Buying auto insurance isn't like picking up a package of paper towels or stopping at the market for butter and eggs. The decisions made when you buy auto insurance could greatly affect you and your family so some time and consideration should most certainly go into the process. Take your time and shop around to find the best car insurance buys. Doing this can make all the difference in the world down the road.

Knowing what kind of auto insurance you need can speed up the process, but you'll still want to do some shopping around to make sure you get the best possible buy.

It doesn't matter whether you need full coverage or the bare bones of what the law requires, a smart shopper looking to buy auto insurance makes several comparison calls to get the best possible rates for the best possible coverage. While it might be tempting to buy the first insurance policy you find, this can end up costing you a lot more in the long run.

As you shop for auto insurance, remember, you want a company that has a reputation for:

* Fair rates. Some companies are known for being higher priced than others. While you might have to pay more to buy car insurance if you have a bad driving record, you shouldn't have to pay an arm and a leg in most cases.
* A good track record for pay outs. While it's in your best interest to find an insurance company that investigates claims, you also want one that pays out when it needs to. Fighting with your auto insurance company to get money that's rightfully owed to you won't do you any good.

Before you start quote shopping, find at least three auto insurance companies that have decent reputations for handling claims and for decent rates. Then decide what kind of coverage you'd like to have so you can be certain to compare like quotes.

When you call, it's a good idea to know these things to expedite the process:

* A detailed listing of any tickets or accidents you or other drivers on the policy may have had in the last five years. The insurance company can find this out, but if you know for sure, the quote you get will be more accurate.
* Ages of the drivers that will be on the policy, their license numbers and so on.
* The distance the vehicles are driven on a regular basis; to and from work or school for example.
* The makes, models and years of the vehicles that will be covered on the auto insurance policy. Safety features and any other features on the vehicles should also be listed out.
* Average annual mileage. Not all auto insurance companies will ask this, but it's a good idea to have a ballpark just in case.

If you round up information in advance, calling auto insurance companies can be a breeze. Take the time to do your homework beforehand and you can get a fair price on your auto insurance policy.