I haven't had a car in five years, but I'm going to buy a new one soon. I want to know more about the process of buying insurance before I buy the car. I am also considering switching from the insurance company I had before.

You will need to buy car insurance before you drive the vehicle off the lot. In fact, car dealerships in most states won't let you take the car until you can show proof of insurance.

First, you need to decide what kind of car to buy, and the cost of insuring the vehicle should factor into your decision. According to Insure.com's annual ranking of average car insurance rates, the Porsche Carrera GT2 two-door coupe is the most expensive vehicle to insure among 2010 models. A 40-year-old male would pay a national average of $2,943.78 to insure this particular Porsche model annually -- and that's assuming he has a good driving record. The least expensive vehicle to insure is the Mazda Tribute I (2WD four-door SUV). The same 40-year-old man would pay an average $1070.25 annually for the Mazda SUV.

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Once you know the type of vehicle you want, get car insurance quotes from at least three companies. Check with your former insurance company if you were pleased with past service, but keep in mind it may not offer the best deal now.

Be prepared to explain why you have gone without car insurance coverage for some time. A lapse in coverage raises a red flag to car insurance companies, although that shouldn't keep you from qualifying for good rates if your reason is sound, such as not owning a car for a few years.

Coordinate the timing of the final car purchase with the insurance company you choose. For more, see the car insurance comparison for 2010 vehicles and auto insurance evaders face high premiums.