you pay for. If you want barebones service you might save a little money in premiums. There is such a wide variety in public opinion.

First, that auto insurance companies with out local agents have a low level of customer service.

Next, an agent who sells for a few different insurance providers might not give you all the options you may want or need.

Also some services like towing tire repair locksmith services can be purchased for less money if not included in your auto insurance policy.

Your original price when you begin your contract for insurance could be lower but when time comes to renew, it could cost more.

If you are at fault in a car wreck, you may get a level insurance premium for a while, but when the contract ends, you will not be given any more insurance because an accident was your fault. Or the 2nd policy becomes one where you are in a high-risk bracket and pay lots more.

Some companies will charge a higher price whether you are at fault or not. If the police report assigns fault to you and issues a violation, you are considered guilty of the serious accident without a trial. Other companies will give you the benefit of the doubt and will reverse the higher auto insurance premium if you are adjudicated as not in fault.

One good measurement of an insurance company is word of mouth. Also you can check with local auto repair and towing companies. Which insurance company do they recommend? A call to the Better Business Bureau also will give you some valid information. Checking for complaints with the business regulation depart of your state government will provide good information too.

Once you know what features you want in an insurance policy, a few on-line requests for a quote will give you some prices. You might note also, that there are national companies who will pressure you on the phone when they call you back with a quote.

Some survey results include a price savings if the monthly premium is taking out of a bank account automatically each month. Often the higher deductible you have means a lower cost for you.

Some companies do not sell in all states. It is good to make sure your zip code and state is on their list of areas where you can be serviced.

Also there are companies that will give you a reduced rate if you
Are a good driver
Are a senior citizen
Live on a farm or rural area
Have a good driving record
Have no drivers under 24 in your home
If you insure more than 1 car on your policy.

There are no hard set rules to say company XX has the lowest rate. A `free estimate should come with no hard sell phone call when you get it.

Due diligence says you can save money on your car insurance if you know what you need in a policy, and check out these features by getting free estimates with no requirement that you buy. This is how you can get good car insurance for less.