How long does it take to compare auto insurance quotes?
Get auto insurance quotes fast by (1) having your documents ready, (2) knowing the coverage you need, and (3) using third-party tools to find the best deal.
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Scott W. Johnson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Scott W Johnson is an independent insurance agent in California. Principal Broker and founder of Marindependent Insurance Services, Scott brings over 25 years of experience to his clients. His Five President’s Council awards prove he uses all he learned at Avocet, Sprint Nextel, and Farmers Insurance to the benefit of his clients. Scott quickly grasped the unique insurance requirements of his...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 4, 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: Sep 4, 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
There are many factors to consider such as the state of residence and the auto insurance companies that are being researched.
States have certain regulations for drivers to adhere to on what an automobile insurance policy should include.
The larger auto insurance companies are mainly nationally recognized while smaller insurance companies are only available for certain designated states.
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- Acquiring an insurance quote can be a simple, fast process
- You will need to provide vehicle information and driving history for an insurance quote
- Find out what kind of discounts you can qualify for such as good driver and good grades
Acquiring a Quote
Almost all auto insurance company sites have a feature that generates quotes embedded in their page.
This feature usually requires information such as state, zip code, and type of auto insurance to start the quote.
Sometimes when the process is initiated, an agent will call and walk you through the process. Quotes are affected by whether you have violations such as points on your driver’s license or accidents within the past few years.
The agent can also mirror the insurance coverage you previously had from another company to theirs.
To save time, you can call an agent directly since most insurance companies offer a customer service line on their website. Companies are always looking for customers, and agents are usually readily available.
Most insurance quotes are free and require no cost from you and the whole process can take up to an estimated time of 2-3 hours.
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Coverage and Additional Plans
Basic coverage usually includes bodily injury liability, property damage liability, personal injury protection, and the deductibles for collisions.
Keep in mind that even though higher deductibles lower your payment, it also means more money out of your pocket when an accident occurs.
Full coverage goes above state minimum auto insurance requirements and can include uninsured motorist coverage and medical payments.
Certain insurance companies have a variety of benefit drivers can choose from.
For example, Allstate offers a Towing and Labor Costs Coverage designed to reimburse you for roadside expenses and a Rental Reimbursement Coverage that pays you back for the cost of renting a car.
An insurance agent will most likely call to walk you through the process and explain to you the different types of coverage, any additional plans you would like on your policy, and if you qualify for any discounts or savings.
For example, State Farm offers discounts such as Accident-Free Discount, Multiple Vehicle Discount and Good Student Discount.
Switching Insurance Companies
Drivers usually want to find the best deal when shopping for insurance quotes. Factors like cheaper premium, better coverage or customer satisfaction are why some drivers will switch car insurance companies.
However, keep in mind that most policies are typically issued for six months to a year. Changing from one company to the other may put you at risk for penalties.
Your new insurance company can provide you with a cancellation form to send over to the former insurer that notifies them the start date of your new policy and to terminate your current one as of that date.
Documentation
In order to obtain a new policy, certain documents and personal information such as your social security is requested.
Be sure to have the following in hand:
- Driver’s License
- Car registration information
- License plate number
- Documentation of your current policy which includes the coverage and terms
- Payment form (either a blank check or credit card for billing purposes)
- Loan information (institution your vehicle is financed through)
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Inspection Requirement
Some car insurance companies will also ask you to take your vehicle into a car shop or rental place to get a certification inspection done.
Insurers do this in order to reduce accidents that happen due to poorly maintained vehicles.
Inspections are also performed to prevent car insurance fraud. Usually, brand new cars do not require an inspection.
It’s important to know whether you need a car inspection done since this can greatly impact the cost and coverage of your car insurance. Inspections are usually free of cost to the costumers.
Paperwork and Insurance Cards
Once you have made your final decision and settled for an auto insurance company, paperwork such as contracts and agreements need to be signed to finalize the process.
A package will also be delivered that has the copies of these documents along with your new insurance cards; this can take up to seven business days.
Comparing auto insurance quotes is more than just about price. It’s also about coverage, customer service, and additional benefits an insurer carries.
Take time to analyze the company’s values as well as your needs. Acquiring a quote can be fast and easy, but it’s beneficial to you as a driver to know what those quotes entail.
Just keep in mind that safety and coverage should be followed first before settling for a cost. Find cheap auto insurance with our FREE comparison tool!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to compare auto insurance quotes?
The time required to compare auto insurance quotes can vary depending on the individual and their specific needs. On average, it may take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more to compare quotes from different insurance providers.
The duration can be influenced by factors such as the number of quotes you want to review, the complexity of your insurance requirements, and the ease of accessing quotes online or through an agent.
What information do I need to provide when comparing auto insurance quotes?
When comparing auto insurance quotes, you will typically need to provide information such as your vehicle details (make, model, year), your personal information (name, address, age), your driving history, and details about your desired coverage levels. Having this information readily available can help streamline the process and ensure accurate quotes.
Should I compare quotes from multiple insurance providers?
Yes, comparing quotes from multiple insurance providers is highly recommended. Each insurer has its own pricing structure, coverage options, and discounts, so obtaining quotes from several companies allows you to compare and find the best coverage at the most competitive price. By doing so, you can potentially save a significant amount of money on your auto insurance premiums.
Are online quote comparison tools reliable?
Online quote comparison tools can be a convenient and reliable way to compare auto insurance quotes. These tools use algorithms to provide you with quotes based on the information you provide. However, it’s important to note that the accuracy of the quotes depends on the accuracy of the information you input.
Additionally, some insurance providers may not be included in certain comparison tools, so it’s a good idea to complement your online research with direct quotes from specific companies if needed.
What are the pros and cons of comparing auto insurance quotes?
Pros:
- Potential cost savings: By comparing quotes, you can find the best coverage at a more affordable price.
- Customization options: Comparing quotes allows you to tailor your coverage to your specific needs and budget.
- Access to different insurers: It gives you the opportunity to explore options from various insurance providers, enabling you to choose the one that suits you best.
Cons:
- Time-consuming: The process of gathering and comparing quotes can take some time, particularly if you’re researching multiple providers.
- Potential for information overload: With numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to review and analyze all the quotes, coverage details, and policy terms.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Scott W. Johnson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Scott W Johnson is an independent insurance agent in California. Principal Broker and founder of Marindependent Insurance Services, Scott brings over 25 years of experience to his clients. His Five President’s Council awards prove he uses all he learned at Avocet, Sprint Nextel, and Farmers Insurance to the benefit of his clients. Scott quickly grasped the unique insurance requirements of his...
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.