Guide Compare Car Insurance

1Start with coverage. When comparing car insurance you'll be asked to set your coverage levels, often displayed as 50/100, 100/300, etc. These numbers represent the maximum amount the insurance company will pay out in the event of an accident are represent what's called Liability coverage.
The first number is the maximum the insurance company will pay out per person, per accident.
The second amount is how much the insurance company will pay out for the entire accident.
When you compare car insurance, make sure the coverage limits are the same for each company from whom you request a quote.

2Learn more about special programs that are included with your policy. Features such as free towing and better car replacement aren't offered by every car insurance company. Find out what extras are included in each policy and be sure they match up in order to get a fair comparison.

3Consider required coverages. Some states require that you carry uninsured motorist insurance, personal injury protection coverage, or Med-pay. If you are required to carry any of these by your home state, make sure that they are included in each policy you choose to compare and that they are set for the same dollar amount.

4Don't forget optional coverages. Collision and comprehensive coverage are often additional coverages that protect you from something other than liability. Collision will pay for damages to your car in the event you are involved in an accident while moving. Comprehensive coverage ensures that you won't have to pay out-of-pocket for damage from hail, theft, fire, or in some cases, flood damage. While they aren't required, most people carry these types of insurance. If you choose to buy this type of insurance coverage for your car, you'll need to make sure that the limits are equal across all policies being compared.

5Realize how deductibles can make a difference. Your deductible is how much you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company takes over payments. A lower deductible means your car insurance coverage will kick in sooner, but your premium will be higher. A higher deductible means you will pay more out of pocket (but you'll still be covered in the event of an expensive claim such as a car accident) and the insurance premium will be lower. Because the deductible directly affects how much you pay for car insurance, you need to make sure that the deductible is the same for each car insurance policy you compare.