When looking for a car, it’s essential to factor in all costs associated with ownership – from fuel costs and routine maintenance costs, repairs and auto insurance premiums, to any necessary upgrades and insurance payments. Here are some helpful hints on estimating car insurance payments to help make an informed decision.

Insurance companies use numerous factors to set premiums, and some of these decisions are beyond your control. If you live in a dense city, car insurance will likely be more costly due to increased rates of accidents, theft and vandalism which will impact the premium even if you’re an excellent driver.

Your vehicle and optional coverages play a role in your car insurance rate; such as safety features that decrease risk such as accident avoidance systems can lower premiums while more sophisticated anti-theft devices could increase them. Always compare quotes for similar coverage types and limits so you can gain a clear understanding of exactly how much your premiums will be.