First car; need auto insurance. Where do I start?

google is the best option to get reliable auto insurance company of your town. you get plenty of companies there

I would call your sister's insurance agent and get a quote for your own policy with them. It may help you that you've been on your sister's policy and that company has history with you.

One thing to consider is if you prefer to deal with an agent in person, or to buy on the phone/Internet. Sometimes dealing with an agent in person has its benefits but may cost a little more (but not necessarily). Oppositely, often times buying a policy online is designed (and advertised) to be cheaper. It depends on if you need an in person experience or not. Another factor is if you understand all the different components of an insurance policy and can make educated decisions about what you're buying - or if you need an agent to describe what they are.

I currently have policies with State Farm (for many different kinds of policies) and deal with a local office. I feel like I get personal attention from them and they recognize my name when I call. I like that. Additionally, it seems like my car insurance premiums are very reasonable compared to my GF's. She has a Sentra insured by Erie and she pays more than I do for my Acura TL with the same coverages.

The most important thing regarding car insurance is to make sure you're with a company who is going to be there for you if and when you ever need them - not price. To ensure this, stick with the top rated companies: Amica Mutual and USAA if you can get covered by them.

From http://www.clarkhoward.com/catego...nsurance/:

- Buy uninsured motorist coverage to protect yourself against uninsured or under insured drivers.
- If you have a car loan and don't carry insurance, the lender may buy insurance for you at five or six times what you would normally pay.
- Collision coverage takes care of damage to your car from an accident that is all or partially your fault. Normally you'll be responsible for a deductible of $250 or $500, and your insurer pays the rest.
- Comprehensive coverage takes care of non collision calamities, such as damage from a break-in, theft or windshield cracking.
- Liability is the most important component of auto insurance and the one to which people pay the least amount of attention. It pays for damage to property and physical injury from an accident that is your fault.

From http://www.clarkhoward.com/topics...esources/:

Car insurance:
Three best rate companies (Consumer Reports)
1. Amica [amica.com](Will only take you if you have no tickets or accidents)
2. USAA [usaa.com](open to Military personnel, dependants and former USAA members.)
3. Cincinnati Insurance [cinfin.com]

Tip: Always have liability insurance. If your annual premiums for collision and comprehensive coverage exceed 10% of the value of your car, consider dropping them. If you have an older car that is worth very little, it may not make sense to carry collision coverage.

When it comes to diminished value, the owner's claim is the difference between the value of the car before the accident and after the accident. If the car is repaired but the value after repairs is less than it was before the accident, that decrease is a valid facet of the owner's claim. The insurance company must pay that decrease to obtain a full release for its policyholder. The diminished value is typically negotiated between the auto owner and the insurance company, But if litigation is initiated, it will be determined by a judge or jury.

Check out Bankrate for a comparison of local companies...

http://www.bankrate.com/funnel/in...quote.aspx

Make sure you get enough Liability the minimums never are enough realistic minimum coverage 100K or higher depending on your financial situation.