In today's day and age, most states require that you carry auto insurance on your vehicle. Luckily, there isn't a specific carrier that you have to do business with. You are entitled to shop around and get as many quotes as you would like from as many carriers as possible. This ensures that you are getting the best auto insurance for the least amount of money. If you are getting car insurance for the very first time, things can seem very overwhelming, and you may assume that you should just go with the rate that is advertised. However, you can often get an even cheaper rate. Here's how.

Opt for a Higher Deductible, but Only if You Can Truly Afford to Pay It

As a general rule, the initial insurance quote is going to have a low deductible. This is because insurance companies will steer you toward a lower deductible, since this means more money in their pocket each month. Now, for those who are not financially secure, this is a better fit since the deductible must be paid before an insurance claim can be paid following a vehicle collision. However, if you have a good driving record and can afford to pay a higher deductible in the event of an accident, you may want to consider opting for a higher deductible, as this will allow you to pay a lower premium each month.

Ask About Additional Discounts That Weren't Actively Promoted

When you fill out an online insurance quote, you are asked for basic personal information, such as your name and address. You are also asked about your previous driving history and vehicle information. This information is used to determine how much you will pay for auto insurance. Some carriers will ask about anti-theft devices and other questions that will determine discounts. However, there are some discounts that are not actively marketed. These vary from state to state, so it is important that you speak directly to an insurance agent to find out what these may be and to see if any of these may be available to you. Some available discounts may be having low mileage on your car based on its age and getting good grades in school.

When you are ready to get auto insurance for yourself and your ride, consider speaking directly to an independent insurance agent. This will help ensure that you have access to various insurance companies, discounts, and more. If you don't speak to an independent agent, make sure to compare prices and plans from a variety of companies, such as Harris Insurance Services.