Shopping for auto insurance quotes sounds simple, but it can be a big problem if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

For starters, you’ll need to understand your current policy so you can compare it to a competitor’s offer. Check the fine print to understand what the policy covers and what it doesn’t.

For more information, contact the Kansas Department of Insurance at (800) 432-2484 or visit the Web site at www.ksinsurance.org.Many insurance firms not only offer great tips on their Web sites but some, such as 21st Century Insurance, offer good consumer guides on buying auto insurance. You can download 21st Century’s guide at no charge at www.i21.com. Other Web sites, such as www.realquote.com or www.quotesmith.com, are good for comparing premiums.To check on the financial strength and stability of an insurer, go to www.ambest.com.

Rates can vary greatly, depending on the type of insurer and the discounts they offer, so get more than one quote. Experts advise getting at least three before making your decision.

Here is what you should have in hand, plus a few other tips to know, before you begin to comparison shop.

You will need your current policy’s declaration page. This is typically the first page of your policy that you see. It lists your coverages and deductibles. You want it so you can have an apples-to-apples comparison with a new policy quote.

For example, if you currently carry $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident under bodily injury liability, you want to be sure the competitor will give you a quote based on those numbers so you will have an accurate comparison.

Vehicle information. Get the year, make, model or vehicle identification number or both, also called VIN. The VIN is listed on your registration, your current policy and on the dashboard of your car. It tells the insurer exactly what type of car you have. You’ll also need an estimate of the number of miles you drive each year and your daily commute mileage. If your car has any special safety features, such as a tracking device, write it down. All of this information will be factored into your rate.

Driver information. You’ll need names of each person you want on the policy, their age, number of years licensed and their driver’s license number. You’ll also be asked about driving histories, so be prepared to list accidents and traffic tickets from the past three years. You’ll need to know dates, who was at fault and the amount of the claim.

Who to call. You have about 250 companies to choose from. Experts divide them into three general categories:

Direct-to-consumer companies. You buy directly from them without going through a middleman or paying a commission. This category includes 21st Century and GEICO.

Captive-agent companies. These companies sell policies through agents who usually represent one insurer. The agents represent the company and usually get a commission for each policy sold. This category includes Allstate, Farmers and State Farm.

Companies working with independent agents/brokers. Agents and brokers work with several companies, but not with direct-to-consumer firms or captive-agent companies. They may charge you a fee for their services.

Companies that work with independents include Mercury, Progressive and Safeco.

Be sure to ask about special discounts and coverage limitations; any fees in addition to your premium, such as auto-club fees or broker fees; if the policy offers an installment-payment plan. What are the finance charges if you can’t pay in full?

Know your rights. You do not need to give your Social Security number to receive a quote nor to buy a policy. However, if you will pay your premium on an installment plan, an insurer may ask for your Social Security number to check your credit history to see if you pay on time.

You can’t be denied coverage because of where you live. You don’t have to tell a potential insurer what you’re currently paying in premiums.