Let’s face it: car insurance companies are in the business of making money. Insurance companies are more concerned with the bottom line than they are about helping you recover after an accident. So if you want to save money on your car insurance, it’s up to you to do the necessary homework to find out if your insurance company is overcharging you.

One way to quickly get switch to a cheaper auto insurance plan is to buy insurance online. If you are unfamiliar with how to buy insurance online, read on to discover how it’s done.

  1. Know the Different Types of Auto Insurance Coverage

Bodily injury liability will pay for medical costs in the event that you injure someone in an accident, but personal injury protection covers any injuries that you may sustain in a crash.

Property damage liability covers any material damages you cause to someone else.

Collision coverage is the fourth type of coverage available, and it kicks in after a car wreck to help cover your costs.

Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage will help you in the event that the other person involved in a crash isn’t insured.

Comprehensive coverage covers all costs involved in any kind of auto accident or mishap.

  1. Get Your Paperwork Together

If you want to buy insurance online, you’ll need to know your car’s make and model, its VIN (vehicle identification number) as well as details about any theft-deterrent equipment you may have. You’ll also need to know how many miles per year you drive on average. Having this information on hand before you sit down to do your research will save you time.

  1. Shop Around

Don’t go with the first insurance company you stumble upon unless it’s a really good deal. Ideally, you should collect at least 5 insurance quotes before you decide to buy insurance online. Also, remember to read the fine print before you sign up for anything.

  1. Be Careful

Scams are quite common on the Internet, so make sure that everything is legit before you give out any credit card information or other personal details. When in doubt, search the name of the insurance company online. Untrustworthy insurance companies tend to rack up bad reviews and angry forum posts.

  1. Low Premiums Aren’t Everything

Go with that insurance company that is willing to meet all of your insurance needs. Coverage is useless if there are many exemptions in the contract that will allow the company to worm its way out of helping you after an accident. Car accidents can be very costly, so be sure to go with an insurance company that is willing to pay your way when you need financial assistance after a wreck.