To help you get the best car insurance deals, we put together information on pricing and customer satisfaction from major insurers across the country. We looked at policies based on average costs for different types of coverage, bundling options, and various levels of protection. Our research also found insurers that have expanded what they offer or provide special benefits for drivers with good credit, clean driving records, and advanced licensing credentials.

The best car insurance companies typically offer a wide range of coverage options. This is actually one of the biggest reasons people avoid shopping around. Everyone wants coverage that gives them maximum protection, but many people aren’t sure how much coverage they actually need or how much personal liability they should carry. You need to first figure out how often you’ll likely use your policy. Then you can start looking at how much protection each part of your policy actually provides.

Customer service was a major factor we examined. How easy was it to reach the insurer, and how well did they treat us after filing a claim? Customer service matters enormously with insurance companies. The best ones give you a toll-free number to reach real representatives, keep you updated regularly, and even send newsletters with important news and information to keep you satisfied. Most top car insurance companies take these services seriously because they know frustrated customers don’t stick around.

We also checked whether insurers charged reasonable prices for similar coverage in different areas. Beyond where you live, think about your commute to work and whether you want to bundle other insurance like renters coverage or roadside assistance. Do you need medical expense coverage? What limits make sense for personal injury protection? The more you understand your insurance needs upfront, the easier it becomes to shop around for the best premium prices and the right deductible.

We discovered that choosing a higher deductible is the best way to lower your premiums. A high deductible means you pay more out of pocket if something happens, but there are still ways to cut costs without sacrificing coverage. Many drivers choose full collision and comprehensive coverage, for example. This gives you maximum protection for your car if there’s an accident, though it won’t cover your medical costs or vehicle damage. If you get legal coverage instead, you might want to add collision and comprehensive to your policy to bring your premiums down even more.

Raising your deductible is another smart way to save money on premiums. When you increase your deductible, you lower your overall insurance costs since you’re agreeing to pay more if an accident happens. Yes, you’ll pay more out of pocket after a crash, but it can still cost less than expensive vehicle repairs.

Your agent can tell you about discounts you might qualify for. If you have a clean driving history without accidents or tickets, some insurers will cut your rates. Many also offer discounts to good students. These can seriously reduce your premiums. To qualify for some discounts, you might need to take a defensive driving course or complete an advanced driving program.

Some insurers require drivers to pass a more thorough safety assessment before they’re eligible for coverage. If this applies to you, definitely ask your insurance agent how you can lower your rates. Most insurers will require you to take a defensive driving class, complete a basic safety course, or get a driver’s license to qualify for this discount. To get the discounts, you must finish the courses and tests on schedule. Keep in mind that discounts for these courses aren’t always easy to get, so make sure you’re punctual and practice safe driving habits.

How much umbrella coverage do I need? If you own an umbrella, you know protecting your investment matters, and getting the right amount of insurance coverage makes sense. Let me walk you through some factors that can help you figure out how much coverage your umbrella actually needs.

Start by thinking about what kind of protection you actually need. If you’re just worried about wind damage, the manufacturer’s basic specifications might be enough. But if you have pets running around or other hazards in your yard, you’ll probably want more coverage. This goes double if you have a storm shelter or use any kind of seasonal shelter like a cabin or vacation house.

Your liability coverage deserves a closer look too. Here’s something that catches people off guard: liability coverage doesn’t actually protect your umbrella itself. It only covers damage if someone gets hurt on your property because of a third party incident. You can get separate property damage coverage for your umbrella, which pays for repairs if something gets damaged while it’s on your property.

You’ll also want to think about each type of umbrella you own differently. Say you have a retractable shade that you take down every night when you head inside. That might need more coverage than a basic umbrella. But if you’re planning to take an umbrella camping, you might actually want less coverage than you’d get for everyday umbrellas. Campers spend most of their time outdoors, and if someone slips on a wet umbrella during a storm, injuries can happen.

Got kids? You should probably look into extra coverage for them too. Most policies include some umbrella coverage for children, especially if they live at home. Make sure the umbrella works for your kids’ ages and sizes so they can actually handle it when it’s windy. There are tons of different models you can buy that fit various frame sizes and come with safety features like sturdy frames and protective canopies.

Once you know how much coverage you need, it’s time to figure out what you can actually afford for each umbrella you’ve bought. Obviously, bigger umbrellas cost more to insure. But it doesn’t have to break the bank.

Here’s where you can save some money: buying multiple policies often gets you discounts, and so does purchasing larger quantities. You might also catch a break if you bundle two or three policies with the same company. Insurance companies often offer discounts based on how long you’ve had your umbrella policy and what type of umbrella you’re covering. Some even offer lifetime umbrella coverage discounts.

Finally, shop around and ask about available discounts. Different companies offer deals you might not find elsewhere. If you think you might qualify for pet or child-related discounts, definitely ask your insurance agent about those options.