When shopping for affordable vehicle insurance, you are going to need to speak with a vehicle insurance agent at some point. In spite of any trepidations you may harbor, discussing your options with an auto insurance agent is truly to your benefit – as long as you ask the right questions. True, an agent's goal is to make a profit from you by selling you the most vehicle insurance you'll take. But in practice, a skilled agent will actually help you save money by helping you find the right balance of protection and cost effectiveness as well as finding any discounts you may be eligible before.

However, not all agents are created equal. That's why it's your job to do a certain amount of homework before you visit. Here's what you need to do:

Have some information before you arrive. Before you speak with a flesh and blood person, take time to browse the Internet for some good deals on cheap vehicle insurance. You can do this easily through a zip code or city and state search. Local vehicle insurance search engines allow you to find listings of vehicle insurance companies near you, as well as give you a quote and special discounts. Locate into several comparable insurance plans and schedule an appointment to discuss the plans either by phone or in person.

When you first sit down with an auto insurance agent, be sure to let them know that you are comparison shopping. You may even want to mention the precise rate that a competitor quoted you. Your agent will then be able to offer you something competitive, or explain why his plan is better, and thus more expensive. If you are speaking with a captive agent, he or she will only be able to tell you about plans available through one company. However, an independent agent will be able to offer you plans from several different agencies.

Next, ask for a complete list of discounts. You can get special discounts for memberships and affiliations, such as alumni associations and AAA. You can also get a discount if you agree to pay your premiums annually, rather than monthly. Lastly, you can save a significant amount of money by taking a higher deductible. Ask your representative directly to discuss these options and project the overall costs of each route.

Lastly, remember to take it slow. While you can always switch your plans later, it is best to negotiate the best deal at the outset. vehicle insurance agents will try to convince you to sign on with them before you've explored your options, but avoid committing before you are satisfied with your research. Once you have your plan, review the offers from competing vehicle insurance agencies periodically to see if newer, better discounts are newly available. Searching for local vehicle insurance online is free and simple. It only takes five minutes and it could save you a great deal of money in the long run.