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Written byAmy Beardsley
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Amy Beardsley is a seasoned insurance expert who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. She has more than 12 years of industry knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, commercial, and other insurance products. Amy’s work has been published by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Legal & General, NerdWallet, Robinhood, Insurify, NEXT Insurance, and more.
Amy worked as a court administrator before becoming a content marketing writer. Her legal background has equipped her with the ability to simplify complex technical language into easy-to-understand content.
She graduated magna cum laude from Ferris State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Legal Studies.
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Edited byNick Versaw
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Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
Calculate Your Car Insurance Costs
Ever wanted to compare car insurance costs without sitting through long calls or sharing your information with multiple companies? Enter some basic information into our car insurance calculator below to see personalized estimates for different coverage levels.
Estimated Cost: $179 per month
40.1% of drivers like you pay less for car insurance. Compare quotes to save up to $1320 per year.
We sourced the figures you see here from Compare.com's database of more than 58 million real-life car insurance quotes. Actual rates may vary based on your unique driver profile.
How Our Car Insurance Calculator Works
Our estimator uses real data from millions of car insurance quotes from the best car insurance companies to predict what drivers like you typically pay for coverage. We analyze patterns from customers with similar profiles, considering everything from your age and location to your vehicle type and driving history to generate realistic estimates.
But keep in mind that an estimate isn’t the same as an actual quote. It’s more of a starting point for understanding potential premiums, which helps set budget expectations before you get into the shopping process.
Our auto insurance calculator takes just a few minutes and gives you an idea of what you might spend. But you’ll want to get official quotes from insurers or car insurance comparison sites for a more accurate price.
Get More Accurate Quotes in Minutes
Compare personalized rates from dozens of top insurers.
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Your Estimated Costs at a Glance
After you enter your information, you’ll see monthly estimates broken down by coverage level. Liability coverage is the cheapest car insurance, while full coverage costs more but offers greater protection.
Because rates depend on dozens of variables that make up your driver profile, the more detail you enter into the car insurance coverage calculator, the more accurate your estimate becomes. These estimates let you compare price differences so you can choose the coverage level that fits your budget and needs before requesting official quotes.
Here’s how driver profiles compare nationwide, according to Compare.com data.
Driver Profile  | Average Monthly Liability Premium | Average Monthly Full-Coverage Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Male | $103 | $179 |
| Female | $100 | $174 |
| Teen | $195 | $339 |
| Senior | $87 | $151 |
| Clean record | $102 | $177 |
| Recent ticket | $129 | $223 |
| Recent accident | $134 | $232 |
| DUI conviction | $148 | $257 |
| Excellent credit | $89 | $155 |
| Poor credit | $124 | $215 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Factors That Affect Your Car Insurance Rates
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A bunch of different factors go into your car insurance rates. That’s because every insurance company has its own way of working out what you’ll pay.
Companies look at things like your car, your driving record, and where you live because it helps assess how risky you are to insure. That’s why your rate might look totally different from your neighbor’s, even if everything else seems the same.
Here’s an overview of some of the most important factors insurance companies consider.
Your driver profile
Your personal characteristics play a huge role in determining how much you pay, including:
Age: Car insurance usually costs more if you’re on the younger side since you likely don’t have much driving experience.
Gender: Men and women sometimes pay different rates (though differences are often small).
Relationship status: Being married can help you get lower rates compared to single people.
Credit history: In a lot of states, better credit often means better rates.
Driving record: Traffic violations, accidents, and DUIs can increase how much you pay for car insurance.
Insurance history: Gaps in coverage or previous cancellations can bump up your rates.
Your vehicle and how you use it
Your car and how you use it affect your insurance price tag, too. Here’s how your choice of ride and daily routine can steer your costs:
Make and model: Sports cars, high-end rides, and cars with higher theft rates usually cost more to insure.
Vehicle age: A shiny, brand-new car probably needs more coverage, while an older car might need only the basics.
Safety features: Anti-lock brakes, airbags, and an alarm system can help knock a little off your premium.
Annual mileage: Racking up the miles puts you at a higher risk of filing a claim. If you’re always on the road, you usually pay a bit more.
Vehicle use: If you commute long distances or use your vehicle for business, expect it to show up in your rate.
Where you live
Where you park your car at night can say a lot about your insurance pricing. Here are location factors that can change your rates:
ZIP code: Living in a busy city with lots of traffic or a high crime rate can increase your premiums.
State requirements: Your state’s rules on minimum coverage change what people pay.
Weather: Hail, floods, or regular run-ins with Mother Nature can drive up comprehensive coverage rates.
Repair costs: In places with expensive parts and labor costs, expect higher bills for collision coverage, too.
Population density: A town packed with drivers can mean more accidents and injuries, so rates usually climb with the population.
The coverage you choose
Mixing and matching coverage options helps you personalize your protection, but it can also change your car insurance quote. Here’s how your choice of coverage affects your bill:
Deductibles: A higher deductible is great for lower monthly payments, as long as you can cover more out of pocket when filing a claim.
Coverage types: Adding comprehensive, collision, or specialty coverages means a pricier policy.
Policy limits: Setting a high cap on what the insurer will pay can bump up the cost, but it also means more backup if the worst ever happens.
How to Use Your Estimate to Compare Quotes
Auto insurance calculators don’t provide actual quotes, but they still give you a ballpark estimate of how much you’ll pay. For instance, if you enter only general information — like age, car type, and ZIP code — the estimator doesn’t factor in accidents or specific discounts that could change your final price.
With your estimate in hand, you’re ready to compare real quotes and choose the right coverage.
1. Understand your needs
Think about your risk tolerance. Are you protecting a new car or an old one? Want a low deductible, or are you OK with a higher out-of-pocket cost to keep your rate down? Make sure your coverage levels match your life and your comfort zone.
2. Gather necessary info
Pull together your driver’s license, car details, current policy, and a quick summary of your driving history. Having everything at your fingertips makes getting quotes less of a hassle.
3. Compare quotes from multiple insurers
Don’t settle for the first number you see. Get quotes from a handful of insurers since each has its own way of calculating your final cost. You could see significantly different prices for the same coverage.
4. Research eligible discounts
When you’re getting quotes, look into any discounts you might qualify for. For example, you might be eligible for lower rates by bundling policies, being a safe driver, having military history, or working in a certain occupation.
5. Shop around often
Car insurance prices are never constant. Rates change all the time. To get the best deal on coverage, make a habit of checking your options every year or after any big life changes, like moving, getting married, or buying a new car.
Get Cheaper Car Insurance in Minutes
Compare personalized quotes from America’s top insurers.
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Based on 1395+ reviews
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How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance Quotes
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Shopping for car insurance doesn’t have to feel like searching for that one missing sock. If you know the right strategies, you can trim your auto insurance costs and keep more cash in your pocket. When gathering quotes, try these tips:
Review your coverage. Get rid of coverage you don’t need. For example, there’s no need to pay for roadside assistance if it’s a perk that comes with your cell phone plan.
Increase your deductible. If it fits your budget, a higher deductible can lead to lower premiums. Just make sure you can afford the extra out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim.
Bundle your policies. Buying homeowners and car insurance from the same company can qualify you for a multi-policy discount, which can save you as much as 30%.
Keep your driving record clean. Insurers charge more if you have a history of tickets or fender benders.
Ask about discounts. Savings are often available for safe driving, good grades, and paying up front.
Compare quotes regularly. Loyalty is nice, but comparing car insurance quotes makes sure you’re getting the best price.
Car Insurance Calculator FAQs
Here are the most common questions and quick, clear answers to help you navigate car insurance calculators.
How can you estimate car insurance costs?
Plug your details (like age, driving record, and vehicle info) into an online calculator to get a ballpark monthly or yearly price for car insurance.
How accurate are online car insurance calculators?
Calculators give a general idea, not an exact number. Your actual quote could be higher or lower. At the end of the day, it depends on your personal details and coverage options.
What formula do car insurance companies use to calculate premiums?
Insurers weigh lots of data points, like your driving history, age, location, car type, and coverage choices, to come up with personalized car insurance premiums.
Can you estimate insurance costs before buying a car?
Yes. Most auto insurance calculators let you enter different vehicle types to get an estimate of premiums and compare rates for liability insurance and full coverage.
Why do car insurance quotes vary by company?
Each insurer has unique formulas, risk factors, and discount options to consider when calculating car insurance quotes. These differences can mean different prices, even for identical coverage.
Do you need full coverage?
Depending on your situation, you may not need full coverage. But lenders can require comprehensive and collision coverage if you finance or lease your vehicle. A good rule of thumb is to get full coverage if you can’t easily afford to repair or replace your car out of your own pocket.
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Amy BeardsleyInsurance Writer
Amy Beardsley is a seasoned insurance expert who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. She has more than 12 years of industry knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, commercial, and other insurance products. Amy’s work has been published by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Legal & General, NerdWallet, Robinhood, Insurify, NEXT Insurance, and more.
Amy worked as a court administrator before becoming a content marketing writer. Her legal background has equipped her with the ability to simplify complex technical language into easy-to-understand content.
She graduated magna cum laude from Ferris State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Legal Studies.
Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.