First thing. Go to insweb.com and insurance.com and fill out their applications. Do that, and you’ll get a set of quotes from several car insurers that you can compare. You’ll be able to get rates from all kinds of insurers, all of which can be broken down into three camps:

Direct sellers – These are you GEICOs and your Progressives and such. They sell their insurance directly to you, bypassing an insurance agent. Since there’s no agent, there’s no commission and theoretically the savings is passed on to you. But insurers such as these only accept the best drivers, so you may have trouble qualifying for coverage if you’re less than a saint (i.e. you have a moving violation or two) behind the wheel.

Large national brands – Allstate and State Farm are better equipped for drivers with a bit of a blotchy past, and their rates are usually pretty good (they may even be able to match some of the offers from the direct sellers). These companies sell through local agents, but their agents are exclusive—a State Farm agent only sells State Farm, nothing else.

Independent insurance agents – These guys sell all kinds of insurance from all kinds of companies. If you have any issues affecting your ability to get coverage (you have a lousy driving record, you have a teenage driver in your house) independent agents can usually find you better coverage at better prices than what you’d find on your own. Ask friends and family if they have an insurance agent they would recommend.

Then consider these factors when negotiating with your insurance company of choice:

Ask your insurer about all available discounts – There is almost always a way to save money. You may get a discount if you’re car has anti-lock breaks, if you don’t drive your car that often, etc. Always ask for a list of all possible discounts to see if you qualify for any.

Skip the Towing Insurance – It’s better to take that extra money and join an auto club (such as AAA) instead. Not only will they tow you, but you can get additional services (flat-tire repair, hotel discounts) as well.

Consider glass insurance – That’s a better deal, since you can chip a windshield any ol’ time, and it’s pricey to replace. Just make sure it’s part of your comprehensive coverage. If it’s offered as a separate policy, glass insurance can get expensive.

Want to Know More?

• What is Car Insurance?
• Do You Need Car Insurance? How Much Do You Need?
• Grilling Guide: Questions to Ask Potential Car Insurers