At first a cheap policy is hard to resist. But put one to the test with a small collision, you may find that that cheap policy will be like an umbrella full of holes. You have to put protection ahead of the premium. Ultimately, car insurance is a promise: you put in a little today so some unanticipated event won\'t wipe out your savings tomorrow. It's on the days that take a turn for the strange that you find out if it lives up to expectations. It could be a driver not paying attention, a rock putting a star in your windshield, or a scrape in the parking lot while you are off at the store for groceries. There is never a one-size-fits-all approach to coverage. The guy who puts in five miles a week has other concerns than the car insurance marketplace driver stuck in traffic two hours a day, Monday through Friday. Your policy ought to fit your routine, not the other way around. Be sure to think about how you drive before you get fixated on the monthly premium. Pay attention to your liability numbers. A minimal limit might leave a few extra dollars in your pocket each month, but if you are the one at fault in a major accident, the repair and medical bills will mount in a hurry. It leaves a financial hole that can be painful to fill. A lot of people come to regret that kind of risk. Another consideration is the matter of collision versus comprehensive. The terms are easy to mix up since they are similar in name, but they address entirely different situations. Collision is for when you put your vehicle into something. Comprehensive is what you want for theft, fire and hail. Picture coming out after a storm to see a tree branch resting on your hood; the distinction is crystal clear then. You should also reassess your deductibles. Of course, bumping them up will bring the premium down. But do you really want to be covering the expense from your own funds when the time comes? If the deductible would create financial stress, the cheaper monthly rate is probably not worth it. Also, don't overlook the discounts that are within reach. Whether it is for good grades if you have young drivers, a clean record, anti-theft devices or a defensive driving course, these things add up. Some drivers never even ask about them. Otherwise you're leave money on the table and walk away.