Before you start shopping for auto insurance, you should understand the different types of coverage and discounts offered by various insurers. While premiums are an important consideration, you should compare various insurers based on more than just premium rates. Other factors to consider include customer service, coverage options, and the history of paying claims. If you’re unsure of your exact needs, compare multiple quotes from the same company to get the best rate. Here are some tips to help you compare auto insurance quotes:

A company’s financial strength rating is important, as low ratings can indicate a lack of financial strength and difficulty paying claims. Also, check out a company’s customer service score – ratings from companies like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports can tell you how satisfied customers are with the level of service they receive. The higher the score, the better. Likewise, read customer reviews and customer satisfaction ratings to see what other consumers have to say about a company’s quality of service and pricing.

Geico is another good option. They have a solid A++ rating from AM Best and good customer service. Purchasing a six-month policy from Geico will cost you approximately $295. They also offer accident forgiveness, multiple-car discounts, and insurance for alternative vehicles. In addition, Geico offers an intuitive mobile app and is available in all 50 states. The best part about Geico is that it’s affordable for almost every type of driver.

USAA is another great option if you don’t want to join the military. They offer competitive auto insurance rates for eligible military members and their families. This company is the eighth largest auto insurance company in the U.S. by market share, and is highly rated by J.D. Power. Customers who have had to file a claim will generally have a higher rating than those who have never filed a claim. Lastly, USAA has the highest customer loyalty score, beating out State Farm by just one point.

Car insurance companies use your credit score to determine your risk of filing a claim. Raising your score can lower your premiums, but raise your deductible and you can save money. Higher deductibles are cheaper premiums, but make sure you can afford them in case of an accident. You may want to consider a Vanishing Deductible when choosing an insurance company. And remember to choose deductibles that you can afford in case of an emergency.

Progressive is the third largest car insurance provider in the U.S., with more than 3 million policies written for consumers. They offer a variety of coverage options, including collision and comprehensive coverage, as well as rental car reimbursement. If you drive more safely than the average driver, you could receive a discount of up to 30%. Geico is the second largest auto insurance writer in the U.S. and insures over 28 million cars. Its ads feature the Geico Gecko, which is a famous symbol in American pop culture.

Allstate is the fourth largest car insurance company and promotes careful attention to insured drivers. Its A+ rating from AM Best and a 4.2-star rating from consumers make Allstate a good choice. The company also offers a number of auto insurance services, such as usage-based insurance, new car replacement, and alternative vehicles. There are numerous other auto insurance companies in the US, so you may want to check out their policies before choosing one.