When buying car insurance, it's important to consider not only the price, but also the carrier and the coverage. As is the case with any service, the value of a low price is quickly forgotten when you realize what you are paying for is not what you hoped for.

The old adage, "It's too good to be true car insurance fees also. If the payments seem too low, make sure you are getting all the coverage you expect.

Research the Insurance Company

Check out the agents you'll be working with, advises the California Department of Insurance. Do you feel you can trust them? Also look into the insurance carrier itself. Is it a well-known and established company? Does it have the financial assets to pay its claims? You can obtain background and financial information on an insurance carrier from your state's department of insurance.

Ask a lot of Questions

When talking with insurance agents, don't be too shy to ask a lot of questions. Along with learning what coverage is provided and what it costs, make sure to ask about how claims are processed. Too often, people don't learn about the process until they have to make a claim. Knowing ahead of time helps you choose an insurance provider whose claim process is makes the most sense for you.

Find Out What Others Think

Ask friends, neighbors and family who they use for their auto insurance and whether or not they would suggest you do the same. Often, they can provide real life examples of what was lacking and what they liked when they had to file a claim.

Make Sure to Shop Around

Contact a couple of the largest car insurance companies (State Farm, Allstate, Nationwide, SAFECO, etc.) and then check with a couple independent agents and phone-based carriers, such as GEICO or Amica, just to make sure you've adequately researched your options.