Finding cheaper car insurance by getting online quotes can be fast and easy and at the same time you may find lower rates. The most important part is getting as many rate quotes as possible so you can get the best prices.

If you are a novice to online car insurance shopping, it's easy to be confused by the hoards of car insurance companies selling insurance. The are a couple different ways of comparing rates from car insurance companies in your area. One of the best ways to find competitive is to perform an online rate comparison. It is quite easy and can be accomplished by completing this short form.

Which factors influence car insurance premiums?

Insurance premiums for a 2012 can be significantly different depending on several factors. Taken into consideration are:

• A clean driving record keeps rates low
• Better credit means lower rates
• Male rates may be higher
• Low deductibles cost more
• Your vehicle's safety rating
• Your job
• The amount of protection requested
• Whether you rent or own your home

One important consideration which can affect your rates is the age of the vehicle. Models that are a few years old have a reduced actual cash value compared to new models so repair costs tend to be lower which may result in lower rates. But newer vehicles have more advanced features including pedestrian detection, dual-stage airbags, a rollover prevention system, and automatic crash notification that may help give discounted rates.

Liability - This coverage can cover damages or injuries you inflict on other people or property that is your fault. Liability coverage protects against things such as emergency aid, pain and suffering, and medical services. Coverage is generally pretty cheap so buy as large an amount as possible.

Collision coverages - This covers damage to your caused by collision with an object or car. You first must pay a deductible then your collision coverage will kick in. 2012 collision insurance is rather expensive coverage, so you might think about dropping it from lower value vehicles. It's also possible to increase the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Comprehensive or Other Than Collision - Comprehensive insurance pays to fix your vehicle from damage that is not covered by collision coverage. A deductible will apply then your comprehensive coverage will pay. The highest amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the ACV or actual cash value, so if the vehicle's value is low it's probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.

Uninsured and underinsured coverage - This protects you and your vehicle when the "other guys" either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. Since a lot of drivers have only the minimum liability required by law, their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages should not be overlooked.

Medical costs insurance - Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP pay for expenses like doctor visits, EMT expenses, and X-ray expenses. They are used to fill the gap from your health insurance policy or if there is no health insurance coverage. Personal Injury Protection is not an option in every state but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage.