Most auto policies are issued for six months or a year, says Robert Hunter, director of insurance for the Washington, D.C.-based Consumer Federation of America. Ideal times for checking out other carriers and their prices include when you move, when you buy a new car, or a month or two before your policy comes up for renewal. Compare auto insurance rates to get the best deal. You want to gather at least three rate quotes. In addition, you want to understand what's covered and how much protection you'd have from a new policy. It's important to ask about details such as the amount of liability protection, bodily injury protection and the kind of coverage provided if you're hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist, notes Deeia Beck, the state insurance consumer advocate in Texas. If you'd rather have someone do the research for you, independent insurance agents are an option.
Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/steps-switching-car-insurance/story?id=22397730