Compare Car Insurance Rates by Vehicle

The type of vehicle you own significantly affects your car insurance expenses, particularly if you opt for collision and comprehensive coverage. Below is an overview of the average costs of car insurance for popular vehicles.

Least Expensive Cars to Insure

Medium-Expensive Cars to Insure

Car Insurance Quotes for Drivers With Poor Credit

Compare Car Insurance for Drivers With a DUI

Compare Car Insurance Rates for Drivers With an At-Fault Accident

Compare Car Insurance Rates for Drivers With a Speeding Ticket

Compare Car Insurance Rates for Seniors

Compare Car Insurance Rates for Adding a Teen Driver

Adding a teenage driver to your car insurance policy can be expensive, but it is crucial to ensure they have adequate coverage while driving. Comparing car insurance quotes during this time can also help you save money and find the best possible coverage for your teen. It’s important to note that some insurance companies offer discounts for good grades or completion of a driver’s education program. Additionally, choosing a safe and reliable vehicle can help lower insurance costs for teenage drivers.

How to Compare Car Insurance Rates

To get the best price for your car insurance policy, comparing rates from different providers is crucial. The process of obtaining car insurance quotes is simple and can be completed in a few steps. Firstly, gather all the necessary information about your vehicle such as make, model, year, and VIN number. Then, research various insurance providers and request quotes from them either online or by contacting them directly. Compare the rates and coverage offered by each provider to determine which one suits your needs and budget the best. Remember to also consider factors like customer service, reputation, and discounts offered by each provider before making a final decision.

Gather Information

Having certain information on hand will assist you in comparing car insurance rates faster. First, be prepared to give basic personal facts about you and other drivers on the policy, such as:

1. Name
2. Address
3. Date of birth
4. Driver’s license number

You’ll also be asked if you’ve had any tickets or accidents in recent years and if you’ve had any gaps in coverage.

Decide how Much Car Insurance You Need

Determining the appropriate amount of car insurance is a crucial decision. To effectively compare rates and identify the insurer offering the best price, it is essential to request quotes for the same coverage amount from every company. It is advisable to consider purchasing more than the minimum liability requirements mandated by your state, as even minor accidents can surpass low insurance limits. For instance, if your state requires liability coverage of 25/50/25, this means that the maximum payout will be:

1. $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person
2. $50,000 of bodily injury liability per accident
3. $50,000 of property damage liability per accident

By bumping your coverage up to 100/300/100, an accident you cause is less likely to exceed your insurance limits.

Liability insurance doesn’t cover your car’s damage, so you must also decide if you want comprehensive and collision coverage.

1. Collision insurance covers your vehicle if you collide with another car or object.
2. Comprehensive insurance covers various events such as theft of your car, fire, vandalism, damage from falling objects, severe weather and striking an animal.

Check Coverage Options and Discounts

When considering companies, it is important to ensure that they offer the coverage options you desire and discounts that you are eligible for. For instance, if you require accident forgiveness coverage, verify if the company provides this. If you have a teenage driver and work remotely, it would be beneficial to consider a company that offers good student and low-mileage discounts.

Collect and Compare Car Insurance Quotes

Afterward, it is essential to explore various options in order to locate a company that aligns with your financial plan. To ensure an accurate and fair comparison, obtain car insurance quotes for the same coverage amounts. Take the time to evaluate multiple insurers for their pricing. It is advisable to compare at least three companies, although if you have the luxury of time, considering more would be even more beneficial.

How to Get Free Car Insurance Quotes

Here are two ways to get car insurance quotes, which are always free:

1. 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.

There are generally two types of insurance agents: 

1. A “captive” agent works for one insurance company and can give you a quote only from that insurer.
2. An “independent” insurance agent can sell policies from multiple insurance companies and can get you quotes from different insurers.

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 the best car insurance for you.

Get Cheaper Car Insurance Quotes

Car insurance can be expensive, but there are several ways to save money on premiums. One of the most effective methods is to shop around and compare rates from different insurers. You can also maximize discounts by bundling policies or maintaining a good driving record. Additionally, increasing your deductible can lower your monthly payments, but it’s important to make sure you can afford the out-of-pocket expenses in case of an accident. By taking these steps, you can reduce the cost of your car insurance and keep more money in your pocket.

Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Obtain car insurance quotations from a minimum of three insurance companies with identical coverage and deductible amounts. Each car insurance company employs its own method for calculating rates, thus resulting in significant price differences. While one insurer may offer competitive rates for drivers with exemplary records, another insurer might be more suitable if you have a history of speeding or poor credit. By obtaining quotes from multiple insurers, you can identify the most affordable option for your needs.

Take Advantage of Car Insurance Discounts

By utilizing car insurance discounts, you have the opportunity to save a substantial amount of money each year. One effective way to achieve this is through bundling your policies. This entails combining multiple policies, such as home and car insurance, under the same provider. According to Forbes Advisor’s analysis, multi-policy discounts typically range from 5% to 25%. Farmers offers the most significant discount at 26% for bundling home and auto insurance, while Allstate (16%) and State Farm (15%) also provide attractive insurance bundling discounts. Moreover, if you have multiple vehicles requiring insurance coverage, you may also benefit from savings. Typical multi-vehicle discounts range from 8% to 25%.

Other common car insurance discounts include

1. Anti-theft device
2. Defensive driving course
3. Good driver
4. Good student
5. Paying in full
6. Going paperless
7. Vehicle safety features

Change Your Deductible

Increasing the deductible on your car insurance can result in lower premiums. This is because if you make a claim for collision or comprehensive coverage, your insurer will have to pay out less. When obtaining auto insurance quotes, inquire about the potential savings from increasing your deductible. For example, find out if opting for a $2,000 deductible instead of $500 would be financially advantageous.

Information Needed to Get Car Insurance Quotes

To make the process go as smoothly as possible and be able to buy your policy immediately if you so desire, it helps to have the following information on hand:

1. Driver’s license. If there are any other drivers in your household, you’ll need their driver’s license information as well.
2. Driving history and past insurance claims history. The insurance company will want to know if you had any traffic violations, accidents or car insurance claims in the past three to five years.
3. Vehicle identification number (VIN). You can typically find your VIN on the vehicle’s driver’s side dashboard or printed on a sticker in the driver’s side door or door jamb. If you haven’t purchased the vehicle yet but know what you’re going to buy, ask the seller for the VIN. If you haven’t picked out your car yet, you can usually get a quote with a vehicle make and model.
4. Mileage. Have the odometer reading handy.
5. How much coverage you want. You’ll want to know what coverage types you want to buy and how much coverage you need. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to speak with an insurance agent who can answer your questions.

What Factors Influence My Car Insurance Quotes?

There are several factors that play a role in car insurance quotes. Here are some of the most common pricing factors:

1. 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 when setting rates, depending on your state.
2. Your vehicle: The type of car you drive impacts your quote. Certain safety features (like airbags and rear backup cameras) and anti-theft features could help reduce your auto insurance quotes.
3. Your location: Where you live plays a significant role in rates. For instance, drivers in urban areas tend to file more car insurance claims, which usually translates into higher rates.
4. Your driving experience: Younger and inexperienced drivers (like teens) will pay more than drivers with years of experience under their belts.
5. Other pricing factors: Car insurance companies also often 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.
6. 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?

Your auto insurance quote will be significantly influenced by the types and extent of coverage you opt for. However, it is crucial not to solely prioritize price and compromise on essential coverage. Insufficient insurance can lead to a coverage gap, which may result in substantial financial hardship in the event of a car accident. Your objective should be to identify the most suitable coverage for your unique circumstances while also securing the best possible price. Here are some commonly recommended coverage types to take into account.

Car Liability Insurance

Liability insurance for cars is a crucial form of coverage that compensates others for their medical expenses and property damage caused by you in a car accident. It also provides financial support for legal defense in the event that you are sued as a result of a car accident. With the exception of New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Virginia, every state requires a minimum level of car liability insurance. However, it is advisable to purchase more coverage than what is mandated.

The minimum required insurance amounts often fall short in adequately covering medical bills and property damage incurred in the event of a major accident. While South Carolina does not require liability insurance, uninsured drivers must pay an annual fee of $600 to drive without coverage. In Virginia, individuals driving without car insurance are subjected to a $500 fee for uninsured motor vehicles. If your policy limits are insufficiently low, you may find yourself responsible for paying the remaining costs out of your own pocket. A general guideline is to obtain enough liability insurance to protect your net worth or the amount that could be lost in a lawsuit. To enhance your auto policy’s liability coverage, purchasing umbrella insurance is an effective approach.

Collision and Comprehensive Insurance

Collision and comprehensive insurance provide coverage for a range of issues that may damage your car, including car accidents (regardless of fault), theft, vandalism, fires, floods, falling objects (such as tree branches), and collisions with animals. While these types of coverage are often bundled together, you have the option to purchase them separately. For instance, if you only need protection against theft and floods, you can obtain a car insurance quote specifically for comprehensive insurance without collision coverage. However, it’s important to note that buying one without the other can result in significant gaps in your coverage. For example, if you accidentally back into a pole, collision coverage is necessary to cover the cost of repairs. If you have a car loan or lease agreement, it is likely mandatory to carry both collision and comprehensive insurance regardless.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage provides financial assistance for medical expenses and other costs, such as lost wages, in the event of a car accident caused by an individual who lacks liability insurance or has insufficient coverage to cover all your medical bills.

Medical Expenses Coverage

Car insurance coverage can vary by state, but typically it includes medical expenses and other related costs like lost wages in the event of a car accident. This coverage applies regardless of who caused the accident and covers both you and your passengers. It is important to understand your specific state laws regarding car insurance coverage to ensure that you have adequate protection for yourself and others in case of an accident. Additionally, it is recommended to review your policy regularly to make sure that you have the right amount of coverage for your needs.

Other Car Insurance Coverage Types

When comparing car insurance quotes, you will typically come across various options in addition to the standard coverage. These different types of coverage can be beneficial in filling any gaps in your insurance needs, provided you are willing to pay the additional cost.

1. Gap insurance. Gap insurance is designed to cover the difference between the amount you owe on a car loan or lease and the value of your vehicle in the event that it is totaled or stolen. It ensures that you are not left with a financial gap, as it pays the shortfall between the insurance payout and your outstanding debt.
2. Rental reimbursement auto insurance. This includes the expense of renting a car while your own car is undergoing repairs for an insurance claim resulting from an accident. However, it is important to note that rental reimbursement auto insurance often imposes daily limits that may be insufficient for your needs, so it is essential to assess if you truly require this coverage.
3. Roadside assistance insurance.In the event that you find yourself stuck on the side of the road, roadside assistance insurance will cover the cost of a tow, a jump-start for a dead battery, refilling an empty tank with gas, and even hiring a locksmith if you accidentally lock your keys in the car. It is possible to discover more affordable options for roadside assistance from other sources, such as an auto club.

How Often Should You Shop for Car Insurance?

It is advisable to shop around annually, but for many drivers, this can be quite inconvenient. Given the significant rate hikes being implemented by numerous auto insurance companies, it may be prudent to explore other options when you receive your renewal bill. If you do not wish to compare car insurance quotes on an annual basis, it might be worth considering obtaining quotes every three years or when significant life changes occur, such as purchasing a new vehicle, relocating, or adding a teenage driver to your policy.

How to Choose an Insurance Company

After identifying the companies that offer the most competitive prices, the next step is to select an insurance company that meets your specific requirements. The top car insurance providers not only offer affordable rates but also deliver the level of service you seek. To ensure that you choose a responsive insurance company in case you need to file a claim, it is advisable to check customer satisfaction ratings. Additionally, this will help you determine which company can assist you in finding the most suitable coverage options and address any queries or modifications you may have in the future. When making your decision on a car insurance company, there are a few other factors to consider:

1. Check customer satisfaction ratings. Discover whether an insurance company will promptly address your claim or assist you in determining the most suitable coverage options for your circumstances.
2. Complaints against it. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ website allows you to find information on the total number and types of complaints filed against a car insurance company.
3. Mobile app. To gain immediate access to your car insurance account through a mobile application, ensure that the company offers one that suits your preferences. Additionally, examine their website to determine if it contains the expected information.

Methodology

When it comes to calculating rates, there are specific factors that insurers take into account. For instance, the rates for auto insurance are based on a driver who has 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. This information comes from Quadrant Information Services, which is a leading provider of pricing data for the insurance industry. It is important to note that rates can vary depending on a variety of factors such as age, driving record, and location.

Faqs: Compare Car Insurance Quotes

What are quotes for car insurance?

A car insurance quote is a complimentary assessment of the cost you can expect to pay for an automobile insurance plan. It takes into account various factors such as your age, driving record, vehicle type, location, and previous insurance claims. Every insurance company employs its own method to determine car insurance rates. This highlights the significance of comparing multiple car insurance quotes from different companies. It is possible to pay a lower or higher amount for the same coverage depending on the insurer chosen.

How can I lower my car insurance rates?

Car insurance quotes are influenced by various factors, such as your driving record, the type of car you own, your location, and other considerations. However, one effective method to reduce car insurance costs is to take advantage of car insurance discounts. A prime example is combining your vehicle and home insurance policies with a single company, which often results in a significant bundling discount. By bundling your auto and home insurance, you can typically enjoy a discount ranging from 5% to 25%. Additionally, you have the option to bundle other types of policies like renters, condo, and life insurance.

Can I get an auto insurance quote before I buy a car?

Obtaining a car insurance quote prior to purchasing a vehicle is a wise decision, as it allows you to ensure that the insurance cost aligns with your budget. This is particularly important when comparing quotes for different types of cars, such as a regular sedan and a sports car, as the insurance rates for the latter are typically significantly higher.

Why are my car insurance quotes so high?

The car insurance quotes you receive are heavily influenced by your driving history and could be the reason for increased rates. Surprisingly, having poor credit can have an even greater impact on car insurance rates than having a record of accidents. Additionally, the type of car you own, your location, and the other drivers in your household are also factors that determine pricing. It is crucial to compare car insurance quotes from multiple companies to ensure you are getting the best deal.

Can I get car insurance 100% online?

Certainly, it is possible to obtain quotes and purchase car insurance through online channels, eliminating the need for face-to-face meetings with agents or the hassle of paperwork. In lieu of traditional methods, you have the option to receive quotes from various insurance companies directly or utilize an online platform that offers estimated rates from different 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.

Why should I compare auto insurance quotes?

By obtaining car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies, you have the opportunity to compare prices. Since car insurance companies do not all have the same rates, it is possible for you to save a substantial amount of money, potentially in the range of hundreds or even thousands of dollars, by obtaining quotes from more than one insurance company. According to Forbes Advisor’s research, individuals with good driving records have the potential to save approximately $2,000 when comparing the car insurance company with the highest rates to the one with the lowest rates.

Summary

Finding the right car insurance can be a daunting task, but with the help of online quote comparison tools, it doesn’t have to be. By comparing car insurance quotes, you can easily find the coverage that best suits your needs and budget. Whether you’re a first-time driver or looking to switch providers, taking the time to compare quotes is an essential step in finding the right car insurance policy for you. Don’t settle for the first offer you receive – take advantage of online resources to ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible. Start comparing car insurance quotes today and drive with confidence knowing that you have the coverage you need at a price you can afford.