Car Insurance Online: Which Companies Have Instant Quotes?

For consumers looking for cheap car insurance, starting the search online can be a great option. Most car insurance companies provide free quotes online and even have online payment options so that you can sign up for a new policy at your convenience. You can quickly get reliable quotes from many insurance companies online, helping you weigh your options. Comparing quotes can help ensure that you get the best rate, whether you’re looking for a policy right away or wanting to plan for the future.

Key Takeaways

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The coverages you need may not be the same as the minimum requirements.

Online quote tools are useful for conducting your initial research when looking for a new insurer right away or planning for the future.

Your best and cheapest options will vary depending on factors such as age, location and driving history.

Car insurance rates will vary depending on a wide variety of factors, such as location, driver age (for example, teen drivers tend to be more expensive to insure), vehicle type and driving history. So what’s “cheap” for one person may not be for another. That’s why casting a wide net when getting quotes is so important.

There are several ways to get online insurance quotes. You can use comparison tools, like those provided by MoneyGeek to get quotes in your area, or you can use a specific car insurance company's website to get a quote. Not only can you compare quotes from different companies, but you can also compare rates for different types and ranges of coverage. For instance, you can compare the cost of minimum liability coverage with the price of comprehensive and collision insurance to see how much more it will cost to have more protection.

You’ll also want to look at the coverage included, payment schedule and deductible to compare quotes and find the best one for you. Comparing these offerings can help you find the most affordable option that provides the level of your needs.

Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you are getting the best rate for your car insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

COMPARE QUOTES

An online car insurance quote is like a peek behind the curtain. It allows you to see what kind of premium you might get for a certain amount of coverage.

A quote is not necessarily a promise, however, and things can change. For example, if information not included in the screening questions surfaces later (a ticket or DUI, for example), the rate could increase or decrease. However, for the average driver, a quote is a solid jumping-off point for what to expect from that company. What's important is that you’re gathering information and considering your options.

When searching for online car insurance quotes, knowing the most affordable companies overall and having a sense of the average cost of car insurance can help you narrow down your options. Car insurance quotes vary based on your location, driving record, vehicle type and other factors, so getting a collection of unique quotes can help you find the best rates for you. On average, companies provide the most affordable rates for 100/300/100 comprehensive collision coverage.

You can find several ways to get cheaper rates in an online quote. Start with comparing auto insurance quotes from several providers. You can also look at your credit score and driving records since they can impact your rates. If they are on the low end, try improving your credit score and driving records. Some providers may offer discounts for clean records.

Another way to lower your rate is to drive a less expensive car. You can also decrease coverage for older cars and ask for discounts. You may be eligible for discounts other than having a clean driving record. Some discounts include a low mileage discount if you tend to carpool to destinations, or purchasing your auto insurance with the same insurer as your homeowners insurance.

Getting your car insured is essential, but it’s also not always the most straightforward process. Here are some commonly asked questions about getting cheap car insurance quotes online to help you understand the process.

1. Understand what coverages you need.
   As long as you provide information about where you live, an online quote should include the minimum required coverages. Some shoppers will want additional options, like roadside assistance or higher coverage amounts, depending on their situation. Understanding what you need is critical to getting accurate quotes and getting car insurance fast.
2. Gather online quotes from several insurers.
   Insurance options can vary depending on where you live, so the best way to see which one will be the least expensive given your desired coverages is to get as many car insurance quotes online as you can. An online quote tool comes in handy here, especially one that gathers quotes from several companies at once. You won’t have to worry about looking into companies that may not even offer insurance where you live.
3. Weigh your options and select the best one for you.
   Once you have those quotes handy, you can compare the prices and coverage options. Make sure to consider the payment schedule. Some insurance companies may offer an annual estimate that includes a related discount, while others may give you a monthly payment estimate. By breaking things down into comparable buckets, you can more easily figure out the best car insurance option for you. You should also look into the companies to make sure that the ones you’re considering meet your other needs. For example, if you value in-person customer service, having a knowledgeable agent might be a good idea. If you want to access your coverage information or make claims on the go, tech offerings like a mobile app may be more important to you.
4. Contact the company (likely your local agent) and get your vehicle insured.
   Once you’ve picked your best option, you can contact the company to begin the process and get your policy in place.

Location is another factor that impacts auto insurance rates. Depending on where you live, rates can increase based on the likelihood of an accident or potential auto thefts in the area. You can find the best rates in your state below.

Devon Delfino is an independent journalist based in the Pacific Northwest. Her personal-finance coverage has been featured in publications such as the L.A. Times, Teen Vogue, Mashable, MarketWatch, CNBC and USA Today, among others.

Sources

• Insurance Information Institute. "Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs." Accessed August 3, 2020.