These days it seems there are quite a few companies competing for your auto insurance business. The reason for this is simple, auto insurance is a profitable industry. The largest Insurance providers have introduced creative programs. Take for example Allstate's Accident Forgiveness Program which does not penalize you for accidents you cause. State Farm promotes Good Grades Discounts for student drivers. Discount providers like Geico, AIS, Mecury or The General emphasize savings, but what about customer service?

The facts are that most drivers will file an auto claim at some point. So you need a company that is quick to respond and easy to deal with. With dozens of major providers competing for your business, you should be able to find great deals without having to sacrifice customer service.

Simple rules apply when comparing insurance quotes. The most important rule is that you compare apples to apples. Below are additional items to know when comparing insurance quotes:

1. Shop Service As Well As Price:
Seek out comparison quotes and coverage advice from Independent Insurance Agents in your area. Local Independent Agents will be familiar with insurance liability limits and regulations which you need to be aware of.

2. Consider An Umbrella Policy:
By combining other insurance policies into one umbrella policy will likely save you money overall. Many people combine both their House and Auto insurance into one policy. Check with local agents for companies that provide discounts for multiple policies.

3. Check The Customer Service Record For A Particular Provider:
Your state insurance department and The National Association of Insurance Commissioners keep records for the numbers of complaints. Check with these agencies to view the records of these insurance providers you're interested in.

4. Take Advantage Of All Discounts:
Many Insurance companies offer discounts for the following: If you've gone a certain number of years without an accident or ticket, if you drive less than a certain number of miles per year, senior drivers that take defensive driving courses, if your car has safety features and ant-theft devices, if you add more than one car to your policy. Check with each provider to see if they have additional discounts.

5. Compare Prices Online:
The fastest way to compare prices and acceptance is to fill out several online quote forms from providers. Below are several providers I would recommend to compare quotes online.

By doing your homework first, your decision to choose an Auto Insurance provider will be based not only on price but service and reputation as well. Finding the best Insurance Provider that meets all your insurance needs ensures that you and your family are protected for the future.

Michael Schriner is the owner of FindMyBestAgent.com (http://www.findmybestagent.com), which is an online resource for finding leading Insurance, Finance and Real Estate agents.