Pros
Personalized service
Can answer questions in real time
Cons
Usually requires more time and effort
Options may be limited
If you haven’t compared car insurance quotes from a few different companies in a while, you might be overpaying.
We make it easy and can help you get the cheapest rate for your coverage needs.
When you compare car insurance quotes, keep in mind that:
Personalized service
Can answer questions in real time
Usually requires more time and effort
Options may be limited
You choose where to get quotes
Easy to customize policy options
No phone calls
Can take a lot of time
Limits you to large companies
Fastest and easiest option
Only need to input your information once
Company options may be limited
Follow-up calls and emails
Comparing car insurance quotes is one of the best ways to get the lowest payment for the most coverage. This is because it lets you see quotes from several different companies side by side, so it’s easy to choose the one that best fits your needs.
Quote comparison sites usually only make you fill out one form to get quotes from multiple companies. Many large companies offer quotes directly off their websites, as do a few smaller ones. Most other companies accept quote requests online but make you follow up with an agent.
You need to meet your state’s minimum car insurance requirements to drive legally. The requirements vary by state and usually include liability coverage. You often need to add collision and comprehensive coverage to your policy for a car loan or lease. Additional coverage types are optional.
Shopping around for a cheap rate is a good way to save money on car insurance. Choosing high collision and comprehensive deductibles is another good way to save. Consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage for an older car with a low resale value.
Erie has the cheapest car insurance for typical drivers, but it’s only available in 12 states and the District of Columbia. State Farm is the cheapest large company. USAA also has cheap car insurance, but it’s only available to the military community.
It’s good to shop for car insurance every few years or whenever you get an unreasonable rate increase. You can switch companies anytime, but there’s often a fee to cancel an existing policy early. You can avoid the fee by switching on your next renewal date. Just make sure to start comparing rates a few weeks before then.
At LendingTree, we generally use the words “quotes” and “rates” interchangeably when talking about car insurance. Both car insurance rates and quotes are the prices companies send you when you contact them about buying a policy.