Buying car insurance for your vehicle is not optional in most states, but finding ways to save a little money and protect yourself can be tough sometimes. There are some things you can do to help reduce the cost of that insurance while making sure you still have the coverage you need. 

Insurance Requirements 

Before you start shopping for car insurance, it is a good idea to check with the Department of Motor Vehicles and ask what the requirements are in your area. Often there are coverage requirements based on if your car has a loan on it, or if you own it outright.   

Many states also put a dollar figure in the mix, with minimum coverage for personal injury, property damage, and other types of coverage. The insurance company you are working with should have the information about the coverage minimums and can help you select the right policy for your needs.

Cost of Coverage

The more coverage you have on your car, the more the insurance is going to cost you. While you can save some money by lowering the coverage, you have to make sure you are still meeting the minimum coverage. 

It is essential to research the insurance company you are considering to make sure they fit your needs. Some insurance companies do not offer direct customer service and limit you to email and online chat support to contact them. Some companies do provide phone support but not a local agent or location to visit if you have a problem. Make sure your insurance provider can help you.

Liability Insurance Only

Another option to save some money for your car insurance is to buy a simple liability policy that only covers people or things that you hit, and not your car. While there are still requirements about the amount of insurance you have, even with just a liability policy, the limits are often lower. Check with your insurance company about what this means in terms of what is covered, because the last thing you want is to hit something and not have coverage. 

You have to own your vehicle outright even to consider this option, but if your state allows you to carry this limited insurance, it can save you from month to month on your bill. Keep in mind that if you are involved in an accident, though, the limited insurance could mean your car has damage that you cannot afford to fix. 

Start looking for auto insurance today and make sure you're covered.