One of the irritations of car ownership is insurance. Drivers have to have it but the variation in rates based on car models, driver records and insurance companies is so huge, that choosing a policy has to include a certain amount of comparison shopping. That is why getting an online auto insurance quote may be the most efficient way to start the process of getting a car insured.

Brokers and agents are great but they generally represent only a handful of companies at any one time. So they can only provided a limited number of quotes for the driver to compare.

The best way to get a comprehensive picture of what is available may be to do initial research and comparison pricing online through a clearing house site that condenses information and rates from all providers and tries to match the driver to the most economical and best fitting policy.

Most of these services start by asking the driver to fill out an online questionnaire. The driver provides basic information such as age and personal information, driving history (including any accidents, demerits, suspensions and fines), history of the car to be insured and driving habits.

This information is then processed by the web site and matched with an insurance company database to provide an instant quote for the policy that best matches the driver requirements for the lowest available price.

Even within this system there are variables to play with to get the absolute lowest quote. You may want to sign up for annual updates with some companies that offer discounts for clients after a year of clean driving. Prices come down considerably if you do not include teenage children as second drivers. You might drop collision insurance or opt out of policy features that you do not believe you require. You may also opt to raise the deductible. And rates can drop considerably if you can secure your car in a safe location, in a garage or secure lot for example rather than on the street.

With quotes in hand, keep looking. If a quote that is within reasonable price range does not immediately appear, play with the variables of the questionnaire and ask for another quote. And bear in mind that these quotes are not binding. They will narrow the field of auto insurance companies that you should be dealing with but follow-up will be a whole other layer of negotiation.

Forewarned is forearmed as they say. It is far better to begin the delicate process of acquiring mandatory car insurance and bargaining for the best rates with as much information as you can possibly muster. Previously, hours of frustrating phone calls (both cold calls and follow up) and perusing brochures and pamphlets and talking with hard sell brokers and agents were the only ways to get this vital data. These days, from the comfort of your home and at your own speed with lots of time for reflection, you can collect your ammunition with an online quote.

Author Bio: Become a online auto insurance quote policy holder and earn free points with the leading provider of auto insurance in Ottawa and Quebec.

Category: Automotive
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