Buying auto insurance has as much to do with the quotes that insurance companies offer as it has to do with analyzing your own insurance needs. When shopping for auto insurance the first thing you should do is collect a few local quotes. This can be easily done over the internet.

Bobby Carter, a Philadelphia doctor, found the best local quotes at 'PhiladelhiaQuote'.

Most states have a minimum amount of auto insurance that all drivers must possess. In the state of Pennsylvania you must have $5,000 as medical bill coverage. Before you buy auto insurance you need to understand the different coverage that insurance companies offer:

• Bodily Injury Liability Insurance: In an accident where the driver and passengers of the other car have been injured you could be sued for medical expenses. Such auto insurance would protect you from liability.
• Personal Injury Protection: Such insurance would pay for the medical costs for injuries sustained by you and your family. While it is mandatory in some state it is not so in Pennsylvania. If you have less health insurance then you should buy adequate personal injury protection.
• Collision Insurance: In case of an accident this would pay for the repair of the damages to your car.
• Property Damage Liability Insurance: This essentially protects you against lawsuits and pays for the damages to the other car.
• Comprehensive Insurance: For instances of theft, fire or natural disaster comprehensive insurance will pay for the losses.
• Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Liability: If you get into an accident with a driver who is not adequately insured, this would protect you and pay of the damages.

You can save a fair amount on auto insurance if you keep in mind a few things when shopping for auto insurance. Firstly consider at least a dozen insurance quotes from reputable companies. Many insurers offer cheaper auto insurance to safer drivers so correct any inaccuracies on your moving violation record. Also check your credit report to rectify any inaccuracies; this too would affect the amount you pay for auto insurance.

If you are on a tight budget, buy the minimum auto insurance that has been laid down as mandatory by the state. However you need to ensure that you are adequately protected and thus should also buy property damage liability insurance and collision insurance. Some insurers may recommend buying limited tort to reduce your premium. However this will only affect your premium marginally but affect you strongly in case of an accident. If you choose limited tort, you could be giving up your right to sue.