A guide to insuring your car
If you've never purchased car insurance for yourself, the process can seem quite overwhelming at first. However, once you are familiar with the steps, the insurance process can be quite simple.

Shop around
The first thing you want to do when insuring your car is shop around. Research quotes from a number of different car insurance companies. An insurance agent who works with multiple companies can help you find the best deals available. However, remember that cost isn't everything.

Just because a car insurance company is the cheapest does not mean that it's the best company for you. You want a company that is going to be there for you if you need to file a claim. Make sure that the company you purchase car insurance from is established and reputable.

Submit your application
After you've researched which company you would like to purchase car insurance from, you'll need to contact the company to submit your application. Some auto insurers will allow you to submit your application online or over the phone while others will require you to go into their office to begin your policy.

When filling out your application, make sure you fill out everything accurately. Don't leave out any accidents or driving infringements as this can come back to haunt you in the future. It's best to be completely open and honest when submitting your application.

In addition to your driving record, your agent is going to need information like your rego, the make and model of your car, your VIN number and your driver's license number.

Choose your excess
When filling out your application, your insurer is going to need to know how much of an excess you want. The higher the excess, the lower your premiums will be. Choose the maximum excess you would be able to afford should you need to file a claim.

Finalised quote
Once you have completed your application, the insurer should be able to provide you with an accurate, detailed quote. The quote should be broken down showing you how much you're paying for comprehensive and collision, towing, etc. Review the quote and if you see something that doesn't look right, discuss it with your agent or the insurer.

Making payment
Once you have reviewed your quote and you are ready to go forward with the policy, you will need to make payment. Discuss with you're the insurer whether payments will need to be made on a monthly, quarterly, or six-month basis and how much money they require to get the policy started.

Your new policy
Once you make payment, your insurance should be in effect unless you have chosen to start the policy at a later date. Make sure that you are provided with a copy of your policy and proof of insurance. At this point, the process is over and you are now an insured driver.