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Free Auto Insurance Quotes
October 07, 2022
Free Auto Insurance Quotes
Car insurance quotes: What to know
Getting a car insurance quote is the best way to compare rates and coverage options from insurance companies. Most car insurance companies offer free quotes, but this process can be inefficient, as it only results in a single quote. Online car insurance quote sites, like The Zebra, allow drivers to enter their information once and receive quotes from all of the most trusted insurance companies within minutes.
If you're wondering which insurer provides the best rates or what type of coverage you need, the answers to these questions depend on a number of factors. Fortunately, viewing auto insurance quotes online and comparing coverage options is quick and easy, and starts by simply entering some basic information.
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What is a car insurance quote?
A car insurance quote is an estimate of what you can expect to pay for auto insurance coverage. Quotes are determined by information such as your driving history, where you live, the type of car that you drive and a number of other personal and environmental factors. Each insurer writes its auto policies based on different criteria, so no two insurance quotes are alike.A car insurance quote is an estimate of what you can expect to pay for auto insurance coverage.
How to Get Free Car Insurance Quotes
While car insurance is required in almost every U.S. state, finding the right policy at a good price can be a challenge. Use the following steps to help you find the right coverage with rates you can afford.
1. Research insurer reputation
Making yourself familiar with how insurance companies treat their customers is a very important step in the insurance shopping process. You'll want to look for things like claims satisfaction and customer complaints. Along with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau and J.D. Power, a great place to start is with our list of the best car insurance companies according to The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey.
2. Choose how to get your quotes
After doing some research on the best insurers, the next step should be deciding how to get your insurance quotes. Regardless of the method you choose, it's important to get multiple quotes to make sure you are getting good coverage at an affordable rate. This can be done through the following methods:
Local captive agents
These agents are tied to a specific insurance company, meaning you will only get a quote from one carrier. Note that some newer or more technology-focused carriers do not use agents at all.
Independent agents or brokers
Independent agents and brokers may be appointed to sell policies for many different companies, giving you a wider range of options to choose from. Many top insurance companies sell policies through independent agents.
Online comparison sites
Offering the most convenience and the widest array of options, online insurance comparison sites can help you find multiple car insurance quotes in minutes. However, not all comparison sites are equal. Some have only a limited number of insurance partners while others may sell your information to other aggregators. The Zebra, however, works with the top insurance companies in the country and promises to protect your data.
3. Consider your coverage
Knowing what coverage you need ahead of time can help you in your search for car insurance. While some drivers just want to get the minimum legally required coverage, there are a lot of reasons to look beyond just basic liability. For one, many states have requirements that may not be enough to properly cover damages you may cause in an accident. Also, liability-only provides no coverage to your vehicle, putting you and your vehicle at risk.
4. Consider your budget
The first thing most customers look at when comparing quotes is the cost. It's important to keep your car insurance costs within budget. But remember: the cheapest option isn't always the best. This is where your knowledge of coverage will come in handy. A close look at your quotes will help determine if the coverage is sufficient for your needs. However, keep in mind that cheaper coverage from a company with a poor track record for customer service may not be ideal.
5. Choose your policy
With this information in hand, it's time to choose your quotes. Have a look at the examples below to see which offers the best mix of price and coverage.
Quotes comparison example
After researching each company's customer service scores and reputations, a shopper has narrowed in on the following quotes from three different companies. Price is a major consideration, but this customer also wants to make sure that they have comprehensive and collision coverage to add further peace of mind. Which of the following quotes should they choose?
=====================================
Quote one: $112/month
Liability: 100/300/100
- $100,000 for bodily injury per person
- $300,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $100,000 for property damage per accident
Comprehensive and collision
- Deductible: $1,000
=====================================
Quote two: $111/month
Liability: 50/100/50
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $50,000 for property damage per accident
- Deductible: $1,000
=====================================
Quote three: $125/month
Liability: 100/300/100
- $100,000 for bodily injury per person
- $300,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $100,000 for property damage per accident
Comprehensive and collision
- Deductible: $500
=====================================
Which quote is better?
All three quotes were close in price, but quote two offered less liability coverage. Narrowing down between quote one and quote three, the customer had to look closely at the differences. The only real difference was in the deductible, which was more expensive for quote three. Because this customer isn't overly concerned about a higher deductible, quote one is the best option.
Because this customer isn't overly concerned about a higher deductible, quote one is the best option.
Information Needed to Get Insurance Quotes
Whether you get your quotes from an agent or through an online comparison site like The Zebra, you'll still need to have the same basic information handy. To speed up the process, have the following on hand to get an accurate online auto insurance quote.
Driver's license and personal information for any drivers on the policy
Driver's license and personal information for any drivers on the policy
Necessary info includes date of birth, address, occupation and marital status.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
If you can't provide an exact VIN, you'll need to provide the year, make and model of your car to get a preliminary quote.
Mileage
Low-mileage drivers tend to pay less on average than high-mileage drivers.
Date of Vehicle Purchase
Have purchase information on hand when buying your policy.
Driving History
Compile the driving history of you and any other driver(s) on the policy.
Insurance Record
Some car insurance companies require at least six months of continuous auto insurance prior to issuing a policy.
How Car Insurance Quotes Are Set
It's important to understand the primary goal of an insurance company is to predict risk and assign premiums based on the risk a particular driver may pose. Car insurance companies assess your entire driving profile to estimate this risk, including factors such as location, demographics, insurance history, driving record and vehicle.
1. Where You Live
Because most forms of insurance are regulated at the state level, state legislation influences car insurance premiums. For instance, in Michigan, a no-fault state, drivers are required to carry much higher amounts of Personal Injury Protection coverage, which increases the cost of car insurance. Although each state legislates insurance differently, auto insurance prices may vary on a ZIP-code-by-ZIP code basis. Sometimes prices can even vary from one street to the next.
Whether you can get a cheap car insurance quote may come down to your location. If you live in a densely populated area with a high number of auto insurance claims, your premium will be more expensive than that of a person living in an area of town in which fewer claims are filed. Even if you haven’t filed any claims, you could pay more based solely on your neighborhood.
What is a No-Fault State?
In no-fault states, drivers are required to file a claim for their own bodily injury and medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Currently, there are 12 no-fault states:
Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky*, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey*, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania* and Utah.
*No-fault is optional in these states, as drivers may choose PIP coverage or liability. coverage.
2. Who you are
"Who you are" is a broad way to estimate the risk you represent to an insurance company. Every company takes different traits into consideration, including these common rating factors:
How gender affects car insurance quotes
Gender is not a significant auto insurance rating factor. In fact, the difference between car insurance premiums paid by women and men is less than 1%. For teenagers, this premium difference is larger: male teen drivers pay $1,000 more per year than do female teens. Car insurance companies' historical data says young male drivers are more likely to take risks while driving than are female drivers in the same age group.
AVERAGE MONTHLY CAR INSURANCE RATES BY GENDER
Age. Male Female
16. $503 $453
17. $429 $383
18. $377. $334
19 $273. $240
How age influences auto insurance rates
Your age helps to determine your car insurance premium. Statistically, a young driver is less experienced and more likely to receive a citation or file a bodily injury or property damage claim. In the eyes of an insurance company, that means more risk and a greater need for financial protection, i.e., a more expensive premium.
Your likelihood of getting cheap auto insurance quotes increases once you turn 19 — and again at age 25 — as you gain experience behind the wheel. This remains consistent until you get into your 60s, when your car insurance rates may rise.
How marital status affects car insurance quotes
While the difference is small, married drivers are more likely to get affordable car insurance quotes than single, divorced or widowed drivers. Car insurance companies assume married drivers are more likely to share driving responsibilities and less likely to file claims.
Learn more about how your marital status affects how much you pay for your insurance policy.
CAR INSURANCE RATES BY MARITAL STATUS
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Marital Status | Average Monthly Insurance
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Single. $123
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Married $115
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Divorced. $123
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Widowed $119
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How Homeownership changes auto insurance coverage costs
On average, renters face higher car insurance premiums than do condo owners or homeowners, but not by much. The difference in car insurance rate between a renter and a homeowner is only about $15 per six-month policy. Homeowners earn cheaper car insurance rates because they're considered more financially stable and less likely to file a claim.
CAR INSURANCE RATES BY HOMEOWNER STATUS
Homeowner Status Average Monthly Rate
Renter. $123
Condo owner $121
Homeowner $121
Renter with bundle $117
Condo owner with bundle $110
Homeowner with bundle $108
Learn more about renters, condo or home insurance by consulting our in-depth guides:
- Renters insurance
- Home insurance
- Condo insurance
How education affects auto insurance quotes
A driver with a degree can save $24 per year on car insurance premiums, compared to a driver without a degree. Car insurance companies see clients with higher levels of educational attainment as less risky, rewarding that decreased risk with a lower premium.
The states that do not allow insurance companies to take education level into consideration when determining rates are California, Massachusetts, Georgia, Hawaii and Montana.
CAR INSURANCE RATES BY EDUCATION LEVEL
Education Level Average Monthly Premium
Below high school $127
High school $125
Bachelors $123
Masters $123
Ph.D $123
How credit score impacts car insurance premiums
Unlike education level or gender, a driver's credit score has a major impact on their insurance rate. Drivers within the "worst" credit tier pay more than twice as much as those with excellent credit pay for auto insurance — about $152 per month.
In the eyes of an insurance provider, drivers with poor credit are more likely to file a claim than drivers with good credit. Moreover, when a claim is filed by a driver with poor credit, the claim payout by the insurance company tends to be higher. Insurance companies cover this risk by charging those with poor credit scores higher rates.
California, Hawaii and Massachusetts are the states that do not currently allow credit score to be utilized in your car insurance quote. One way to get lower car insurance premiums is through a usage-based program. UBI, backed by telematics, relies on your driving behavior to determine your premium.
3. Your insurance history
It’s important to consider how your previous auto insurance record reflects on your car insurance quotes. Gaps in insurance — or periods spent with bare minimum coverage or no coverage at all — can increase your rate, as insurance companies see those who have been uninsured or underinsured as financially unstable and riskier to insure. A lengthy insurance history with high limits and minimal claims can lead to cheap online car insurance quotes.
4. How you drive
An insurance company's assessment of how you drive entails more than you might think. When assigning a quote, an auto insurance company will look at the primary way you use your vehicle, how many miles you drive annually and your driving record.
- Vehicle use
- Annual mileage
- Driving violations
- Vehicle type
Primary vehicle use and car insurance quotes
How you use your vehicle can impact the affordability of car insurance quotes. Those who drive only for pleasure (more and more common with the abundance of remote workers) can expect to pay significantly less for car insurance than those who are regular commuters.
AVERAGE 6-MONTH CAR INSURANCE PREMIUM BY VEHICLE USE
Primary Vehicle Use - Average Monthly Premium
Farm. $116
Personal $123
Work $124
Business $137
It’s important to consider the difference between a business-use personal policy, outlined above, and a commercial car insurance policy. If you’re using your vehicle to transport goods or lending your vehicle to employees, you may need a commercial insurance policy.
If you’re a rideshare driver working for Uber or Lyft, consult your insurance company about getting a rideshare endorsement. This endorsement protects you from being denied coverage if you’re in an accident while working.
How annual mileage affects car insurance quotes
How much you drive reflects how much risk you represent to your insurance company. If you live in California, your annual mileage makes a big difference: there is a 30% difference between those who drive fewer than 7,500 miles per year and those who drive 15,000-plus miles per year. This amounts to around $549 per year.
If you live anywhere else in the U.S., mileage driven may have less of an impact, but it isn’t ignored altogether.
AUTO INSURANCE COSTS BY ANNUAL MILEAGE DRIVEN
Average Annual Mileage | Average | Monthly Rate
0 - 7,500 $119
7,500 - 10,000 $123
10,000 - 15,000. $125
15,000+ $127
If you'd like more information regarding car insurance by how much you drive, see our related articles:
- Car insurance for low-mileage drivers
- Car insurance for high-mileage drivers
How driving safety impacts auto insurance quotes
Among the factors that go into generating online car insurance quotes, driving history could be the most significant. To an auto insurance company, how a driver has driven is a good indicator of how they will drive. If a driver's résumé includes speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, driving without insurance or other violations, their insurance rates will be relatively expensive. Those with a clean driving record can expect rates to be much cheaper on average.
Speeding tickets, DUIs and other violations make it tough to get cheap car insurance quotes. A DUI may raise insurance rates by as much as 65% — with some states penalizing drivers even more.
Depending on the specific violation and location, the number of years these violations will remain on a driver's insurance record may vary. Most companies will charge drivers extra for three to five years following an at-fault accident. However, a DUI can stay on a driver's insurance record for as long as 10 years. Read our guide to finding car insurance with a bad driving record.
Vehicle type and car insurance quotes
The type of car listed on a policy impacts insurance rates. A vehicle built for performance, with a high price tag — or a foreign-built model — may be costlier to insure. Vehicles that don't cost as much to repair or aren't built for faster driving — such as vans and sedans — are cheaper to insure.
Learn more about the average costs of insuring specific makes and models.
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Why you can trust The Zebra
The Zebra partners with some of the companies we write about. However, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of editors and licensed agents. Reference our data methodology and learn more about how we make money.
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By Kristine Lee
Updated May 19, 2022
Reviewed By Chase Nelson
Edited By Susan Meyer
Table of contents:
How to get free car insurance quotes
What info is needed?
What goes into auto insurance rates?
Getting the cheapest car insurance quotes
FAQs
Compare car insurance rates by city/state
Car insurance quotes: what to know
Getting a car insurance quote is the best way to compare rates and coverage options from insurance companies. Most car insurance companies offer free quotes, but this process can be inefficient, as it only results in a single quote. Online car insurance quote sites, like The Zebra, allow drivers to enter their information once and receive quotes from all of the most trusted insurance companies within minutes.
If you're wondering which insurer provides the best rates or what type of coverage you need, the answers to these questions depend on a number of factors. Fortunately, viewing auto insurance quotes online and comparing coverage options is quick and easy, and starts by simply entering some basic information.
What is a car insurance quote?
A car insurance quote is an estimate of what you can expect to pay for auto insurance coverage. Quotes are determined by information such as your driving history, where you live, the type of car that you drive and a number of other personal and environmental factors. Each insurer writes its auto policies based on different criteria, so no two insurance quotes are alike.
Read on to learn more about what goes into car insurance quotes and how to get a free quote online.
Find affordable car insurance by comparing quotes online!
ZIP code
Start
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.
How to get free car insurance quotes
While car insurance is required in almost every U.S. state, finding the right policy at a good price can be a challenge. Use the following steps to help you find the right coverage with rates you can afford.
1. Research insurer reputation
Making yourself familiar with how insurance companies treat their customers is a very important step in the insurance shopping process. You'll want to look for things like claims satisfaction and customer complaints. Along with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau and J.D. Power, a great place to start is with our list of the best car insurance companies according to The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey.
2. Choose how to get your quotes
After doing some research on the best insurers, the next step should be deciding how to get your insurance quotes. Regardless of the method you choose, it's important to get multiple quotes to make sure you are getting good coverage at an affordable rate. This can be done through the following methods:
agent
Local captive agents
These agents are tied to a specific insurance company, meaning you will only get a quote from one carrier. Note that some newer or more technology-focused carriers do not use agents at all.
policy
Independent agents or brokers
Independent agents and brokers may be appointed to sell policies for many different companies, giving you a wider range of options to choose from. Many top insurance companies sell policies through independent agents.
computer with a magnifying glass
Online comparison sites
Offering the most convenience and the widest array of options, online insurance comparison sites can help you find multiple car insurance quotes in minutes. However, not all comparison sites are equal. Some have only a limited number of insurance partners while others may sell your information to other aggregators. The Zebra, however, works with the top insurance companies in the country and promises to protect your data.
3. Consider your coverage
Knowing what coverage you need ahead of time can help you in your search for car insurance. While some drivers just want to get the minimum legally required coverage, there are a lot of reasons to look beyond just basic liability. For one, many states have requirements that may not be enough to properly cover damages you may cause in an accident. Also, liability-only provides no coverage to your vehicle, putting you and your vehicle at risk.
4. Consider your budget
The first thing most customers look at when comparing quotes is the cost. It's important to keep your car insurance costs within budget. But remember: the cheapest option isn't always the best. This is where your knowledge of coverage will come in handy. A close look at your quotes will help determine if the coverage is sufficient for your needs. However, keep in mind that cheaper coverage from a company with a poor track record for customer service may not be ideal.
5. Choose your policy
With this information in hand, it's time to choose your quotes. Have a look at the examples below to see which offers the best mix of price and coverage.
insurance policy
Quotes comparison example
After researching each company's customer service scores and reputations, a shopper has narrowed in on the following quotes from three different companies. Price is a major consideration, but this customer also wants to make sure that they have comprehensive and collision coverage to add further peace of mind. Which of the following quotes should they choose?
Quote #1
Quote #2
car with blue windshield
Quote three: $125/month
Liability: 100/300/100
$100,000 for bodily injury per person
$300,000 for bodily injury per accident
$100,000 for property damage per accident
Comprehensive and collision
Deductible: $500
Read Less
Which quote is better?
All three quotes were close in price, but quote two offered less liability coverage. Narrowing down between quote one and quote three, the customer had to look closely at the differences. The only real difference was in the deductible, which was more expensive for quote three. Because this customer isn't overly concerned about a higher deductible, quote one is the best option.
Because this customer isn't overly concerned about a higher deductible, quote one is the best option.
Information needed to get insurance quotes
Whether you get your quotes from an agent or through an online comparison site like The Zebra, you'll still need to have the same basic information handy. To speed up the process, have the following on hand to get an accurate online auto insurance quote.
Driver's license and personal information for any drivers on the policy
Driver's license and personal information for any drivers on the policy
Necessary info includes date of birth, address, occupation and marital status.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
If you can't provide an exact VIN, you'll need to provide the year, make and model of your car to get a preliminary quote.
Mileage
Mileage
Low-mileage drivers tend to pay less on average than high-mileage drivers.
Date of vehicle purchase
Date of vehicle purchase
Have purchase information on hand when buying your policy.
Driving history
Driving history
Compile the driving history of you and any other driver(s) on the policy.
Insurance record
Insurance record
Some car insurance companies require at least six months of continuous auto insurance prior to issuing a policy.
How car insurance quotes are set
It's important to understand the primary goal of an insurance company is to predict risk and assign premiums based on the risk a particular driver may pose. Car insurance companies assess your entire driving profile to estimate this risk, including factors such as location, demographics, insurance history, driving record and vehicle.
1. Where you live
Because most forms of insurance are regulated at the state level, state legislation influences car insurance premiums. For instance, in Michigan, a no-fault state, drivers are required to carry much higher amounts of Personal Injury Protection coverage, which increases the cost of car insurance. Although each state legislates insurance differently, auto insurance prices may vary on a ZIP-code-by-ZIP code basis. Sometimes prices can even vary from one street to the next.
Whether you can get a cheap car insurance quote may come down to your location. If you live in a densely populated area with a high number of auto insurance claims, your premium will be more expensive than that of a person living in an area of town in which fewer claims are filed. Even if you haven’t filed any claims, you could pay more based solely on your neighborhood.
What is a no-fault state?
In no-fault states, drivers are required to file a claim for their own bodily injury and medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Currently, there are 12 no-fault states:
Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky*, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey*, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania* and Utah.
*No-fault is optional in these states, as drivers may choose PIP coverage or liability coverage.
The table below shows the average rates for the cheapest and most expensive states for car insurance (from The Zebra's 2022 State of Insurance report).
Most and Least Expensive States_2020.png
2. Who you are
"Who you are" is a broad way to estimate the risk you represent to an insurance company. Every company takes different traits into consideration, including these common rating factors:
How gender affects car insurance quotes
Gender is not a significant auto insurance rating factor. In fact, the difference between car insurance premiums paid by women and men is less than 1%. For teenagers, this premium difference is larger: male teen drivers pay $1,000 more per year than do female teens. Car insurance companies' historical data says young male drivers are more likely to take risks while driving than are female drivers in the same age group.
AVERAGE MONTHLY CAR INSURANCE RATES BY GENDER
Age Male Female
16 $503 $453
17 $429 $383
18 $377 $334
19 $273 $240
How age influences auto insurance rates
Your age helps to determine your car insurance premium. Statistically, a young driver is less experienced and more likely to receive a citation or file a bodily injury or property damage claim. In the eyes of an insurance company, that means more risk and a greater need for financial protection, i.e., a more expensive premium.
Your likelihood of getting cheap auto insurance quotes increases once you turn 19 — and again at age 25 — as you gain experience behind the wheel. This remains consistent until you get into your 60s, when your car insurance rates may rise.
Car Insurance Premiums by Age Group.png
How marital status affects car insurance quotes
While the difference is small, married drivers are more likely to get affordable car insurance quotes than single, divorced or widowed drivers. Car insurance companies assume married drivers are more likely to share driving responsibilities and less likely to file claims.
Learn more about how your marital status affects how much you pay for your insurance policy.
CAR INSURANCE RATES BY MARITAL STATUS
Marital Status Average Monthly Insurance Rate
Single $123
Married $115
Divorced $123
Widowed $119
How homeownership changes auto insurance coverage costs
On average, renters face higher car insurance premiums than do condo owners or homeowners, but not by much. The difference in car insurance rate between a renter and a homeowner is only about $15 per six-month policy. Homeowners earn cheaper car insurance rates because they're considered more financially stable and less likely to file a claim.
CAR INSURANCE RATES BY HOMEOWNER STATUS
Homeowner Status Average Monthly Rate
Renter $123
Condo owner $121
Homeowner $121
Renter with bundle $117
Condo owner with bundle $110
Homeowner with bundle $108
Learn more about renters, condo or home insurance by consulting our in-depth guides:
Renters insurance
Home insurance
Condo insurance
How education affects auto insurance quotes
A driver with a degree can save $24 per year on car insurance premiums, compared to a driver without a degree. Car insurance companies see clients with higher levels of educational attainment as less risky, rewarding that decreased risk with a lower premium.
The states that do not allow insurance companies to take education level into consideration when determining rates are California, Massachusetts, Georgia, Hawaii and Montana.
CAR INSURANCE RATES BY EDUCATION LEVEL
Education Level Average Monthly Premium
Below high school $127
High school $125
Bachelors $123
Masters $123
Ph.D $123
How credit score impacts car insurance premiums
Unlike education level or gender, a driver's credit score has a major impact on their insurance rate. Drivers within the "worst" credit tier pay more than twice as much as those with excellent credit pay for auto insurance — about $152 per month.
In the eyes of an insurance provider, drivers with poor credit are more likely to file a claim than drivers with good credit. Moreover, when a claim is filed by a driver with poor credit, the claim payout by the insurance company tends to be higher. Insurance companies cover this risk by charging those with poor credit scores higher rates.
credit score insurance
Car Insurance Premiums by Credit Score.png
California, Hawaii and Massachusetts are the states that do not currently allow credit score to be utilized in your car insurance quote. One way to get lower car insurance premiums is through a usage-based program. UBI, backed by telematics, relies on your driving behavior to determine your premium.
3. Your insurance history
It’s important to consider how your previous auto insurance record reflects on your car insurance quotes. Gaps in insurance — or periods spent with bare minimum coverage or no coverage at all — can increase your rate, as insurance companies see those who have been uninsured or underinsured as financially unstable and riskier to insure. A lengthy insurance history with high limits and minimal claims can lead to cheap online car insurance quotes.
Premiums by Time Insured_2020.png
4. How you drive
An insurance company's assessment of how you drive entails more than you might think. When assigning a quote, an auto insurance company will look at the primary way you use your vehicle, how many miles you drive annually and your driving record.
Vehicle use
Annual mileage
Driving violations
Vehicle type
Driving history and car insurance
Primary vehicle use and car insurance quotes
How you use your vehicle can impact the affordability of car insurance quotes. Those who drive only for pleasure (more and more common with the abundance of remote workers) can expect to pay significantly less for car insurance than those who are regular commuters.
AVERAGE 6-MONTH CAR INSURANCE PREMIUM BY VEHICLE USE
Primary Vehicle Use Average Monthly Premium
Farm $116
Personal $123
Work $124
Business $137
It’s important to consider the difference between a business-use personal policy, outlined above, and a commercial car insurance policy. If you’re using your vehicle to transport goods or lending your vehicle to employees, you may need a commercial insurance policy.
If you’re a rideshare driver working for Uber or Lyft, consult your insurance company about getting a rideshare endorsement. This endorsement protects you from being denied coverage if you’re in an accident while working.
How annual mileage affects car insurance quotes
How much you drive reflects how much risk you represent to your insurance company. If you live in California, your annual mileage makes a big difference: there is a 30% difference between those who drive fewer than 7,500 miles per year and those who drive 15,000-plus miles per year. This amounts to around $549 per year.
If you live anywhere else in the U.S., mileage driven may have less of an impact, but it isn’t ignored altogether.
AUTO INSURANCE COSTS BY ANNUAL MILEAGE DRIVEN
Average Annual Mileage Average Monthly Rate
0 - 7,500 $119
7,500 - 10,000 $123
10,000 - 15,000 $125
15,000+ $127
If you'd like more information regarding car insurance by how much you drive, see our related articles:
Car insurance for low-mileage drivers
Car insurance for high-mileage drivers
How driving safety impacts auto insurance quotes
Among the factors that go into generating online car insurance quotes, driving history could be the most significant. To an auto insurance company, how a driver has driven is a good indicator of how they will drive. If a driver's résumé includes speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, driving without insurance or other violations, their insurance rates will be relatively expensive. Those with a clean driving record can expect rates to be much cheaper on average.
Speeding tickets, DUIs and other violations make it tough to get cheap car insurance quotes. A DUI may raise insurance rates by as much as 65% — with some states penalizing drivers even more.
Car Insurance Premiums by Violation.png
Depending on the specific violation and location, the number of years these violations will remain on a driver's insurance record may vary. Most companies will charge drivers extra for three to five years following an at-fault accident. However, a DUI can stay on a driver's insurance record for as long as 10 years. Read our guide to finding car insurance with a bad driving record.
Vehicle type and car insurance quotes
The type of car listed on a policy impacts insurance rates. A vehicle built for performance, with a high price tag — or a foreign-built model — may be costlier to insure. Vehicles that don't cost as much to repair or aren't built for faster driving — such as vans and sedans — are cheaper to insure.
Learn more about the average costs of insuring specific makes and models.
AUTO INSURANCE RATES BY VEHICLE TYPE
Vehicle Type - Average Monthly Premium
Truck $141
Van. $134
SUV $159
Sedan. $188
Luxury. $176
EV/Hybrid $185
Getting the cheapest car insurance quotes
Now that we’ve outlined what goes into car insurance premiums, let’s review some ways to find the cheapest rates.
File insurance claims wisely
At-fault accidents can lead to expensive insurance rates. If you’re not familiar with the way insurance companies price policies, you might be inclined to use your collision coverage if — for instance — you’ve damaged your vehicle by backing into a pole. If you have a low deductible, filing a claim may seem like a good idea. However, unless you’ve done significant damage, it may be worth paying for damages out of pocket and declining to involve your insurance company.
It's also worth remembering that a claim is likely to stay on your insurance record for three to five years. This means that even if it seems cheaper in the short term to file a claim, you could ultimately end up paying much more in the long run.
If you're unsure of whether or not to file a claim, consult our guide to find out more.
Should you file a claim?
Follow the steps below to find out:
- Get an estimate for the repairs at a mechanic.
- Use The Zebra's State of Insurance analysis to determine what the average premium increase would be if you were to file a claim.
- Compare the repair costs to the total rate of increase — plus deductible — to the total cost of repairs out of pocket.
Consider your insurance coverage carefully
Unlike your home, your vehicle will rapidly depreciate in value, meaning the coverage levels you once had might not be necessary after a few years. For example, collision and comprehensive coverage —commonly referred to as full coverage car insurance when paired together — are designed to protect your vehicle from damage. But if your vehicle is worth less than $4,000, the value of insurance payout you would receive might not justify the cost of your insurance premium.
When shopping for affordable car insurance quotes, arrive with a good idea of your vehicle's value via Kelley Blue Book or NADA. If you determine your vehicle is worth more than $4,000 but you need to save money, consider raising your deductible. Because your car insurance deductible and premium are inversely related, you can lower your bill by raising your deductible. Looking at the chart below, you can see how your premium is affected by adjusting your deductible.
AVERAGE MONTHLY INSURANCE RATES
Coverage Level - Average Monthly Rate
State minimum (liability-only) :- $48
50/100/50 with $500 deductible :- $123
50/100/50 with $1,000 deductible :- $109
For more information on car insurance coverage options, see our related content:
- Car insurance with a $500 deductible
- Car insurance with a $1,000 deductible
Use car insurance discounts
Some car insurance discounts are automatically added to your auto insurance policy when they pull your driving report. You should make sure they’re not forgetting anything. Below are some potential discounts and cost-cutting programs in which you can participate.
- Bundling discount
- Good driver discount
- Good student discount
- Safe teen driving discount
- Telematics
- Payment via bank account
- Paid-in-full discount
- eSignature discounts
- Safety features
- Paperless billing discount
- Multi-vehicle discount
- Safe driving senior discount
- Multi-driver discount
Be aware of your auto insurance options
Below are common types of car insurance, along with some additional coverage options. Being well-versed in these details will help you find a great deal, whether you're getting auto insurance quotes online or with the help of an agent. You can also add endorsements to supplement or tailor your coverage to suit your needs as a driver.
- Liability
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Full coverage
- MedPay
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Rental car coverage
- Roadside assistance
Compare car insurance quotes
There are a few common ways to find a car insurance policy: the traditional route involves working with an insurance agent, while the modern way involves online quote comparison. Since your auto insurance rates may vary based on your circumstances, you should get car insurance quotes online at six-month intervals to make sure you're with the right insurance company.
If you find a better rate elsewhere, consider canceling your current policy and moving on to another insurer. The remaining outstanding premium should be refunded. Opportunities to find cheap auto insurance quotes include when you move from state to state, when you add a car to your insurance policy, when you get married or when you celebrate a birthday.
Why The Zebra?
The Zebra is an independent insurance advisor and quote comparison site that helps customers compare prices, coverage and service levels for auto and home insurance policies.
With The Zebra, you can:
- Save time by getting multiple quotes at once
- Find the cheapest car insurance companies based on your driving profile
- Learn what coverage is best for your needs
- Get assistance from our knowledgeable in-house agents
- Rest assured that your personal info is safe and secure
The Zebra helps take the guesswork out of which insurers will be best for your driving profile by allowing you to compare insurance rates from every major carrier. We partner with insurers both large and small to help you find a policy that fits your needs even if you're looking for low-income car insurance. Start the process online or reach out by phone to an agent in our in-house agency. Our agency is appointed to sell policies on behalf of most of the top insurers in the country.
The Zebra takes your privacy seriously — we don't even take your phone number. You can rest assured that your information is safe with us. You won't receive spam and we will never sell your information. Enter your ZIP code below to get started.