There are many options when attempting to insure your vehicle. You can either buy through an insurance agent or price shop online to compare rates from lots of different providers. Comparing car insurance through online providers is simple to do and there is a good chance you may find lower rates.

Using the web to shop for car insurance direct can be a challenge if you have never used online rate quotes. But relax because we're going to show you how. The are a couple different ways of comparing rates from car insurance companies in your area. The fastest way to compare involves getting comparison quotes online. This can be accomplished by comparing rates here.

Insurance premiums paid to insure a 2012 will vary greatly subject to many criteria. Some of these factors include:

• More performance equals higher cost
• Your accident history
• Home and auto can earn discounts
• How you use your vehicle
• Your birth date
• Whether you are married
• Extra coverages like towing and rental
• Your job
• The amount of protection requested
• Whether you own your home

One important consideration that can impact your rates is the age of the vehicle. Used vehicles cost less compared to new models so the costs to repair can decrease annual premiums. But newer vehicles have more advanced features including active head restraints, automatic crash notification, blind-spot warning system, and adaptive cruise control so those may lower rates.

Liability auto insurance

2012 liability coverage can cover damage that occurs to a person or their property. Liability insurance covers things like legal defense fees, bail bonds, and repair bills for other people's vehicles. This coverage is usually fairly inexpensive so buy as much as you can afford.

Auto collision coverage

This coverage covers damage to your from colliding with another car or object. You have to pay a deductible and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage. This coverage can be expensive, so consider removing coverage from lower value vehicles. You can also increase the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Comprehensive (Other than Collision)

This pays for damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. You need to pay your deductible first then your comprehensive coverage will pay. The maximum amount you'll receive from a claim is the market value of your vehicle, so if it's not worth much more than your deductible it's probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.

UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage

Your UM/UIM coverage protects you and your vehicle's occupants when the "other guys" either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. Because many people only carry the minimum required liability limits, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is a good idea.

Medical expense insurance

Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP reimburse you for short-term medical expenses like nursing services, prosthetic devices, and dental work. They are often used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance plan or if there is no health insurance coverage. Personal injury protection coverage is not an option in every state and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay.