The following is a guest post from 21st Century Insurance that explains how to shop for car insurance and put some extra money in your pocket. “21st Century is dedicated to providing superior coverage and service, while saving you money on your auto insurance.”

Have you ever tried on an old pair of blue jeans and found a few dollars in your pocket? You know that feeling. Well, imagine how happy you’d be if instead of a few dollars in your pocket you found a few hundred dollars! Hundreds of dollars that are all yours to spend however you wish. Go on a shopping spree … go away for a long weekend… have a party!

*Note from Crystal:  You could also save it or pay down debt…thought you might be upset if someone didn’t mention it, lol.*

That’s what it’s like when you take a few minutes to compare car insurance rates and switch to a company that will save you money. All of a sudden you’ll have hundreds of dollars you didn’t think you had. Now that’s time well spent.

Just follow these steps.

Be Ready

If you want to compare auto insurance quotes, you need accurate information. So before you start, take a few minutes to make sure you have the following information available.

* Your Current Insurance Declarations Page
– By matching your current deductibles and coverage limits you can be sure you’re getting the same protection.

* Vehicle Information
– Year make model and VIN
– Annual miles and distance to work
– Value of any custom or after-market equipment
– Type of alarm or theft recovery device

* Driver Information (For each household member old enough to drive)
– Drivers name, occupation, gender, number of years licensed, and Driver’s License number.
– Any accidents or violation in the past 3 years including dates, who was at fault, if someone was injured and the claim amount.

Be Choosy

There are a lot of car insurance companies out there and each one has its own way of determining rates. So if you’re only getting one quote to compare, you’re probably not going to get the best rate. The more quotes you get, the better your opportunity to save money. Plus, if you want a better understanding of the features and service a company offers you should contact them yourself. The service you get shopping is a good indicator of what you can expect if you purchase a policy.

Be Thorough

When shopping for cheap car insurance you need to consider more than price. To find out what you’re getting, what’s covered and what isn’t, remember these tips.
– Get your quote in writing and confirm the accuracy of each vehicle and driver you are insuring.
– Make sure your deductibles and coverage limits match your current policy.
– Ask about special features, such as Emergency Roadside Assistance.
– Find out if there are additional membership or broker fees.
– Are repairs guaranteed for as long as you own your car?
– What kind of payment options are available?

Questions from Crystal:
Have you ever saved a ton by switching or comparing rates? Which insurance companies had the best rates for you?