Auto insurance rates vary by company, so be consistent in the coverages you specify when requesting rates from different agents, brokers, or companies.

The rates should be free, but will ask details about your car, driving record & insurance history, so if you have a policy, find it, then begin. DO NOT GUESS AT YOUR COVERAGES!

Print copies of the quotes for a side-by-side comparison to see if the coverages match, and if not, ask for an explanation.

NEVER CANCEL A POLICY BEFORE SECURING ANOTHER ONE IF THAT  IS YOUR INTENTION. The worst thing you can do aside from not paying the bill is to cancel out of anger only to find higher rates later. There are times where you will find that your rate is not all that bad when compared with your (fill in the blank)- who of course pays less than you for her brand new car (usually incorrect info by the way).

Seek professional advice: do not rely on your cousin the plumber as to whether you are covered properly or not, because he will not be the one paying the claim- the insurance company will.

Never buy a car before you know what the insurance rates for that vehicle are! This may sound silly, but there are people who buy on impulse only to find that they cannot possibly afford $4200 for insurance on that 1999 BMW Convertible that had a terrific lease. Do not accept ballpark guesses and do not ask your agent to provide them.

If you own a home, never take minimum liability! I cannot stress this enough. To place one's home in jeopardy for the sake of saving $40 per year  is ridiculous- eat one less pizza every two months, clip coupons, but don't take minimum liability unless instructed to by your attorney (you do have one... right?).