Get this FREE Car insurance quote and see how much you can save.
Car insurance quotes are estimates of the cost of an insurance policy. They are based on a variety of factors such as the make and model of the vehicle, the driver’s age and driving history, and the coverage level desired. Quotes can be obtained by contacting an insurance company directly or by using an online quote comparison service. It’s important to shop around and compare multiple quotes to find the best rate for your specific needs.
When you are shopping around for car insurance quotes, you may get lots of opinions on what company to use and what coverage to get.
By comparing quotes from several different insurance companies, you can get a better idea of what the typical rates are for your specific needs and make an informed decision. This is one of the best ways to save money. And it’s not a process that takes hours. It’s important to keep in mind that the cheapest quote may not always be the best option, as the coverage may not be adequate for your needs. It’s important to review the coverage options and make sure the policy you choose offers the right amount of protection for you and your vehicle.
Also, when requesting for quotes, it’s important to provide accurate and up-to-date information, as providing incorrect or incomplete information can lead to inaccurate quotes.
It’s also recommended to review your coverage every year or when you have a significant life event (change of address, new car purchase, marriage, etc) as your insurance needs may have changed and you may be able to find better rates or better coverage options.
Having the right information, can help you find the best car insurance rates and a policy that’s right for you.
How Do I Get Free Auto Insurance Quotes?
There are two main ways to get free car insurance quotes:
1. Contact the Insurance Company directly via Online.
Many auto insurance companies offer free car insurance quotes online. You can visit several insurance company websites and compare quotes. To save time, use a website that provides quotes from multiple companies.
2. By phone or in person.
Speak with or visit a local insurance agent who can help you find affordable car insurance options and get you a car insurance quote.
Main two types of insurance agents:
1. A “captive” agent works for one insurance company and can give you a quote only from that company
2. An “independent” insurance agent can sell policies from multiple insurance companies and can get you quotes from different companies.
There are benefits to both approaches, and there’s no law against contacting multiple insurance agents. It doesn’t hurt to get online quotes and also speak with an agent who can help you identify your coverage needs and tailor a policy that’s the best fit for you.
What details are required in order to to Get Auto Insurance Quotes?
Having the following data on hand will help the process go as smoothly as possible::
Driver’s license.
If there are any other drivers in your home, you will be required to provide their driver’s license information as well.
Vehicle identification number (VIN).
Your VIN is normally located on the dashboard of the driver’s side of the car or on a sticker inside the driver’s side door or door jamb. Ask the seller for the VIN if you haven’t bought the car yet but know what you’re planning to buy. You may typically get an estimate without providing a vehicle make and model if you haven’t chosen your car yet.
Mileage.
If you own the car, you are advised to have the odometer reading handy.
How much coverage you want.
You should be aware of the types of coverage you wish to get and the amount of coverage you require. If you are not sure of the coverage types you want, it’s a good idea to contact with an insurance agent who can help you answer your questions.
The auto insurance company will gather additional information about you, such as your driving history, past auto insurance claims and in most states, your credit will be required.
What Is the Cheapest Auto Insurance?
According to our survey of the best cheap car insurance providers nationwide, USAA consistently offers the cheapest car insurance quotes. However, USAA auto insurance is only offered to active members of the military, veterans, and their families.
If you don’t qualify for a policy through USAA, our analysis revealed that Geico, Erie, and State Farm offer competitive rates, based on nationwide averages. It’s still good to get quotes from several companies because the cheapest car insurance companies’ rates might vary depending on your state, driving record and other factors.
What Factors Influence My Auto Insurance Quotes?
There are several factors that determines car insurance quotes. Here are some of the most common pricing factors:
Your driving history
Drivers with a clean driving history will pay less than drivers who have traffic violations and at-fault car accidents on their records. Car insurance companies tend to look at the last three to five years of your driving history, depending on your state.
Your vehicle
The type of car you drive greatly impacts your quote. Certain safety features (like air bags and rear backup cameras) and anti-theft features could help reduce your auto insurance quotes.
Your location
Where you live plays a significant role in determining your rates. For instance, drivers in urban areas tend to file more car insurance claims, which often translates into higher rates.
Your driving experience
Younger and inexperienced drivers will pay more than drivers with big years of experience under their belts.
Other pricing factors
Car insurance companies also usually look at factors, such as gender, age, occupation, marital status, home ownership and credit. State law sometimes dictates that certain factors can’t be used. For example, California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan ban the use of credit scores in car insurance quotes.
Other drivers on your policy
If you have other drivers in your household, their driving records will impact your rate. For example, if you add a teen driver to your policy, be prepared for a significant bump in car insurance premiums.
How Do I Choose the Right Coverage Types?
The coverage types and the amount of coverage you choose will have a big impact on your auto insurance quote. But don’t get overly focused on price and skimp on necessary coverage. If you don’t buy enough insurance, you’ll have a coverage gap that could cause major financial pain if you get into a car accident.
Your goal is to find the best coverage for your specific situation and at the best price. Here are some common coverage types to consider.
Car Liability Insurance
Car liability insurance is an important coverage that pays others’ medical bills and property damage when you cause a car accident. It also pays for a legal defense in case you are sued over a car accident.
Every state except for New Hampshire and Virginia require a minimum amount of car liability insurance, but it’s a good idea to buy more than what’s required. That’s because the minimum amounts are often terribly inadequate to cover medical bills and property damage if you cause a major accident.
If your policy limits are too low, you could be caught up paying out of pocket for the rest. A good rule of thumb is to buy enough liability insurance to cover your net worth, or the amount that you could lose in a lawsuit.
A good way to add extra liability coverage to an auto policy is to buy umbrella insurance.
You may have heard the term “full coverage car insurance.” This typically refers to an insurance policy that includes liability, collision and comprehensive insurance.
Collision and Comprehensive Insurance
Collision and comprehensive insurance pay for repairs to your car for a variety of problems, such as car accidents (regardless of fault), car theft, vandalism, fires, floods, falling objects (like tree branches) and collisions with animals.
While collision and comprehensive coverage are often sold together, you can purchase them individually. For example, if you only want coverage for problems like theft and floods, you can get a car insurance quote for comprehensive insurance without collision.
Just keep in mind that buying one without the other can leave you with a significant coverage gap. For example, if you back into a pole, you need collision coverage to pay for repairs.
If you have a car loan or lease, you’re likely required to carry both anyway.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage pays for medical bills and other expenses like lost wages when you are in a car accident caused by someone who doesn’t carry liability insurance, or who does not carry enough liability insurance to cover all your medical bills.
Some states require that car owners have uninsured motorist insurance.
Medical Expenses Coverage
This type of coverage varies by state, but generally it covers medical bills and other types of expenses (such as lost wages) if you or your passengers are injured in a car accident, no matter who caused it.
Some states require personal injury protection insurance (PIP) as part of their “no-fault” auto insurance systems.
Other Car Insurance Coverage Types
You’ll generally find several options beyond the basics when you compare car insurance quotes. These types can help you fill coverage gaps if you want to pay the extra money:
Gap insurance. If your car is totaled or stolen and the vehicle’s value is less than the amount you own on a car loan or lease, this coverage pays the “gap” between the insurance check and what you owe.
Rental reimbursement auto insurance. This covers the cost of a rental car while your car is being repaired for an accident insurance claim. But daily limits can be low, so make sure you need it.
Roadside assistance insurance. If you’re stranded on the side of the road, roadside assistance insurance will pay for a tow, a jump-start for a dead battery, gas for empty tanks and a locksmith if you manage to lock your keys in the car. You may be able to find a better deal on roadside assistance elsewhere, such as an auto club.
How to Compare Car Insurance Quotes ?
Many Drivers Don’t Know That Car Insurance Quotes are Free
One potential barrier to consumers shopping for coverage is the misbelief that getting quotes costs money. About a quarter (27%) of respondents said that getting car insurance quotes costs money either some of the time or all of the time according to a recent survey by Forbes Advisor. It doesn’t.
More men than women incorrectly thought you have to pay to get car insurance quotes:
Half (50%) of men surveyed said they thought you have to pay at least some of the time to get quotes compared to just 16% of women
61% of women correctly said you typically don’t have to pay to get car insurance quotes. Only 36% of men knew that.
Find below, tips for comparing car insurance quotes:
Determine how much coverage you need
It’s always advised to assess whether it makes sense to buy more than your state-mandated minimum liability requirements—in nearly all cases it does as low limits can be exceeded by even minor accidents. Decide if you want comprehensive and collision coverage to cover your own car, and choose a deductible amount.
Research customer service
Always review customer satisfaction ratings to help you choose an insurance company that will be responsive if you have to file a claim and that can help you identify the best coverage options for your needs.
Check coverage options and discounts
Make sure the insurance companies you are considering, provide different coverage options and price breaks that match your driver profile. Take for an instance, if you want pet injury coverage included and the option to have a usage-based plan or accident forgiveness, check to see if these are offered. If you have a teen driver and work from home, a company with good student and low-mileage discounts is worth going for.
Shop identical coverage amounts
Compare car insurance quotes for the exact same coverage amount to be sure you are getting an equitable comparison. Check out multiple insurers for pricing.