Finding good automobile insurance at a reasonable rate can be a tiresome process, but breaking it down into simple steps can make it a bit more bearable. Start out by determining your needs, and ask yourself a few questions.

Before venturing out to find an insurance agent or company, ask yourself: What can you afford to pay? Will you be able to pay the lump sum, or do you have to make payments each month? How many people will be driving the vehicle? Do you need collision and comprehensive coverage? Do not forget about the immediate resources around you: Ask friends and family what kind of coverage they have, who they are insured through and, most importantly, what they like and/or dislike about their plan.

Having a basic understanding of your insurance needs, before approaching an agent, will give you more confidence during a discussion and relieve the unneeded stress of being lost in the process. Face it, you probably aren't an expert on the subject, and you need to understand what your money is going toward. Make a list of questions before sitting down with an agent - the list will act as a security blanket for the comparison process and keep you focused on what answers you need.

Here are a few questions you may want to think about while hunting for an agent: What are the available coverages, and what do they cover? Do you get a discount if both your home and car are insured with the same company? Is there a way to lower your premiums? What payment options are available? Will it be easy to add a new or used car to the policy? Will rates go down if you get married? Will everybody in your household be insured to drive the vehicle?

While talking with an agent, don't get distracted by the jargon and numbers that fly at you. If you have a question and the agent keeps talking, jot it down to ask later. If there are terms you do not understand, ask questions -- you are the one paying for the coverage. Remember, insuring people is the agent's job; if you feel they are not meeting your standards, find somebody else. Agents are there to serve you and figure out how a plan will most benefit your lifestyle -- not theirs.

When purchasing insurance, do not be afraid to ask questions. Most of your research can be accomplished over the phone; call around and find out the basics of a company before going in to meet with them. Find out what the state you live in requires for insuring new vehicles and the minimum on used ones. Inform yourself first, write down your questions, and proceed, armed with the knowledge that you will get the best deal you possibly can.