4. SHOP AROUND FOR THE BEST INSURANCE RATES.

Once you've decided what policies you need you will want to find the best possible rates. Just because an insurance company has low rates doesn't mean their policy is the best deal.

• Check with local insurance agents and online for rate quotes

Insurance companies will give you free rate quotes so you can see what their policies offer. Call or visit the local insurance agents in your area to get a quote. You can also get quotes on the Internet at any of the insurance quote websites. Don't get pressured into signing any documents until you've checked out the available options.

• Allstate Insurance offers many different types of insurance including home, auto and life.

• MetLife offers life, disability and other types of insurance and is nationally recognized.

• Blue Cross/Blue Shield is a nationally recognized health insurance company offering health insurance to companies and individuals.

• State Farm offers health and life insurance as well as home and auto.

Get more information on the insurance companies you're researching

Check with people you know who have health, life and pet insurance to see which companies they use or recommend. See if the insurance company is registered with the Better Business Bureau and if any complaints have been filed against them in the past.

• The Rip-Off Report has information by consumers on different insurance fraud and scams they have come across.

• Visit Bad Faith Insurers to get a list of the top bad faith insurance companies around today.

• Decide which policy fits you the best and go with it

After doing your research you should have a good idea what insurance policy is the best one. You will want to get the best service at the lowest rate. Don't get sucked in to a low price if the service is not as good.