Why comparing car insurance quotes matters
When you shop for car insurance it’s important to compare quotes from at least a few companies. The same driver can get different quotes from different companies, and without comparing rates, it can be hard to know if you’re getting the best deal.
If you’re not sure where to start your car insurance comparison, Policygenius can help you find coverage options that meet your needs and don’t break the bank.
Table of contents
Compare auto insurance quotes from top companies
When you compare car insurance from different companies, be sure to think about more than what you’ll pay for coverage.
Coverage options, customer service ratings, and financial strength all vary from company to company. Not thinking about these factors when you compare quotes could come back to bite you if you have to make a claim.
The very best auto insurance companies offer cheap coverage and top-rated customer service and claims handling.
Company | Policygenius rating | Annual average cost |
|---|---|---|
5.0 out of 5 | $1,044 | |
4.9 out of 5 | $1,181 | |
4.8 out of 5 | $1,141 | |
4.7 out of 5 | $1,192 | |
4.7 out of 5 | $1,351 | |
4.4 out of 5 | $2,084 | |
4.4 out of 5 | $1,780 | |
4.3 out of 5 | $1,479 | |
4.3 out of 5 | $1,475 | |
4.2 out of 5 | $2,055 |
→ Learn more about our picks for the best car insurance companies
Compare car insurance rates by age and gender
Comparing insurance quotes is especially important for young and inexperienced drivers, since they usually pay a lot more for coverage than older drivers.
Male drivers also sometimes pay slightly more for car insurance than female drivers, but some states have passed laws banning companies from using gender to determine insurance rates. Here’s how rates compare across 10 top companies when broken down by age and gender.
Company | 16-year-old female | 16-year-old male | 18-year-old female | 18-year-old male | 21-year-old female | 21-year-old male | 25-year-old female | 25-year-old male | 30-year-old female | 30-year-old male | 35-year-old female | 35-year-old male | 45-year-old female | 45-year-old male | 55-year-old female | 55-year-old male |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Allstate | $8,215 | $8,788 | $5,015 | $5,916 | $2,746 | $3,134 | $2,155 | $2,222 | $2,012 | $1,999 | $1,984 | $1,971 | $1,967 | $1,954 | $1,819 | $1,860 |
American Family | $4,323 | $4,721 | $3,059 | $3,320 | $2,076 | $2,227 | $1,510 | $1,592 | $1,457 | $1,515 | $1,404 | $1,452 | $1,315 | $1,344 | $1,260 | $1,274 |
Erie | $2,705 | $3,584 | $2,357 | $2,968 | $1,750 | $2,170 | $1,356 | $1,354 | $1,224 | $1,200 | $1,150 | $1,127 | $1,050 | $1,043 | $988 | $1,004 |
Farmers | $10,164 | $10,812 | $7,682 | $8,155 | $2,655 | $2,907 | $2,106 | $2,201 | $1,997 | $1,997 | $1,958 | $1,909 | $1,960 | $1,844 | $1,721 | $1,699 |
GEICO | $4,341 | $4,803 | $2,911 | $3,182 | $1,742 | $1,825 | $1,321 | $1,346 | $1,197 | $1,179 | $1,203 | $1,174 | $1,188 | $1,163 | $1,105 | $1,064 |
Nationwide | $5,099 | $6,111 | $4,427 | $5,328 | $2,279 | $2,557 | $1,670 | $1,784 | $1,511 | $1,530 | $1,492 | $1,497 | $1,401 | $1,410 | $1,274 | $1,294 |
Progressive | $9,478 | $10,343 | $7,138 | $7,942 | $2,708 | $3,054 | $1,941 | $1,958 | $1,861 | $1,810 | $1,836 | $1,752 | $1,728 | $1,654 | $1,509 | $1,503 |
State Farm | $3,422 | $4,222 | $2,718 | $3,327 | $1,849 | $2,189 | $1,298 | $1,437 | $1,194 | $1,194 | $1,170 | $1,170 | $1,155 | $1,155 | $1,093 | $1,093 |
Travelers | $6,408 | $8,022 | $3,686 | $4,487 | $2,143 | $2,450 | $1,602 | $1,658 | $1,539 | $1,590 | $1,515 | $1,555 | $1,398 | $1,433 | $1,265 | $1,305 |
USAA | $4,414 | $4,792 | $2,659 | $2,860 | $1,506 | $1,617 | $1,224 | $1,286 | $1,081 | $1,102 | $1,037 | $1,051 | $975 | $988 | $930 | $943 |
→ Learn more about rates by age and gender
Compare car insurance rates for seniors
Comparing car insurance quotes is also important for senior drivers. After around 65 or 70, car insurance rates can start going up. But shopping around can help keep costs down.
We found that the annual cost of car insurance for a 70-year-old driver can be as low as $1,037 or as high as $2,057 per year depending on the company.
For retirees on a fixed income, comparing car insurance quotes is an easy way to avoid overpaying. Here’s how much drivers 60 and over pay for a full-coverage policy, on average, at 10 major car insurance companies.
Company | 60-year-old female | 60-year-old male | 65-year-old female | 65-year-old male | 70-year-old female | 70-year-old male |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Allstate | $1,815 | $1,856 | $1,892 | $1,935 | $1,916 | $1,959 |
American Family | $1,259 | $1,266 | $1,293 | $1,292 | $1,383 | $1,372 |
Erie | $1,013 | $1,032 | $1,057 | $1,086 | $1,123 | $1,153 |
Farmers | $1,662 | $1,685 | $1,800 | $1,875 | $1,909 | $2,057 |
GEICO | $1,098 | $1,067 | $1,093 | $1,073 | $1,157 | $1,143 |
Nationwide | $1,250 | $1,265 | $1,277 | $1,319 | $1,354 | $1,434 |
Progressive | $1,508 | $1,507 | $1,550 | $1,583 | $1,666 | $1,705 |
State Farm | $1,068 | $1,068 | $1,064 | $1,064 | $1,107 | $1,107 |
Travelers | $1,270 | $1,321 | $1,321 | $1,388 | $1,401 | $1,500 |
USAA | $924 | $939 | $945 | $964 | $1,005 | $1,037 |
→ Learn more about car insurance for senior drivers
Compare car insurance rates by state
Car insurance rates vary by state, city, and even ZIP codes, but doing a thorough price comparison can help you find the lowest rates in your area.
Even if car insurance is normally expensive in your state, it’s still possible to save thousands of dollars a year by comparing rates. Some companies in your area may charge much less for coverage than others.
For example, the difference between the most expensive and cheapest insurance companies in Florida — known for high auto insurance rates — is $2,444 per year. Here’s the average annual car insurance rate at the cheapest company in every state.
State | Cheapest company | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
GEICO | $977 | |
USAA | $930 | |
Root | $747 | |
USAA | $962 | |
Wawanesa | $1,110 | |
American National | $811 | |
GEICO | $756 | |
State Farm | $1,152 | |
GEICO | $1,025 | |
GEICO | $1,432 | |
Auto-Owners Insurance | $858 | |
GEICO | $785 | |
American National | $498 | |
FAIA | $712 | |
USAA | $706 | |
State Farm | $719 | |
USAA | $912 | |
GEICO | $1,019 | |
USAA | $1,486 | |
GEICO | $571 | |
USAA | $806 | |
GEICO | $1,067 | |
GEICO | $1,059 | |
Western Agriculture | $964 | |
USAA | $856 | |
USAA | $741 | |
USAA | $856 | |
Auto-Owners Insurance | $1,036 | |
GEICO | $1,043 | |
USAA | $676 | |
GEICO | $1,078 | |
USAA | $907 | |
Main Street America | $1,033 | |
GEICO | $736 | |
USAA | $786 | |
USAA | $711 | |
USAA | $949 | |
State Farm | $843 | |
Erie | $1,018 | |
State Farm | $983 | |
American National | $683 | |
Kemper | $1,128 | |
State Farm | $755 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $1,036 | |
GEICO | $856 | |
State Farm | $666 | |
USAA | $776 | |
USAA | $1,033 | |
USAA | $869 | |
USAA | $680 | |
American National | $763 |
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries.
→ Learn more about car insurance costs
Compare car insurance rates by city
City | Company | Cost |
Texas Farm Bureau | $1,010 | |
Progressive | $823 | |
USAA | $1,004 | |
USAA | $875 | |
State Farm | $1,195 | |
USAA | $949 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $1,121 | |
Auto-Owners Insurace | $858 | |
Auto-Owners Insurace | $858 | |
Auto-Owners Insurace | $858 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $1,153 | |
Wawanesa | $1,054 | |
USAA | $1,127 | |
USAA | $1,660 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $1,160 | |
USAA | $1,100 | |
USAA | $866 | |
USAA | $1,032 | |
USAA | $746 | |
GEICO | $1,106 | |
GEICO | $902 | |
Germania Insurance | $1,233 | |
Progressive | $1,032 | |
American National | $724 | |
GEICO | $775 | |
State Farm | $750 | |
Auto-Owners Insurace | $1,103 | |
Wawanesa | $947 | |
USAA | $783 | |
American National | $905 | |
USAA | $775 | |
American National | $731 | |
Auto-Owners Insurace | $858 | |
USAA | $765 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $1,108 | |
Auto-Owners Insurace | $858 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $1,343 | |
USAA | $703 | |
American National | $969 | |
USAA | $1,831 | |
GEICO | $868 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $954 | |
USAA | $773 | |
USAA | $892 | |
GEICO | $744 | |
GEICO | $1,078 | |
GEICO | $1,372 | |
USAA | $710 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $1,123 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $910 | |
Wawanesa | $1,040 | |
GEICO | $1,100 | |
Western Agriculture | $960 | |
American National | $752 | |
GEICO | $735 | |
GEICO | $1,174 | |
GEICO | $751 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $1,235 | |
GEICO | $887 | |
USAA | $773 | |
State Farm | $817 | |
GEICO | $1,252 | |
USAA | $945 | |
USAA | $746 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $1,029 | |
State Farm | $757 | |
USAA | $1,557 | |
State Farm | $1,444 | |
American National | $868 | |
MetLife | $968 | |
Germania Insurance | $1,238 | |
USAA | $849 | |
GEICO | $1,266 | |
GEICO | $787 | |
Auto-Owners Insurace | $899 | |
USAA | $1,009 | |
Auto-Owners Insurace | $858 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $1,072 | |
Wawanesa | $1,535 | |
GEICO | $1,152 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $1,082 | |
Auto-Owners Insurace | $858 | |
GEICO | $621 | |
USAA | $767 | |
USAA | $780 | |
GEICO | $1,348 | |
USAA | $924 | |
Root | $804 | |
GEICO | $1,598 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $947 | |
USAA | $751 | |
USAA | $1,196 | |
USAA | $991 | |
GEICO | $719 | |
State Farm | $734 | |
Wawanesa | $1,038 | |
GEICO | $1,139 | |
State Farm | $773 | |
USAA | $2,009 | |
Main Street America | $1,599 | |
State Farm | $1,294 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $1,113 | |
USAA | $1,049 | |
USAA | $769 | |
Auto-Owners Insurace | $1,048 | |
GEICO | $1,378 | |
GEICO | $1,292 | |
Wawanesa | $1,277 | |
GEICO | $976 | |
GEICO | $1,326 | |
FAIA | $598 | |
State Farm | $1,878 | |
Root | $905 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $1,123 | |
State Farm | $1,183 | |
American National | $904 | |
GEICO | $770 | |
Wawanesa | $932 | |
GEICO | $976 | |
USAA | $838 | |
Progressive | $810 | |
FAIA | $730 | |
GEICO | $1,332 | |
Wawanesa | $1,127 | |
State Farm | $970 | |
GEICO | $895 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $935 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $1,118 | |
Wawanesa | $1,043 | |
Wawanesa | $1,231 | |
Wawanesa | $1,086 | |
Auto-Owners Insurace | $858 | |
Root | $794 | |
USAA | $1,166 | |
USAA | $1,036 | |
USAA | $745 | |
USAA | $783 | |
Wawanesa | $1,077 | |
Progressive | $894 | |
GEICO | $1,328 | |
GEICO | $1,827 | |
USAA | $803 | |
USAA | $903 | |
Root | $766 | |
USAA | $1,067 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $1,044 | |
Auto-Owners Insurace | $858 | |
USAA | $1,060 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $973 | |
USAA | $845 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $953 | |
USAA | $906 | |
GEICO | $709 | |
Root | $664 |
Compare car insurance rates by credit score
If you have average or poor credit, comparing car insurance rates could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year. Usually, the worse your credit is, the harder it is to find affordable car insurance, but some companies are friendlier to drivers with bad credit than others.
A few states have stopped companies from taking credit score into consideration when setting rates, but in most states, your credit still matters. Here's how credit score affects your insurance rates at 10 major car insurance companies.
Company | Poor credit | Fair credit | Good credit | Very good credit | Excellent credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Allstate | $3,335 | $2,365 | $2,007 | $1,903 | $1,706 |
American Family | $2,206 | $1,543 | $1,321 | $1,219 | $1,101 |
Erie | $2,836 | $1,630 | $1,200 | $1,056 | $955 |
Farmers | $3,086 | $2,276 | $1,973 | $1,801 | $1,620 |
GEICO | $2,219 | $1,513 | $1,185 | $1,065 | $940 |
Nationwide | $2,205 | $1,802 | $1,511 | $1,431 | $1,331 |
Progressive | $3,220 | $2,254 | $1,807 | $1,584 | $1,380 |
State Farm | $3,338 | $1,843 | $1,395 | $1,224 | $1,095 |
Travelers | $2,880 | $1,975 | $1,537 | $1,338 | $1,226 |
USAA | $2,018 | $1,302 | $1,108 | $1,038 | $966 |
→ Learn more about how credit scores affect car insurance rates
Compare car insurance rates by driving record
Any drivers with a recent violation on their record, like an at-fault accident or a speeding ticket, should be sure to compare car insurance quotes, but drivers with serious violations — like a DUI or hit-and-run — stand to save the most.
While the average crate for drivers with a clean record is $1,638, car insurance for high-risk drivers can cost $1,500 more per year. Compare how rates for a full-coverage car insurance policy vary by driving record.
Company | Speeding ticket | At-fault accident | Suspended license | DUI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Allstate | $2,350 | $3,080 | $2,964 | $3,047 |
American Family | $1,888 | $2,131 | $2,390 | $2,083 |
Erie | $1,344 | $1,542 | $1,901 | $2,032 |
Farmers | $2,571 | $2,787 | $3,046 | $2,733 |
GEICO | $2,113 | $2,063 | $2,184 | $3,044 |
Nationwide | $1,935 | $2,461 | $3,228 | $3,298 |
Progressive | $2,316 | $2,848 | $2,692 | $2,273 |
State Farm | $1,370 | $1,445 | $1,607 | $1,652 |
Travelers | $2,283 | $2,132 | $2,405 | $2,371 |
USAA | $1,329 | $1,533 | $1,965 | $2,103 |
→ Learn more about how an accident affects your car insurance rates
Compare car insurance rates by marital status
On average, married drivers pay $130 less per year for car insurance than single drivers, but the amount varies by company. Compare how being single, married, or divorced affects your car insurance rates at these top companies.
Company | Single | Married | Divorced |
|---|---|---|---|
Allstate | $1,991 | $1,923 | $1,991 |
American Family | $1,515 | $1,344 | $1,515 |
Erie | $1,157 | $1,081 | $1,157 |
Farmers | $1,968 | $1,811 | $1,968 |
GEICO | $1,179 | $1,210 | $1,226 |
Nationwide | $1,569 | $1,433 | $1,569 |
Progressive | $1,814 | $1,521 | $1,814 |
State Farm | $1,808 | $1,598 | $1,808 |
Travelers | $1,586 | $1,578 | $1,586 |
USAA | $1,128 | $1,008 | $1,128 |
→ Learn more about car insurance for married couples
Compare car insurance rates by vehicle
Be sure to do a car insurance price comparison if you drive a new or expensive car. Electric vehicles or pricer new models can cost more to insure, but cars with solid safety ratings and anti-theft features can sometimes help you save money. Compare car insurance rates by vehicle type for some of the most popular models in the U.S.
Company | Chevrolet Equinox | Chevrolet Silverado | Ford Escape | Ford Explorer | Ford F-150 | GMC Sierra | Honda Accord | Honda Civic | Honda CR-V | Jeep Grand Cherokee | Jeep Wrangler | Nissan Rogue | Ram 1500 | Subaru Forester | Subaru Outback | Toyota Camry | Toyota Corolla | Toyota Highlander | Toyota RAV4 | Toyota Tacoma |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Allstate | $2,164 | $2,093 | $2,214 | $2,300 | $1,952 | $2,266 | $2,360 | $2,428 | $2,085 | $2,138 | $2,652 | $2,122 | $2,557 | $2,203 | $2,327 | $2,400 | $2,267 | $2,271 | $2,343 | $2,089 |
American Family | $1,490 | $1,519 | $1,452 | $1,460 | $1,420 | $1,490 | $1,670 | $1,698 | $1,533 | $1,473 | $1,433 | $1,639 | $1,545 | $1,570 | $1,548 | $1,667 | $1,756 | $1,571 | $1,648 | $1,570 |
Erie | $1,210 | $1,076 | $1,179 | $1,267 | $1,014 | $1,118 | $1,403 | $1,332 | $1,124 | $1,336 | $1,394 | $1,272 | $1,200 | $1,090 | $1,045 | $1,360 | $1,440 | $1,244 | $1,309 | $1,248 |
Farmers | $2,133 | $2,387 | $1,977 | $1,920 | $1,795 | $1,975 | $2,117 | $2,483 | $1,948 | $2,101 | $1,736 | $2,192 | $2,468 | $2,253 | $1,937 | $2,260 | $2,355 | $2,164 | $2,050 | $2,119 |
GEICO | $1,161 | $1,344 | $1,219 | $1,324 | $1,188 | $1,195 | $1,341 | $1,149 | $1,052 | $1,294 | $1,126 | $1,149 | $1,303 | $1,039 | $1,061 | $1,256 | $1,178 | $1,179 | $1,154 | $1,093 |
Nationwide | $1,377 | $1,242 | $1,320 | $1,408 | $1,276 | $1,461 | $1,406 | $1,595 | $1,257 | $1,432 | $1,634 | $1,482 | $1,616 | $1,285 | $1,123 | $1,561 | $1,704 | $1,365 | $1,465 | $1,314 |
Progressive | $1,724 | $1,982 | $1,595 | $1,806 | $1,769 | $1,638 | $2,200 | $1,675 | $1,595 | $1,798 | $1,667 | $1,731 | $1,816 | $1,955 | $1,945 | $2,047 | $2,043 | $1,746 | $1,686 | $1,695 |
State Farm | $1,229 | $1,264 | $1,234 | $1,247 | $1,202 | $1,360 | $1,418 | $1,311 | $1,128 | $1,249 | $1,404 | $1,231 | $1,344 | $1,260 | $1,316 | $1,309 | $1,208 | $1,331 | $1,424 | $1,280 |
Travelers | $1,567 | $1,560 | $1,394 | $1,657 | $1,457 | $1,450 | $1,582 | $1,741 | $1,295 | $1,533 | $1,404 | $1,607 | $1,602 | $1,339 | $1,321 | $1,634 | $1,644 | $1,508 | $1,575 | $1,425 |
USAA | $1,124 | $1,225 | $1,126 | $1,309 | $1,086 | $1,235 | $1,335 | $1,203 | $1,144 | $1,246 | $1,062 | $1,207 | $1,247 | $1,123 | $1,118 | $1,245 | $1,300 | $1,166 | $1,158 | $1,071 |
→ Learn more about how the kind of car you drive affects insurance
Compare car insurance rates by coverage amount
Comparing car insurance quotes helps you save money no matter how much coverage you get.
Drivers looking for full-coverage car insurance (meaning a policy that includes comprehensive and collision coverage) can find the best deal by comparing rates. If you just want liability coverage, or you only want enough insurance to meet your state’s minimum requirements, comparing quotes can still help you keep costs down.
Company | State minimum | 50/100/50 liability | 100/300/100 liability |
|---|---|---|---|
Allstate | $750 | $1,991 | $2,097 |
American Family | $676 | $1,515 | $1,557 |
Erie | $370 | $1,157 | $1,201 |
Farmers | $781 | $1,968 | $2,109 |
GEICO | $402 | $1,179 | $1,261 |
Nationwide | $624 | $1,569 | $1,671 |
Progressive | $737 | $1,814 | $1,967 |
State Farm | $475 | $1,240 | $1,333 |
Travelers | $683 | $1,586 | $1,690 |
USAA | $369 | $1,128 | $1,191 |
→ Learn more about how much car insurance coverage you need
The latest research and surveys from Policygenius
The Best and Worst States to Own an Electric Vehicle
Our rankings take into account local tax incentives, EV ownership, charging stations, and electricity and insurance costs.
2022 Road Rage Survey
We polled Americans on aggressive driving and found that 3 in 10 people have been victims of road rage, while 48% of people have driven aggressively themselves.
The Best & Worst Cities for Car Theft
Our rankings factored in thefts per person, yearly theft increases, recovered vehicles, and how theft affects car insurance rates to find the best and worst cities for car theft.
Compare car insurance quotes guide
Why you should compare auto insurance quotes
Policygenius customers saved an average of $435 a year on car insurance by comparing quotes. Rates vary by company, even for the same driver, so comparing options means you can be sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Policygenius can show you quotes from top companies, so you can pick the one that offers you the best rates.
When you get quotes, you’ll find that your auto insurance rates are based on lots of factors, like your coverage limits, age, location, driving history, and more.
What determines your car insurance rates
Before you start a car insurance quotes comparison, be prepared to enter a few personal details about yourself, your policy, your car, and how you drive. Your rates will be affected by:
Your address: Accident rates, population density, and repair costs in your neighborhood will all go into calculating your premiums.
Your coverage: More types of coverage and higher limits means more protection, but it also means higher premiums.
Your age: Younger, less experienced drivers (under 25) are more likely to get in accidents and file claims, so they often pay the most for car insurance.
Your car: The make and model of car you drive will affect your insurance rates. Luxury cars with expensive parts cost more to insure than a budget daily driver, and cars with certain safety features can get you a lower rate.
Your credit score: Drivers with poor credit scores may have more trouble finding affordable coverage than drivers with higher credit scores.
Your driving history: Recent accidents and driving violations will raise a red flag on your profile, while having a squeaky clean record can earn you extra savings.
Your insurance history: Recent claims on your record or gaps where you were uninsured will mean higher rates.
How to compare car insurance quotes
Auto insurance quotes are free — you don’t pay for anything until you actually get a policy, so it’s worth it to compare car insurance quotes before you buy. Follow these steps to find the right car insurance policy for you:
1. Figure out how much coverage you need
Most drivers will have to choose liability coverage levels, which is what covers the cost when you’re at fault in an accident.
Not having enough liability coverage can leave you (and your home, savings, and other assets) on the hook for covering any costs that go over your policy limits. It’s a good idea to have at least:
Most drivers should get a full-coverage policy, which means one that includes comprehensive and collision coverage on top of your liability insurance.
With full coverage, you’ll have to choose deductibles (what you agree to pay out of pocket when making a claim). A higher deductible means lower rates, but just remember that you’ll actually have to be able to pay any deductible if you have to make a claim someday.
2. Set a budget
Once you understand how different types of car insurance work and you know how much coverage you need, set a reasonable monthly or annual budget. It can help to look at what other drivers near you pay if you’re not sure where to start.
Remember, factors like where you live, your age, your driving record, and your credit score all affect your car insurance quotes. Knowing what to expect can help you make sense of the rates you get when you’re doing a quotes comparison.
3. Fill out an application
Because your rates are based on personal information, you’ll have to share at least a little bit about yourself before you can compare quotes. Before you sit down to shop, gather up the following information:
Names, birthdays and driver’s license numbers for everyone in your home who’s of driving age
Social Security numbers for all drivers in the household
VINs (Vehicle Information Numbers) or make and model years for every car you need to insure
Your address (you’ll have to list both where you live and where the car is garaged, which is usually the same place)
A little bit about your driving history, including recent accidents or violations
Your declarations page from your last or current car insurance policy, if you have it
Personal details, like whether or not you’re married, what your job is, and whether you rent or own your home
It’s important to be honest as you compare quotes. If you change or omit any of your information, you won’t get accurate rates, and you may wind up having to pay more once you get the actual policy.
4. Know what you’re comparing
Once you’ve gotten car insurance quotes from at least a few different companies, go through the offerings to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Are they all for the same term length — and do they all include the same add-ons?
Some insurance companies may show you quotes with multiple coverage tiers, often you’ll see a bare-bones one with low limits, a medium tier, and a premium option with endorsements already added.
5. Choose a policy and get insured
When you’re done comparing rates, sign your policy and set it to start the exact day you need it. Once you pay your first premium (sometimes referred to as a down payment), you’re good to go.
Your company will send you information about your new policy or even an invite to download and set-up a mobile app. You should save any emails or letters you get at the start of your policy so it’s easy to find in case you need to file a claim later.
6. Cancel your old policy (if you have one)
After you compare rates and buy coverage, you can cancel your old car insurance policy. Canceling a car insurance policy is easy, and you can usually do it either over the phone or online.
You don’t have to wait until the end of your policy term to cancel car insurance, you can do it at any time. When you cancel early, your car insurance company may refund you for any of the months left on your policy’s term.
Example of comparing car insurance quotes
Take a look at these two sample car insurance quotes from Allstate and Erie for a better idea of what you’ll see when you do an auto insurance quotes comparison:
Allstate
Total cost: $115 per month, or $690 for six months
Liability coverage (BIL/PDL): $50k/$100k/50k
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $50k/$100k
Comprehensive: $500 deductible
Collision: $500 deductible
Roadside assistance: Included for $6 per month
Death indemnity: $10k
Personal effects coverage: $250
Custom equipment coverage: $1k
Erie
Total cost: $147 per month, or $1,570 for 12 months
Liability coverage (BIL/PDL): $50k/$100k/50k
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $50k/$100k
Comprehensive: $500 deductible
Collision: $500 deductible
Roadside + rental: Included for a total of $34
Even though we entered the exact same coverage amounts, the car insurance quotes are different. You can see that both have similar monthly payments, but Allstate offers six-month policies and Erie’s is for an entire year.
The monthly rate for the Allstate policy is cheaper, but a six-month policy means you risk a rate increase halfway through the year, while a 12-month policy means you know what you’ll be paying for longer.
The details of the coverage are different too (so are some of the names of the coverage types). The Allstate quote includes death indemnity coverage (which covers funeral expenses), personal effects coverage for any items that are stolen or damaged while in your car, and custom equipment coverage.
But the Allstate quote doesn't include rental car reimbursement coverage (which is listed on Erie’s as simply “rental” coverage and is bundled with roadside assistance).
Bottom line: The Allstate monthly rate is cheaper, but a shorter policy term could mean more frequent rate hikes. The risk might be worth it for the extra coverage though, especially if you frequently keep your cellphone or laptop in your car, or if you have custom additions to your vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my car insurance rates go up?
Your rates may have gone up because you were in an accident, filed a claim, or added a new driver to your policy, or because of changes in the industry. If you’re not happy with the cost of your car insurance, it never hurts to shop around and compare quotes in case there’s a cheaper option out there.
Who has the cheapest car insurance?
Since auto insurance rates are so personalized, the cheapest car insurance company will be different for every driver. That’s why it’s so important to shop around and compare quotes from different companies before you settle on a policy.
What age does car insurance go down?
Around 25. Younger, inexperienced drivers pay more for car insurance because they’re riskier to insure. But rates for teen drivers drop over time until age 25, as long as they avoid accidents.
Does getting a car insurance quote affect my credit?
No. Car insurance companies do a “soft inquiry” into your credit, which won’t affect your credit score or show up when future lenders check your credit. Credit score does matter when it comes to car insurance, though, and drivers with poor credit will see higher rates.
Average savings on auto insurance: Savings are determined by calculating the average difference between the lowest and second lowest auto insurance policy estimates provided to shoppers with two or more estimates between 06/01/2020 and 05/18/2021. Potential savings are based on a composite of multiple different contracts and insurers. Not all policies in this calculation are available in all states, and availability may be based on eligibility. Savings may vary by policy amount and location.
