The most important thing you will do is to implement the changes that you have decided to make regarding your insurance coverage. While the earlier steps are certainly necessary, if you don't actually make the changes then you gain nothing.

Go over your notes to make sure that you understand the changes you wish to make, and especially why you wish to make them. If you have an existing policy with an agent, and you are increasing coverage, you probably won't get any objections when you call your agent. However, if you are decreasing your coverage, or changing your type of coverage, you might anticipate that the agent will try and convince you that your current coverage is what you should have. Be firm and don't give up until you get what you want.

If you don't yet have this type of insurance coverage, or if you want to check for better deals, then you need to begin with gathering price information from different sources. First, you will need your completed Automobile Coverage Worksheet so that you know the types and amounts of coverage that you want. Second, you might consider talking to family and friends to see what they are paying and what kind of experiences they have had with their chosen insurance company. This is especially true if someone has filed a claim with their insurance company. This will give you a good indicator as to what to expect should you choose that company.

Third, identify the local companies or Internet sites from which you wish to obtain quotes. Local companies (look in the telephone book) have the benefit of having agents you can speak with or meet with, and sometimes this can help if you are filing a claim. The disadvantage is that the prices are typically higher because the agents have to earn a living. There are lots of online insurance websites, many of which use the same insurance brokerage services to receive your price quotes. Two of the most frequented sites are www.insweb.com and www.insurance.com. Both sites allow you to enter your information online, and then you receive up to four price quotes. InsWeb.com is rated as a better site, although we were able to find some slightly lower price quotes at Insure.com. While investigating online sites, be patient because it takes 15-20 minutes to complete the online questionnaire and receive your prices at each site. At that point, you can actually choose to contact one of the insurance companies to begin the process. If you wish to continue price shopping, you might consider saving the information (the website provides this feature) so that you won't have to reenter it should you return to request an application.

Once you have the cost figures, then you need to examine your budget and determine whether or not you can actually afford it. If you have lowered your coverages or increased your deductibles, then you will probably be saving money. However, if you have increased your protection, it will probably be even more important to shop around for better prices. If you get the prices and you still can't afford it, then you will have to make some changes in the amount of your coverage or deductible, or you will need to make some changes in your budget.

Step 6 - Get Help If You Need It