Auto insurance rates vary widely depending on a driver’s age, age of the vehicle, where the driver lives and the driver’s safety record. The fewer traffic tickets and accidents you have, the cheaper insurance rates will be. 
Rates are also affected by the level of coverage you want. You can choose a policy with a high deductible and get a lower rate. Lower deductibles generate a higher monthly fee. It’s all done through statistics. 
The amount of coverage is also regulated by the state in which you live. Each state determines the minimum level of liability. Most automobile owners opt for more coverage than that to protect their investments — what you drive is no longer cheap or easy to replace. 
To get the best rates, gather quotes from several agencies. Insurance agents know what your state requires and will walk you through any additional coverage you should have depending on your vehicle and needs. 
Consumer Reports, a nonprofit organization that conducts research into consumer products, recently published a general guideline you can use to determine how much injury liability you should have. According to the magazine’s experts, limits should be $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident. Also, they suggest including $100,000 for property damage. 
These are the maximum amounts an insurance company will pay out to the other driver in an accident. You should also have uninsured motorist coverage that provides the same amounts for anything that happens to you and your property.
Other types of insurance to consider include comprehensive and collision policies. Comprehensive pays for damages or loss caused by vandalism, theft or weather. Collision pays for repairs to your car if you hit something. In other words, coverage for things other than an accident with another moving vehicle. You can also get coverage for rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance. 
When interviewing potential agencies, be sure to ask agents about discounts for good driving records, good grades for younger drivers who often have to pay higher premiums and driver’s education classes. Some insurance companies also offer discounts if you bundle your auto insurance policy with your house or life insurance. 
Another discount could come from staying with one insurance provider for a long period of time. If you have been with a company for several years, ask your agent if you are eligible for a discounted premium. 
For more information about how to get the best rates for auto insurance in Corpus Christi or anywhere in the United States, check out the website of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.