There’s no doubt about it: Web sites make it possible for insurance companies to lower their operating costs, and some of them pass the savings on to you.

There are hundreds if not thousands of Web sites that offer a car insurance quote service, and they represent insurance companies that you’ve probably never heard of.

Even if you have heard of an insurance company, how do you know the company is any good? Will the company be in business when you need to file a claim and will they treat you right?

Before clicking the “Buy” button, do a little research first. Once again, the Web is a valuable tool for digging up the dirt on car insurance companies.

Be sure to check out the Better Business Bureau, Web sites that rate insurance companies and the “complaint” Web sites. There seems to be a rant site for every major insurance company. Check to see if some of the posted complaints seem reasonable.

Your state government has an insurance department that regulates the car insurance companies allowed to do business in your state. Be sure to check your state’s Web site for bad marks.

Talk with relatives and friends. They’ve probably got some experience with a particular insurance company that they’d like to tell you about.

When you’ve narrowed it down to the best, go with your gut. But plan on doing it all over again in a few years just to make sure you’re always getting the best deal on car insurance.