Why comparison shopping matters for auto insurance
Buying car insurance doesn’t need to be complicated — remember that comparing quotes from at least a few companies means you'll be able to find the best deal. Policygenius can help you compare auto insurance quotes and find coverage that meets your needs, at a price that works for you.
We’ve saved customers an average of 19% a year on auto insurance
Your car insurance rates are based on things like your age, where you live, and what kind of car you drive. But not all auto insurance companies charge the same rates, so comparing car insurance quotes before you buy a policy can help you save money.
Compare car insurance rates by age and gender
Your age and gender can also have an impact on your car insurance rates. Young and inexperienced drivers often face much higher costs than older drivers. That’s why it’s even more important for young drivers to compare rates before buying car insurance.
Men sometimes pay slightly more for car insurance than women — although some states have passed laws banning insurance companies from using gender to determine rates.
Company | 16-year-old female | 16-year-old male | 18-year-old female | 18-year-old male | 21-year-old female | 21-year-old male | 25-year-old female | 25-year-old male | 30-year-old female | 30-year-old male | 35-year-old female | 35-year-old male | 45-year-old female | 45-year-old male | 55-year-old female | 55-year-old male |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Allstate | $8,215 | $8,788 | $5,015 | $5,916 | $2,746 | $3,134 | $2,155 | $2,222 | $2,012 | $1,999 | $1,984 | $1,971 | $1,967 | $1,954 | $1,819 | $1,860 |
American Family | $4,323 | $4,721 | $3,059 | $3,320 | $2,076 | $2,227 | $1,510 | $1,592 | $1,457 | $1,515 | $1,404 | $1,452 | $1,315 | $1,344 | $1,260 | $1,274 |
Erie | $2,705 | $3,584 | $2,357 | $2,968 | $1,750 | $2,170 | $1,356 | $1,354 | $1,224 | $1,200 | $1,150 | $1,127 | $1,050 | $1,043 | $988 | $1,004 |
Farmers | $10,164 | $10,812 | $7,682 | $8,155 | $2,655 | $2,907 | $2,106 | $2,201 | $1,997 | $1,997 | $1,958 | $1,909 | $1,960 | $1,844 | $1,721 | $1,699 |
GEICO | $4,341 | $4,803 | $2,911 | $3,182 | $1,742 | $1,825 | $1,321 | $1,346 | $1,197 | $1,179 | $1,203 | $1,174 | $1,188 | $1,163 | $1,105 | $1,064 |
Nationwide | $5,099 | $6,111 | $4,427 | $5,328 | $2,279 | $2,557 | $1,670 | $1,784 | $1,511 | $1,530 | $1,492 | $1,497 | $1,401 | $1,410 | $1,274 | $1,294 |
Progressive | $9,478 | $10,343 | $7,138 | $7,942 | $2,708 | $3,054 | $1,941 | $1,958 | $1,861 | $1,810 | $1,836 | $1,752 | $1,728 | $1,654 | $1,509 | $1,503 |
State Farm | $3,422 | $4,222 | $2,718 | $3,327 | $1,849 | $2,189 | $1,298 | $1,437 | $1,194 | $1,194 | $1,170 | $1,170 | $1,155 | $1,155 | $1,093 | $1,093 |
Travelers | $6,408 | $8,022 | $3,686 | $4,487 | $2,143 | $2,450 | $1,602 | $1,658 | $1,539 | $1,590 | $1,515 | $1,555 | $1,398 | $1,433 | $1,265 | $1,305 |
USAA | $4,414 | $4,792 | $2,659 | $2,860 | $1,506 | $1,617 | $1,224 | $1,286 | $1,081 | $1,102 | $1,037 | $1,051 | $975 | $988 | $930 | $943 |
→ Learn more about rates by age and gender
Compare car insurance rates for seniors
Comparing car insurance quotes and shopping around is also important for senior drivers. After around 65 or 70, car insurance rates for older drivers may start going up. For retired seniors who are on a fixed income, comparing costs is an easy way to avoid overpaying.
Our analysis shows that a 70-year-old driver can pay as much as $2,057 per year for car insurance with some companies. But with others, rates may be as low as $1,037 per year — a difference of more than half.
Company | 60-year-old female | 60-year-old male | 65-year-old female | 65-year-old male | 70-year-old female | 70-year-old male |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Allstate | $1,815 | $1,856 | $1,892 | $1,935 | $1,916 | $1,959 |
American Family | $1,259 | $1,266 | $1,293 | $1,292 | $1,383 | $1,372 |
Erie | $1,013 | $1,032 | $1,057 | $1,086 | $1,123 | $1,153 |
Farmers | $1,662 | $1,685 | $1,800 | $1,875 | $1,909 | $2,057 |
GEICO | $1,098 | $1,067 | $1,093 | $1,073 | $1,157 | $1,143 |
Nationwide | $1,250 | $1,265 | $1,277 | $1,319 | $1,354 | $1,434 |
Progressive | $1,508 | $1,507 | $1,550 | $1,583 | $1,666 | $1,705 |
State Farm | $1,068 | $1,068 | $1,064 | $1,064 | $1,107 | $1,107 |
Travelers | $1,270 | $1,321 | $1,321 | $1,388 | $1,401 | $1,500 |
USAA | $924 | $939 | $945 | $964 | $1,005 | $1,037 |
→ Learn more about car insurance for senior drivers
Compare car insurance rates by state
Car insurance rates vary by state, city, and even ZIP codes. That’s why comparing rates can help you find the cheapest company in your area.
Even if car insurance is normally expensive in your state, you can still save thousands of dollars a year by comparing rates. Some companies in your area may charge much less for coverage than others.
For example, the difference between the most expensive and cheapest insurance company in Florida — known for high auto insurance rates — is a massive $2,444 per year.
State | Cheapest company | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
GEICO | $977 | |
USAA | $930 | |
Root | $747 | |
USAA | $962 | |
Wawanesa | $1,110 | |
American National | $811 | |
GEICO | $756 | |
State Farm | $1,152 | |
GEICO | $1,025 | |
GEICO | $1,432 | |
Auto-Owners Insurance | $858 | |
GEICO | $785 | |
American National | $498 | |
FAIA | $712 | |
USAA | $706 | |
State Farm | $719 | |
USAA | $912 | |
GEICO | $1,019 | |
USAA | $1,486 | |
GEICO | $571 | |
USAA | $806 | |
GEICO | $1,067 | |
GEICO | $1,059 | |
Western Agriculture | $964 | |
USAA | $856 | |
USAA | $741 | |
USAA | $856 | |
Auto-Owners Insurance | $1,036 | |
GEICO | $1,043 | |
USAA | $676 | |
GEICO | $1,078 | |
USAA | $907 | |
Main Street America | $1,033 | |
GEICO | $736 | |
USAA | $786 | |
USAA | $711 | |
USAA | $949 | |
State Farm | $843 | |
Erie | $1,018 | |
State Farm | $983 | |
American National | $683 | |
Kemper | $1,128 | |
State Farm | $755 | |
Texas Farm Bureau | $1,036 | |
GEICO | $856 | |
State Farm | $666 | |
USAA | $776 | |
USAA | $1,033 | |
USAA | $869 | |
USAA | $680 | |
American National | $763 |
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries.
→ Learn more about car insurance costs
Compare car insurance rates by city
| City | Company | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Abilene, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $1,010 |
| Albany, NY | Progressive | $823 |
| Albuquerque, NM | USAA | $1,004 |
| Alexandria, VA | USAA | $875 |
| Amarillo, TX | State Farm | $1,195 |
| Anchorage, AK | USAA | $949 |
| Arlington, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $1,121 |
| Athens, GA | Auto-Owners Insurace | $858 |
| Atlanta, GA | Auto-Owners Insurace | $858 |
| Augusta, GA | Auto-Owners Insurace | $858 |
| Austin, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $1,153 |
| Bakersfield, CA | Wawanesa | $1,054 |
| Baltimore, MD | USAA | $1,127 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | USAA | $1,660 |
| Beaumont, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $1,160 |
| Bellevue, WA | USAA | $1,100 |
| Billings, MT | USAA | $866 |
| Birmingham, AL | USAA | $1,032 |
| Blue Springs, MO | USAA | $746 |
| Boston, MA | GEICO | $1,106 |
| Bowling Green, KY | GEICO | $902 |
| Brownsville, TX | Germania Insurance | $1,233 |
| Buffalo, NY | Progressive | $1,032 |
| Charleston, SC | American National | $724 |
| Charlotte, NC | GEICO | $775 |
| Chattanooga, TN | State Farm | $750 |
| Chicago, IL | Auto-Owners Insurace | $1,103 |
| Chula Vista, CA | Wawanesa | $947 |
| Cleveland, OH | USAA | $783 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | American National | $905 |
| Columbia, MO | USAA | $775 |
| Columbia, SC | American National | $731 |
| Columbus, GA | Auto-Owners Insurace | $858 |
| Columbus, OH | USAA | $765 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $1,108 |
| Cumming, GA | Auto-Owners Insurace | $858 |
| Dallas, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $1,343 |
| Dayton, OH | USAA | $703 |
| Denver, CO | American National | $969 |
| Detroit, MI | USAA | $1,831 |
| Dothan, AL | GEICO | $868 |
| El Paso, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $954 |
| Fargo, ND | USAA | $773 |
| Farmington, NM | USAA | $892 |
| Fayetteville, NC | GEICO | $744 |
| Flint, MI | GEICO | $1,078 |
| Fort Myers, FL | GEICO | $1,372 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | USAA | $710 |
| Fort Worth, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $1,123 |
| Fredericksburg, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $910 |
| Fresno, CA | Wawanesa | $1,040 |
| Gainesville, FL | GEICO | $1,100 |
| Grand Rapids, MN | Western Agriculture | $960 |
| Greeley, CO | American National | $752 |
| Greensboro, NC | GEICO | $735 |
| Henderson, NV | GEICO | $1,174 |
| Honolulu, HI | GEICO | $751 |
| Houston, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $1,235 |
| Huntsville, AL | GEICO | $887 |
| Indianapolis, IN | USAA | $773 |
| Jackson, TN | State Farm | $817 |
| Jacksonville, FL | GEICO | $1,252 |
| Jonesboro, AR | USAA | $945 |
| Kansas City, MO | USAA | $746 |
| Killeen, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $1,029 |
| Knoxville, TN | State Farm | $757 |
| Lafayette, LA | USAA | $1,557 |
| Lakeland, FL | State Farm | $1,444 |
| Lakewood, CO | American National | $868 |
| Lansing, MI | MetLife | $968 |
| Laredo, TX | Germania Insurance | $1,238 |
| Las Cruces, NM | USAA | $849 |
| Las Vegas, NV | GEICO | $1,266 |
| Lexington, KY | GEICO | $787 |
| Lincoln, NE | Auto-Owners Insurace | $899 |
| Little Rock, AR | USAA | $1,009 |
| Loganville, GA | Auto-Owners Insurace | $858 |
| Longview, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $1,072 |
| Los Angeles, CA | Wawanesa | $1,535 |
| Louisville, KY | GEICO | $1,152 |
| Lubbock, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $1,082 |
| Macon, GA | Auto-Owners Insurace | $858 |
| Madison, WI | GEICO | $621 |
| Manhattan, KS | USAA | $767 |
| Martinsburg, WV | USAA | $780 |
| Melbourne, FL | GEICO | $1,348 |
| Memphis, TN | USAA | $924 |
| Mesa, AZ | Root | $804 |
| Miami, FL | GEICO | $1,598 |
| Midland, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $947 |
| Milwaukee, WI | USAA | $751 |
| Minneapolis, MN | USAA | $1,196 |
| Montgomery, AL | USAA | $991 |
| Mooresville, NC | GEICO | $719 |
| Murfreesboro, TN | State Farm | $734 |
| Murrieta, CA | Wawanesa | $1,038 |
| Naples, FL | GEICO | $1,139 |
| Nashville, TN | State Farm | $773 |
| New Orleans, LA | USAA | $2,009 |
| New York City, NY | Main Street America | $1,599 |
| Ocala, FL | State Farm | $1,294 |
| Odessa, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $1,113 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | USAA | $1,049 |
| Olathe, KS | USAA | $769 |
| Omaha, NE | Auto-Owners Insurace | $1,048 |
| Orlando, FL | GEICO | $1,378 |
| Palm Coast, FL | GEICO | $1,292 |
| Palmdale, CA | Wawanesa | $1,277 |
| Park Ridge, NJ | GEICO | $976 |
| Pensacola, FL | GEICO | $1,326 |
| Peoria, IL | FAIA | $598 |
| Philadelphia, PA | State Farm | $1,878 |
| Phoenix, AZ | Root | $905 |
| Plano, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $1,123 |
| Portland, OR | State Farm | $1,183 |
| Pueblo, CO | American National | $904 |
| Raleigh, NC | GEICO | $770 |
| Redding, CA | Wawanesa | $932 |
| Reno, NV | GEICO | $976 |
| Richmond, VA | USAA | $838 |
| Rochester, NY | Progressive | $810 |
| Rockford, IL | FAIA | $730 |
| Rockledge, FL | GEICO | $1,332 |
| Sacramento, CA | Wawanesa | $1,127 |
| Salem , OR | State Farm | $970 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | GEICO | $895 |
| San Angelo, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $935 |
| San Antonio, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $1,118 |
| San Diego, CA | Wawanesa | $1,043 |
| San Francisco, CA | Wawanesa | $1,231 |
| San Jose, CA | Wawanesa | $1,086 |
| Savannah, GA | Auto-Owners Insurace | $858 |
| Scottsdale, AZ | Root | $794 |
| Seattle, WA | USAA | $1,166 |
| Spokane, WA | USAA | $1,036 |
| Springfield, MO | USAA | $745 |
| St Louis, MO | USAA | $783 |
| Stockton, CA | Wawanesa | $1,077 |
| Syracuse, NY | Progressive | $894 |
| Tallahassee, FL | GEICO | $1,328 |
| Tampa, FL | GEICO | $1,827 |
| Toledo, OH | USAA | $803 |
| Topeka, KS | USAA | $903 |
| Tucson, AZ | Root | $766 |
| Tulsa, OK | USAA | $1,067 |
| Tyler, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $1,044 |
| Valdosta, GA | Auto-Owners Insurace | $858 |
| Vancouver, WA | USAA | $1,060 |
| Victoria, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $973 |
| Virginia Beach, VA | USAA | $845 |
| Waco, TX | Texas Farm Bureau | $953 |
| Wichita, KS | USAA | $906 |
| Wilmington, NC | GEICO | $709 |
| Yuma, AZ | Root | $664 |
Compare car insurance rates by credit score
If your credit score is below average or poor — or if you don’t have any credit at all — it’s even more important to compare car insurance quotes before you buy.
Just like drivers with an accident or DUI on their records, drivers with poor credit (a credit score under 577) are also likely to pay much higher car insurance rates. Shopping around can help you find the most affordable car insurance out there, even if you have bad credit.
Company | Poor credit | Fair credit | Good credit | Very good credit | Excellent credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Allstate | $3,335 | $2,365 | $2,007 | $1,903 | $1,706 |
American Family | $2,206 | $1,543 | $1,321 | $1,219 | $1,101 |
Erie | $2,836 | $1,630 | $1,200 | $1,056 | $955 |
Farmers | $3,086 | $2,276 | $1,973 | $1,801 | $1,620 |
GEICO | $2,219 | $1,513 | $1,185 | $1,065 | $940 |
Nationwide | $2,205 | $1,802 | $1,511 | $1,431 | $1,331 |
Progressive | $3,220 | $2,254 | $1,807 | $1,584 | $1,380 |
State Farm | $3,338 | $1,843 | $1,395 | $1,224 | $1,095 |
Travelers | $2,880 | $1,975 | $1,537 | $1,338 | $1,226 |
USAA | $2,018 | $1,302 | $1,108 | $1,038 | $966 |
→ Learn more about how credit scores affect car insurance rates
Compare car insurance rates by driving record
Car insurance is more expensive for drivers who have a recent at-fault accident or ticket on their records. While the average car insurance rate for drivers with a clean record is $1,638, insurance for high-risk drivers can cost $1,500 more per year.
All drivers with a recent violation on their record, like an at-fault accident or citation, should compare car insurance quotes to save money, but drivers with serious violations — like a DUI or hit-and-run — stand to save the most.
Company | Speeding ticket | At-fault accident | Suspended license | DUI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Allstate | $2,350 | $3,080 | $2,964 | $3,047 |
American Family | $1,888 | $2,131 | $2,390 | $2,083 |
Erie | $1,344 | $1,542 | $1,901 | $2,032 |
Farmers | $2,571 | $2,787 | $3,046 | $2,733 |
GEICO | $2,113 | $2,063 | $2,184 | $3,044 |
Nationwide | $1,935 | $2,461 | $3,228 | $3,298 |
Progressive | $2,316 | $2,848 | $2,692 | $2,273 |
State Farm | $1,370 | $1,445 | $1,607 | $1,652 |
Travelers | $2,283 | $2,132 | $2,405 | $2,371 |
USAA | $1,329 | $1,533 | $1,965 | $2,103 |
→ Learn more about how an accident affects your car insurance rates
Compare car insurance rates by marital status
Car insurance rates are usually slightly lower if you’re married — it’s just one of the many details that car insurance companies use to figure out how much of a risk you’ll be to insure.
We found that married drivers pay $130 less per year for car insurance, on average, than single drivers.
Company | Single | Married | Divorced |
|---|---|---|---|
Allstate | $1,991 | $1,923 | $1,991 |
American Family | $1,515 | $1,344 | $1,515 |
Erie | $1,157 | $1,081 | $1,157 |
Farmers | $1,968 | $1,811 | $1,968 |
GEICO | $1,179 | $1,210 | $1,226 |
Nationwide | $1,569 | $1,433 | $1,569 |
Progressive | $1,814 | $1,521 | $1,814 |
State Farm | $1,808 | $1,598 | $1,808 |
Travelers | $1,586 | $1,578 | $1,586 |
USAA | $1,128 | $1,008 | $1,128 |
→ Learn more about car insurance for married couples
Compare car insurance rates by vehicle
The kind of car you drive also has an impact on what you’ll pay for car insurance. More expensive cars generally cost more to insure, but a safer car with updated technology that helps avoid accidents will cost less to insure than one prone to rollovers.
Company | Chevrolet Equinox | Chevrolet Silverado | Ford Escape | Ford Explorer | Ford F-150 | GMC Sierra | Honda Accord | Honda Civic | Honda CR-V | Jeep Grand Cherokee | Jeep Wrangler | Nissan Rogue | Ram 1500 | Subaru Forester | Subaru Outback | Toyota Camry | Toyota Corolla | Toyota Highlander | Toyota RAV4 | Toyota Tacoma |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Allstate | $2,164 | $2,093 | $2,214 | $2,300 | $1,952 | $2,266 | $2,360 | $2,428 | $2,085 | $2,138 | $2,652 | $2,122 | $2,557 | $2,203 | $2,327 | $2,400 | $2,267 | $2,271 | $2,343 | $2,089 |
American Family | $1,490 | $1,519 | $1,452 | $1,460 | $1,420 | $1,490 | $1,670 | $1,698 | $1,533 | $1,473 | $1,433 | $1,639 | $1,545 | $1,570 | $1,548 | $1,667 | $1,756 | $1,571 | $1,648 | $1,570 |
Erie | $1,210 | $1,076 | $1,179 | $1,267 | $1,014 | $1,118 | $1,403 | $1,332 | $1,124 | $1,336 | $1,394 | $1,272 | $1,200 | $1,090 | $1,045 | $1,360 | $1,440 | $1,244 | $1,309 | $1,248 |
Farmers | $2,133 | $2,387 | $1,977 | $1,920 | $1,795 | $1,975 | $2,117 | $2,483 | $1,948 | $2,101 | $1,736 | $2,192 | $2,468 | $2,253 | $1,937 | $2,260 | $2,355 | $2,164 | $2,050 | $2,119 |
GEICO | $1,161 | $1,344 | $1,219 | $1,324 | $1,188 | $1,195 | $1,341 | $1,149 | $1,052 | $1,294 | $1,126 | $1,149 | $1,303 | $1,039 | $1,061 | $1,256 | $1,178 | $1,179 | $1,154 | $1,093 |
Nationwide | $1,377 | $1,242 | $1,320 | $1,408 | $1,276 | $1,461 | $1,406 | $1,595 | $1,257 | $1,432 | $1,634 | $1,482 | $1,616 | $1,285 | $1,123 | $1,561 | $1,704 | $1,365 | $1,465 | $1,314 |
Progressive | $1,724 | $1,982 | $1,595 | $1,806 | $1,769 | $1,638 | $2,200 | $1,675 | $1,595 | $1,798 | $1,667 | $1,731 | $1,816 | $1,955 | $1,945 | $2,047 | $2,043 | $1,746 | $1,686 | $1,695 |
State Farm | $1,229 | $1,264 | $1,234 | $1,247 | $1,202 | $1,360 | $1,418 | $1,311 | $1,128 | $1,249 | $1,404 | $1,231 | $1,344 | $1,260 | $1,316 | $1,309 | $1,208 | $1,331 | $1,424 | $1,280 |
Travelers | $1,567 | $1,560 | $1,394 | $1,657 | $1,457 | $1,450 | $1,582 | $1,741 | $1,295 | $1,533 | $1,404 | $1,607 | $1,602 | $1,339 | $1,321 | $1,634 | $1,644 | $1,508 | $1,575 | $1,425 |
USAA | $1,124 | $1,225 | $1,126 | $1,309 | $1,086 | $1,235 | $1,335 | $1,203 | $1,144 | $1,246 | $1,062 | $1,207 | $1,247 | $1,123 | $1,118 | $1,245 | $1,300 | $1,166 | $1,158 | $1,071 |
→ Learn more about how the kind of car you drive affects insurance
Compare car insurance rates by coverage amount
Whether you want a full-coverage policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, or you just want enough insurance to meet your state’s minimum requirements, the best way to avoid paying too much for car insurance is by comparing rates to see what you’ll pay for different amounts of car insurance coverage.
Company | State minimum | 50/100/50 liability | 100/300/100 liability |
|---|---|---|---|
Allstate | $750 | $1,991 | $2,097 |
American Family | $676 | $1,515 | $1,557 |
Erie | $370 | $1,157 | $1,201 |
Farmers | $781 | $1,968 | $2,109 |
GEICO | $402 | $1,179 | $1,261 |
Nationwide | $624 | $1,569 | $1,671 |
Progressive | $737 | $1,814 | $1,967 |
State Farm | $475 | $1,240 | $1,333 |
Travelers | $683 | $1,586 | $1,690 |
USAA | $369 | $1,128 | $1,191 |
→ Learn more about how much car insurance coverage you need
Compare the top auto insurance companies
The best auto insurance companies combine affordable coverage with highly-rated customer service and claims handling. You want to find a car insurance company that will actually be there for you when you need to use your coverage.
Company | Policygenius rating | Average annual cost |
4.4 out of 5 stars ★ | $1,187 | |
4.3 out of 5 stars ★ | $1,580 | |
4.2 out of 5 stars ★ | $1,687 | |
4.1 out of 5 stars ★ | $1,463 | |
4.1 out of 5 stars ★ | $1,758 | |
4 out of 5 stars ★ | $1,974 | |
4 out of 5 stars ★ | $1,405 | |
3.9 out of 5 stars ★ | $1,139 | |
3.9 out of 5 stars ★ | $1,934 | |
3.8 out of 5 stars ★ | $1,383 |
→ Learn more about our picks for the best car insurance companies
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Compare auto insurance guide
Why you should compare auto insurance quotes
Policygenius customers saved an average of $435 a year on car insurance by comparing quotes. Rates vary by company, even for the same driver, so comparing options means you can be sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Policygenius can show you quotes from top companies, so you can pick the one that offers you the best rates.
When you get quotes, you’ll find that your auto insurance rates are based on lots of factors, like your coverage limits, age, location, driving history, and more.
Here’s what determines your car insurance rates:
Your address: Accident rates, population density, and repair costs in your neighborhood will all go into calculating your premiums.
Your coverage: More types of coverage and higher limits means more protection, but it also means higher premiums.
Your age: Younger, less experienced drivers (under 25) are more likely to get in accidents and file claims, so they often pay the most for car insurance.
Your car: The make and model of car you drive will affect your insurance rates. Luxury cars with expensive parts cost more to insure than a budget daily driver, and cars with certain safety features can get you a lower rate.
Your credit score: Drivers with poor credit scores may have more trouble finding affordable coverage than drivers with higher credit scores.
Your driving history: Recent accidents and driving violations will raise a red flag on your profile, while having a squeaky clean record can earn you extra savings.
Your insurance history: Recent claims on your record or gaps where you were uninsured will mean higher rates.
How to compare car insurance quotes
Auto insurance quotes are free — you don’t pay for anything until you actually get a policy — so it’s always worth it to get quotes from at least a few different insurance companies before you decide. Here’s how to comparison shop for car insurance:
1. Figure out how much coverage you need
Most drivers should get a full-coverage policy, which means one that includes comprehensive and collision coverage (that’s what covers damage to your own car).
Comprehensive and collision coverage both require that you choose a deductible amount, which is what you agree to pay out of pocket per-claim. Car insurance deductibles are usually set at $500 or $1,000 — the higher you set your deductible, the lower your rates will be. Just remember that you’ll actually have to pay that amount yourself if you need to use that coverage.
You’ll also need to choose liability coverage levels. That’s the part of your car insurance that covers the damage when you’re at fault in an accident. Liability coverage is the backbone of your car insurance policy, and we recommend setting high limits so you’ll be fully covered, even in a worst-case scenario. Here’s a good place to start:
Liability limits are usually written out with slashes, so those coverage amounts might be listed as 100/300/100 in your policy.
Remember, if you don’t have enough liability coverage, you’ll be on the hook for any medical bills or damage that exceeds your policy limits, and your assets (like your home or savings) could be at risk.
2. Set a budget
Once understand how different types of car insurance work and you know how much coverage you need, set a reasonable monthly or annual budget. Check out average rates for drivers in your area to get a sense of how much you’ll pay for the coverage you need.
Remember, factors like where you live, your age, your driving record, and your credit score can all affect your car insurance quotes. While your rates may be higher or lower than average, it’s still good to know what to expect so you can tell when quotes are too high.
3. Fill out an application
Because car insurance quotes are based on your personal information, there’s no way to get a reliable quote without sharing at least a little bit about yourself.
Companies use your personal details to calculate how much you’ll pay for car insurance, so before you sit down to shop, gather up the following information:
Names, birthdays and driver’s license numbers for everyone in your home who’s of driving age
Social Security numbers for all drivers in the household
VINs (Vehicle Information Numbers) or make and model years for every car you need to insure
Your address (you’ll have to list both where you live and where the car is garaged, which is usually the same place)
A little bit about your driving history, including recent accidents or violations
Your declarations page from your last or current car insurance policy, if you have it
Personal details, like whether or not you’re married, what your job is, and whether you rent or own your home
It’s important to be honest during the car insurance application process. If you change or omit any of your information, you won’t get accurate quotes, and you may wind up having to pay more once you get the actual policy.
4. Take a look at your quotes
Once you’ve gotten car insurance quotes from at least a few different companies, go through the offerings to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Are they all for the same term length — and do they all include the same add-ons?
Some insurance companies may show you quotes with multiple coverage tiers, often you’ll see a bare-bones one with low limits, a medium tier, and a premium option with endorsements already added.
Make sure you’re getting enough coverage to fully protect you in case of an accident, and nothing you don’t need. If you’re a member of AAA, for example, you don’t need to add roadside assistance to your car insurance policy too.
5. Choose a policy and get insured
Found the right option for you? Double check that it’s for the right coverage limits and term length, and that you understand what’s included in the policy.
Once you’re sure about your choice, sign your policy and set it to start the exact day you need it. Once you pay your first premium (sometimes referred to as a down payment), you’re good to go.
You’ll receive information about your new policy from the company, and you may also be invited to download and set-up a mobile app. Save any emails or letters you get at the start of your policy so you know exactly where to find information about it in case you need to file a claim later.
6. Cancel your old policy (if you have one)
As soon as your new policy is set up, you can cancel your old one. Canceling a car insurance policy is easy, and you can usually do it in one phone call (you may even be able to do it online). You don’t have to wait until the end of your policy term to cancel, you can do it at any time.
And if you paid your entire annual premium in-full at the start of the policy and you’re canceling early, you’ll probably be refunded for the months you didn’t use (minus any fees).
Just make sure to set your old coverage to end on the same day your new policy starts, so you don’t have a lapse in coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my car insurance rates go up?
Your rates may have gone up because you had an accident, filed a claim, or added a new driver to your policy. Sometimes, your rates may rise because of changes in the industry. Remember, if you’re not happy with the cost of your car insurance, it never hurts to shop around for new coverage.
Who has the cheapest car insurance?
Since auto insurance rates are so personalized, the cheapest car insurance company might be different for every driver. That’s why it’s so important to shop around and compare quotes from different companies before you settle on a policy.
What age does car insurance go down?
Younger, inexperienced drivers pay more for car insurance because they’re riskier to insure. But rates for teen drivers drop over time until age 25, as long as they avoid accidents.
Does getting a car insurance quote affect my credit?
When you apply for car insurance, insurance companies will do a “soft inquiry” into your credit, which won’t affect your credit score or show up when future lenders check your credit. Credit score does matter when it comes to car insurance, though, and drivers with poor credit will see higher rates.
Average savings on auto insurance: Savings are determined by calculating the average difference between the lowest and second lowest auto insurance policy estimates provided to shoppers with two or more estimates between 06/01/2020 and 05/18/2021. Potential savings are based on a composite of multiple different contracts and insurers. Not all policies in this calculation are available in all states, and availability may be based on eligibility. Savings may vary by policy amount and location.
