How to Buy Auto Insurance [2023]
Most states require drivers to have car insurance, but finding the right coverage can be challenging. Learn which coverages you need and how to get free quotes.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jan 24, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance providers please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 24, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance providers please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Always shop around to make sure you get the best deal
- You can get free quotes from an insurance agent or an online comparison tool
- Cancel your old policy before you start a new one to avoid any extra charges
Are you in the market for car insurance and feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t worry. We’ve all been there at one point or another. Shopping around for auto insurance can be confusing, but if you understand what to look out for and the steps involved, it can be simpler than you think.
In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about how to get car insurance, from comparing quotes to understanding your policy. By the end, you should feel confident enough to find an insurer that works best for your needs. So let’s dive right in.
Gather Your Information
The first step in getting car insurance is gathering all of the necessary information you will need when comparing quotes.
So, what information do you need to get car insurance? You will need to provide details like:
- Your basic information, including your name, address, and phone number
- Your driver’s license number
- The make, model, and year of your car
- Your car’s Vehicle Information Number (VIN) and current mileage
- The registered owner’s name, previous insurance company (if any), coverage limits, and expiration date
- The history of the drivers covered by the policy, including any traffic violations, at-fault accidents, and driving courses each driver completed
- The purchase date of the vehicle
- The intended use of the vehicle
Auto insurance companies do background checks, and they use this information to evaluate your driving history and review any associated records to determine the policy’s payable rates or overall cost.
One factor in calculating this cost is the kind of car that you drive. For instance, new cars tend to come with higher rates than older models.
Also, if you frequently use your vehicle for long commutes, this will likely be considered when working out your rates.
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Pick the Coverage You Want
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, it’s time to start shopping around for the coverage you need. There are several types of auto insurance policies, each with features and benefits that may suit your specific needs. Here are some of the most common types of insurance:
Liability Car Insurance
Liability car insurance coverage will cover losses you are legally responsible for when you are at fault in an accident. When your car is in an accident, liability coverage pays for the property damage and/or injuries sustained by the other driver, their passengers, pedestrians, and anyone else involved.
Liability auto insurance features two main types of coverage:
- Bodily injury liability
- Property damage liability
Body injury liability pays for medical bills for any injuries you are responsible for in an accident.
Property damage liability covers damages to a third party’s property due to an accident that you cause.
It’s important to note that your liability car insurance does not cover damage to your vehicle or injuries you sustain in an accident you cause.
You are required to carry a minimum amount of liability auto insurance in most states, except for New Hampshire and Virginia.
In California, for example, the minimum liability auto insurance requirements are 15/30/5. This means that you must have a minimum of the following:
- $15,000 for injury/death to one person
- $30,000 for total injuries/deaths per accident
- $5,000 in property damage
It’s worth noting that these limits are only the minimum requirements. It’s in your best interest to purchase more coverage than required by law.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
A study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) found that 12.6% of drivers in the U.S. do not have insurance. Uninsured motorist insurance (UM) is an optional type of car insurance that covers medical and property expenses if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.
Underinsured motorist insurance (UIM) will cover the additional costs if the other driver has liability insurance, but it’s not enough to cover the damages. Although it’s not a requirement in every state, uninsured motorist coverage is something every driver should have.
Collision and Comprehensive Insurance
When it comes to the difference between collision and comprehensive insurance, you need to understand that, although they are similar, they are not the same thing. These are the two main types of physical damage coverage, and many purchase them together.
- Collision auto insurance. This policy covers vehicle damage caused by a collision with another vehicle or an object (such as a tree). Collision insurance is usually required if you have a loan or lease on your car, but even if you own your car outright, it may be a good idea to have it.
- Comprehensive auto insurance. This policy covers damage to your vehicle that does not result from a collision with another vehicle or object. This includes damage caused by theft, vandalism, weather events (such as hail or floods), fire, animals, and other non-collision-related incidents.
Most lenders will not release the title if you are financing or leasing a vehicle until you provide proof of both types of coverage.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal injury protection (PIP) covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who is at fault in an accident. The states of Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, and Utah currently require PIP coverage.
This insurance will cover medical costs for the insured driver, passengers, and pedestrians injured in a car accident. Basic coverage typically includes:
- Hospital bills
- Doctor visits
- Ambulance fees
- Childcare
- Lost wages
Check out our best personal injury protection coverage guide if you are in the market for PIP insurance.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
Medical payments coverage, also known as MedPay, is a type of auto insurance coverage that provides you and your passengers with an additional layer of protection in the event of an auto accident.
If you choose this type of coverage, your MedPay policy will cover any medical expenses incurred regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Typically available in increments ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, this is an excellent option if you desire additional security.
Although Maine and New Hampshire are the only states requiring drivers to carry this coverage, it can be purchased in most states as an optional add-on.
Optional Coverage Types
In addition to the coverage types discussed above, several other optional coverages may be advantageous, depending on your specific situation. These include:
- Rental reimbursement coverage. This policy covers the cost of renting a vehicle while yours is being repaired or replaced due to an accident.
- Roadside assistance coverage. This policy provides access to towing, jump-starting, tire changes, and other services if you experience a mechanical breakdown or other emergencies while away from home.
- Gap insurance. Gap insurance pays the difference between what you owe on your vehicle and its current market value if it is stolen or totaled in an accident.
While add-on coverages will raise your car insurance rates, they can also save you a lot of money on out-of-pocket costs if something happens to your vehicle.
Get Quotes
The next step is to get quotes from a few different insurance companies so that you can compare coverage options and prices. Make sure that you read the fine print on each policy to understand what is covered, what’s not, and how much you will be paying. You have a couple of options for getting quotes:
- Get quotes online. You can get multiple free quotes online through insurance comparison sites. This will allow you to compare quotes from different insurers and find the best auto insurance rates. Make sure you compare apples to apples by entering the same information for each quote.
- Insurance agents. Many insurance agents will be happy to provide you with a quote if you give them basic information about your car and driving history.
Many people appreciate the convenience of getting quotes online, while others prefer to speak to someone in case they have questions.
Compare Companies
Once you have quotes from several companies, it’s time to compare them. Look at the coverage options, deductibles, and discounts each company offers.
Also, consider customer service ratings, which you can find from various sources, like the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and Better Business Bureau (BBB). It may seem like the most affordable option is always the best choice, but doing some extra research can help you make an informed decision.
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Buy the New Policy and Cancel Your Old Policy
After finding the right policy for your needs and budget, fill out an application online or over the phone with an agent. Once approved, pay your rates upfront or set up a recurring payment plan (monthly, semi-annually, annually, etc.) that fits your budget.
After you’ve purchased a new policy, it’s time to cancel the old one. You may be charged additional fees if you do not cancel your old policy immediately after purchasing the new one, so don’t put it off too long.
Contact the insurance company directly by phone or email to request a cancellation. If applicable, provide them with proof of payment for the new auto policy. Before you cancel, you should also find out if you can get a refund for unused premiums. Depending on when you cancel your policy, your current insurer may owe you some money.
Final Thoughts on How to Get Car Insurance
Car insurance is a legal requirement in most states. While the exact coverage you’ll need varies from state to state, getting car insurance is crucial to owning a vehicle. We hope this step-by-step guide clarifies some things about auto insurance shopping. Remember to take your time when shopping around to find the right policy.
Do your research, compare quotes from different insurers, read through any policy details before signing up, and look for good customer service reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get car insurance instantly?
Yes, you can get car insurance instantly in some cases. Some insurers offer immediate coverage and can provide you with a proof of insurance document, while others may take a few days to process your application.
Is it good to shop around for car insurance?
It’s always a good idea to shop around for car insurance. Comparing quotes between different insurance companies can help you find the best coverage and price for your needs. You can also find discounts or special offers that can help you save money.
What do you need to get car insurance?
You will need your driver’s license, the make and model of your vehicle, and proof of past insurance coverage when applying for car insurance. You will also need to provide information about your driving history and any prior accidents or tickets.
When does your new car insurance policy become active?
Your new car insurance policy will become active as soon as you make your first payment and the insurer has processed your application. Generally, this can take a few days. However, some insurers may be able to provide instant coverage.
Compare Insurance Providers Rates to Save Up to 75%
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.