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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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Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 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.
Shopping for car insurance can be a confusing and intimidating process. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with options when comparing quotes. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you know what you’re looking for and what mistakes to avoid, buying car insurance can be a smooth process.
This guide walks you through exactly how to shop for car insurance. We’ll help you find the cheapest auto policies from the best car insurance companies and give you a simple checklist to keep you on track.
Stay on top of your renewal dates and regularly review your coverage options. Insurers add new discounts and change rates all the time.
Gathering important documents and double-checking details ahead of time speeds up the quote process and makes it easy to switch car insurance.
Activate your new coverage before canceling your old one when switching policies, so you don’t risk a costly coverage gap.
Shopping for car insurance shouldn’t feel like punishment. With the right knowledge, you can make sense of the process and save money on car insurance. Follow our seven-step guide to take some of the pain out of buying a policy.
Before getting car insurance quotes, gather the necessary information. That means your driving record — including any accidents or tickets — and the make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of your car.[1] If you already have insurance, keep that policy handy, too. It’s easier to compare when you know what coverages you currently have.
How much you pay for car insurance depends on a mix of things, including your age, where you live, your driving history, and the number of miles you drive each year.[2] Take a minute to think about what you can afford on a monthly basis and how much of a deductible you could pay if you file a claim.
Your state’s minimum car insurance laws detail the liability coverage you need to legally drive. Basic liability insurance usually covers property damage or injuries to others if you cause a car accident. But you have more coverage options available, depending on your needs.
Most drivers upgrade to full coverage. Four out of five drivers add comprehensive coverage for theft or weather damage, and about three-quarters choose collision coverage to cover repairs after an accident.[3] You can also consider gap insurance — especially if your loan balance is more than your car is worth.
Compare car insurance quotes from at least three companies.[4] Don’t settle for the first quote in your search — consider using car insurance comparison sites to speed up the process. You should also always use the same coverage limits and deductibles for each quote. That way, you’re comparing similar policies, not falling for one that doesn’t fit your budget.
It’s tempting to go with the company offering the lowest price. But take a few minutes to research insurers before making a decision. You should read reviews, ask friends and family, and check rankings from groups like J.D. Power. Pay close attention to customer service and claims handling.
Once you’ve picked the right company, it’s time to buy your policy. Double-check every detail — including names, car info, coverage types, and deductible amount — while finalizing your payment. Pay attention to the effective date, which is when your new plan begins. Make sure coverage starts before your old one ends, so you don’t have a lapse in coverage.
You can cancel your old coverage once your new policy takes effect. Most car insurance companies let you call or send an email to cancel. Remember, to avoid a coverage gap, don’t let your existing policy end until your new one starts.
Compare rates starting at $42 per month.
You have plenty of ways to buy a policy when shopping for car insurance. Each method has its pros and cons.
Here’s where to buy an auto insurance policy:
Direct from an insurance company: Going directly to a company is quick and simple, but you’ll have to repeat the process with each insurer if you want multiple quotes.
Online insurance comparison sites: Comparison sites can give you prices from several companies in seconds. Some sites show online quotes instantly, while others pass your details along so the insurer can follow up with you.
Through an agent: Some independent agents work with a single insurer, while others help you get car insurance quotes from multiple companies. You get advice from someone familiar with the process, but it can take a little longer than doing it on your own.
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Gathering everything you need before getting a quote makes the process much smoother. Whether you’re going through an agent or using an online comparison site, make sure you have the necessary information before you start.
Here’s a handy checklist you can use:
Names of all drivers: The insurance company needs to know who the policy will cover, so it can assess risk.
Driving history of all drivers: Accidents, tickets, and other traffic violations affect your rate.
Vehicle info: Your car’s year, make, model, and VIN factor into your premiums.
Annual mileage and usage: Tell your insurer how often you use your car. Your rates will likely be higher if you drive frequently.
Current policy: If you’re switching insurers, you can try to match or compare policy limits. Check if you have optional protections like roadside assistance, too.
Info for discounts: Insurers offer various discounts, so check if you qualify for any. You may need proof of homeownership or a driver’s safety course certificate. You may also qualify for a discount if you have a student away at school or if you’re in the military.
You can shrink your car insurance bill without sacrificing coverage. Below are some tips to help you save money.
Ask about any discounts you may qualify for. You might be surprised how many apply, like ones for having a clean driving record, owning a home, or getting good grades. Some companies even offer lower prices for completing a defensive driving course or belonging to certain organizations.[5]
Increasing your deductible lowers your monthly premium. But a higher deductible also means you’ll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
Many insurance companies offer deals when you combine your car policy with other plans. Bundling car insurance with homeowners or renters insurance can simplify paperwork and save money. Some insurers also let you package add-ons like gap insurance or roadside assistance for extra convenience.
Many insurers offer discounts if you agree to track your driving through an app or plug-in device.[6] These usage-based telematics programs monitor your habits, and safe driving can save you money.
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Car insurance shopping isn’t usually a one-time thing. You should review your options as your renewal date approaches or if your rate jumps unexpectedly. Major life changes like moving or buying a car are good times to double-check your policy, too.
Insurers frequently change car insurance rates and offer new discounts. Compare rates from different companies at least once per year to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Figuring out how to get car insurance is hard enough, but a few slip-ups could lead to bigger headaches and higher bills down the road. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
Not comparing coverage: Focusing only on the lowest price could mean you miss differences in what each policy actually includes. Make sure you find insurance that fits both your budget and coverage needs.
Canceling before your new policy starts: Canceling your old policy before your new one starts could leave you without coverage. Not having coverage, even for a day, can lead to fines and higher insurance prices.
Not updating details like address or new drivers: Make sure your insurer has the most up-to-date information for your policy. Outdated information can cause claim delays or coverage denials.
Overlooking available discounts: Check with your insurer to see if you qualify for any discounts. You could miss out on easy savings by not asking about options for good driving, bundling, or vehicle safety features.
Choosing the wrong deductible: Carefully consider how much you can pay for your deductible. Choosing a deductible that’s too high could mean expensive out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim. But your monthly rate will be higher if you go with a lower deductible.
Get rates from 100+ top insurers and save money in seconds.
Shopping for car insurance can be intimidating, but the process gets easier the more you do it. Below, we answer some common questions about buying car insurance.
It depends. You have several ways to buy car insurance, each with pros and cons. Comparison sites let you quickly check multiple quotes, but they can be tricky if you don’t have much insurance knowledge. Insurance agents can help guide you through the process, but they can be slower and might only work with one company.
Your yearly policy renewal is typically the best time to buy car insurance. You should also compare quotes if you move, add another car, or your rate suddenly increases.
No. Shopping for car insurance doesn’t hurt your credit.[7] Insurers may check your credit, but they do a soft inquiry, which doesn’t affect your credit score.
You need some basic information before you can get a car insurance quote. You typically need each driver’s license information, your address, driving record, and your car’s year, make, model, and VIN.
No. You shouldn’t cancel your old car insurance policy before you get a new one. Canceling before your new policy starts leaves you with a lapse in coverage. Coverage lapses can lead to fines, denied claims, and more expensive rates.
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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.
Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
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