Comparing car insurance quotes is a great way to see if your current car insurance rates are inline with other company’s rates. Car insurance policy terms are usually 6 months, so it’s a good idea to comparison shop your rates every two renewals, or once a year.

Affordable car insurance is an elusive concept but if you follow these steps, you have a great chance of slashing your next auto insurance bill. The key to finding the most affordable rates is to shop around and take advantage of available discounts.

How to shop around for affordable car insurance

Being a licensed propery and casualty agent, I can give you a few pointers about the best way to find affordable car insurance.

Buying car insurance online has transformed the way auto insurance is advertised, sold and delivered. Your only option used to be calling or stopping by your local insurance agent’s office. Advertising was much more location-focused with large companies attempting to push the consumer to their local representative.

For the third consectutive quarter, RateWatch from Insurance.com has shown an upward trend in car insurance rates, reversing the downward trend of 2007. On average, the lowest car insurance rates for the third quarter of 2008 rose $56 over the previous quarter.

As we come to the end of 2008, you’ll undoubtedly be making a few New Year’s resolutions. It’s the perfect time to add cutting your auto insurance premiums to the list of “to-do’s” in 2009.

Car insurance companies adjust their rates on a regular basis, and the great deal you got a year or two ago may not be the lowest auto insurance rate today.