Alright, let's go car insurance shopping. We are on an endless search for the best car insurance rate in the market today. There is only one problem with that kind of approach. The cheapest rate just may cost you in terms of service. Comparing one company to another is very difficult without knowing the intangibles when it comes to policy and claim service. We will take the intangibles for now and concentrate on the things that make up the rate.

Bodily Injury Liability - This portion of the auto policy protects you in the event that you are at fault in an automobile accident that causes bodily injury to another driver. Some companies split the limits. For example: 100/300. This means $100,000 per person limit and a $300,000 per accident limit applies if more than one person is injured. You need to compare the same limits when shopping for rates.

Property Damage Liability - This is the last liability coverage in the split limit policy. For example: $100/300/50. The $50,000 represents the property damage liability limit which covers the damage to other vehicles and or property. Make sure that you are comparing the same PD limit when shopping.

First Party Benefits - These are benefits that apply to the policyholder if involved in an automobile accident.

1. Medical Payments - benefit amount paid for medical treatment in or out of the hospital.

2. Income Loss - a monthly benefit paid if you lose work because of an automobile accident.

3. Funeral Expense - Final Expense benefit

4. Accidental Death - benefit paid for accidental death in an automobile accident.

Physical Damage - The Collision and Comprehensive portion of your policy that applies to damage to your auto. Make sure the deductibles are the same.

Tort Option - Full tort or limited tort is a huge choice in some states. This has to do with your right to sue. Limited tort is sometimes 20% to 30% less.

Uninsured and Underinsured - This protects you against the driver who carries no car insurance or the driver with very low limits.

These 5 benefits are what collectively total nearly 100 % of your rate. Make sure that you are comparing apples to apples on them and you should get a good idea how one company compares to another.