Of course it’s a good idea to compare car insurance quotes. With the information you can gather with a little time but relatively little trouble, you can make the right choice for your needed coverage. But just remember, low-cost car insurance may not necessarily equal low-quality. As with any industry, healthy competition in the insurance business almost always results in better prices for better service. The secret is to comparison shop.

Don’t be afraid to hold out for the lowest price. That’s part of the free market process. Insurance companies are in the business of assuming the risk – that’s why they pass the risk on to consumers like you who, along with many others, will be happy to pay low premiums in exchange for the overall protection provided by the insurance entity and its “partners”. The ultimate goal, however, is to purchase the best-priced insurance for only what you need to adequately protect you and your assets. Research the companies. Get definitive quotes and write them down along with the quoter’s name and number. Don’t back down if something changes – make sure to get a satisfactory answer as to why. Insurance companies know you have a lot of places from which to choose. Remind them of that.

Ask about every discount they offer and if you don’t hear one mentioned, bring it up yourself. Insurance companies oftentimes give discounts to consumers with a good driving record, a good credit record, a certain range of occupations or professional affiliations, and especially specific safety equipment, i.e., anti-lock brakes or anti-theft devices.

Go to your state’s Department of Insurance website as well as the Better Business Bureau and check out the complaint ratios. Ask your local body shop or your personal car dealership which companies give them the least amount of trouble. (Double-check, however, to make sure they’re not in “partnership” with each other. This may require a little bit more digging at the state insurance department or the BBB.)

Once you have made your choice, an insurance policy will be prepared for you delineating your benefits along with monetary values and limits. Read it carefully and anything you don’t understand, have it explained thoroughly to you. It’s your money for your protection and it’s better to find out now rather than when the tow truck is on its way.