Start by understanding what type of coverage you need
Before you search for car insurance, you need to know what your state requires and what protection makes sense for your situation. Liability coverage is mandatory everywhere — it pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else. Most states set minimum amounts, but those minimums are often too low to protect your own assets if you cause a serious accident.
Collision and comprehensive coverage are optional but required by lenders if you have a car loan or lease. Collision pays to fix your car after an accident; comprehensive covers theft, weather, and other non-collision damage. If you own your car outright and it is older, you may decide the cost of these coverages outweighs the benefit. If your car is newer or you still owe money on it, skipping them is usually not an option.
You also need to choose deductibles — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. A higher deductible ($1,000 instead of $500) lowers your monthly premium but means you pay more if you have a claim. A lower deductible costs more each month but protects you if an accident happens soon.
Key Takeaways
- Your state sets minimum liability coverage requirements, but those minimums often leave you personally responsible for costs above them if you cause a serious accident.
- Collision and comprehensive coverage are optional unless you have a loan or lease, but skipping them on a newer car exposes you to large repair costs.
- You can get quotes from multiple insurers in 15 to 30 minutes by providing your driver's license, vehicle information, and driving history.
- Discounts for bundling home and auto policies, good driving records, safety features, and paid-in-full premiums can reduce your rate by 10 to 40 percent depending on the insurer.
- Switching insurers every two to three years often saves money because companies offer lower rates to new customers than to long-term policyholders.
Gather the information you will need to get quotes
Insurance companies ask for the same basic facts to generate a quote. Have these ready before you start: your driver's license number, the vehicle identification number (VIN) from your car's dashboard or registration, the current mileage, how you use the car (commute distance, annual miles), and your driving history for the past three to five years. If you have been in accidents or received tickets, the insurer will ask about those.
You will also need to know who else drives the car regularly. Insurers rate each driver on the policy separately, so a teenage driver or someone with a poor driving record will raise your premium. If someone lives in your household and drives your car, they must be listed, even if they are not the primary driver.
If you are switching from another insurer, have your current policy handy so you can match coverage limits and deductibles. This makes it easier to compare apples to apples across different companies.
Get quotes from at least three insurers
Most major insurers — State Farm, Geico, Progressive, Allstate, USAA (if you are military or a veteran), and regional companies in your state — let you get a quote online in 15 to 30 minutes. You enter your information once, and the company calculates a rate based on their underwriting model. Some insurers also offer phone quotes if you prefer to talk to someone.
Do not stop at one quote. Insurance rates vary significantly between companies because each one weighs risk factors differently. A driver with one accident might pay $200 more per year at one company and $50 more at another. Getting three to five quotes takes an hour and can reveal differences of hundreds of dollars annually.
When you get quotes, make sure you are comparing the same coverage limits and deductibles across all of them. A quote for $50 per month with a $2,500 deductible is not the same as one for $60 per month with a $500 deductible. Write down the coverage details so you can see the real difference in price.
Look for discounts that apply to your situation
Most insurers offer discounts that can reduce your premium by 10 to 40 percent, depending on which ones you may have access to for. Common discounts include bundling your home and auto policies with the same company, maintaining a clean driving record for three to five years, paying your premium in full instead of monthly installments, and having safety features like anti-theft devices or automatic emergency braking on your vehicle.
Some companies offer usage-based discounts if you install an app or device that monitors your driving habits. These programs track how often you speed, brake hard, or drive at night. If you drive safely, your rate can drop. If your driving is risky, the rate may not change or could increase.
Ask each insurer specifically which discounts you may have access to for before you buy. Some discounts are automatic; others require you to request them or take an action like completing a defensive driving course. Do not assume a discount applies just because you think you should get it.
Understand what each quote actually covers
A quote is a price for specific coverage, not a binding agreement. Before you buy, read what the quote includes. Check the liability limits (often shown as 25/50/25, meaning $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage). Check whether collision and comprehensive are included and at what deductible. Look for any exclusions — for example, some policies do not cover rideshare driving if you use your car for Uber or Lyft.
If the quote does not match what you need, you can usually adjust coverage limits and deductibles right there and see how the price changes. This helps you find the right balance between protection and cost for your budget.
Decide between online, phone, and in-person options
Most people get quotes online because it is fast and you can do it anytime. Online quotes are usually accurate, though some insurers ask you to confirm details by phone before the policy starts. A few companies, especially regional insurers, may not have a full online system and require a phone call or office visit.
If you have questions about coverage or want someone to walk you through the options, calling an agent or visiting a local office takes longer but can be worth it. Some people find it easier to understand deductibles and liability limits when talking to a person. Others prefer the speed and simplicity of online quotes.
Many insurers now offer a mix: you can get a quote online and then talk to an agent if you want to make changes or have questions before you buy.
Buy the policy and set up payment
Once you have chosen an insurer and coverage, you will need to complete the purchase. Online, this usually means reviewing the policy details one more time, agreeing to the terms, and providing payment information. Most insurers let you pay by credit card, debit card, or bank account. Your policy typically starts the same day or the next day, depending on the company.
When you buy, you will receive a policy number and a digital copy of your policy documents. Some insurers mail a physical card to carry in your car; others let you show your policy on your phone if you are stopped by police. Check what your insurer provides and keep proof of insurance accessible in your vehicle.
Set up automatic payments if the insurer offers it. This ensures you do not miss a payment and your coverage stays active. If you pay monthly, mark your calendar for the due date so you do not accidentally let your policy lapse.
Review your policy annually and shop around every few years
Your rate can change each time your policy renews, even if nothing about your driving changes. Insurers raise rates to account for inflation and claims trends in your area. You may also become may be able to access for new discounts as you age or if you complete a defensive driving course. Review your renewal notice when it arrives and check whether your rate went up or down and why.
Every two to three years, get new quotes from other insurers. Companies offer lower rates to new customers than to people who have been with them for years. You might find you can save $200 to $500 annually just by switching. If your current insurer matches a competitor's quote, ask them to do so — some will, to keep your business.
Life changes also affect your rate. Getting married, moving, buying a safer car, or improving your driving record can lower your premium. Conversely, adding a teenage driver or moving to a high-crime area will raise it. After any major change, get a new quote to see whether your current policy is still the best deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a car insurance quote?
Online quotes usually take 15 to 30 minutes. You enter your information once, and most insurers show you a rate immediately or within a few hours. Phone quotes may take longer if you have a complex driving history or need to discuss coverage options with an agent.
Can I get a quote without providing my driver's license number?
Some insurers let you get a preliminary quote with just your zip code and age, but the final quote requires your driver's license number and driving history. Insurers need this information to calculate an accurate rate because accidents and tickets significantly affect your premium.
What if I have a poor driving record — will anyone insure me?
Yes, but you will pay more. Standard insurers may decline you if you have multiple recent accidents or tickets, but high-risk insurers specialize in drivers with poor records. These policies cost more, but they provide the same coverage. After three to five years without incidents, you may may have access to for standard rates again.
Do I have to buy insurance from the company that gave me the lowest quote?
No. Price is one factor, but you should also consider customer service ratings, how easy the company is to reach if you have a claim, and whether they offer discounts you value. A slightly higher premium from a company with better customer reviews may be worth it.
What happens if I do not buy insurance right away after getting a quote?
Quotes are usually valid for 30 to 60 days. If you wait longer, you will need to get a new quote because rates and your information may have changed. If you buy a policy, coverage typically starts the same day or the next day, depending on the insurer.