With so many companies to choose from, shopping for car insurance can often feel overwhelming. You want the best deal possible, with the coverage level that is right for you and your needs, but where do you start looking? And how can you be sure that you’re making the right decision?

Keep a running tab on car insurance rates every year. If you are diligent about checking your policy options with your carrier and others, you can save a lot of money on your premium. When you shop your insurance you can either find a more affordable company or prompt better savings from your current insurer.

When you shop for auto insurance, make sure that you are receiving the best possible rate by asking what kinds of discounts your company offers. Auto insurance companies give discounts for things like safe driving, good grades (for students), and features in your car that enhance safety, such as antilock brakes and airbags. So next time, speak up and you could save some money.

To make sure your insurance covers you like it should, make sure you know how to file a claim and keep the paper work related to your insurance policy handy. When something happens, do not wait to file a claim. Contact your insurance right away so that they can help you out quickly.

Parents looking to keep their family’s auto insurance payments to a minimum would do well to buy a car whose insurance is affordable in general. A late-model, less glamorous car will be less expensive to insure in general, and will especially save money when including any teenage children you may want to include on your policy.

With auto insurance, the lower your deductible rate is, the more you have to pay out of pocket when you get into an accident. A great way to save money on your auto insurance is to opt to pay a higher deductible rate. This means the insurance company has to pay out less when you’re involved in an accident, and thus your monthly premiums will go down.

You have many options for insurance coverage beyond the legally required minimums. You will have more coverage, but your premium may be more. If you get into an accident with someone who does not have insurance or you are the victim of a hit-and-run, you’ll be sorry if you don’t have uninsured motorists coverage.

Drivers who do not file insurance claims are entitled to big discounts. Make sure you broach this no-claims topic after you have been with the same insurance carrier for a few years. Drivers with five years of filing no claims can be rewarded with up to 75% off of their premium payments. Now that’s some big-time savings.

In some states you can actually file proof of financial responsibility and forgo actually having to buy an auto insurance policy. If your state happens to be one of those, I’d suggest looking into it since it can save you on insurance premiums every month. The only drawback is that if an accident does happen, and you are at fault, you would be responsible for damages.

If your child receives their driver’s license and you need to get insurance, make sure to ask if your insurer offers a good student discount. Your child will be motivated to keep his grades up in order to keep driving, and you will save money on your monthly premium fee.

Shopping for auto insurance often feels overwhelming to many people, but it need not be a stressful experience. By taking the time to educate yourself on auto insurance and the many options available to you, you will be able to make the choice that is right for you and your needs.