Before making any decisions, consider contacting your state's insurance regulator. They'll provide information about the minimum insurance you're legally required to carry, plus recommendations for low-cost insurers. They'll also provide a list of companies that are fraudulent or in bad financial shape (meaning they might not have any money for you when you need to collect). For a list of insurance regulators in all 50 states, plus Washington D.C., check out the web site of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (www.naic.org).

Once you've found a range of low-cost insurers and made sure they're financially solvent, you're in the driver's seat. Now it's time to call an agent and place your order. Just gather the required information (see What you'll need) and set aside about 20 minutes to answer a questionnaire. Afterward, the agent will ask you to head to one of the company's local offices for an inspection of the car and to sign your new policy. You and your car could be insured by sundown.