Although shopping for auto insurance is about as interesting as watching the grass on your lawn grow, by switching your insurance carrier, you could save hundreds of dollars each year! What's more is that the Internet facilitates a user-friendly and virtually effortless method for receiving auto insurance quotes.

Car insurance can be a confusing subject, especially if you have never held a policy before. Even experienced drivers often find themselves struggling to make sense of the fine print that comes with each auto insurance quote option. Between deductibles, co-pays, taxes and special provisions, it can be difficult to determine where your best chance of saving money may be hiding.

Below is a list of 3 simple and useful ways to save money on auto insurance:

1. Looking to buy a new car? Know what it will cost to insure it!

An auto insurance premium is in part determined by the car one drives, namely the car's sticker price, the running costs for repairs, the general safety record, and finally, the likelihood of theft. Vehicles with features that lower the chance of injuries or theft, such as air bags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, and anti-theft devices, are seen as more insurable. Therefore many insurers offer discounts on those cars.

2. Don't settle on the first offer that comes your way.

Finding the best quote can be confusing and frustrating. There is an overwhelming amount of insurance carriers/companies. Each has their own unique process in which they sell their policies. Typically, insurance companies sell their policies using one of three different strategies

• Sell policies through their own agents.

• Reach out to independent agents whom offer insurance from multiple carriers

• Promote their policies directly to the consumer via phone or Internet.

A reputable and unbiased Insurance Quotes site can connect you with insurance carriers looking to earn your business. Consumers choose the type of insurance they are interested in receiving a quote for, fill out a form online, and within minutes a request is submitted. At that time, local insurance agents will contact you to discuss your insurance needs.

It takes very little time, and if you can get identical coverage for hundreds of dollars lower per year, why wouldn't you use an insurance quotes site?

A couple of techniques to narrow your search would be to thumb through consumer magazines, or review and compare consumer complaint ratios listed by company (located at your state insurance department).

3. Request your insurance quotes from a trusted third party.

As a consumer, it's always a smart idea to seek assistance from an impartial third party. There are countless insurance commercials on TV trying to gain your business through humor. These commercials are funny and enjoyable, but it doesn't mean they can offer the lowest insurance costs. If you are looking for humor, go to a comedy club. If you are looking to save a lot of money each year, visit a third party Insurance Quotes site and let the insurance companies earn your business.