Free Car Insurance Comparison

Car insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company that helps pay for injuries and property damage after a covered auto accident. In exchange for regular premium payments, the insurer agrees to cover certain losses up to your policy limits.

🛡️You should buy car insurance because it protects your finances, your vehicle, and your health. The right policy can help cover repair costs, medical bills, and damages caused by an uninsured driver. It also gives you peace of mind knowing you’re protected every time you’re on the road.

Most states require at least a minimum amount of car insurance, usually liability coverage, to legally drive. Without auto insurance, you’d have to pay all accident costs out of pocket, which can be very expensive. Car insurance can also cover your own vehicle, medical bills, and provide protection if an uninsured driver hits you.

The most common type of car insurance is liability coverage, which pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident. Many drivers also choose collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, and medical payments or personal injury protection.

🚘Some policies include optional coverages like rental reimbursement, roadside assistance, and gap insurance for cars that are financed or leased.

Picking the right mix of coverages helps protect both your car and your finances, not just meet the minimum insurance requirements. You can also compare free quotes online in 2 minutes or less to find the best car insurance coverage and rates for your needs.

How much car insurance you need depends on your state insurance requirements, the value of your car, and your personal finances.

🏛️At a minimum, you must carry the liability limits your state requires, but many drivers choose higher limits for better protection.

If you own a newer or more expensive vehicle, you may want full coverage car insurance, which usually includes collision and comprehensive. Read More: Do I need full coverage if I have a car loan? If you have significant savings or a home, higher liability limits can protect your assets if you’re sued after an accident.

Experts recommend buying as much liability coverage as you can afford, then adding optional coverages based on your budget and risk tolerance. A quick quote comparison can help you see which coverage limits fit your budget and comfort level.

Collision coverage helps pay to repair or replace your car if it is damaged in a crash, no matter who is at fault. If you hit another car or a guardrail, collision insurance can cover the damage after you pay your deductible.

🌳Comprehensive coverage, sometimes called “other than collision” (OTC) coverage, helps pay for non-crash damage such as theft, vandalism, hail, fire, or hitting an animal. If a tree branch falls on your parked car, comprehensive coverage is the one that applies.

Many drivers carry both collision and comprehensive as part of a full coverage auto insurance policy, especially for newer vehicles or cars with loans.

Car insurance companies review several details when setting your premium. Common factors include your driving record, age, location, vehicle type, annual mileage, and whether you have prior insurance. Learn More: Do all car insurance companies check your driving record?

📊Insurers may also look at your coverage limits, deductibles, and any available discounts for safe driving, bundling home and auto insurance, or having safety features on your vehicle. In some states, credit-based insurance scores can also influence your rate.

Since each company weighs these factors differently, comparing car insurance quotes from multiple insurers is one of the best ways to find a lower price.

In most cases, getting car insurance quotes does not hurt your credit score. When insurers use your information, they typically perform a soft inquiry, which is different from the hard inquiries used for loans or credit cards. Learn More: Best Car Insurance Without a Credit Check

💳A soft inquiry doesn’t lower your credit score. It simply helps the insurer estimate your risk and determine your auto insurance rate if your state allows credit-based pricing.

You can always ask an insurer how they use credit information before you decide to buy, especially if you’re concerned about how it may affect your finances.

💰You can often lower your car insurance premiums by choosing higher deductibles, asking about discounts, and keeping a clean driving record. Driving fewer miles, completing a defensive driving course, or installing safety devices may also help reduce your rate. Read More: Defensive Driver Car Insurance Discounts

Shopping around regularly is another effective way to save, since each auto insurance company prices risk differently. The cheapest car insurance company for one driver is not always the cheapest for another.

If you want to check whether you are overpaying, a quick ZIP code search can show how your current rate compares to other offers.

📈Your car insurance rates may go up after an at-fault accident because insurers see you as a higher risk. The amount of the increase depends on the severity of the claim, your driving history, and your insurance company’s rating rules.

Some insurers have accident forgiveness, which means your first qualifying accident may not raise your rates, especially if you’ve been claim-free for several years.

Even if your rate increases, it can still be worth filing a claim for large losses, since paying major repair costs out of pocket can be much more expensive. Check out our ranking: Cheapest Car Insurance Providers After an At-Fault Accident

🚧Yes, you can usually get car insurance even with accidents, tickets, or a DUI on your record, although your premiums will likely be higher. Some insurers specialize in high-risk or non-standard auto insurance and may be more willing to offer you a policy.

You might be required to carry FR-44 or SR-22 insurance, which is a form the insurer submits to your state to prove you have the required coverage. Over time, as violations fall off your record, your rates can improve.

If you want to see which companies are more forgiving of your driving history, our quote comparison tool can show options that may work for you.

The best way to shop for car insurance is to compare quotes from several companies using the same coverage limits and deductibles. This lets you compare apples to apples and see which insurer offers the best value.

⭐It also helps to read customer reviews, check financial strength ratings, and consider customer service, not just the lowest price. A slightly higher premium can be worth it if it comes with better claims handling.

Our quote comparison tool makes the process easier by showing multiple auto insurance rates in one place instead of visiting each company separately.

🕒We suggest comparing car insurance quotes every six months, at policy renewal, and after a major life change. Buying a new car, moving, adding a teen driver, or a change in your credit or driving record can all affect your rate.

Even if nothing big has changed, auto insurance companies sometimes update their pricing, which means a new insurer could be cheaper than your current one. Learn More: How often should you check car insurance quotes?

Haven’t checked your rates in a while? See if you’re still getting a good deal by entering your ZIP code and comparing current quotes.

💻Checking car insurance quotes online is usually faster and more convenient, especially if you want to compare multiple companies at once. You can enter your information once, review different coverage options, and see estimates without scheduling appointments.

Some people still prefer talking to a local agent in person, especially if they have complex insurance needs or want personalized advice. You can use online quotes to narrow your choices, then speak with an agent if you want extra guidance.

If you want a quick starting point, our free online quote tool lets you compare car insurance prices from several insurers.