When you’re looking for car insurance quotes, you might hear different opinions about which company to choose and what coverage to get.
One great way to save money is by comparing quotes from various insurance companies. The best part is that it doesn’t take hours to do. By investing just a little bit of your time, you can find the most affordable car insurance rates and a policy that fits your needs perfectly.
How to Get Free Car Insurance Quotes
If you’re wondering how to get free car insurance quotes, there are two easy ways that won’t cost you anything:
- Online: Many car insurance companies provide free quotes on their websites. You can visit multiple insurance company websites, compare the quotes, and find the best deal. To save time, you can also use a website that gathers quotes from various companies in one place.
- By phone or in-person: You can contact a local insurance agent either by phone or by visiting their office. They can assist you in finding affordable car insurance options and provide you with a car insurance quote.
There are two types of insurance agents you may come across:
- Captive agents: They work exclusively for one insurance company, so they can only offer you quotes from that particular insurer.
- Independent agents: They have the flexibility to sell policies from multiple insurance companies. They can provide you with quotes from different insurers, giving you more options to choose from.
Both approaches have their benefits, and it’s perfectly fine to reach out to multiple insurance agents. You can gather online quotes for convenience and also speak with an agent who can provide personalized assistance in identifying the best car insurance for your needs.
Get Cheaper Car Insurance Quotes
If you want to save money on your car insurance, there are a few simple steps you can take:
Compare Auto Insurance Rates
Get quotes from at least three different insurance companies that offer the same level of coverage and deductible. Each insurance company has its own way of setting prices, so comparing rates will help you find the most affordable option for your needs. Even if one company offers good rates for safe drivers, another might be better if you have a speeding ticket or poor credit.
Take Advantage of Car Insurance Discounts
You can save a significant amount each year by taking advantage of car insurance discounts. One way is to bundle your policies, which means having multiple policies (like home and car insurance) with the same company. Many companies offer discounts of around 5% to 25% for bundling. Farmers offers the biggest discount at 26%, but Allstate (16%) and State Farm (15%) also provide good bundling discounts.
If you have more than one car to insure, you may also be eligible for a multi-vehicle discount, which typically ranges from 8% to 25%.
Additionally, there are other common discounts you can explore, such as discounts for having
- anti-theft devices,
- completing a defensive driving course,
- being a good driver,
- being a good student,
- paying in full,
- going paperless,
- having certain vehicle safety features.
By comparing rates, maximizing discounts, and considering a higher deductible, you can save money on your car insurance without sacrificing the coverage you need.
Change Your Deductible
Changing your car insurance deductible can affect how much you pay for coverage. A higher deductible means you’ll have to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim for a collision or comprehensive insurance. However, it can also lower your insurance premium because the insurance company will have to pay less.
When you’re getting quotes for auto insurance, ask how much you could save by increasing your deductible. For example, find out if choosing a $2,000 deductible instead of $500 would result in enough savings to make it worthwhile.
To make the process of getting car insurance quotes go smoothly, it’s helpful to have the following information ready:
- Driver’s License: If there are other drivers in your household, you’ll need their driver’s license information as well.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): You can usually find the VIN on the driver’s side dashboard or on a sticker in the driver’s side door or door jamb. If you haven’t purchased the vehicle yet but know which one you’re going to buy, ask the seller for the VIN. If you haven’t chosen a car yet, you can often get a quote with just the make and model of the vehicle.
- Mileage: Keep track of the mileage on your car and have that information available.
- Coverage Needs: Determine what types of coverage you want to purchase and how much coverage you need. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to speak with an insurance agent who can answer your questions and provide guidance.
The insurance company will also gather additional information about you, such as your driving history, previous auto insurance claims, and in most states, your credit information. Having all the necessary details on hand will make the quote process easier and more efficient.
Compare Car Insurance Rates
Comparing auto insurance quotes is all about gathering options so you can find the best car insurance companies.
Compare car insurance rates:
- By company
- By state
- By Vehicle
- By age and gender
- By credit score
- For drivers with a DUI
- For drivers with an at-fault accident
- For drivers with a speeding ticket
- For seniors
- For adding a teen driver
Compare Car Insurance Rates by Company
Car insurance rates can vary between different companies. That’s why it’s crucial to compare quotes from multiple car insurance providers. Let’s take a closer look at some well-known insurance companies and the average national rates they offer for drivers with a clean driving record (no traffic violations or at-fault accidents). This comparison will help you make an informed decision and find the most suitable car insurance for your needs.
Compare Car Insurance Rates by State
Compare Car Insurance Rates by Vehicle
The vehicle has a major impact on how much you spend on car insurance, especially if you’re buying collision and comprehensive insurance. Here are average car insurance costs for popular vehicles.
Least Expensive Cars to Insure
Medium-Expensive Cars to Insure
Most Expensive Cars to Insure
Compare Auto Insurance Rates by Age and Gender 2023
Your age and gender affects car insurance rates. Young, inexperienced drivers pay the most and can expect their rates to start going down at age 25. Drivers with good driving records will enjoy their best rates in their 50s and 60s. Rates start to increase again around age 65.
Car Insurance Quotes for Drivers With Poor Credit
Drivers with poor credit may pay more than double for car insurance compared to drivers with good credit.
Compare Car Insurance for Drivers With a DUI
A DUI is a costly mistake. Our analysis found that the national average car insurance rate increase for drivers with a DUI is 70%. Here’s a look at rate increases after a DUI among large insurance companies.
Compare Car Insurance Rates for Drivers With an At-Fault Accident
If you cause a car crash, you can expect your car insurance rates to go up after an accident. Here’s a look at rate increases for drivers who caused an accident that caused an injury to someone else.
Compare Car Insurance Rates for Drivers With a Speeding Ticket
Drivers with a heavy foot can expect car insurance rates to go up after a speeding ticket. Here’s a look at car insurance quote increases for drivers with one speeding ticket.
Compare Car Insurance Rates for Seniors
Geico and USAA have the cheapest car insurance rates for seniors and well below the national annual average for senior drivers of $2,196. The older you get once you hit your senior years, the more you’ll likely pay for car insurance, so it’s vital to get multiple car insurance quotes from other companies to make sure you’re getting the best rates for your coverage.
Compare Car Insurance Rates for Adding a Teen Driver
There’s no escaping the higher price of car insurance for teens, but adding a teen driver to a parent’s policy is a good time to compare car insurance quotes.
What Is the Cheapest Car Insurance?
After conducting an analysis of the best affordable car insurance options across the country, we discovered that, on average, USAA offers the cheapest car insurance quotes. However, it’s important to note that USAA auto insurance is exclusively available to active military members, veterans, and their families.
If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for USAA, our analysis revealed that Auto-Owners, Geico, Westfield, and Travelers also provide competitive rates based on nationwide averages. It’s always a good idea to obtain quotes from multiple insurance companies since the cheapest car insurance providers can vary depending on factors such as your state of residence and driving record.
What Factors Influence My Car Insurance Quotes?
Several factors influence car insurance quotes. Here are some of the most common factors that affect pricing:
1. Your driving history
Insurance companies consider your driving history when determining rates. If you have a clean driving record without traffic violations or at-fault accidents in the last three to five years (depending on your state), you’re likely to pay less for insurance.
2. Your vehicle
The type of car you drive can impact your quote. Safety features like airbags and rear backup cameras, as well as anti-theft features, may help lower your insurance premiums.
3. Your location
Where you live plays a role in your insurance rates. Urban areas often have higher rates due to the increased likelihood of filing claims.
4. Your driving experience
Young and inexperienced drivers, such as teenagers, typically face higher insurance costs compared to more experienced drivers.
5. Other pricing factors
Additional factors that can affect your rates include gender, age, occupation, marital status, homeownership, and credit history. However, some states prohibit the use of certain factors, such as credit scores, when calculating car insurance quotes.
6. Other drivers on your policy
If there are other drivers in your household, their driving records can impact your rate. Adding a teen driver to your policy, for example, can lead to a significant increase in premiums.
Remember, these factors can vary between insurance companies and states, so it’s always a good idea to gather quotes from multiple insurers to find the best coverage and rates for your specific situation.
How Do I Choose the Right Coverage Types?
The type and amount of coverage you choose for your auto insurance policy have a significant impact on your quote. However, it’s important not to solely focus on price and overlook necessary coverage. Insufficient insurance could leave you with a coverage gap, which could result in significant financial difficulties if you’re involved in a car accident.
The goal is to find the best coverage for your specific needs at the best price. Here are some common coverage types to consider:
1. Car Liability Insurance:
This essential coverage pays for others’ medical bills and property damage when you cause a car accident. It also provides a legal defense if you’re sued over an accident. While most states require a minimum amount of liability insurance, it’s advisable to purchase more than the minimum to ensure adequate coverage. The minimum required amounts often fall short of covering extensive medical bills and property damage.
2. Collision and Comprehensive Insurance:
These types of coverage pay for repairs to your car in various situations, including accidents (regardless of fault), theft, vandalism, fires, floods, and collisions with animals. While collision and comprehensive coverage are often bundled together, they can be purchased separately based on your specific needs. However, it’s important to note that having both types of coverage is recommended to avoid significant coverage gaps.
3. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage:
This coverage pays for medical bills and other expenses if you’re involved in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have liability insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage to cover all your medical costs. Some states require car owners to have uninsured motorist insurance.
4. Medical Expenses Coverage:
This coverage varies by state but generally covers medical bills and related expenses if you or your passengers are injured in a car accident, regardless of fault. Some states require personal injury protection insurance (PIP) as part of their “no-fault” auto insurance systems.
Additional Coverage Types:
When comparing car insurance quotes, you’ll come across several optional coverage types that can help fill coverage gaps:
- Gap insurance: It covers the difference (or “gap”) between the insurance payout and the remaining amount you owe on a car loan or lease if your car is totaled or stolen.
- Rental reimbursement insurance: This coverage pays for the cost of a rental car while your car is being repaired due to an accident.
- Roadside assistance insurance: It covers services like towing, jump-starting a dead battery, providing fuel, and locksmith services if you accidentally lock your keys in the car. Consider comparing prices with other roadside assistance options, such as auto clubs, to find the best deal.
How to Compare Car Insurance Quotes
- Figure out the right amount of coverage: Evaluate if it’s wise to purchase more than the minimum liability coverage required by your state. In most cases, it’s recommended to have higher limits as even minor accidents can exceed low coverage amounts. Determine if you want comprehensive and collision coverage for your own vehicle and select a deductible amount.
- Research customer service: Look into customer satisfaction ratings to find an insurance company that is responsive when filing a claim and can assist you in choosing the best coverage options. Forbes Advisor’s ratings of the top car insurance companies can be helpful in this regard.
- Review coverage options and discounts: Ensure that the companies you are considering offer coverage options and discounts that align with your driver profile. For example, if you desire accident forgiveness coverage, check if it is available. If you have a teenage driver and work from home, consider companies that provide good student and low-mileage discounts.
- Compare rates for the same coverage amounts: Obtain car insurance quotes for identical coverage amounts to ensure a fair comparison. Take the time to explore multiple insurers to find the most competitive pricing.
Do Drivers Like Car Insurance Companies Using Credit Score?
Car insurance companies often consider a credit-based insurance score as a factor when determining car insurance quotes. In most states, drivers with poor credit can expect to pay higher rates compared to those with good credit. That’s why it’s important to shop around and compare quotes from different insurers.
Insurers argue that a person’s credit history is related to the likelihood of filing an insurance claim. Consequently, credit-based insurance scores hold significant importance in rate calculations for many insurance companies.
Although the use of credit scores in determining car insurance rates is a subject of debate, drivers seem to be more accepting of this practice. According to a Forbes Advisor survey conducted in June 2022:
– 42% of car insurance customers believe that credit should be taken into account when determining car insurance rates.
– This represents a nearly double increase compared to the previous year’s survey, where only 22% supported the practice.
It’s worth noting that the use of credit-based insurance scores for car insurance rates is prohibited in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan.
How Often Should You Shop for Car Insurance?
Shopping around every year is a good idea, but that might be too much of a hassle for most drivers. With big rate increases coming from many auto insurers, you may want to shop around when you see your renewal bill.
If you don’t wish to compare car insurance quotes every year, consider getting quotes every three years or when you have a life change, such as buying a new car, moving, or adding a teen driver to your policy.
Methodology
Rates are based on a driver with liability coverage of $100,000 bodily injury per person, $300,000 bodily injury per accident and $100,000 for property damage (100/300/100), uninsured motorist coverage, and collision and comprehensive insurance. Source: Quadrant Information Services.
Car Insurance Quotes FAQ
What are quotes for car insurance?
A car insurance quote is a free estimate of how much you’ll pay for an auto insurance policy. It’s based on several factors, including your age, driving history, the type of car you drive, where you live and your past car insurance claims.
Each insurance company has its own formula for calculating car insurance rates, which is why it’s important to compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies. You could pay less (or more) for the same coverage at a different company.
How can I lower my car insurance rates?
While car insurance quotes will depend on several pricing factors, like your driving history, your car, where you live and other factors, one of the best ways to save on car insurance is by getting car insurance discounts.
For example, insuring your vehicle and home with the same company will generally bring a good bundling discount. Bundling your auto and home insurance can typically land you a 5% to 25% discount. You can also bundle other policies, like renters, condo and life insurance.
Can I get an auto insurance quote before I buy a car?
It’s smart to get a car insurance quote before you buy a car, in case the insurance bill doesn’t fit your budget.
For example, if you’re comparing car insurance quotes between a regular sedan and a sports car, you’ll usually find insurance rates for the sports car to be much higher.
Why are my car insurance quotes so high?
Your driving history is a major influence on car insurance quotes and could be what is pushing your rates up. Poor credit can increase car insurance rates—even more than an accident record.
Other pricing factors include: The type of car you drive, where you live and the other drivers in your household. That’s why it’s important to compare car insurance quotes among several different companies.
Do I need a driver’s license to shop for car insurance?
You may be able to get car insurance with no license, but it can be difficult since some insurance companies will require a driver’s license. Other insurers may give you coverage at a much higher price than those with a license.
Car insurance companies review your driving record when setting rates. If you don’t have a license, you’re considered a higher risk, which leads to higher car insurance costs.
Why should I compare auto insurance quotes?
Getting car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies allows you to compare prices. Car insurance companies don’t set all the same, so you could save hundreds or even thousands by getting quotes from more than one insurance company.
Forbes Advisor found that drivers with good records may save nearly $2,000 when comparing the car insurance company with the highest and lowest rates.
Can I get car insurance 100% online?
Yes, you can get quotes and buy car insurance online without having to meet an agent or fill out paperwork. Instead, you can get quotes from multiple insurance companies or you can use an online site that provides estimates for insurers.
Here’s what you need to buy car insurance online:
- Information like the names, address and dates of birth for every driver you want on your policy.
- Driver’s license information for every driver on the policy.
- Vehicle information, such as year, make, model, odometer reading and vehicle identification number.
- The name of your current insurer, if you have one, and your current coverage limits.
