How to Compare Auto Insurance in 2024
If you're looking at auto insurance companies, consider, (1) the coverage offered, (2) their customer service, and (3) their financial ratings.
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Ty Stewart
Licensed Insurance Agent
Ty Stewart is the founder and CEO of SimpleLifeInsure.com. He started researching and studying about insurance when he got his first policy for his own family. He has been featured as an insurance expert speaker at agent conventions and in top publications. As an independent licensed insurance agent, he has helped clients nationwide to secure affordable coverage while making the process simpl...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Feb 14, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page 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: Feb 14, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Liability only is required as a minimum in 49 of the state auto insurance laws with New Hampshire being the exception
- Drivers under the age of 25 are considered high risk
- Your driving history can affect your monthly premiums
The information that follows will help you decide on what type of auto insurance you need. You will also learn how to best compare rates between the many auto insurance companies that exist.
Finally, you will be given resources to help evaluate the customer service of your prospective insurers.
Start your search for the best auto insurance rates by entering your zip code above!
What coverage do I need?
Before you start shopping, you may first want to decide what the best coverage options for you and your family will be.
This depends greatly on the number of drivers in your household, the number of vehicles and the age of the drivers.
Liability only is required as a minimum in 49 of the state auto insurance laws, with New Hampshire is the exception.
Some state laws require more and if you have a lien chances are collision and comprehensive are must-haves.
An independent insurance agent is usually a good place to start in this situation. They are experienced in working with consumers to find the best coverage for each individual situation.
Independent insurance agents also work with several insurance carriers. Their goal is to find you the best rate, rather than selling a designated product for a designated price.
The insurance agent will determine where you can save money and what coverage options you need.
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How do I compare auto insurance rates?
When comparing rates, you will want to make sure that the comparisons are equal.
The standard insurance package quotes that one agent gives may vary. You will want to ensure that the coverage is similar between quotes.
Don’t be afraid to ask an agent for advice on what coverage you need. Remember, you should be checking with several agents to find the best quote.
If you are considered a high-risk driver, you may want to look at an insurance company that specializes in non-standard auto insurance.
High risk is primarily determined by your age and driving history.
When drivers are under the age of 25, this is deemed high risk by the insurance companies. If you have drivers in your household that are under 25, you may want to look for alternative options if the quotes you are receiving seem too high.
Driving history will generally go back three years. If you have no violations in the last three years, you should be deemed as a safe driver by the insurance companies.
If you have several violations, you may benefit from looking at non-standard auto insurance.
These companies specialize in offering more affordable insurance to drivers who are considered high risk.
How do I compare customer service?
You can do an online search for an insurance company or agency to find auto insurance company reviews. You will want to see if there are any negative reviews and what they say.
If there are several reviews stating that the company is not covering what they should be, that is an indication that this is not the best company to go forward with.
The Better Business Bureau is another place to check to see if the agency has had frequent unresolved complaints.
You should check out the following things:
- Payment options – This depends on your preferences and what is important to you. Some companies offer various payment arrangements including lump sum, quarterly or monthly
- Electronic and online options – You may even save money by having them deduct the money automatically from your bank account. Others will have the option to go directly to the website and pay with an electronic check or a credit card. If you intend to make your bill payments online, check to see if there is a fee involved
- Easy access – Another important aspect of customer service is having access to a representative when you need one. Some carriers offer around the clock service online or over the telephone. This gives you the convenient option to file your auto insurance claim online or call a toll-free number for assistance at any time of the day
Anything else I should look for?
You do want to make sure that your insurer is financially strong enough to pay your claims.
Check the AM Best rating system to check on the company’s financial strength. An independent insurance agency may not always be listed under this rating system, but it is always worth checking out.
If the agency is not listed on AM Best, the insurance carrier that you end up going with should be listed.
Compare a slew of free auto insurance quotes by entering your zip code below!
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to provide personal information to get an auto insurance quote?
Yes, when requesting an auto insurance quote, you’ll typically need to provide some personal information, such as your name, address, date of birth, and details about your driving history. This information helps insurance companies assess the risk profile and provide accurate quotes.
Can I bundle my auto insurance with other types of insurance?
Yes, many insurance companies offer bundling options, allowing you to combine your auto insurance with other policies like home insurance, renters insurance, or life insurance. Bundling often comes with discounts and convenience of managing multiple policies with one insurer.
Do auto insurance rates vary by state?
Yes, auto insurance rates can vary significantly from state to state. Each state has its own insurance regulations, minimum coverage requirements, and risk factors that influence premiums. Factors such as population density, traffic conditions, and local laws can impact rates.
Can I get discounts on auto insurance?
Yes, many insurance companies offer various discounts that can help lower your premiums. These discounts may include safe driver discounts, multi-policy discounts, good student discounts, low mileage discounts, and more. Be sure to inquire about available discounts when comparing insurance quotes.
What factors affect auto insurance premiums?
Several factors can influence your auto insurance premiums, including your driving record, age, location, type of vehicle, annual mileage, and coverage limits. Insurance companies assess these factors to determine the level of risk you pose as a driver.
What coverage do I need?
The coverage you need depends on factors like the number of drivers, vehicles, and their ages. In most states, liability coverage is the minimum requirement, but additional coverage like collision and comprehensive may be necessary if you have a lien on your vehicle or if state laws mandate it. Consulting an independent insurance agent is a good starting point to determine the best coverage options for your situation.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Ty Stewart
Licensed Insurance Agent
Ty Stewart is the founder and CEO of SimpleLifeInsure.com. He started researching and studying about insurance when he got his first policy for his own family. He has been featured as an insurance expert speaker at agent conventions and in top publications. As an independent licensed insurance agent, he has helped clients nationwide to secure affordable coverage while making the process simpl...
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.