With an economy on its last leg, folks are rightfully searching for a draw — any map — to reduce their monthly bills. It’s only natural that we take a view at one of the only staples of our lifestyles that is competitive on price: car insurance.

However, when you’re shopping for car insurance, you don’t only want to focus on rates. The coverage being offered and the level of service you will receive in the heart-broken event of a vehicle accident is also important. After all, what good is it to save money on your car insurance premium if after a claim the only replacement vehicle you’ll be able to afford is a bicycle? Those streamers definite are pretty! But they will not help propel you to 55 miles an hour to make it to work on time.

Did you know that:

1) Some insurance companies will offer you a discount and additional benefits if you served your country?

2) When you combine your auto insurance with other insurance products, such as your homeowner’s or another vehicle, you are afforded additional overall savings?

3) When you order your insurance online, you not only build but also take advantage of comparison shopping?

4) Six-month auto insurance rates varied significantly from company to company, from an average low of $481 to an average high of $586 across the country between 1999 to 2004 (Progressive Insurance Inspect)

If you never took a moment to check out different auto insurance companies and their programs, you may be missing out on an array of benefits and savings. Not to mention that in this Internet age, it has become increasingly easy to get quotes on car insurance and do thorough research on both local and national insurance companies from the comfort of your home computer. Here are a few suggestions for how to shop for car insurance like a true pro.

Consult Friends

One of the best ways to shop for car insurance is to ask your friends for their own personal quotes. Fortunately, auto insurance is one of those expenditures that folks are generally happy to divulge information about.

If you’ve got a friend in the same boat as yourself, who lives in the same area and has an identical driving record, you may be surprised to learn that he or she is paying much less for auto insurance for the same coverage that you’re getting quotes for.

The next logical question is obviously who your friend holds his or her insurance with! Calling in for a quote and signing up is a no-brainer if it turns out that you can find the same type of insurance for less. If you’re not getting the exact rate quote as your friend, please, don’t have a temper tantrum. Keep in mind that your friend may have been given additional discounts for adding other insurance products or being a member of clear associations.

Comparison Shopping Online

The Internet is a magical place. Think about it — where else can you learn how to cook, visit Thailand, chat with your friend in North Dakota, and search for a new auto insurance policy… all in one sitting!

Use the Internet for all it’s worth. There are gems waiting for you on the other side of Google that can completely change your life. When it comes to shopping for car insurance, there are a wide array of sites available that allow you to comparison shop. You simply pop in your basic information, including the make and model of your car and driving record, and minutes later you have a listing of companies who will be more than happy to serve you.

Again, you want to focus on more than rates – you’ve got to get into the guts of your quote. Some sites will give you a low rate, but what you are getting for the money is not comparable to your current coverage. You’ve got to understand the difference between liability, which only covers the other guy’s damages, and comprehensive coverage, which covers both you and the other guy. Not to mention, it is also distinguished to do research into customer experiences with the company. The Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) and Consumer Affairs (www.consumeraffairs.com) are colossal places to start. (And boy, those complainants don’t hold anything back, so you’re sure to get a full view of what to expect from your potential insurer.)

Regardless of the quotes you net back, it is always a good idea to periodically achieve your car insurance policy to the test. Are you getting the best deal for the money?

“It really pays to shop around,” says Dick Luedke, spokesperson for Residence Farm Insurance. “Premiums for exactly the same coverage can vary substantially from carrier to carrier.” (MSN Money)

Don’t Forget!

When shopping around for car insurance, there are some actions you can take on your fraction to affirm a better quote. For example, there are defensive driving classes that allow you to sit in for a few hours and enjoy anywhere from 10-15% savings on your auto insurance. Also, for current policies your rates might still be high if your insurance company didn’t bother to adjust your rates when the strikes against your driving record (including accidents and tickets) expired. It is up to you to be proactive about updating your insurer with your new information or shopping around for a current policy with your freshly clean record. Finally, where you live is one of the biggest determinants of how much you will pay for car insurance. So if you’ve been considering a move to a quieter, safer status where you don’t have to peril about waking up to find your car stereo missing, maybe now is the time!

You are smart to want to shop for a well-behaved deal on car insurance, and you know what? You have the advantage here. Take your time when shopping for car insurance and make obvious that you’re using all of the resources that are available.