Do your homework: Compare auto insurance - and check out that car

Before you begin to compare auto insurance policies, an insurance industry group is advising consumers to thoroughly check out any used cars they plan to buy.

According to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, consumers can find out about safety ratings for most cars from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety web site. If a driver has a specific car they want to purchase, it's important to examine the title and registration, as well as the vehicle itself, and to make a note of the vehicle identification number (VIN).

Many drivers choose to have a vehicle examined by a trusted mechanic before buying it, while checking its maintenance history is also considered a wise decision.

"Research can be one of the most important tools for narrowing down your search and finding the right used vehicle for your needs," said Robert Passmore of PCI.

Passmore also advises consumers to be aware of "cloned vehicle" scams in which stolen or badly damaged cars are fitted with VINs from other vehicles. He notes that drivers may also find that their insurance policies do not apply to such cars.

Given the many pitfalls that can await used car buyers, it's advisable to focus on all of these details before beginning to compare auto insurance and choose the appropriate car.

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