How do I: Find the best deal on auto insurance?

What you need to know

Car insurance includes many different types of coverage at various prices. Insurance companies that sell policies are a dime a dozen, so you need to do some homework to land the best deal.

The six types of coverage that traditionally make up car insurance are:

• Bodily injury
• Personal property liability
• Personal injury protection (PIP)
• Collision
• Comprehensive
• Uninsured motorist

While you don't need all of these types of coverage, some states require that you carry certain ones. So, be sure to check with your agent or insurance company to make sure you are fully covered.

Now for the fun part: comparison shopping. Choose three or four different companies and either call their customer service departments or go to their Web sites. You'll need to provide various bits of information about your driving habits and select the types of coverage you need before getting a quote.

Once you've received several quotes, compare them. Remember, the cheapest coverage may not be the best deal for your money. Pick the company that combines the best price with the most comprehensive coverage and top customer service.