Shopping for a car insurance quote is common place in the insurance industry. Advertisements are endlessly trying to entice you into switching companies. If you have been with the same carrier for a couple of years and you are not happy with rates or don't like the service, it is a good idea to start shopping around for a new insurance carrier and or agent.

The number one reason most people shop for car insurance is price. Insurance companies are notorious for rate changes. If your rate has been creeping up over the years, it is possible to find cheaper prices with a different carrier.

Compare Coverage: You need to be able to do a side by side comparison of coverage. The best way to compare coverage is to get a copy of your declarations page. Give your declarations page to different agents and they will have access to all of your pertinent information. Request the potential agents to quote you a rate with coverage as similar as possible. It is helpful if you have a fax machine or are able to email your declarations page so you don't have to physically go to multiple offices. Compare coverage as closely as possible so you can see the true price difference. If different coverage is applied, you will never know your true savings. If you feel like it's time to make changes to your coverage do so after you compare apples to apples.

Verify Discounts: Look over the discounts given in your new quote. Make sure you actually qualify for the discounts listed. If your teenager does not qualify for a good student discount, make sure the good student discount is not applied on your quote. It is very frustrating when you believe you qualify for a certain rate, only to find out later your price has changed.

Run Driving Record: Always disclose your driving record to a potential new insurance carrier. Tell them of any tickets or accidents you've been in over the past five years. If you are not sure, request the agent to run an MVR, motor vehicle report, to verify any past indiscretions. Disclosing the information will give you a more accurate quote, plus it's nearly impossible to hide such things in the end.

Shop for Great Service: Maybe you are switching insurance companies because you are not happy with the service you are getting from your current company. Bad service is a good reason to start shopping for insurance. However, it can be difficult to determine what kind of service you'll receive with a different carrier or agent.

Get a Referral: Friends and family can be the best place to look for a good insurance company. Ask around and find out what their experiences have been with their insurance carrier and agent. If someone has raving reviews about their company, definitely give it a try. Ask both about the agents ability and the quality of claim service, both are imperative for good customer service.

Knowledgeable Agent: It's important to find a knowledgeable agent. Find out how long the agent has been selling insurance and ask a lot of questions. Do you get a good vibe and feel like your questions are answered fully? Is the language used easy to understand? It is key to be able to easily communicate with your agent. If you are looking to purchase insurance direct online, look for lots of information that is easy to understand.

Availability: A great trait in a good agent is availability. What are the office hours? Does someone answer the phone consistently, and are phone calls returned promptly? If purchasing online, is the site easy to navigate and reliable?

Combine a low price with great customer service and you have hit the insurance carrier jackpot. Knowing what to look for while you shop for insurance can make a big difference in your success. Take the time to scope out multiple carriers, and take your friend's and family's advice to help narrow down your prospects. Buying insurance is a necessity. Lots of options are available, and it is up to you to determine which insurance company is best for you and your family.