If you’re in the market for auto insurance, a little effort might be worth substantial savings. Online insurance companies have made coverage just a few clicks and a credit card number away, but you have no way of knowing if this is the best you can do. Dialogue with some actual insurance agents is probably worthwhile.

There are two types of insurance agencies. Certain companies will not appoint an agent without an agreement to sell only for them. These agents are called captive and they sell for companies such as State Farm and Nationwide. Other companies will appoint agents who write for their competitors. These are independent agents and they write for companies such as Travelers, Hartford, and AIG. Companies that sell direct usually don’t have agents writing for them, so they offer policies you can’t get through an agency. It’s worth your time to consult with one of each.

It’s also important to be comparing apples with apples. Settle on the coverage components you want. Determine what your state auto insurance coverage minimums are – every state has them, and they vary. Then decide what is acceptable to you; level of deductible, whether your car is worth comprehensive coverage, whether you need additional liability if yours is a no fault state. Set those requirements before all three types of providers, and see what comes back.