Compare car insurance quotes for May 2023

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By

Andrew HurstSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance ExpertAndrew Hurst is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. His work has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, ValuePenguin, and Property Casualty 360.

Edited by

Anna SwartzAnna SwartzSenior Managing Editor & Auto Insurance ExpertAnna Swartz is a senior managing editor and auto insurance expert at Policygenius, where she oversees our car insurance coverage. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic.com, as well as an associate writer at The Dodo.

Updated

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.

Customers save an average of 19% a year on insurance when they compare quotes with us

All you need to do is fill out some basic details, like your age and ZIP code, and you'll see options from a few of the top companies that partner with Policygenius. All that’s left is getting your final quotes and picking a policy. It’s really that easy.

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.

A bar graph that shows that cost of car insurance from highly rated companies. USAA has the cheapest rates.

Compare rates and shop affordable car insurance today

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Company

Policygenius rating

Annual average cost

USAA

5.0 out of 5

$1,044

Erie

4.9 out of 5

$1,181

State Farm

4.8 out of 5

$1,141

GEICO

4.7 out of 5

$1,192

Travelers

4.7 out of 5

$1,351

Farmers

4.4 out of 5

$2,084

Progressive

4.4 out of 5

$1,780

American Family

4.3 out of 5

$1,479

Nationwide

4.3 out of 5

$1,475

Allstate

4.2 out of 5

$2,055

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→ 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

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→ 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

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→ Learn more about car insurance for senior drivers

Compare rates and shop affordable car insurance today

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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

Alabama

GEICO

$977

Alaska

USAA

$930

Arizona

Root

$747

Arkansas

USAA

$962

California

Wawanesa

$1,110

Colorado

American National

$811

Connecticut

GEICO

$756

Delaware

State Farm

$1,152

District of Columbia

GEICO

$1,025

Florida

GEICO

$1,432

Georgia

Auto-Owners Insurance

$858

Hawaii

GEICO

$785

Idaho

American National

$498

Illinois

FAIA

$712

Indiana

USAA

$706

Iowa

State Farm

$719

Kansas

USAA

$912

Kentucky

GEICO

$1,019

Louisiana

USAA

$1,486

Maine

GEICO

$571

Maryland

USAA

$806

Massachusetts

GEICO

$1,067

Michigan

GEICO

$1,059

Minnesota

Western Agriculture

$964

Mississippi

USAA

$856

Missouri

USAA

$741

Montana

USAA

$856

Nebraska

Auto-Owners Insurance

$1,036

Nevada

GEICO

$1,043

New Hampshire

USAA

$676

New Jersey

GEICO

$1,078

New Mexico

USAA

$907

New York

Main Street America

$1,033

North Carolina

GEICO

$736

North Dakota

USAA

$786

Ohio

USAA

$711

Oklahoma

USAA

$949

Oregon

State Farm

$843

Pennsylvania

Erie

$1,018

Rhode Island

State Farm

$983

South Carolina

American National

$683

South Dakota

Kemper

$1,128

Tennessee

State Farm

$755

Texas

Texas Farm Bureau

$1,036

Utah

GEICO

$856

Vermont

State Farm

$666

Virginia

USAA

$776

Washington

USAA

$1,033

West Virginia

USAA

$869

Wisconsin

USAA

$680

Wyoming

American National

$763

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→ Learn more about car insurance costs

Compare car insurance rates by city

City

Company

Cost

Abilene, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$1,010

Albany, NY

Progressive

$823

Albuquerque, NM

USAA

$1,004

Alexandria, VA

USAA

$875

Amarillo, TX

State Farm

$1,195

Anchorage, AK

USAA

$949

Arlington, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$1,121

Athens, GA

Auto-Owners Insurace

$858

Atlanta, GA

Auto-Owners Insurace

$858

Augusta, GA

Auto-Owners Insurace

$858

Austin, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$1,153

Bakersfield, CA

Wawanesa

$1,054

Baltimore, MD

USAA

$1,127

Baton Rouge, LA

USAA

$1,660

Beaumont, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$1,160

Bellevue, WA

USAA

$1,100

Billings, MT

USAA

$866

Birmingham, AL

USAA

$1,032

Blue Springs, MO

USAA

$746

Boston, MA

GEICO

$1,106

Bowling Green, KY

GEICO

$902

Brownsville, TX

Germania Insurance

$1,233

Buffalo, NY

Progressive

$1,032

Charleston, SC

American National

$724

Charlotte, NC

GEICO

$775

Chattanooga, TN

State Farm

$750

Chicago, IL

Auto-Owners Insurace

$1,103

Chula Vista, CA

Wawanesa

$947

Cleveland, OH

USAA

$783

Colorado Springs, CO

American National

$905

Columbia, MO

USAA

$775

Columbia, SC

American National

$731

Columbus, GA

Auto-Owners Insurace

$858

Columbus, OH

USAA

$765

Corpus Christi, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$1,108

Cumming, GA

Auto-Owners Insurace

$858

Dallas, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$1,343

Dayton, OH

USAA

$703

Denver, CO

American National

$969

Detroit, MI

USAA

$1,831

Dothan, AL

GEICO

$868

El Paso, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$954

Fargo, ND

USAA

$773

Farmington, NM

USAA

$892

Fayetteville, NC

GEICO

$744

Flint, MI

GEICO

$1,078

Fort Myers, FL

GEICO

$1,372

Fort Wayne, IN

USAA

$710

Fort Worth, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$1,123

Fredericksburg, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$910

Fresno, CA

Wawanesa

$1,040

Gainesville, FL

GEICO

$1,100

Grand Rapids, MN

Western Agriculture

$960

Greeley, CO

American National

$752

Greensboro, NC

GEICO

$735

Henderson, NV

GEICO

$1,174

Honolulu, HI

GEICO

$751

Houston, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$1,235

Huntsville, AL

GEICO

$887

Indianapolis, IN

USAA

$773

Jackson, TN

State Farm

$817

Jacksonville, FL

GEICO

$1,252

Jonesboro, AR

USAA

$945

Kansas City, MO

USAA

$746

Killeen, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$1,029

Knoxville, TN

State Farm

$757

Lafayette, LA

USAA

$1,557

Lakeland, FL

State Farm

$1,444

Lakewood, CO

American National

$868

Lansing, MI

MetLife

$968

Laredo, TX

Germania Insurance

$1,238

Las Cruces, NM

USAA

$849

Las Vegas, NV

GEICO

$1,266

Lexington, KY

GEICO

$787

Lincoln, NE

Auto-Owners Insurace

$899

Little Rock, AR

USAA

$1,009

Loganville, GA

Auto-Owners Insurace

$858

Longview, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$1,072

Los Angeles, CA

Wawanesa

$1,535

Louisville, KY

GEICO

$1,152

Lubbock, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$1,082

Macon, GA

Auto-Owners Insurace

$858

Madison, WI

GEICO

$621

Manhattan, KS

USAA

$767

Martinsburg, WV

USAA

$780

Melbourne, FL

GEICO

$1,348

Memphis, TN

USAA

$924

Mesa, AZ

Root

$804

Miami, FL

GEICO

$1,598

Midland, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$947

Milwaukee, WI

USAA

$751

Minneapolis, MN

USAA

$1,196

Montgomery, AL

USAA

$991

Mooresville, NC

GEICO

$719

Murfreesboro, TN

State Farm

$734

Murrieta, CA

Wawanesa

$1,038

Naples, FL

GEICO

$1,139

Nashville, TN

State Farm

$773

New Orleans, LA

USAA

$2,009

New York City, NY

Main Street America

$1,599

Ocala, FL

State Farm

$1,294

Odessa, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$1,113

Oklahoma City, OK

USAA

$1,049

Olathe, KS

USAA

$769

Omaha, NE

Auto-Owners Insurace

$1,048

Orlando, FL

GEICO

$1,378

Palm Coast, FL

GEICO

$1,292

Palmdale, CA

Wawanesa

$1,277

Park Ridge, NJ

GEICO

$976

Pensacola, FL

GEICO

$1,326

Peoria, IL

FAIA

$598

Philadelphia, PA

State Farm

$1,878

Phoenix, AZ

Root

$905

Plano, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$1,123

Portland, OR

State Farm

$1,183

Pueblo, CO

American National

$904

Raleigh, NC

GEICO

$770

Redding, CA

Wawanesa

$932

Reno, NV

GEICO

$976

Richmond, VA

USAA

$838

Rochester, NY

Progressive

$810

Rockford, IL

FAIA

$730

Rockledge, FL

GEICO

$1,332

Sacramento, CA

Wawanesa

$1,127

Salem , OR

State Farm

$970

Salt Lake City, UT

GEICO

$895

San Angelo, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$935

San Antonio, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$1,118

San Diego, CA

Wawanesa

$1,043

San Francisco, CA

Wawanesa

$1,231

San Jose, CA

Wawanesa

$1,086

Savannah, GA

Auto-Owners Insurace

$858

Scottsdale, AZ

Root

$794

Seattle, WA

USAA

$1,166

Spokane, WA

USAA

$1,036

Springfield, MO

USAA

$745

St Louis, MO

USAA

$783

Stockton, CA

Wawanesa

$1,077

Syracuse, NY

Progressive

$894

Tallahassee, FL

GEICO

$1,328

Tampa, FL

GEICO

$1,827

Toledo, OH

USAA

$803

Topeka, KS

USAA

$903

Tucson, AZ

Root

$766

Tulsa, OK

USAA

$1,067

Tyler, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$1,044

Valdosta, GA

Auto-Owners Insurace

$858

Vancouver, WA

USAA

$1,060

Victoria, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$973

Virginia Beach, VA

USAA

$845

Waco, TX

Texas Farm Bureau

$953

Wichita, KS

USAA

$906

Wilmington, NC

GEICO

$709

Yuma, AZ

Root

$664

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Compare rates and shop affordable car insurance today

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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

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→ 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

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→ 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

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→ 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

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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

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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:

$100,000 in bodily injury liability per person

Covers per-person medical costs for anyone you injure in a car accident

$300,000 in total bodily injury liability per accident

Covers the total amount of medical expenses you’re responsible for after an accident

$100,000 in property damage liability per accident

Covers the damage you do to the other driver’s vehicle (but not damage to your own car)

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

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 insurance logo

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.

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Author

Andrew Hurst is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. His work has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, ValuePenguin, and Property Casualty 360.

Editor

Anna Swartz is a senior managing editor and auto insurance expert at Policygenius, where she oversees our car insurance coverage. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic.com, as well as an associate writer at The Dodo.

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