Unless you've been living in a cave somewhere for the past ten years, you've probably seen all of the cute and clever ads on television trying to sell you car insurance. Big auto insurance companies use everything from talking animals to funny spokespeople to try and sell you something that you absolutely must have, but how do you know which of these are the right place for you? Choosing an insurance company shouldn't be based on who has the funniest commercials or best savings "gimmicks," but it should be based on research, your own lifestyle and habits, and your budget needs. Here are some tips to help you choose the best insurance company for your individual needs.

Look at your lifestyle

In order to find the best insurer for your needs, you need to understand what those needs are. Do you need complete, comprehensive coverage for a new car, or do you drive an older car that doesn't need as much coverage? Do you own your own home, and want to be able to take advantage of multiple policy discounts? Do you have a teenager in the house that will soon be driving? All of these things can affect the cost of your auto insurance, and they can affect the type of coverage that you choose. 

Some insurance companies offer specific ways to save money on your car insurance based on your lifestyle and driving habits. In addition to multiple policy discounts, some insurers offer discounts for teen drivers who maintain good grades and practice safe driving habits. Automobile "black box" technology could provide you with bigger savings when you use them to show your insurer that you are a safe driver.

Consider your budget

While many people feel that they have very little say in what they pay for auto insurance premiums, this is not entirely true. While you can't just "name your price" for car insurance, you can work with your insurer to try and get the lowest premiums possible for your coverage. One of the easiest ways to reduce car insurance premiums is to adjust the level of coverage you have, including increasing your deductibles. A reputable insurance company should be happy to review your current coverage, assess your actual needs, and be willing to offer you some practical savings suggestions.

Beware of any insurer who tries to push extras such as roadside assistance or rental car allowance, especially if you have a multiple car household and can just use your second car in case of an emergency. While these are both valid, useful benefits to have, if your budget is very tight, they could be a bad fit for you. 

Do your research

One of the most important things that you can do before choosing an insurer is to take the time to research each company you are considering. Look online for reviews of their services, compare auto insurance quotes from multiple insurers, and find out their preferred method of communication, should you ever have a problem or need to file a claim. Ask friends and families about their own insurance providers, especially if they have ever had to file a claim. Was the process easy and quick, or did they have problems getting their insurance company to pay for repairs after an accident? 

You should also check to make sure the insurer that you are considering is actually licensed to provide insurance in your state. Your auto insurance company is going to be providing you with an important service, so it pays to take your time to find out a little about each insurer before making your final choice. 

Consider your own needs carefully, look at ways you can reduce your insurance costs to meet your budget, and research every insurer carefully before choosing one, and you'll be more likely to find the best insurance company for your individual needs.

Check out sites like http://www.collinginsurance.com/ for more information.