Car Insurance Calculator: Get Instant Rate Estimates

Car insurance includes many coverage options, but two specific coverages are particular important for calculating how much car insurance you need: 

• How much liability insurance to buy
• Whether or not to buy comprehensive and collision insurance (also called full coverage)

MoneyGeek's car insurance coverage quiz will help you calculate how to answer these questions based on where you live, your financial situation, the value of your car and how you purchased your car.

Your car insurance rates are calculated based on a variety of factors, the most important of which are your age and driving experience, location, driving history and credit score. Your rate will also depend on how much car insurance you need to buy to adequately protect your car and the risk you pose of causing damage or injury to others.  

When you see an analysis of how much car insurance costs online, those rates are usually an average of sample drivers of different backgrounds and locations. Keep the following in mind when you're trying to calculate whether a rate you've been quoted is fair:

1. Age and driving experience are important factors for calculating your rate. Young or inexperienced drivers, especially young men and boys, pay a lot more for car insurance. You'll find that the cheapest car insurance for teens is several times more expensive than an equivalent policy for those 25 and older.
2. Location matters. States regulate insurance differently, meaning rates will be calculated uniquely across state lines. And the minimum car insurance required in each state can differ greatly. Our complete car insurance rates by state breakdown includes all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
3. Car insurance is required, but the types of coverage you buy will also affect how your rate is calculated. MoneyGeek estimates that the cheapest full coverage car insurance costs hundreds of dollars more per year compared to the most affordable liability-only car insurance.
4. Your driving history and even your credit history can have a major effect on rate calculations. High risk drivers, such as those who have a recent accident or DUI, will pay much more than those with a clean driving record. And in most states insurance companies calculate car insurance rates based on credit scores, charging more to those who have a poor credit or payment history.

Insurers will use other factors to estimate your car insurance rates.  Insurance rates by vehicle can greatly alter your rate if you have a brand new model or an electric car that's expensive to repair. But for most shoppers, their age, location, driving and credit history and elected coverage will be decisive.

Because companies calculate rates differently and weigh these factors differently, read car insurance company reviews to understand which insurers offer the best combination of competitive pricing and quality service for your profile. If you're ready to learn how to get car insurance, start with these proven steps.

Age, location, elected coverage and driving history are all used by insurance companies to calculate your rates, but if you want a real, binding quote, providers will also ask you to provide more specific information about you and your household.

We answer common questions about car insurance cost calculations and what will impact your cost.

For more information on how MoneyGeek analyzes car insurance costs, see our auto insurance methodology.