Advise on how to find the lowest car insurance rates

With the number of auto insurance companies out there today, especially with the advertisements advising who can supply the lowest rate available, it is difficult to know how to get the lowest rate no matter what company you insure with. There a few simple, basic steps to take to make sure you are getting the most from your car insurance - without paying the most.

Don't set your sights on one company and forego the opportunities provided by smaller, less advertised companies. Your first choice may not be the best choice for the type of insurance you are seeking. Get a quote from each company you are looking at, even if they check your credit, it shouldn't affect your credit score as an inquiry.

Consider the number and types of vehicles you are insuring. Are you trying to insure the family daily drivers only? Or are you looking to insure the cars, the RV, the off-road toys and the house? Pooling your insurance into a multiple policy for all your needs can sometimes be the best way to get the most discounts, no matter what company you are looking to request a quote from. Make sure you ask the agent how much of a discount you get for insuring multiple items - house, cars, etc. Some companies don't give as much of a discount as you might think. If the company you decide to go with for your cars does not offer a large (15-20%) discount for multiple lines, you may want to split your insurance between more than one company for the most savings.

The biggest company is not always the best company. The largest corporate insurance companies, which advertise daily on television, may not offer the best coverage or the best rates. Claims on previous policies and a spotty driving record make it difficult to get even a reasonable rate with larger companies. Consider the smaller companies that offer second chance insurance for difficult situations. Do not go with a company who has not been in business for at least ten years, no matter what they offer. If they take your money and fold up the company, you have to go through the whole process again.

The hardest task facing someone trying to find good, affordable car insurance is the decision making process. Go through the pros and cons of each company, and ask yourself basic questions: Do they require a down payment? Can you afford it? Can you afford the monthly payment? Do they drop your insurance for any claims, tickets, or moving violations? How long have they been in business? Do they have any customer recommendations or bad marks?

In the end, it comes down to what you can afford and what you are comfortable with. Remember, some insurance companies will not even give you a quote without a good credit rating. Understand our own history and circumstances and don't choose a company strictly from a television commercial.