How to Ask an Auto Insurance Company for Quotes in 2024

Its easy to get a sample car insurance quote. Learn More.

Compare sample car insurance quotes to find the cheapest coverage available for you. Auto insurance companies look at multiple factors to determine rates, such as age, driving record, vehicle, coverage, and credit score.

However, each company looks at those factors differently. In addition, every auto insurance company charges different rates, so comparison shopping is a must.

When you compare quotes, be sure to look at coverages, discounts, and rates to find your best fit. Also, compare the same coverages and deductibles to get accurate quotes.

While you can go to each auto insurance company’s website to get quotes or use a broker, comparing multiple quotes at once is a breeze.

Enter your zip code into our auto insurance comparison tool above to find affordable auto insurance quotes.

What is an auto insurance quote?

An auto insurance quote is simply an estimate of the cost of car insurance for you. Every person receives a different quote, and each company offers different rates based on numerous factors, including the coverage type you need.

Auto insurance helps pay for damages related to a vehicle. These damages can stem from an accident or other situations where damage occurs, such as theft or vandalism. However, you must have an adequate insurance policy to cover damages.

Most states require drivers to carry at least the minimum amount of car insurance coverage. Minimum coverage generally includes liability coverage. 

Liability coverage pays for property damages or bodily injuries to others in an accident. However, this coverage does not pay for damages to your vehicle. For example, if you hit another car, liability coverage pays for damages to the other driver but not for you.

Take a look at the table below to see what the average rate is in your state.

U.S. Average Annual Liability Auto Insurance Rates by State

Mandatory liability insurance coverage levels are very low and usually inadequate to pay for the costs associated with even minor accidents. As a result, it is a good idea to purchase additional liability auto insurance if at all possible.

Collision and comprehensive coverages are not mandatory, but your insurance company won’t cover damages to your vehicle without them.

Collision coverage pays for damages to your car from an accident, such as hitting another vehicle or an object like a tree or fence.

Comprehensive insurance covers damages unrelated to an accident, such as fire, theft, and vandalism. Comprehensive also covers acts of nature, including floods, tornadoes, hail and animal damage.

Some states also require other coverages, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage protects you if a driver with inadequate or no insurance causes an accident.

Personal injury protection (PIP) helps pay for injuries related to an accident. PIP not only pays for medical costs, but it also pays for related costs such as lost wages and childcare.

Before you get an insurance quote, determine if the minimum amount of car insurance is enough to meet your needs. For example, drivers with newer or more expensive cars may need more coverage.

You should compare multiple quotes to find the most affordable car insurance available.

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How can you get a sample car insurance quote?

There are multiple ways you can get auto insurance quotes. However, you should never pay for a quote, no matter how you get it.

Every car insurance company offers quotes. While most provide online quotes, you can speak with customer service representatives to get a quote. Some companies also use local agents that can give you a quote.

However, you will have to go through the same process with every company. Getting quotes from every company is time-consuming, and you may miss great companies with low rates.

You could also consider using an insurance broker. Brokers take your information and shop for auto insurance for you. While you only have to give your information once, most brokers only work with a few insurance companies. So, you’ll only get quotes from those companies.

While this method saves time, you’ll have limited choices.

Finally, the easiest way to compare auto insurance quotes is to use an online comparison tool. Once you enter basic information — such as your ZIP code — you’ll receive multiple quotes. With a comparison website, you’ll save time and get various choices.

However, remember you’re only getting quotes, meaning actual rates may differ from your quoted rate. Once you find a company you like, it will determine your final rates.

You should compare car insurance quotes when your policy is up for renewal or when you have a major life event, like getting married. Shopping for auto insurance often allows you to keep rates low.

What information do you need to provide to get a sample car insurance quote?

Accurate auto insurance quotes require a lot of personal information. The more information a company has, the more precise the quote is. 

Information needed for an auto insurance quote includes:

• Age
• Gender
• Marital status
• Vehicle
• Mileage
• Driver’s license number
• ZIP code

You also need to provide the above information for each driver and vehicle on your policy. If you have a driver with a poor driving record, consider putting them on their own policy to get lower overall rates.

Don’t be surprised if your final rates are different than your quote. However, rates shouldn’t be drastically different unless your insurance company receives additional information.

Always be honest with your car insurance company. For example, don’t lie about your driving record. The company will pull your record and can refuse to offer you coverage if you lied. Be upfront about your situation to avoid complications down the road.

What factors affect auto insurance quotes?

The way car insurance rates get calculated may seem confusing, but insurers consider several factors when setting rates. Common factors used to determine rates include age, driving record, coverage, and credit score.

In addition, the type of car you drive and where you live affects rates. For example, if you drive a newer or more expensive car, it’s more costly to repair or replace if damaged. On the other hand, rates are lower for older vehicles since repairs are cheaper.

Where you live also affects auto insurance rates. Drivers who live in areas with a high crime rate or traffic volume pay higher rates since they are more likely to file a claim for theft or an accident.

In addition, how much time you spend on the road affects your rates. More time on the road equals a greater chance of being in an accident. Consider getting quotes for pay-per-mile insurance if you rarely drive to save money.

Let’s look at some of these factors to see how much your rates are influenced by each one.

Age, Gender, and Marital Status

Young drivers see higher car insurance rates since they lack experience and are more likely to be in an accident. In addition, female and married drivers have lower rates because they are less risky when driving.

Take a look at this table to see how much your age, gender, and marital status affect rates.

Young drivers pay considerably more than older drivers. In fact, 25-year-old drivers pay around $200 less a month than 17-year-old drivers. The good news is that rates go down as you gain experience.

Some states, such as California, don’t allow auto insurance companies to look at gender when determining rates.

Driving Record

One of the most significant factors that affect your auto insurance rates is your driving record because car insurance companies use your driving record to determine if you are a risky driver that will cost them money.

This table shows average annual rates from top insurance companies based on your driving record.

Drivers with accidents, tickets, and DUIs pay much higher rates than drivers with a clean record. In addition, if you have multiple infractions, your rates increase significantly.

Most infractions clear from your driving record in three to five years. So you won’t always be stuck with higher rates even if you have a less than perfect record now.

If you are in an accident, carefully consider filing a claim. Claims usually increase auto insurance rates, especially if you are at fault. It may be cheaper to pay for damages yourself and avoid higher car insurance rates for years.

Coverage

The amount of coverage you choose affects your rates, so higher coverage means increased rates since the auto insurance company is more likely to pay a claim.

This table shows average car insurance rates from top companies based on the coverage amount.

Although full coverage is more expensive, you won’t be left paying for repairs yourself. In addition, if you choose to skip collision and comprehensive coverages, your insurance company won’t cover damages to your vehicle.

Your deductible also affects rates. A higher deductible equals lower rates, but you will have to pay more out of pocket for damages.

Credit Score

It may surprise you that your credit score affects car insurance ratesIt may surprise you to learn that your credit score affects car insurance rates. Studies show that drivers with a higher credit score are more likely to avoid filing a claim and pay for damages themselves.

This table shows average rates from car insurance companies based on credit scores.

Drivers with poor credit pay around $165 a month more than drivers with good credit. In addition to auto insurance rates, improving your credit score also lowers rates for mortgages and car loans.

A few states, such as California, don’t allow insurance companies to consider credit scores when calculating rates.

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How can you get the cheapest auto insurance quotes?

Now that you know the factors used to calculate quotes we’ll look at ways to lower your rates.

• Improve your driving record. Obey traffic laws and practice safe driving to avoid tickets and accidents. Also, use a rideshare to avoid a DUI. 
• Increase your credit score. Make payments on time and carefully consider how you use credit to improve your scores.
• Consider your coverage. Determine if you can reduce coverage or increase deductibles to get lower rates. Also, remove extras like roadside assistance or rental car coverage to reduce costs.
• Add car insurance discounts. Insurance companies offer various discounts to lower rates based on the driver, vehicle, and policy. You can also bundle discounts for the most savings.
• Change your insurance. Consider pay-per-mile insurance, which offers lower rates by charging you for each mile driven. This type of insurance is excellent for low-mileage drivers.
• Shop around for insurance. Don’t just get one quote. Instead, compare multiple quotes to find the best deal for you.

Make improvements in all areas possible to get the lowest rates available. Since many of these factors change over time, like improving your credit score, shop for new insurance often.

Asking for Auto Insurance Company Quotes: The Bottom Line

It’s easy to get auto insurance quotes. Although you can get quotes from each company or through a broker, the easiest way to compare quotes is through a comparison website, such as this one.

You need to provide basic information such as your age, vehicle, driver’s license number, and ZIP code. You must also provide this information for each driver and car on your policy.

Insurers use many factors to determine your quoted rates, including your age, driving record, vehicle, coverage, and credit score.

Each auto insurance company looks at these factors differently and offers various rates — that’s why it’s essential to shop for coverage. Compare multiple companies to see who can provide you with the best coverage and rates.

For the best rates, compare quotes from a minimum of three companies before making a purchasing decision. Enter your zip code below into our auto insurance comparison tool to get a quote for auto insurance now.

Free Auto Insurance Comparison

Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption