If you've just purchased a car for the first time or simply aren't happy with your current auto insurance policy, then you'll soon be facing the process of obtaining a variety of insurance quotes. This is usually a fairly simple process on the whole, but there is a lot that goes into obtaining the best possible quote. If you're interested in how you can get a great deal on auto insurance, then keep reading below for some invaluable tips.

Don't Make Assumptions

When getting a quote for an auto insurance policy, it's important not to make assumptions when it comes to your driving record. You may think that various violations are still on your record, when in fact they've been expunged. If this is the case, then you'll end up paying far more for insurance than you otherwise would. Because your history as a driver is vital to the way that insurance companies calculate your risk as a driver, confirming your official driver history is extremely important. 

Ask About Discounts

Another important rule when it comes to getting an insurance quote is to always ask about available discounts. Knowledgeable agents will be more than happy to provide you with information, and you might be surprised at the discounts you can get. Whether you have good grades in school, have low annual mileage on your vehicle, or simply have a good record as a driver, you can earn substantial savings just by asking. Even a 5% discount might be able to save you a couple hundred dollars over the course of a year.

Know That Cost Isn't Everything

When most people shop for auto insurance, they're looking for one thing — low prices. There's certainly nothing wrong with opting for the policy that is the least expensive, but keep in mind that spending a bit more for your auto insurance might also mean getting more benefits as a result. Of course, this doesn't mean that you should automatically abandon the budget that you've set up for yourself. But paying more for premiums will likely mean that you'll have a lower deductible and higher coverage limits. You might also be able to take advantage of additional perks such as reimbursement for a rental car. So while more costly insurance might not seem like it makes sense in the short term, the fact of the matter is that it may pay for itself in the long run.