Getting car insurance starts with knowing what you need and where to look. The six steps will walk you through gathering your information, choosing coverage, comparing quotes and buying a policy. Once you've worked through them, the tips below can help you cut costs and avoid common mistakes.
How to Get Car Insurance in 6 Steps
DBUpdated: April 22, 2026
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Step 1: Gather Your Personal Information
Your car insurance rates depend on various factors, like your personal info, car type, driving history and past insurance records. Insurers use this data to gauge your risk level and set premiums accordingly. Before you start shopping, gather what you need to get car insurance so the application process goes smoothly.
Provide accurate details to get the correct pricing for your policy.
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Email address
- Contact number
- Social Security number (or other ID)
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Make, model and year of the vehicle(s)
- Usage details (e.g., daily commute, business use, estimated annual mileage)
Your Bio
What you do, where you work and where you live will influence your insurance rate.
Provide your details and those of any additional drivers you will include on your policy:
Depending on the provider, you might need to provide payment details (e.g., bank account details, credit card number) to initiate the policy.
Your Car Details
Have information about your car all in one spot, including the following:
Some insurers will ask how often you use your car and how long you’ve owned it.
Your Driving and Insurance History
Insurers will likely ask about any accidents, DUIs, suspensions or accumulated points on your driving record. When applying, let your agent know your current coverage and insurance provider.
If you have all this information ready, you can usually get car insurance the same day you start shopping.
Moving to a new state? Learn how out-of-state car insurance works and when you need to switch your policy.
HOW TO GET CAR INSURANCE WITHOUT A LICENSE
Unlicensed drivers can still get car insurance in certain situations, such as when another household member drives your vehicle or you own a car kept in storage. Getting car insurance without a driver's license explains your options and how to list yourself as a non-driving insured person.
Step 2: Choose Where to Buy Car Insurance
You can buy car insurance in three ways: through a captive agent, an insurance broker or by getting a quote online.
- Captive Agent: A captive agent works for one insurance company and sells only that company’s policies.
- Insurance Broker: A broker works with multiple insurers and offers several policy options from different companies.
- Online: Visit an insurer’s website to get an online quote, or use third-party car insurance calculators to compare multiple quotes at once.
If you want help deciding how much coverage to carry, speak with a captive agent or broker and ask questions about your options. If you already know the coverage and limits you need, you can apply online and start your policy once you’ve reviewed your choices.
Criteria | Captive Agent | Insurance Broker | Online |
|---|---|---|---|
Expertise | Knows one company's coverage in depth | Compares plans across insurers | Shows quotes from multiple companies |
Support | Immediate answers | Finds quotes and explains options | Self-service tools and chat support |
Options | Limited choices | Access to several insurers | Compare rates yourself |
Limitations | Can't quote other companies; earns commissions on sales | Some insurers don't work with brokers; may charge fees | Enter personal data; fewer coverage details upfront |
BEST WAY TO GET INSURANCE QUOTES
Getting car insurance quotes online through insurance calculators is the most efficient way to find insurance. Comparing quotes can save you about $445 yearly. MoneyGeek suggests comparing at least three insurers with similar coverage to find the cheapest rates with the best coverage.
Nearly every state requires coverage before you drive. Learn the rules for what you need car insurance to drive and what happens without it.
Step 3: Know How Much Coverage You Need
Each state has its own minimum car insurance requirements. This means you must have liability insurance to pay for others' damages. Some states might also need personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM).
You can go with just your state's basic coverage if you want to save money. But you might want more coverage if your car is worth a lot.
Coverage Type | What It Covers | Is it Required? |
|---|---|---|
Injury and property damage you cause to others in an accident | Yes (in 48 states) | |
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Your medical expenses and lost wages after an accident (regardless of fault) | Yes (in no-fault states) |
Medical expenses if a driver hurts you without insurance or with insufficient insurance | Yes (in some states) | |
Costs to repair or replace your car after an accident | No, but required for financed/leased cars | |
Damage to your car from non-accident events (theft, weather damage, etc.) | No, but required for financed/leased cars | |
Gap Insurance | Covers the difference between your car’s value and the loan balance if your car is totaled or stolen | No, but it is sometimes required for financed/leased cars |
DO YOU NEED TO BUY INSURANCE BEFORE BUYING A CAR?
Yes, you need insurance before getting behind the wheel of your new car. Dealerships usually ask for proof of insurance before you can take the car home. Not having insurance is against the law and could land you in trouble. Coverage lapses can also increase your rates.
Prefer to skip the agent? Learn how to get car insurance without an agent and buy your policy entirely online in 15 minutes.
Step 4: Choose a Car Insurance Company
Finding the right car insurance company is essential. You want the right mix of coverage, affordability and reliable service.
Here's what to keep in mind:
- "Cheapest" vs. "Best": Price matters, but it should not be the only factor. The right policy balances affordable rates with coverage that fits your situation.
- Coverage Matters: Confirm the insurer offers the coverage types you need, such as liability, collision and comprehensive, at limits that match your risk level.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Lowering your coverage limits can trim your premium. Just weigh the savings against what you would have to pay out of pocket after an accident.
- Customer Service: Claims service counts when something goes wrong. Read customer reviews and check ratings from J.D. Power and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to see how companies handle complaints and payouts.
- Financial Strength: Look for insurers with high financial ratings, such as A+ or A++ from AM Best, so you know the company can pay claims when needed.
Step 5: Shop Around for Car Insurance Quotes
Get quotes from at least three insurers and request the same coverage types and limits from each. Rates for the same driver can vary by hundreds of dollars depending on the company. Use the MoneyGeek car insurance calculator to estimate what you should be paying, and see how the cheapest car insurance companies rank before you commit. Our guide on how to compare car insurance walks through what to look for beyond price.
Car Insurance Calculator
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
$192
High
$139
Average
$87
Low
Rates updated:
Apr 27, 2026
| Insurance Carrier | MoneyGeek ScoreMG Score | Average Monthly Payment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Capital Insurance Group | 94 /of 100 | $87 |
| 2 |  GEICO | 82 /of 100 | $109 |
| 3 |  State Farm | 83 /of 100 | $118 |
| 4 |  Travelers | 83 /of 100 | $129 |
| 5 |  Progressive | 79 /of 100 | $133 |
| 6 |  Farmers | 77 /of 100 | $151 |
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Step 6: Purchase Your Car Insurance Policy
Complete the application, set up your payment schedule and confirm your start date. Your proof of car insurance card will be required for traffic stops, registration and accidents, so have it ready. If you're switching insurers, start your new policy before canceling the old one to avoid a coverage lapse, which can raise your rates.
Tips on Shopping for Car Insurance
Car insurance can feel expensive, but you have more control over your costs than you might think. Here are a few ways to save money while maintaining the coverage you need.
Don’t Overlook Usage-Based Programs
Many insurers offer programs that track your driving habits through an app or device. Safe driving behavior (smooth braking, no speeding, limited late-night driving) can earn you significant discounts. Ask your potential insurers if they offer such a program.
Bundle Your Policies
Bundling home/renters insurance with car insurance from the same company often unlocks significant discounts. Ask your chosen insurer (or others if you're still comparing) about the potential savings with bundling. The best home and auto bundles can save you hundreds of dollars annually.
Leverage Memberships and Affiliations
Many organizations offer car insurance discounts to their members. Check with your employer, professional associations or alums groups to see if they have partnerships with insurers.
Review Your Coverage Annually
Your insurance needs may change over time. Review your policy annually to ensure it suits your current situation. You might be able to lower your premiums by adjusting coverage types or limits if your circumstances allow.
New to auto insurance? Start with the basics. Our guide explains how insurance works from premiums and deductibles to filing claims. See also if you need insurance before buying a used car.
FAQ About Buying Car Insurance
Equipping yourself with the right information will help you find the best car insurance that suits your needs. Read and review the most common questions you'll most likely encounter when looking for the best insurance for your car.
What do you do if no insurance company will insure you?
If you're having trouble getting car insurance and feel like no insurance company will insure you, try applying with different providers. Consider speaking with an insurance broker; they might guide you to a solution. Let agents know if you've faced credit issues or had payment hiccups. As you do this, also work on boosting your credit score. A defensive driving course might also be a good idea to improve your driving record.
What is the minimum amount of insurance you should have?
Most states mandate at least liability-only coverage. The specific minimum car insurance requirements you need differ by state, so ask your local provider.
How long does it take to get car insurance?
If you have the completed documents needed to purchase a car insurance policy, the process of how long it takes to get car insurance can take anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours. If you intend to get car insurance quickly and easily, make sure that you already know the type of coverage you want. Having a shortlist of companies will also help speed up the process.
How do you get car insurance if you can't afford it?
Lowering your coverage is the most common way to acquire a policy with a more affordable premium. Compare quotes and finding good deals and discounts can also help you afford one. See our guide to what to do if you can't afford car insurance.
Do you need a driver’s license to get car insurance?
Yes, it’s possible to get car insurance even without a driver’s license. If someone else drives your car, or you own a classic car you don't use, you can insure it even without a license.
Which companies allow you to pay for insurance with a credit card?
Most car insurance companies allow you to pay via credit card. You can choose to pay online, over the phone, through a website or even via an app. State Farm, GEICO and Progressive are the most notable car insurance companies that accept credit card payments.
Can you insure a car that's not registered in your name?
Getting non-owner insurance is the best way to get car insurance for a car not registered in your name. Note that it's liability-only coverage. If this doesn't work for you, there are alternative options for coverage, such as getting car rental insurance coverage. See our guide to car insurance and registration with the same name.
How do you get car insurance after a policy cancellation?
Getting car insurance after a canceled policy is challenging but possible. While you can acquire a new car insurance policy after non-renewal or cancellation, bear in mind that you will most likely have to pay higher premiums.
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Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek gathered auto insurance quotes from Quadrant Information Services to give you the best car insurance calculator for estimating costs. It provides a quote to help you make informed decisions about your car insurance. After entering your unique information, the calculator provides a real-time estimate of your potential premiums.
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About Danielle Beck-Hunter
Danielle Beck-Hunter is a personal finance researcher specializing in auto insurance for the past three years. She is passionate about financial education and aims to help readers live their best lives while saving money. Her writing has been featured on various insurance websites.