How to Get Car Insurance: An Expert Guide (2024)

The best way to view customized rates and coverage options from insurance companies is to request auto insurance quotes. Most car insurance companies provide free quotes, but figuring out how to get car insurance at the lowest rates requires comparing multiple quotes from different insurers. What information do I need to provide to get a car insurance quote, you ask? It’s usually a combination of your personal details, driving history, vehicle information, and desired coverage levels. This information is essential for insurance companies to assess the risk factors and calculate a customized quote that suits your specific needs. 

Drivers can enter a few pieces of basic information on our site and compare car insurance quotes from hundreds of the most reliable insurance providers in a matter of minutes. Use the tips below to learn how to buy car insurance, and you’ll find great coverage at prices you can afford.

How to Get Car Insurance

Your first decision when getting car insurance is to choose how you’d like to contact your potential auto insurance company.

You can contact customer service, visit the company’s website, or stop by a nearby office and speak to an agent.

If you prefer to shop online for auto insurance, compare quotes from the best car insurance companies that sell online.

Read more: Can I buy car insurance online?

What do you need to get car insurance? 

If you want to get car insurance quotes, you should be prepared to provide personal information, such as:

• A copy of your ID
• Driving history report
• Vehicle make and model
• Bank account number
• Additional documents required for a member or occupation-based discount

The paperwork and documentation required for auto insurance may vary according to the company you’re considering. 

Your new car insurance company likely requires the following to draft and underwrite a new policy:

• Driver’s license number
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• The odometer reading of the car you plan to insure
• Driver’s address, date of birth, and prior insurance (if any)

From here, you’ll be able to open an auto insurance policy by going online or calling the insurance company directly. You can also visit a local captive agent who works exclusively for a single company or an independent broker or agent who sells multiple company policies. 

Read more: What is the difference between a captive and independent car insurance agent?

However, you will get the best rates when you use an online rate comparison site like ours, which displays all the best deals at once.

Read more:

• How to Get Car Insurance Without a License: An Expert Guide
• Can I buy car insurance without a driver’s license?

How to Choose the Right Type of Car Insurance Before You Buy

While it’s tempting to seek out the absolute cheapest car insurance policy when buying a new car, especially a financed one, you’ll want to have the long-term in mind before trying to save a quick buck upfront. 

First, consider the legally-required coverages you have to carry in your state.

• Liability car insurance. Every driver must carry a minimum amount of property and bodily injury liability car insurance to drive in most states and Washington D.C legally. It covers property damages and personal injuries you cause in an accident. With a bit of research you’ll be able to find the best bodily injury liability car insurance companies to fit your needs.
• Personal injury protection (PIP) car insurance. Personal injury protection is often known as “no-fault” auto insurance. Regardless of who’s at fault, the coverage exists for each driver to pay for their own medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and funeral services. Only 12 states require PIP, but other states may offer it as optional coverage. Compare quotes to get the best personal injury protection car insurance companies near you.

Insurance laws in your state will determine how much of the above coverage you must carry. Find your state in our database of car insurance laws to find how much auto insurance you need to get.

It’s important to note that neither type of legally-required auto insurance covers damage to your vehicle. So if you want to be better-protected while on the road, consider investing in full coverage auto insurance. 

Drivers can combine minimum liability with comprehensive car insurance and collision car insurance, known as “full coverage.” Collision and comprehensive coverage pay for damages to your vehicle caused by a collision, natural disaster, auto theft, or vandalism. You’re likely required to carry full coverage insurance if you lease or finance your vehicle.

Read More: What is the difference between a car insurance agent and a car insurance broker?

Other Supplemental Car Insurance Coverage to Consider

On top of the legally required car insurance by state, you may want to consider supplemental coverage that can protect you from a potentially bad situation, like covering your auto loan in the event your car is totaled or financially protecting you from accidents with hit-and-run drivers.  (For more information, read our “How to Get Car Insurance Coverage“).

Although not required by law, you may want to consider the following policies as you shop for car insurance:

• Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM and UIM) coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage companies provide payment if an uninsured or underinsured motorist hits you or you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident. Legal assistance may be advised to ensure a proper payout.
• Guaranteed asset protection (gap) coverage. Gap insurance is required if you lease or finance your vehicle, as it covers the amount you still owe in the event the car is totaled. The only thing worse than losing your car would be having to continue to pay for it even when it no longer exists.
• Medical payments (MedPay) coverage. In most states, additional coverage options for auto insurance policies include MedPay, which works like PIP to cover your medical costs no matter who is at fault for the accident. However, even with the best MedPay insurance companies, it doesn’t provide the same coverage for lost wages or funeral services as PIP would. 

When you own your car outright, you might assume it’s more economical to switch to liability-only to save money on auto insurance. While it will lower your monthly rates, your insurance company has no obligation to repair or replace your vehicle if you get into an accident where you lose or badly damage your car.

Fortunately, there are better ways to reduce your car insurance rates.

How to Get the Best Car Insurance Quotes

The answer to how to shop for car insurance isn’t complicated. It’s as simple as filling out your ZIP code, address, and driver’s license information online. 

The national average for a driver with a clean record aged 45 is around $120/month for full coverage auto insurance.

Car insurance companies will base your monthly rates on your age, driving history, vehicle make and model, and the city where you will be driving and storing your car. Your final quotes will vary greatly based on where you live and other driver-related data.

Compare Car Insurance Companies and Discounts

The old adage is true — it pays to shop around for the best insurance companies. This is because some of the most substantial differences in auto insurance rates exist not based on the driver but on the insurance company. On average, some regional car insurance companies will offer higher rates but cater to unique drivers or scenarios. 

For example, some common car insurance discounts provided by most major companies include:

• Active-duty military or veteran discount
• Educator/teacher/educational staff member discount
• Paid-in-full discount
• Driver’s education discount
• Mileage-based discount
• Equipment-based discounts like anti-lock brakes and active anti-theft devices
• Bundle your life or property insurance with auto

There is no one-size-fits-all in auto insurance, and not all recommendations can be considered equal. Your lifestyle could earn you lower rates with one company over the next, so compare quotes from at least three different insurers to see which is most competitive for your situation. 

Additionally, filing an insurance claim can be stressful. You want to work with a company you know you can deal with, so pay close attention to previous customers and how their accident claims were handled to understand better whether a car insurance company is a good match for you. Read our auto insurance company reviews to find the right insurer.

A.M. Best, J.D. Power, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) also offer rating systems that inform the public regarding financial standing and customer satisfaction. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) also rates customer service and provides a public forum where current and past customers can express their opinions.

Buy the New Policy, Then Cancel the Previous One

This is a secret many drivers don’t know — some auto insurance companies will afford you an advanced-shopper discount for buying car insurance seven days before your old coverage ends. Shop around for new insurance before your old policy renews to see if you can get better quotes elsewhere.

It’s not completely necessary, but approaching your insurance company with competitive quotes before you sign puts you in the driver’s seat and guarantees you’re getting the best price for coverage. 

Further, many auto insurance companies offer grace periods when buying a new car where it’s covered under your pre-existing policy for the sake of administrative and legal formality. You can use this time to shop for quotes on your new vehicle and find better rates.

Car Insurance Case Studies: Learn From Smart Shopping Examples

Case Study 1: Saving With Multiple Quotes

A driver named Sarah was looking for car insurance and decided to compare quotes from different insurers. She entered her information on our website and received multiple quotes from reliable insurance providers.

After comparing the quotes, Sarah found a policy that offered the coverage she needed at a significantly lower price than what she was currently paying. By taking the time to compare quotes, Sarah was able to save money on her car insurance.

Case Study 2: Choosing the Right Coverage

John recently bought a new car and needed to purchase car insurance. He considered getting the cheapest policy available, but after researching and understanding the importance of long-term coverage, he decided to invest in full coverage auto insurance.

A few months later, John got into an accident, and his insurance company covered the damages to his vehicle. If he had opted for the cheapest policy without full coverage, he would have been responsible for the repair costs. John’s decision to choose the right type of car insurance paid off in the end.

Case Study 3: Maximizing Discounts

Emily wanted to find the best car insurance rates and decided to compare quotes from different companies. During her research, she discovered that each insurance company offers various discounts. She found a company that offered a discount for bundling her auto insurance with her homeowners’ insurance, which she already had with another company.

By switching to the new company and bundling her policies, Emily was able to save money on both her car insurance and homeowners’ insurance.

Case Study 4: Advanced-Shopper Discount

Mike’s car insurance policy was about to renew, but he decided to shop around for better quotes before committing to his current insurer. He found a different company that offered him a lower rate for the same coverage.

Moreover, because he started the process seven days before his old policy ended, he qualified for an advanced-shopper discount. By taking the initiative to compare quotes and switch to a new policy, Mike not only saved money but also benefited from the discount.

Everything You Need to Know About Getting Car Insurance

Still wondering how to get car insurance? As long as you have all your documents ready, we can help you find the best auto insurance company near you. 

Use our comparison tool below to get multiple car insurance quotes from local companies. Just remember to choose only the company that offers you the greatest protection at the best price.

Read more: How long does it take to get car insurance?