Get Free, Cheap Car Insurance Quotes Online (December 2022)
Get Free, Cheap Car Insurance Quotes Online (December 2022)
You could save $1,080 (or more) per year on auto insurance by getting free, instant quotes online. Compare cheap rates from trusted insurance companies near you.
ValuePenguin works with trusted national car insurance companies to help you find your best rate quickly, simply and easily — for free.
- Save money. Comparison shopping is the best way to find the cheapest quotes.
- It's free and easy. Get car insurance quotes in just a few minutes with no cost or hassle.
- Find an insurance company you trust. We partner with the country's leading companies, so you can be confident you'll be protected when it counts.
- Get customized results. You get more accurate rates when your online quote matches your unique driver profile.
- Shop with confidence. ValuePenguin respects your privacy, and we take extra precautions to ensure your information remains secure.
Our analysis of millions of insurance quotes collected nationwide shows that getting multiple car insurance quotes is the single best way to find affordable rates.
How do car insurance quotes work?
Most insurance companies let shoppers get free car insurance quotes online.
When calculating quotes, companies try to predict how likely you are to make a claim based on what they know about you.
Some of the most common factors that insurance companies use to estimate your quotes are the amount of coverage you choose, the type of car you drive and where you live, along with your credit history, age, gender and marital status.
Car insurance quotes by company
Car insurance companies charge different prices for coverage, and you could find a much lower quote at one company compared to another.
This is the most important reason to compare auto insurance quotes. For example, a driver could get a quote costing $109 per month from one company and $196 per month from another for the same full coverage policy.
Monthly full coverage car insurance rates by company
Company | Monthly quote | |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $99 |
| Erie | $101 |
| Geico | $140 |
| Progressive | $156 |
| Nationwide | $164 |
How location affects car insurance quotes
Car insurance is regulated at the state level, so auto insurance quotes often vary drastically depending on where you live.
State minimum requirements
Nearly every state sets different minimum coverage requirements to legally operate on the road.
Most states require some form of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance, though the actual coverage limits required can differ. The higher the coverage limits required, the more expensive the policy.
Some states also require uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection (PIP), which can increase your protection but also add to your car insurance costs.
Population density
Insurance companies price quotes based on the likelihood of claim filings in an area. Typically, denser urban areas with narrower roads and more vehicles have more car accidents and claims.
That's why drivers in large cities often get higher quotes than people in rural communities. Rhode Island, for example, is one of the only states with more than 1,000 residents per square mile, and it has some of the most expensive auto insurance quotes.
Local risk data
Insurance companies all have their own proprietary ways of assessing risk, bundling coverage types and pricing auto insurance quotes. That's why some companies cost more than others, and why some companies aren't available in every state.
Some states may have more statistically high-risk drivers than other states. If a state, a city or even a particular neighborhood has a high frequency of accidents and claims, insurance companies will increase quotes there based on their own risk calculations.
How coverage affects auto insurance quotes
The more car insurance coverage you buy, the higher your quotes will be. But you'll also get more protection after a crash.
Coverage type | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| Minimum coverage | $58 |
| Full coverage | $148 |
A minimum coverage policy meets the minimum legal requirements for car insurance in any given state.
A full coverage policy includes liability coverage and adds comprehensive and collision coverage. Full coverage costs more but provides protection for damage to your car, even if you're responsible for the crash. Most drivers opt for full coverage, especially if they drive a lot or have a newer car.
How your driving record affects quotes
Car insurance quotes increase by 23% or more after a speeding ticket, an at-fault accident or a DUI.
People with an imperfect driving record tend to have more expensive car insurance rates because they're more likely to be involved in an incident in the future.
Monthly full-coverage car insurance quotes after a driving incident
Driving record | Monthly rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Clean record | $148 | — |
| Speeding ticket | $183 | 23% |
| Accident | $220 | 49% |
| DUI | $272 | 83% |
Serious driving offenses, like a DUI, will increase your rates more than a smaller incident like a ticket. For example, people caught driving under the influence see car insurance quotes go up by 83%, on average. On the other hand, a single speeding ticket will raise your rates by around 23%.
How age affects car insurance quotes
Car insurance quotes tend to be higher for young people than older, more experienced drivers.
Your age is one of the key factors when it comes to how much you'll pay for insurance.
Auto insurance quotes are usually most expensive for younger and new drivers who have less experience on the road. Quotes typically level off around 30 years old and increase slightly after age 70.
How vehicle type affects auto insurance quotes
Car insurance quotes can vary substantially depending on the type of vehicle you drive.
In general, car models that are newer, more expensive, faster and less safe have higher insurance costs. But every insurance company weighs each of these factors differently.
Monthly full coverage car insurance rates by model
Type | Model | Rate | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minivan | Chrysler Pacifica | $167 | $37,095 |
| Pickup truck | Ford F-150 | $175 | $33,695 |
| SUV | Toyota RAV-4 | $177 | $27,575 |
| Crossover | Nissan Rogue | $178 | $27,360 |
| Sedan | Honda Civic | $199 | $24,650 |
Among top-selling cars, which range from pickup trucks and SUVs to sedans, the Chrysler Pacifica and Ford F-150 have some of the cheapest full-coverage car insurance rates.
How credit scores impact car insurance quotes
Insurance companies have found that credit scores help indicate how likely drivers are to file claims, so a better credit score can mean lower car insurance rates.
Drivers with good credit receive full coverage quotes that are 41% less expensive than rates for those with poor credit.
Credit | Monthly insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Good | $148 |
| Poor | $254 |
Some states, including California, Michigan, Massachusetts and Hawaii, have banned the practice of using credit scores to determine insurance quotes. In these states, your credit score will not influence your auto quote. A few other states are considering adopting similar legislation.
How gender impacts car insurance quotes
Car insurance quotes are typically more expensive for men than women, especially for younger drivers.
Data has shown that young men tend to be riskier drivers than young women. The cost of car insurance for men versus women is virtually the same starting around age 25.
Monthly full coverage car insurance quotes by gender
Age | Women | Men | Price gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | $126 | $142 | 13.0% |
| 30 | $72 | $72 | -0.3% |
| 40 | $70 | $69 | -0.2% |
| 50 | $65 | $65 | -0.5% |
| 60 | $63 | $63 | 0.0% |
| 70 | $68 | $69 | 1.2% |
| 80 | $85 | $91 | 7.6% |
The price gap is largely due to how insurance companies evaluate risk. However, some states, including California, Massachusetts and Michigan, prohibit companies from using gender to affect your car insurance rates.
How your marital status affects auto insurance quotes
Married drivers typically pay less for auto insurance than single people.
Insurance companies tend to view married drivers as more financially stable and risk averse. That's why many companies charge them lower rates than single drivers.
Marital status | Monthly full coverage rate |
|---|---|
| Single | $148 |
| Married | $140 |
Across the U.S., single drivers on average tend to pay $8 more per month for full-coverage auto insurance than married drivers. Rhode Island has the biggest difference in rates, with single drivers paying $16 more per month than married drivers.
Married people can also generally save on insurance by sharing a policy and qualifying for multi-car discounts.
How to get free auto insurance quotes online
1. Gather info needed for online car insurance quotes
When requesting a quote or submitting a form for a free quote online, you'll need to have some personal info on hand about you, your car and your driving record.
- Driver's license
- Current insurance company
- Your car's make, model and year
- Driving history (any claims, violations or accidents)
- Typical annual mileage
2. Choose a policy and coverage limits
The type of auto insurance policy you choose — including minimum or full coverage — will affect your quote, so it helps to have a general idea of which coverage you'd like.
Most drivers should consider purchasing full-coverage car insurance, particularly if their car is worth more than $3,000. Some drivers may also need special coverage, like roadside assistance or rideshare insurance.
Car insurance coverage to add to your quote
- Bodily injury liability helps pay for medical expenses, emergency services, lost income and even funeral expenses to another driver for accidents in which you are at fault.
- Property damage liability covers repair and replacement costs of damage to homes, storefronts, vehicles and other property for an accident you cause.
- Collision and comprehensive coverage pay for damage to your car in most situations — like a car crash, weather, vandalism or hitting a deer — even if it's your fault.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) helps pay for your own medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault in an accident.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist offers reimbursement for your medical bills or property damage expenses for accidents caused by a driver that doesn't have any insurance or carry high enough limits.
3. Compare quotes to find your best rate
After you've gathered your personal and vehicle information and chosen your policy type and coverage selections, you're ready to get a quote.
Many insurance companies offer their own free online quote tools through their websites. You might also consider working with an insurance agent to help you with the process.
When comparing quotes, make sure to weigh the quality of the insurance company, too.
The best car insurance doesn't always cost more, but if you find similar rates from two companies, it's worth considering the level of service you can expect from each before deciding which to buy.
When shopping for insurance quotes online, write down the reference number of your quote so you can return to it later. Insurance prices change all the time, and if you get a quote a second time, your rate may have gone up.
Car insurance quotes might only last for a few weeks. If you've found a great deal, act fast to be sure you don't miss out.
Should I get car insurance quotes online or with an agent?
You can get quotes in person, over the phone or online.
Getting online quotes is typically the fastest option, but drivers who prefer a more personal touch may opt to work directly with an agent.
Whether you get a free quote online or through an agent, get quotes from multiple companies. The more quotes you get, the more options you have.
- Most insurance companies give you the option to compare quotes on their website for free. Some companies, such as Progressive, let you see competitors' rates side by side so you can find the best price for you.
- Some companies give you a discount for buying a policy online.
- If you can't get a quote online, try calling an agent at the insurance company you're interested in.
- Independent insurance agents don't work with a single insurance company. That means they can provide you with lots of options to choose from.
Getting quotes online can be more convenient, while calling up an agent offers a direct point of contact for getting multiple quotes at once.
Frequently asked questions
What is a car insurance quote?
A car insurance quote is an estimate of the price an insurance company will charge you for car insurance based on the information you provide. It gives you a good idea of what you can expect to pay. However, your exact rate may change once your company has all the information it needs to set your price, such as your driving and credit history.
How do car insurance quotes work?
To get an insurance quote, you'll provide an insurance company with information about yourself, including your address, what car you own and your driving history. Then, you'll pick coverage options and the company will quote you a customized price for that amount of insurance.
What is the cheapest car insurance I can get online?
Everyone will pay a different amount for car insurance based on where they live, what car they own and their driving history. Among national companies, State Farm, Geico and USAA offer the best rates on average, and they all offer online quotes.
How can I pay less for my car insurance?
The most effective ways to reduce your car insurance rates are to shop around for multiple quotes, qualify for insurance discounts and adjust the amount of coverage you have.
How much does a car insurance quote cost?
Getting an insurance quote should always be free. Major insurance companies will provide you with quotes online at no cost, and ValuePenguin's free quote tool will show you affordable rates from multiple companies.
How long does a car insurance quote take?
Getting an insurance quote generally takes about 15 minutes, though it may take more or less time depending on where you live, how many people you're insuring and how many vehicles are on your policy. After you get a quote, you can often buy a policy that starts the same day, depending on your state.
Is buying an auto insurance policy online cheaper?
Some insurance companies offer a discount for getting a quote or buying car insurance online, which can save you money over buying a policy over the phone. Liberty Mutual offers a discount of up to 12% if you buy your car insurance online, while Progressive gives drivers an average of 7% off for getting an online quote, plus a 9% savings for signing up online.
Methodology
Quotes are for a 30-year-old man who drives a 2015 Honda Civic EX with good credit and no prior traffic violations, and rates were gathered from all available ZIP codes in each state, unless otherwise noted.
Full coverage quotes include comprehensive and collision coverage, along with liability coverage:
Coverage | Limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 per accident |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury | $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident |
| Comprehensive and collision | $500 deductible |
| Personal injury protection | Minimum when required by state |
To determine car insurance rates by vehicle type, we gathered rates from all available ZIP codes in California.
ValuePenguin's analysis used insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services. These rates were publicly sourced from insurer filings and should be used for comparative purposes only, as your quotes may be different.
Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.