Auto insurance is like any other financial product:  It seems like thousands of companies offer it, and all of them claim to have the perfect rate for you. How do you find the right policy?

Why do most people stay with the same auto insurer, year after year? Is it because their current insurer provides tremendous rates and top notch insurance?  Maybe, but a far more likely answer is that people stay with the same insurer because the process of shopping for a new policy can be overwhelming.  Consumers are constantly bombarded with offers from a variety of different insurance companies.  You can't possibly call everyone, nor would you want to.  

There's an efficient way to shop for auto insurance.  It all starts with understanding who the players are, and then doing everything you can to make sure that you qualify for the best rate.

Know the auto insurers

The dizzying array of insurers can more or less be broken down into three big groups:  The 800 number companies, the big sales force groups, and the independent agents.

• 800 number companies:  These direct insurers reach their customers by advertising.  Their business model is simple: They don't pay agents to seek out new policies.  Rather, they advertise directly to you, and hope that you'll contact their call centers or shop online for a new policy.  They tend to sell the least expensive policies, but only if your driving record is in good shape.  They may also provide a lower level of service than you'd get with an agent.

• Sales force groups:  Mammoth insurers like Allstate or State Farm sell their policies through designated agents who have a local presence.  They'll likely meet with you face-to-face or over the phone to set up a policy.  They offer a higher level of service, and generally provide affordable rates.

• Independent agents:  Not tied to any specific insurer, independent agents do the shopping for you.  They can find extremely competitive rates, and are especially adept at helping people who have poor driving records.  If you have problems finding an insurer because of prior accidents or speeding tickets, an independent agent is the choice for you.

Best auto insurance

Insurers consider the big picture before they offer you a policy.  They'll take a look at your prior driving record, and may even pull your credit report.  To get the top rate, try to maintain an exceptional driving history.  You'll also want to make sure that your credit record is in tip-top shape.  Many insurers factor in multiple variables when they assess insurance risks, and your credit rating will be among them.

Finding the right insurance policy can be an overwhelming task.  However, the long-term dollars you can save necessitate analyzing your policy on a regular basis, and looking around for better opportunities.  Take your time, do your homework, and make sure you're a highly prized prospect.  You can make the shopping experience not only pleasant, but prosperous over the long run.