WOBURN - Beginning April 1, auto insurers will begin setting their own rates.

This means that if Woburn residents request quotes for the same coverage from several different companies, they will receive different premium quotes from each of them.

Even though companies will file their own rates, the Commissioner of Insurance still must approve those rates.

Prior to this year, all rates for auto insurance were set by the Commissioner of Insurance under what was known as the "fixed and established" system. Under this system, if a person requested a premium quote for the same coverage from different companies, each of those companies would give the same price for that coverage, unless the person eligible for a group discount.

The minimum coverage for a basic policy are still mandated by Massachusetts law and will not change. The types of coverage Woburn residents are required to purchase by law are called compulsory insurance.

The basic Massachusetts Auto Policy will remain exactly the same, however, many insurance companies will offer new and additional coverage's, higher limits and lower or waived deductibles under certain circumstances, the Mass. Association of Insurance Agents told the Daily Times Chronicle.

Competition is designed to encourage insurance companies to offer their lowest possible premium to each driver. Although the majority of Massachusetts policyholders will probably benefit from reduced rates under the new system, the amount that people pay will depend on individual risk factors, such as the driving record, the territory in which you live, and other rating factors approved by the commissioner. However, maintaining a clean driving record should decrease the rates.

If a person finds that the rate has gone up, what should the person do?

First: Make sure that the rate has really increased. Compare the types of coverage's and coverage limits on the policy from last year to the coverage's and coverage limits you've received quotes for, and make sure they are the same. Also remember that any change to the policy will affect the premium. Changing a vehicle, adding or changing coverage's, adding or changing drivers, or changing a car's garaging location may all increase a premium.

Second: Consider whether you are classified as a high-risk driver, such as one with multiple at fault accidents and/or traffic violations, or one with less than six years experience. If you are, the increase in the premium may be the result of these factors.

Third: Contact the agent or the insurance company for a explanation of why the rates have increased.

Fourth: Once a person has learned the reason for the rate increase, they may want to ask the agent to obtain rate quotes from other insurance companies until you are certain you have found the lowest premium for the coverage.

Remember that if a person has had a change in driving history, such as an at-fault accident or traffic violation, the premium is likely to go up in a competitive rating market in the same way as it would have increased under the fixed-and-established system.

Shopping for insurance can be frustrating. All of the quotes received need to be for the same coverage's and the same limits of liability. To be sure you are comparing apples to apples, insist that the quotes be based upon the exact criteria. Insurers might consider starting with the coverage's that are reflected on the Coverage Selections Page of the current policy. Keep in mind, that quotes a person gets from insurance companies online will be generic quotes and not necessarily what they need in terms of coverage and limits.

Since insurance is intended to protect your most valuable assets — your car, your home, and even your life — people should definitely talk to an insurance professional about the amounts and types of coverage needed.

Remember that while price is certainly an important factor in deciding which insurance company to pick, it is not the only factor. Price, discounts, claims handling, the location of an agent, or the financial health of the company are all legitimate factors one might consider in buying insurance. Ultimately, the person must decide which features are most important.

To help consumers navigate the new auto insurance system, the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents has created at website, massauto.com which provides "Easy Steps to Buying Insurance," answers to frequently asked questions about auto insurance, the discounts, credits and policy features offered by insurers and much more valuable consumer information.

(The Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents is a professional association of independent insurance agents. MAIA's 1,600 member agencies and their 10,000 employees write and service over 80% of the property-casualty insurance in the Commonwealth).