How do I buy car insurance?

You can buy car insurance online, over the phone, or through an agent or broker. Most major insurance companies allow you to pay for car insurance using a money order, check, credit card, debit card, or direct bank account transfer.

Steps to Buy Car Insurance

1. Gather your driver and vehicle information.… read full answer

You’ll need details such as driver’s license numbers, VINs, mileages, and prior insurance carriers, if applicable.

2. Decide which method to use for purchasing insurance.

The different methods include buying from an independent agent or online through a company’s website.

3. Understand what types of coverage your state requires.

Most states require at least liability insurance, though others require additional types of coverage like personal injury protection or uninsured motorist insurance.

4. Look into optional and supplemental types of coverage.

Types of insurance like comprehensive coverage or collision insurance may not be required, but they can make sure you are protected in a wider range of situations. Understanding what types of coverage are available can help you determine what coverage types would benefit you in the long run.

5. Compare quotes from several different companies.

Comparing quotes online is usually the easiest way to go about this, but make sure you’re comparing quotes that are comparable, meaning they have the same types of coverage, same limits, etc. This way, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible on the coverage you want.

Don’t forget to check small insurers, too. The big companies may have better advertisements, but they don’t always offer the best rates. Additionally, reading reviews from other customers and consumer watchdog groups can help you make an informed choice.

6. Make sure you’re taking advantage of all available discounts.

Most insurers offer a wide range of ways to save on premiums. Some even offer discounts for simple, everyday things like having airbags and seatbelts. Don’t be afraid to ask your insurer if there are any other discounts you could be eligible for.

7. Pick your deductible and payment plan, then pay your policy premium.

In general, a higher deductible will result in cheaper monthly premiums, but make sure you pick a deductible you can afford in the event of an accident.

Some insurers offer discounts for paying your premium in full, but you can usually choose monthly installment payments instead. Payments can typically be made online, through your insurer’s app, over the phone or by mail.

To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide to getting car insurance.

Car insurance costs $60 per month, on average, for a minimum coverage policy, although individual rates might vary. Full coverage car insurance is more expensive because it also pays to repair or replace your car after it is damaged by a crash or something other than an accident, like vandalism.

Average Price of Car Insurance per Month

Note: Premiums reflect minimum coverage.

The cost of car insurance varies by person, since insurers take individual risk factors into account when calculating premiums. For instance, insurance companies consider factors like the policyholder’s age and driving record, as well as their ZIP code and the covered vehicle’s make and model. As a result, the average monthly cost of car insurance will depend on the driver, the car, the location, and the amount of coverage purchased.

For more information, check out WalletHub’s guide to the average cost of car insurance.

To get car insurance online, you need to find an insurance company that lets you buy a policy without having to talk to an agent on the phone or in person. Companies like Geico, Progressive, Nationwide, and Esurance are known for streamlining online purchases. Other companies prefer to emphasize agent/customer relationships and strongly encourage (or require) purchasing a policy with the help of an agent – State Farm, USAA, American Family, and Allstate, for example.… read full answer

5 Steps For How To Get Car Insurance Online

1. Find a company that allows you to purchase a policy online. Not every company offering online quotes will allow you to purchase a policy without speaking to an agent.
2. Gather the information you’ll need to get car insurance quotes. You will have to provide information about all the drivers and cars you want to include on the policy.
3. Research the coverage levels that are right for your needs. Pay attention to the coverage types, amounts, and deductibles.
4. Compare quotes from at least three different insurance companies. Then, formally apply for insurance online. Remember, your quoted rate isn’t a guarantee and may be a little different than your final rate.
5. Pay your premium. You should be able to get approved the day you apply, and you’re covered as soon as you pay your premium.

Buying car insurance online requires detailed information about yourself, your car, and other drivers in your household. You’ll need names, dates of birth, and driver’s license numbers for yourself and all other drivers, along with any relevant driving history, such as moving violations, accidents, or claims filed in the past five years.

You should also have detailed information about the cars you want to add to the policy. You’ll need the make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for all cars, as well as current mileage. In addition, you’ll probably be asked to disclose whether you drive your car for work or personal use and to estimate the number of miles you drive each year, including how many of those miles are driven commuting to work.

In addition, you’ll want to do some research on what insurance coverage is right for you. You can’t effectively compare prices or policies until you have some sense of what car insurance you need. Consider:

All states have financial responsibility laws, which require you to prove you have enough money to pay for damages in a car accident. Most states expect you to meet that requirement with minimum liability insurance. Liability coverage protects the other driver and their property if you cause an accident.

You’ll want to know your state’s laws on minimum car insurance coverage, but extra coverage is usually very affordable and a good value. The Insurance Information Institute (iii) suggests liability coverage of $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident.

Comprehensive and collision are the most common coverage types added to policies. Comprehensive protects against unexpected events like hail, flood damage, vandalism, and theft. Collision covers the cost of repairs to your car after an accident. Some people also add uninsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, medical payments to others (Med Pay), or gap insurance.

Your deductible is how much you’ll pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in after an accident. A higher deductible might make sense if you don’t mind paying more out of pocket if something happens. A lower deductible will cost more upfront, but you won’t have to spend as much if you wreck your car.

With your personal information organized and a sense of what coverage you need, you’re ready to shop! The Insurance Information Institute recommends pricing at least three insurers for comparison. Just make sure each quote has the same coverage types, limits, and deductibles, and remember that the quoted rate isn’t necessarily guaranteed. Once you formally apply, the chosen insurance company will confirm information you provided by pulling your credit, driving, and insurance claims histories, which can affect your final rate.