When most people purchase auto insurance they will often overlook the conditions and coverage of their auto insurance. This can lead to a very bad situation if you end up in an accident and only then find out that your insurance doesn't cover you the way you expected. This can potentially leave you out of pocket or without your vehicle.

Here are a few tips that can help you to avoid a bad situation:

1. Read the product disclosure statement, this will tell you exactly what is covered and under what circumstances you are not covered.

2. Choose the right cover for ALL drivers. Don't choose to exclude inexperienced drivers to get a discount if an inexperienced driver only drives your vehicle sometimes. An accident can happen anytime.

Buying car insurance is kind of like ordering a gourmet cheeseburger: once you've got the "guts" of it, anything else is simply extra.

Food aside, many people buy the bare minimum in insurance coverage for their vehicles. But what they don't know about their car insurance policy could cost them a lot of money.

Not only can they end up without additional "toppings" that could spare them later distress, pain and expense; they could also end up paying out a lot of cash on vehicle repair and medical bills unnecessarily.

Did You Know?

One of the best ways to save money on car insurance is to compare quotes side by side.

Did you know that by comparing different car insurance companies you can save as much as $500 or more on your auto insurance policy.

What should you compare? Here are a few ideas.

First, I want to talk a little about shopping online for auto insurance.

For those that want to save even more, this is for you.

The companies should have a hard-earned reputation of offering very attractive rates....and superior customer service. What that means to you is this. You not only get great rates but they also pay what they're supposed to....when they're supposed to.

That's huge....because getting a great rate means nothing if you have to beat your insurance company over the head with a 2x4 to get them to pay a claim.