Useful Tips and Tricks on Getting an Online Car Insurance Quote

Every year more consumers are taking advantage of the Internet to save money on their car insurance. However, not all websites are created equal and it is important to follow some important tips to make sure that you are getting the best deal available and the most accurate rate possible.

Here's a step-by-step guide to finding the lowest rates without getting ripped off:

1. Get car insurance quotes from as many insurance companies as possible.
This helps ensure that you are really getting the lowest rate available. The simplest and easiest way to do this is to use truly unbiased comparison websites like cheapautoinsurancequotesonline.org/.

2. Know your limits. Most states have set minimums for liability insurance coverage, both for bodily injury and property damage. Look up coverage minimums on your state insurance commission's Web site.

3. Honestly enter the number of driving convictions you have.
If you select that you have no convictions when you really have two or three, you’ll get a lower quote online. However, when it comes time to actually set up the policy, you may find the insurance company offering you a higher premium. Know that the insurance company will check your driving record and learn exactly how many convictions you have. They will then charge the premium based on your actual driving record. Remember to include any convictions you may have for not wearing a seat belt, as these count, too. 

4. Enter both the number of at-fault and not-at-fault accidents you’ve experienced.
If you select that you have zero at-fault accidents, when you really have two or three, you will get a lower quote. However, when it comes time to actually having the insurance professional set up the policy, know that he or she will check your claims history and find out exactly how many at-fault accidents you’ve had and thus charge the premium based on your actual claims record. 

5. Enter the information for all the drivers using your car.
If you have children who drive your car, enter their information in order to obtain the most accurate quote. Not including them could potentially lead to issues with your policy coverage down the road. 

6. Enter the correct vehicle make, model and year.
Make sure that you choose the correct year, make and model of your vehicle. Even a slight change in the selection of the vehicle model can make a difference to the quote. For example, if you select that your vehicle is a sportier model when it’s actually a sedan, the rate you receive may be slightly higher and inaccurate. 

7. Find an agent. If the insurance companies you've identified as possibilities sell directly to customers, you can plug information into a form on their Web sites, get a quote and have someone contact you. If the companies sell through an agent network, ask friends or family who they use, or go back to your state insurance commissioner's Web site to look up agents in your area.

8. Assess insurance needs and premium costs annually. Life isn't static, and your auto insurance premiums shouldn't be either. Review your policy once a year, especially if you've moved or switched to a job that has you driving more or less. A review is also a good time to check on whether you're eligible for additional discounts.