There are both large national insurance companies and smaller, regional companies. Well-known companies like State Farm and USAA deal directly with consumers and may have offices in your area. Insurance companies such as GEICO and Progressive that advertise on television or through the mail are also worth contacting, and you can also look online. Log on to http://www.insure.com/auto or http://www.insurance.com. These sites offer online quotes that will give you cost comparisons. As with a car-dealer search, the service factor is important.

Consumer Reports magazine rates insurance company service. You can ask a company you are interested in for service information, such as business hours and turnaround times for claims. Before you sign a contract, make sure the company is solid. You can call your state's insurance commission to check on the reputation of the company you are considering. Get a few quotes and pick the best quote from a good company.

Bad Driving record?
If you have a bad driving record, you may have to enter an expensive, state-sponsored, high-risk pool. Call your state Motor Vehicle Department if you need more information on this option.

Risk assessment: The insurance business is about risk. An insurance company takes a close look at you and your car and determines how safe they will be from having you file a claim if they insure you. If the assessment shows you to be a big risk, the company will deny your application or offer you insurance at a high premium. If the assessment shows a smaller risk, you're likely to be offered insurance and quoted a lower cost.

Risk assessment will look at:

• credit rating (your ability to pay your debts – credit cards, phone bill, loans – on time)
• prior insurance claims, including accidents
• driving record
• driver's education
• value of your car
• safety features on your car, such as air bags or an alarm system
• your ZIP code
• amount of your deductible(s)
• age of driver(s)
• multiple-car discount
• marital status

If you cannot afford to pay the premiums for an insurance policy, you won't be able to drive a car. To avoid a fine, uninsured drivers must also give the tags for any automobile licensed in their name to their state Motor Vehicle Department.

United Services Automobile Association
Most military members obtain auto insurance from the United Services Automobile Association (USAA).  USAA only provides insurance for military members and their families (active, retired, or reserve), thus providing more competitive rates.  In addition, USAA provides coverage worldwide, which is especially helpful to today’s military personnel.