Shopping for car insurance may seem stressful, but it really shouldn’t be. Whether you’re a young driver or a parent of four, the process for getting car insurance online is the same—and it only takes a couple of minutes. At AIS, we’re experts in helping you find and secure reliable car insurance online. But if you’d rather do the research yourself, this helpful guide will cover everything you need to know to get the best rate possible in just a few simple steps.
How to Get a Free Car Insurance Quote Online
- Gather all your personal and vehicle information
- Determine what amount of coverage you need
- Compare car insurance quotes from multiple companies
- Decide on an insurer and purchase your auto policy
Step 1: Gather All of Your Personal and Vehicle Information
It’s best to prepare all the information you’ll need for an insurer before you begin researching car insurance quotes online. Most insurance companies will need the following to accurately provide you with a quote:
- Personal information: Name, birth date, driver’s license number, and home address for every driver who will be listed on the insurance policy.
- Vehicle information: Year, make, model, VIN, current mileage, and equipped safety features.
- Current policy details: Policy information for your current car insurance plan if applicable.
To set your car insurance premium, insurers use multiple different factors such as your age, driving history, car information, and previous claims history. Having all this ready will help streamline the quote process and ensure the quote you receive is as accurate as possible.
Step 2: Determine the Amount of Coverage You Need
The next step to getting a car insurance quote online is figuring out the amount of coverage you need. Most states require drivers to carry some amount of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance, but these are only legal minimums. In some cases, the required minimum limits may not be enough to fully cover your financial obligations following a car accident.
Here is a basic list of coverage types most insurance companies offer:
- Liability insurance: Liability insurance (which includes bodily injury and property damage liability) is typically required in most states. This will help cover medical bills and repair costs for other parties involved when you cause an accident.
- Collision and Comprehensive Insurance: Collision insurance will help cover damage to your vehicle following an accident, regardless of fault. Comprehensive insurance will help cover damage to your vehicle from vandalism, theft, or other covered perils such as hail. These coverages are usually bundled together and involve a deductible.
- Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage insurance is required in some states and will cover your injuries and property damage if a driver with no or limited insurance causes an accident.
- Medical Payments Coverage: MedPay insurance will help cover medical bills for you or your passengers after a car accident.
- Personal Injury Protection: PIP insurance will help cover medical bills, lost wages, and death for you and your passengers and is required in some states.
When determining the amount of coverage you’ll need, you’ll need to consider your finances and personal situation. For example, if you are considering leasing or financing a car, your lender will likely require you to purchase collision and comprehensive coverage. But if you own your car, the coverage is optional. Below are some questions to ask yourself that can help you determine how much coverage you need beyond your state’s minimum requirements.
Is your car new? If you own, finance, or lease a new car (less than five years old), then you’ll likely need to have collision and comprehensive coverage to cover any expensive repairs following an accident. In addition, gap insurance can help cover the difference between what your car is worth and what you still owe on a finance or lease agreement.
Do you drive an older car? If you own an older car that has a low value, you may consider excluding comprehensive and collision coverage, especially if the cost of coverage is more than what your car is worth. Instead, you may want to consider opting for roadside assistance due to your car’s age and potential mechanical issues.
Do you live in a state with low liability insurance requirements? If your state has low liability insurance requirements and you have a variety of assets, you may want to consider purchasing higher limits to protect your property if you are sued after an accident. Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage may also help in the event someone with low limits hits you or your property.
Step 3: Compare Car Insurance Quotes from Multiple Companies Online
You have a few options for comparing car insurance quotes from multiple companies online. For starters, you could go to each company’s website directly and use online tools that they to have to get a quote. While this is the most direct option, it doesn’t give you the ability to compare rates from different providers at once, and some companies may have different online capabilities than others.
The easiest way to compare insurance quotes online is to use a comparison tool. At AIS, we make it easy to compare free car insurance quotes online from multiple companies in one convenient location. Simply provide a few key details about yourself, your vehicle, and coverage preferences, and our system will automatically provide you with multiple quotes from our network of trusted insurance providers. Have a question about your quote? We have a team of helpful insurance specialists just a quick phone call away. Get started on your free car insurance quote today by clicking here.
Regardless of how you compare your quotes, it’s essential that you use the same information and coverage limits for each quote to get an accurate comparison. As you do your research, you’ll find that some companies may be more favorable than others. That’s because each company weighs various factors differently, so what may be an expensive policy with one may be a more budget-friendly option with another.
We recommend that you get quotes from at least three different companies before making your decision. That way you’ll have a clear picture of what different companies offer.
Step 4: Decide on an Insurance Company and Purchase Your Policy
Once you’ve found your ideal policy that best suits your budget and coverage needs, you’ll be ready to secure it by completing your purchase. Most companies will allow you to either make a down payment then pay in monthly installments or purchase your policy in full. Some insurers may even provide you with a small discount for paying your premium upfront.
If you are switching from a previous insurer, it’s important that you make sure to avoid any lapse in coverage. You shouldn’t cancel your previous policy until your new policy is active. Having a lapse in coverage, even if it’s just a single day, could have negative effects regarding your insurance premium in the future.
Common Questions Asked When Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online
Let’s review some of the most common questions asked when comparing car insurance quotes.
How do I get a free car insurance quote online?
To get a free car insurance quote online, go directly to an insurance company’s website or use AIS to compare quotes from multiple companies at once for no additional cost.
How often should I compare car insurance quotes?
We recommend comparing car insurance quotes whenever your policy is up for renewal, or at least once a year. That way you can always ensure that you have the best combination of coverage and price.
How can I lower my car insurance rate?
There are a few different steps you can take to reduce your overall insurance rate, but the easiest method is to maintain a clean driving record. Having multiple violations or accidents on your record will cause insurers to view you as a riskier driver, which will increase your rates. Additional ways to save include bundling your policies with the same provider or applying eligible discounts to your policy.
Can I switch auto insurance providers mid-policy?
Yes, you can often switch providers even if your current policy is still active. However, it’s important that you make sure your new policy takes effect before you cancel your current policy to avoid a lapse in coverage. Some insurers will also help with cancelling old policies, making it easier on you.
AIS is Here to Help
No matter what your insurance needs are, AIS can help you compare car insurance quotes online. We make it easy to compare quotes from multiple companies online for free all from one convenient location. With over 55 years of experience, our team knows exactly how to help you find your ideal policy without breaking the bank. To learn more about your coverage options, start your free quote online or give us a call at (888) 772-4247.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources and offered for educational purposes only. Furthermore, it should not replace the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms, and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
