Car insurance is as much of a necessity as gasoline or regular maintenance. However, that doesn't mean you need to take the first policy that you see. Prices and plans vary greatly between providers, and it usually pays to shop around. By brushing up on the subject of car insurance, you will be better equipped to get the best deal on the coverage you need.

You should comb through your insurance options carefully. There are different formulas that every company uses to determine your insurance premium. By researching many competitors, it becomes easier to find a good deal and save money.

It is a common belief that insurance premiums drop as soon as a young driver hits the magic age of 25. If you have a good driver record, your premiums will go down as you age, even if you are still under 25.

Avoid having more than one driver listed for each car. By having only one driver for each car, you will get a better premium for your insurance policy.

Avoid the purchase of pricey after-market items for your vehicle that are not really necessary. Though they may be a nice luxury, fancy stereo systems and heated seats are unnecessary. If you get in an accident and total your car, or if it's stolen, the insurance company will only pay you for the value of the car, which does not include any after-market equipment.

To start saving money right away, raise your deductibles. Although your premiums will be lower each month, this action can be chancy if you don't have the self-control to save money for your deductible. In the event that you are involved in an auto accident, the out-of-pocket cost can be high. A high deductible will result in you having a lower premium.

Having sufficient insurance can protect someone should they ever have an accident. The policyholder is expected to pay a portion of the claim, called a deductible. Any claims over and above the deductible will be paid by the insurer.

Get your auto insurance agent to give you a listing of every discount the company offers. Go through the list of discounts to be sure you get every one that applies so you save money.

If you see lower rates offered from other companies, take this information to your insurance agent first. Sometimes, your current agent can match any lower offers that you find. They would rather lower their rates than lose you as a customer.

Remember to document everything you can if you get in an accident and need to file a claim. You can use your cell phone to record the time and place of any collision and the damage resulting from it. Some people even keep a camera in the car for just this purpose.

Every driver is different, and every driver pays a different car insurance premium. Some of this is due to circumstances, such as location and types of cars, but not all. Some people can get better coverage with less money than others. You can get better coverage if you understand and educate yourself on the different auto insurance tricks.