If you are currently looking for automobile insurance, there may be a better alternative than simply searching for low-cost quotes online.

Most of us have little or no familiarity at all with insurance industry terms, state or local laws, standard insurance industry practices and available discounts (which could lower the rates significantly). Like any other product, today you can go online, obtain quotes and buy a policy directly from most major insurance companies. However, your local auto insurance specialist may be able to get you a much better rate than you can find on your own. Just as important, a local auto insurance specialist may actually know a specific insurance product which fits an individual's unique needs much better than an automated generic website ever could.

Typically, auto insurance specialists are independent agents or brokers, who work with several different insurance companies. A good auto insurance agent will have significant experience in the automobile insurance industry and will be knowledgeable about the various products available from the large number of insurance providers. In addition, an auto insurance specialist will usually know a lot about the nuances particular to your local area.

Very simply, the answer is customization. Each individual is unique, with different needs, behaviors and tolerance to risk. An insurance company website is designed to serve the general minimum needs of the population, and will not be able to ask the questions specific to your individual needs, which could lower your rate or even give you options better suited to your needs and lifestyle. Even a live company representative is limited to offering products from that particular company's portfolio, whereas in reality some other company's product may be more suitable.

An auto insurance specialist will ask you a series of detailed questions to understand your situation and needs: usage, make and model, mileage, value, accessories, and driving record etc in order to asses which products are best suited to your needs. Do you want to include your motorcycle on the policy? You could save money by buying a policy from companies specializing in motorcycle insurance. Are you a recent graduate? Some companies offer discounts for students and recent graduates. Do you have driving experience in another country? The list goes on.

You can ask for explanations of various industry terms and make decisions quickly based on the specialist's expert knowledge, rather than trying to make sense of confusing and arcane terms by reading boring legalese on your own.

Based on your answers, the specialist will then recommend one or more products, which are best suited to your needs, and can obtain quotes instantly from competing companies. Frequently, the specialist can secure various discounts available from insurance providers which consumers would ordinarily not know about.

In addition to obtaining better rates, the auto insurance specialist can make further recommendations based on insurance provider ratings, knowledge of different companiesí customer service, local traffic conditions, driving habits etc. In the unfortunate event of an accident, your auto insurance specialist is your first point of contact, and can provide a familiar presence to help you through a stressful situation.

It is always a good idea to research local auto insurance specialists by asking for their registration numbers (if required in your state) and checking with the local business bureaus. Ask the specialist to obtain at least five separate quotes so you can decide which one is best for you. Do ask the specialist to explain the policy terms and how they will affect the rate and your coverage. Make sure to give the specialist detailed information about your specific situation.

So before you buy auto insurance online, check with your local auto insurance specialist. You may save big by asking the right specialist, and better yet, have one less thing to worry about.