Where to Get an Instant Auto Insurance Estimate in 2024 (Follow These Steps)
You can get an instant auto insurance estimate by using an online car insurance comparison tool to see multiple companies' rates simultaneously. Minimum auto insurance averages $45/mo in the U.S., but comparison shopping estimates will help customers get the best deal on auto insurance coverage.
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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...
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UPDATED: Sep 16, 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 16, 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.
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Not sure where to get an instant auto insurance estimate? Quote comparison websites make it simple to get multiple auto insurance quotes from companies quickly.
When examining car insurance quotes, it is necessary to make certain that you’re comparing the same coverage, vehicles, and circumstances, and quote comparison sites make that simple.
Be sure to use the free comparison tool at the top of this page to compare auto insurance quotes instantly. Enter your ZIP code to get started.
- You can use a quote comparison website to get instant auto insurance estimates
- You’ll need relevant information, such as your vehicle and driver information
- Make sure to consider the company’s reputation, price, and coverage
Process of Getting Instant Auto Insurance Estimates
Quick, if not exactly instant, car insurance estimates are available online (Learn More: How to Get Free Online Auto Insurance Quotes). They’re called estimates because insurance companies have to complete investigative reports such as credit checks, driver’s licenses and record examinations, and database searches before actually binding coverage and issuing a policy. Here is the process for getting a car insurance quote estimate.
Collect Relevant Information
Make sure you have the necessary information on hand to get an auto insurance estimate. Generally, you’ll need the following:
- Full names, dates of birth, and drivers’ license numbers for everyone who drives your automobiles.
- Driving records for each driver – include any violations.
- List of automobile insurance claims you have had in the last five years, along with an estimate of the amount paid by the insurance company.
- Make and model of all the vehicles you own; you will need the Vehicle Identification Numbers for each vehicle to get a policy issued.
- Insurance coverage you desire on your vehicles. A copy of your insurance policy will help you determine what limits you have been carrying.
Having this information on hand will make the process of getting a vehicle insurance estimate much quicker.
Choose A Reputable Website
Groups of advertisements for insurance companies will appear on your screen with a great many names available. Look in the list of available companies until you find a listing for websites that do not include an individual insurance company.
Choosing a website that is not directly related to a particular insurance company will expedite the process of obtaining estimates for your insurance because these websites do not require entering your information two or three times.Brandon Frady Licensed Insurance Producer
Enter the information as required in the application presented on the website. Be sure to answer all the questions carefully because the software will not accept the information unless it is complete.
For the sake of security, even though the websites are technically secure, as a practice do not enter your Social Security Number until you make the decision to purchase the insurance.
Receive Instant Auto Insurance Estimates
In some cases, you will get quotations on prices from two or three companies that write insurance in your state.
Often, though, you will be presented with a quotation from one insurance company with the option of choosing other companies for second and third quotes.
Most sites have a method of entering a username and password to recover the quote later. If you have a printer available, it is wise to print out a copy of the quote for later reference.
When choosing a company, examine the company’s reputation on an independent insurance review website and ask your friends and family about the insurance company (Learn More: How to Check if an Auto Insurance Company Is Legitimate).
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What to Consider When Comparing Insurance Estimates
When examining insurance quotes, it is necessary to make certain that you’re comparing the same coverage, vehicles, and circumstances. This is one reason why printing the quotes will help since you can run a line-item comparison.
Some companies offer variations in coverage automatically.
Things such as towing and labor, rental car reimbursement coverage, disappearing deductibles, and deductibles applying to glass only can be included. Examine the coverage offered carefully to make certain the comparison is exact.
Auto Insurance Price Comparisons
Doesn’t it strike you as a wise thing to compare prices for insurance at least on a yearly basis?
Statistics indicate that the average person will pay roughly $84,000 over their lifetime in insurance premiums.
This is about two-thirds of the cost of a house. The yearly anniversary of your insurance policies is an excellent time to examine and compare costs. For an idea of how much auto insurance costs, see average rates at popular companies below.
Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Coverage Level
Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
---|---|---|
$61 | $160 | |
$44 | $117 | |
$53 | $139 | |
$30 | $80 | |
$68 | $174 | |
$44 | $115 | |
$39 | $105 | |
$33 | $86 | |
$37 | $99 | |
U.S. Average | $45 | $119 |
Rates vary from company to company for statistical reasons related to cost of losses, operating costs, and profit margins. Comparing costs can make a substantial difference in your yearly premiums.
Auto Insurance Limits and Coverage
States require a certain limit of liability coverage to drive in the state legally. This is true in all fifty states, although liability insurance amounts will vary.
In most states, the required coverages are:
- Bodily Injury Liability: Covers your legal responsibility for an accident that hurts others.
- Property Damage Liability: Covers your legal responsibility for an accident that damages the property of others.
Some states may also require medical payments, which allows immediate medical payments for auto accident-related expenses. Lenders will also require leased vehicle owners to carry comprehensive and collision insurance for a full coverage policy.
If you are in the process of checking estimates for car insurance, take a bit of extra time and look at the difference in price among levels of liability and full coverage policies.
Recommended Auto Insurance Coverage
Even though the legal limits of liability are relatively low, it is recommended that you carry higher limits. In an accident, for example, you may have bodily injury insurance limited to $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Learn More: What are the recommended auto insurance coverage levels?
If you are at fault for an accident that injures, for example, four people and they sustain a great many injuries, you may end up having to pay for the amount that is not covered as well as attorney’s fees and court costs. Injuries to four persons at $25,000 each can cost $100,000.
The policy then leaves you responsible individually for $50,000 of that cost. The following limits are recommended by most insurance agents considering the rising costs of medical care and property damage:
- Bodily Injury: $100,000 per person up to $300,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $50,000 per accident ($100,000 is feasible, considering the cost of cars now)
If you are in the process of checking estimates for car insurance, take a bit of extra time and look at the difference in price among levels of liability.
Some websites will calculate this for you at the time of your quote. You will find that additional liability coverage is not that much more expensive and offers you significantly more protection.
Purchasing Auto Insurance Online After Estimates
Getting instant auto insurance estimates is simple when using a quote comparison tool. Once you’ve decided on an insurance company and premium, arrange to complete the application and buy auto insurance online instantly.
The company will require a down payment. The company will process credit checks, driver’s license verification, and claims history electronically. Electronic signatures make it possible to put the policy in force in a short amount of time. A copy of the policy and proof of insurance can be e-mailed to you so you may print it out.
To protect yourself, examine the company’s reputation through A.M. Best and ask your friends and family about the insurance company. Your local Better Business Bureau can be consulted online.
Always compare quotes before purchasing. Comparison tools such as the one below are the simplest ways to get fast results. Enter your ZIP code to start comparing quotes for free now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an instant auto insurance estimate?
An instant auto insurance estimate is a quick and approximate calculation of the potential cost of an auto insurance policy based on the information provided by the individual seeking coverage. It gives you an idea of how much you might expect to pay for insurance coverage.
Why would I need an instant auto insurance estimate?
Instant auto insurance estimates are helpful when you’re in the process of shopping for car insurance or considering switching providers. They allow you to compare prices and coverage options from different insurance companies, enabling you to make an informed decision about which policy best suits your needs.
What information do I need to provide to get an accurate instant auto insurance estimate?
To receive an accurate instant auto insurance estimate, you typically need to provide the following information as its harder to get an auto insurance estimate without giving personal information:
- Your personal details (name, address, date of birth)
- Vehicle information (make, model, year, VIN)
- Driving history (including any accidents or traffic violations)
- Desired coverage types and limits
- Current insurance coverage details (if applicable)
The more accurate and detailed the information you provide, the more accurate your estimate is likely to be.
Are instant auto insurance estimates final quotes?
No, instant auto insurance estimates are not final quotes. They are preliminary calculations based on the information provided. Final quotes are usually determined after additional underwriting and verification processes by the insurance company. The actual premium you’ll pay may differ from the estimate once all factors are considered.
Can I purchase insurance directly from an instant auto insurance estimate?
In many cases, yes. Some insurance companies allow you to purchase a policy directly from their website or mobile app after receiving an instant auto insurance estimate. However, it’s important to review the policy terms and conditions before making a final decision to ensure it meets your needs.
Can I customize the coverage options when obtaining an instant auto insurance estimate?
Yes, when obtaining an instant auto insurance estimate, you can often customize the coverage options to reflect your specific needs. You can typically select the type and level of coverage you desire, such as liability, collision, comprehensive, and additional optional coverages (Read More: How much car insurance do I need?).
Are instant auto insurance estimates free?
Yes, obtaining instant auto insurance estimates is generally free. Insurance companies and comparison websites offer these tools as a way to attract potential customers and provide them with pricing information.
However, keep in mind that the actual cost of insurance coverage will be determined when you purchase a policy. Get free auto insurance quotes today using our free comparison tool.
How accurate are instant auto insurance estimates?
Instant auto insurance estimates aim to provide a close approximation of the potential cost of insurance coverage based on the information provided. However, the accuracy may vary depending on the completeness and accuracy of the information you provide.
Keep in mind that the final premium may differ based on factors such as the insurance company’s underwriting guidelines and any additional information discovered during the application process.
Who typically has the cheapest auto insurance?
Erie, State Farm, and USAA are typically the cheapest auto insurance companies for most drivers.
Which insurance company has the highest customer satisfaction?
USAA is a company with high customer satisfaction ratings.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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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
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.