Insurance Guidance to Help You Shop Smarter
Find car, home, health and renters insurance like a pro
Insurance guides
Car insurance
Choose between full coverage car insurance to pay for everyone involved in an accident, and minimum coverage that only pays for damages to others.
Home insurance
Find discounts (and maybe bundle your home and auto) to save money. But watch out for risks that aren’t covered in your policy, like earthquakes and flooding.
Health insurance
If you’re buying your own health insurance, you’ll probably want to start with the government marketplace. Be sure to pick the right tier (bronze, silver, etc.) for your situation.
Renters insurance
If you rent and can’t afford to have your valuables stolen, or you worry about a lawsuit over your dog, then renters insurance could be for you.
Special coverages and situations
Some risks, like flooding and earthquakes, are not normally covered by a standard home policy. In other cases — like with teen drivers, mobile homes or classic cars — you might need a particular insurer to get the best deal.
Flooding
Coverage for flood damage isn’t usually included on your home insurance policy. Check if you’re in or near a flood zone, because many people find out the hard way.
Teen drivers
Teen drivers tend to get into more accidents, so they face steep insurance rates. But you can still save money, maybe by joining a parent’s policy or by scoring valuable discounts.
Earthquakes
Earthquake coverage isn’t standard, but buying it can sometimes make sense, especially if you can’t deal with the major loan you’d need following a disastrous quake.
Mobile homes
You usually need to insure your manufactured or mobile home, but what kind of policy you get will depend on when your mobile home was made.
Be smart: Shop where you live
When it comes to insurance, each of the 50 states (and D.C.) has its own rules. Since the best car and home insurance deals can be very different from place to place, it’s worth starting your search with the best companies for your own local area.
Click below to find the specific page with advice for buying insurance in your state.
How good is your car insurance, really?
Do you already have insurance but worry you’re getting ripped off? We have reviews of most of the largest national insurers, with pros and cons for each, as well as comprehensive star ratings. Reviews include:
Or shop around for insurance quotes to compare with what you’re paying now.
Car insurance with accidents, DUIs and other problems
Bad marks on your driving record can send your insurance bill significantly higher. A LendingTree study found that a single at-fault accident can add an extra $1,000 onto your yearly premium, on average.
This makes it all the more important to shop around for an affordable rate. Know that the best insurance choice can be different if you…
- Have a bad driving record
- Have a conviction for DUI (driving under the influence)
- Need an SR-22
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Have bad credit (in some states
)Using credit records to set insurance rates is banned in California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah.
Which car you drive does a lot to influence how much you pay for insurance. While expensive cars generally cost more to insure, some car brands get involved in more than their fair share of accidents and speeding tickets.
Here’s what LendingTree’s annual survey found, based on the number of accidents and traffic violations:
- Worst (most incidents): BMW, Ram and Tesla
- Best (least incidents): Chrysler, Cadillac and Mercury
Finding homeowners insurance you can afford
The cost of home insurance has climbed steeply in recent years, with some states hit harder than others. For example, the average cost for a homeowners policy in Colorado more than doubled in just five years (2020 to 2025).
More storms with greater intensity have helped drive the rise in cost, along with inflation in labor and material expenses. This trend may continue for the near future, so you’ll want to make sure you can get the best insurance rate you can now.
Focus on home insurers with low rates, and then see which have the best discounts and deals for you. Some companies may be a good choice for senior citizen homeowners, for instance. Also consider other money-saving options, such as bundling your home and auto policies.
How LendingTree helps you find the right policy
Shopping for insurance isn’t always straightforward — especially when availability and pricing can vary widely. LendingTree makes it easier by helping you explore options from multiple insurers, so you can find coverage that fits your needs and budget.
How it works
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Tell us about yourself.
Answer a few quick questions about your needs. -
Compare options from insurers.
See quotes and typical rates from insurers that offer coverage in your area. -
Choose the right policy.
Review your options and pick the coverage that fits your needs and budget.
Frequently asked questions
You need at least the minimum car insurance required by your state. If you have a car loan or lease, you may also need collision and comprehensive coverage. Other coverages are optional but can be a good idea, depending on your situation.
You should have enough coverage to rebuild your home if it is damaged. You should also have enough personal property coverage to replace your belongings.
Compare car insurance rates every few years or after a large rate increase. You can switch companies at any time, but waiting until your policy renews may help you avoid cancellation fees.
Liability insurance helps pay for injuries or damage you cause to others. Comprehensive insurance helps pay for damage to your own car from events like theft, vandalism, fire, or storms.
Homeowners insurance is not required by law. However, mortgage lenders usually require it. Even if you own your home outright, insurance can help protect your home and belongings.
Home insurance usually covers:
- Dwelling: Damage to your home’s structure.
- Other structures: Detached buildings like sheds or garages.
- Personal property: Belongings such as furniture, clothes, and electronics.
- Liability: Injuries or damage for which you’re legally responsible.
- Loss of use: Extra living costs if you can’t stay in your home due to a covered loss.
- Medical payments: Medical bills for guests injured on your property.