How to get lower rates on your car insurance?

Car insurance is one of the major costs of owning and operating a vehicle. So, how do you get the best rates available?

First thing to know: Rates will vary not only on who you are, (for example, a male teenager), but also on your driver record. Certain groups, such as first-time drivers, will have to pay higher rates as will drivers who have had accidents or traffic tickets. Both of these groups are assessed as higher-risk motorists.

However, even if you have a poor driving record, you should still seek out the lowest cost car insurance for your particular circumstances.

Canvas the major car insurers

One web site which is really helpful in accessing a wide range of insurers in your locale is: www.insurancehotline.com.

The insurers on this web site will tend to be either national or even multinational firms. But at least by finding out the rates of the major car insurers first, you will have a sense of how much the market is charging for someone with your traffic history. Always be up front about your traffic history, otherwise you may be charged a higher rate than you were originally offered. Use these rates as a basis of comparison when you find other deals.

Check out benefits as well as rates

Be sure to compare not only the premiums charged but also the services and benefits offered by the insurer. Also, ask about rate discounts which are not always advertised, but could be offered if you ask.

For example, rate discounts may apply if:

· you are a senior or a member of the military

· you are a graduate of a driving academy

· you keep your car in a garage or a locked yard.

Search the internet

The internet has taken the drudgery out of comparison shopping for many products including auto insurance. The Web has also been a boom for niche marketing. This means that instead of an inflexible national or multinational insurer, you might instead find a smaller insurer better able to help you at a lower rate. Just be careful that the firm is reputable and conscientious about settling claims.

Remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

For information visit www.prudentvaluecars.com