Car insurance companies need to be financially stable. Do some research into the company's business reports. If the company seems on the verge of bankruptcy, it is a dangerous prospect to receive coverage from them. A bankrupt company does not have to honor many of its previous obligations, including coverage that's already been paid for. Check the financial and business news, both in newspapers and on the Internet, and even get some word-of-mouth information about any car insurance companies on the list of coverage options.

A big factor of repute when comparing car insurance companies is their standard of customer service and how it handles the claims of its clients.  Researching quotes online is good, but it is only part of the overall process. Directly call the customer service department of the company in question and speak with an actual person. If the on-hold wait is just too long, if the phone is disconnected, or the customer service representative doesn't really seem to know what he or she is talking about, look elsewhere for coverage.

In the current economy, customer service agents should be diligent to ensure they do no lose any customer - or potential customer. If they give the attitude that a phone call is just wasting their time, it's likely they'll have that same rude and callous attitude in the event of a car accident and have to file a claim. Don't add to the stress involved in car troubles by picking car insurance companies with poor service.

Word-of-mouth, as mentioned before, is one of the best ways to learn about various car insurance companies. Find out what friends and family like or dislike about their specific policies, and if they feel the price is worth it. Important questions to ask include: How long does it take to settle a claim? How many times did the insurance company have to be called before an insurance adjuster arrived? How much trouble was it to file a claim and how much of that trouble was caused by the insurance representative?  An Internet search will also reveal a number of review sites on popular car insurance companies. From there, one can receive a number of testimonials on the pros and cons of various insurance outfits and policies.

It does not have to be hard to find reputable car insurance companies for those willing to do a little homework. Just take the time to compare prices, shop around a little, and find the best coverage and rate. But again, let the buyer beware. If a deal looks too good to be true, that's probably because it is. Follow the tips above, and everything should turn out just fine.