Having auto insurance is most often a requirement to register your vehicle with your state or province. Regardless of the requirement, auto insurance gives drivers a sense of safety when on the road. Insurance pays for car damage and medical expenses if you’re hurt in an accident.

To find insurance, you’ll need your personal information and details about your vehicle, including your driver’s license and your car’s VIN number, mileage, make, model, and year.

It’s always a good idea to get quotes from several insurers to find the most affordable coverage. A good rule of thumb is to get at least three insurance quotes or estimates. Consider national, regional, and local brokers when shopping around for insurance options. NerdWallet shared that smaller, regional insurers may have lower rates than national ones.

Various factors determine how much you’ll pay for car insurance. Consumer Reports shared that insurance agencies look at your driver profile (your age, driving experience, and history), the type of car you own (the more expensive the car, the more you’ll pay for insurance), your credit history, and external conditions that pertain to where you live.

If you’re looking for additional ways to save on your auto coverage, consider driving a car that’s cheaper to insure, increasing your deductible, and improving your credit.

When comparing quotes between insurance agencies, consider discounts you can take advantage of and add-ons or extra coverage options, like comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, and more. Depending on your situation, you may or may not need every type of coverage the insurer provides. Choose the policy that best meets your coverage needs and monthly payment budget.

If your auto insurance rate ever increases, it could be for various reasons, most of which are tied to risk and liability. If you receive any traffic violations, are involved in an accident (whether it’s your fault or not), or file a comprehensive claim, you could see your rate go up. Your age can also play a role once you reach your 70s. In addition, adding more vehicles and drivers to your policy can hike up the price.

If you’re renting a car, your personal auto insurance might extend to cover the rental. It all depends on your current coverage policy. Contact your insurance agent to ask whether your current policy covers a rental car.

During your search for auto insurance coverage, find a broker you can trust. Look online at customer reviews to get an idea of customer satisfaction with the company and its insurance agents. You can also ask friends and family for recommendations, especially if you are considering a local or regional insurance company.

To find BBB Accredited auto insurance companies, look for the BBB Seal. These trusted businesses have been vetted against BBB’s Standards for Trust.

For more tips on managing your auto ownership, visit BBB’s Auto HQ. Learn more about what you should keep in mind when buying any kind of insurance, and find more tips on buying auto insurance.