Feeling excited about buying your new car? Can't wait to have a go at the wheels? Just one second! Have you given a thought to car insurance? When you buy your new car, don't take any insurance scheme just because the dealer is promoting it. Give enough consideration and do some research before deciding on your car insurance policy. Shop around to get a policy that would suit your budget as well as protect you in case of problems. It can be sometimes confusing to compare insurance quotes because of the sheer number of companies that offer various quotes. Several factors could affect insurance quotes; so it's important for you to understand these before buying your car to minimize costs.

The first step you have to take is, compare car insurance quotes and find out which policy would best suit you. The Internet facilitates online comparison of car insurance rates saving you a lot of time and effort you would have otherwise spent in calling up insurance companies and checking rates. You just have to enter details of your vehicle such as model, year and other valid details that would be required to prepare an insurance quote. Once this is done, you'll get quotation from different insurance companies in your locality with the facility to compare quotes.

Here are a few factors you should check before selecting your auto insurance plan-

- What kind of policy should you take?

It's ideal to opt for just liability coverage if your car is more than ten years old and fully paid for. All states normally require liability coverage; this is a third party coverage policy that saves you in case you are at fault in case of a collision. This policy doesn't cover expenses for you or your car. If you want protection for you and your car, opt for a collision or comprehensive policy. If you take collision cover, you will be protected in case of any accident. Comprehensive insurance covers payment for damages or any other loss caused by sabotage or theft.

- If you've already got insurance cover from a company on your life or property, get a quote from them for auto insurance too. Their car insurance quotes should be cheaper because you're already a customer.

- Car Insurance costs differ due to various reasons. If you're too young or too old, you may have to pay a higher premium because the risk of accidents is higher. Similarly, if you live in a crowded city, you ma have to pay higher insurance costs because there are greater chances of collision. Your vehicle make and its safety, normal repair costs etc are also major deciding factors in insurance costs. Additional safety features in your car and closed parking spaces such as garages keep your car safer; so these help in minimizing insurance costs.

- Check your state rules to see which insurance is mandatory and which is not. Most states insist on third party cover without which you may be fined heavily.

Once you've considered all this, you're ready to buy your car and insure it!