Getting auto insurance, or any other type of insurance for that matter, may sound a bit complicated. But it really is just like shopping for a new shirt or a pair of shoes. You have to know what you need, how much you can spend on it, and of course, where to buy the best deal.

If you're in Atlanta looking for auto insurance, you need to know a few facts before you go shopping. The first fact you might already know. But for those who don't, the state of Georgia demands all car owners to have auto insurance that carry minimum coverage for Property Damage (minimum of $25,000 per accident) and Bodily Injuries (minimum of $50 per accident, and $25,000 per person).

The second thing you need to be aware of is that you can choose a policy with a higher limit, but this also translates to a higher premium. While it might hurt your wallet a little, you can be sure that the coverage will protect you better from "financial death', when you get involved in an accident, as opposed to minimum coverage insurance.

But this doesn't mean that you are stuck with higher rate. There are steps you can take to still get an inexpensive, yet dependable insurance.

First Step, Drive Less. There is actually a clear logic behind this. The less you are on the road, the lesser chance for you to get involved in accidents. Most insurance companies will give you lower rates if the number of miles you drive per year is less than the average--as much as 15 percent less.

Second Step, Scout for Discounts. Be on the lookout for auto insurance companies in Atlanta that offer discounts. Some companies will give you discounts on your policy when you have good grades (student drivers) and anti-lock brakes. Senior drivers are also entitled to special discounts.

Third Step, Maintain a Good Credit Score. Auto insurance companies look into your credit rating to assess your credibility or risk. A good rating automatically ensures a lower rate. While it might not be impossible, it will definitely be a lot more difficult to find low-rate insurance with a tarnished credit rating.

Fourth Step, Shop Around. Auto insurance rates in Atlanta vary from one company to another. And since there is large a number of insurance companies in the area, you will have to do quite a bit of window-shopping.

You can go to your local insurance companies for a quote or you can use the Internet to get free online quotes. You can go to the website of an insurance company or a comparison site. Be sure to give out the same information when getting quotes from different companies for accurate comparison.

Look at a minimum of five quotes and think really hard before you make a decision. Just like shopping for clothes or shoes, you need to take your time if you don't want to deal with regrets. You'll be saving yourself hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in the long run on your auto insurance.