When looking for car insurance quotes, you may get a lot of advice on which company to use and what coverage to get.
Comparing quotes from various insurers is one of the most effective ways to save money. And it’s not a lengthy procedure. You can find the best car insurance rates and the right policy for you with little effort.
How Do I Get Free Car Insurance Quotes?
Here are two methods for obtaining free car insurance quotes:
- Online. Many car insurance companies provide free online car insurance quotes. You can compare insurance quotes by visiting the websites of various insurance companies. Use a website that provides quotes from multiple companies to save time.
- Over the phone or in person. Speak with or visit a local insurance agent who can assist you in locating low-cost car insurance options and obtaining a car insurance quote.
Insurance agents are classified into two types:
- A “captive” agent works for a single insurance company and can only provide you with quotes from that company.
- An “independent” insurance agent can sell policies from multiple insurers and obtain quotes from various insurers.
Both approaches have advantages, and there is no law prohibiting you from contacting multiple insurance agents. It doesn’t hurt to get online quotes as well as speak with an agent who can help you identify your coverage needs and tailor the best policy for you.
What Information Do I Need to Get Auto Insurance Quotes?
It is helpful to have the following information on hand to make the process go as smoothly as possible:
License to drive. If you have any other drivers in your household, you will also need their driver’s license information.
Identification number for a vehicle (VIN). Your VIN is usually located on the driver’s side dashboard or on a sticker in the driver’s side door or door jamb. If you haven’t bought the vehicle yet but know what you want, ask the seller for the VIN. If you haven’t decided on a vehicle yet, you can usually get a quote based on the make and model.
Mileage. Have the odometer reading handy if you own the car.
How much coverage do you require?
What Is the Cheapest Car Insurance?
According to our analysis of the best cheap car insurance quotes nationwide, USAA has the cheapest car insurance quotes on average. However, USAA auto insurance is only available to active military personnel, veterans, and their families.
If you do not qualify for a policy through USAA, we discovered that Erie, Geico, and State Farm offer competitive rates based on national averages. It’s still a good idea to get multiple quotes because the cheapest car insurance companies can vary depending on your state, driving record, and other factors.
Compare Car Insurance Rates by State
| State | Average annual cost of car insurance for good drivers |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,546 |
| Alaska | $1,325 |
| Arizona | $1,731 |
| Arkansas | $1,803 |
| California | $2,466 |
| Colorado | $2,034 |
| Connecticut | $1,463 |
| Delaware | $1,767 |
| District of Columbia | $1,574 |
| Florida | $3,158 |
| Georgia | $1,683 |
| Hawaii | $1,157 |
| Idaho | $1,171 |
| Illinois | $1,693 |
| Indiana | $1,296 |
| Iowa | $1,243 |
| Kansas | $1,940 |
| Kentucky | $2,233 |
| Louisiana | $3,544 |
| Maine | $1,022 |
| Maryland | $1,790 |
| Massachusetts | $1,836 |
| Michigan | $2,470 |
| Minnesota | $1,686 |
| Mississippi | $1,655 |
| Missouri | $1,834 |
| Montana | $1,501 |
| Nebraska | $1,718 |
| Nevada | $2,176 |
| New Hampshire | $1,066 |
| New Jersey | $2,332 |
| New Mexico | $1,692 |
| New York | $1,780 |
| North Carolina | $1,275 |
| North Dakota | $1,372 |
| Ohio | $1,171 |
| Oklahoma | $1,840 |
| Oregon | $1,543 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,790 |
| Rhode Island | $1,934 |
| South Carolina | $2,025 |
| South Dakota | $1,889 |
| Tennessee | $1,323 |
| Texas | $1,574 |
| Utah | $1,514 |
| Vermont | $1,174 |
| Virginia | $1,220 |
| Washington | $1,427 |
| West Virginia | $1,582 |
| Wisconsin | $1,299 |
| Wyoming | $1,452 |
