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A variety of factors impact your car insurance rate. The best way to find cheap car insurance is to shop around. You can also save money by keeping your credit clean and avoiding driving violations.
1. Shop around.
The best way to get cheap car insurance quotes is to shop around. Compare rates from multiple companies and make sure you’re comparing apples-to-apples by using the same coverage levels when quoting. Then, assess your needs and priorities. For example, you might value a company’s customer service or the ability to bundle home and auto policies. Another consideration is whether the company offers discounts that apply to your situation. USAA, for example, offers a variety of discounts that are specific to military members.
The type of vehicle you drive also affects your rates. Insurance providers charge more for sports cars and other high-end vehicles that are more likely to be stolen or have higher repair costs. On the other hand, older sedans and SUVs are generally cheaper to insure than larger vehicles. If you’re in the market for a new car, consider a model that is rated highly by safety experts and has a low risk of theft.
Your age can also have a significant impact on your car insurance rates. NerdWallet’s analysis shows that a 35-year-old with a clean driving record can expect to pay about $148 a month for full coverage, while the same driver would likely find a much more expensive policy with a DUI on their record.
Aside from a clean driving record, your credit score can also significantly impact your rates. Drivers with poor credit might have trouble finding affordable car insurance, but there are a few ways to increase their chances of getting a good deal. One option is to compare rates from a wide range of companies and look for any that offer discounts for drivers with poor credit. In addition, try to consider insurers that are rated highly by consumer advocacy organizations and offer a customer-first experience. Lastly, if you’re willing to switch to less coverage, you may be able to save by switching to a minimum liability policy. Some of the top car insurance companies that offer minimum liability coverage include State Farm, GEICO and Farmers.
2. Look for discounts.
If you’re a good driver, have an excellent credit score and own a vehicle with safety features like airbags and anti-lock brakes, these are all things that will help keep your car insurance rates low. However, there are other ways to save money on your auto policy too. Raising your deductible, adding a teen driver to the policy and shopping around each year are all things that can make a difference in the cost of your premium.
It’s also important to check for available discounts, both when you shop online and when you talk to a real person at an insurer. Discounts vary by carrier, but they include things like bundling multiple policies, multi-car discounts, good student perks and affiliation discounts. If you’re not sure what discounts you qualify for, be sure to ask — the more discounts you have, the higher your savings could be.
The most common discounts are based on driver-related factors, such as age, gender and driving history. In addition, there are discounts for lowering your deductible, paying in full or having an accident-free driving record. Typically, the easiest way to see a list of available discounts is by using an online quote system. This allows you to enter basic information about your driver and your vehicle, and will often return a list of potential rates from the top companies.
In many cases, the online quote systems will offer a link to each company’s website, where you can get more specific quotes and information. However, some comparison sites may only partner with a limited number of carriers, and you might not have access to smaller insurers that aren’t in the online marketplace.
When you’re looking at rates, be sure to choose the same coverage limits for each quote so you can compare apples to apples. It’s also worth remembering that while cheap car insurance might seem tempting, it could leave you vulnerable in the event of an accident or natural disaster. A comprehensive policy that is priced affordably might cost more up front, but it will provide you with peace of mind and financial protection in the long run.
3. Ask for a quote.
If you’re looking for a car insurance quote, it’s important to be prepared with accurate and complete information. You’ll likely need to provide personal identifying information such as name, age, address and Social Security number; details about the vehicles you own and drive (including make and model); your driving history; and the names of anyone who regularly drives your car. Some insurers may also ask for specific information about your vehicle, such as its safety features and theft rates.
Depending on the type of car you own, certain models have higher or lower insurance costs than others. To find a low rate, shop around for quotes with the exact vehicle you drive. You should also get quotes with the same coverage limits, deductibles and endorsements.
Many drivers find that shopping around online is a faster and easier way to find cheap car insurance quotes. In some cases, it can even be more convenient than contacting several insurers one by one over the phone. However, it’s important to consider the security of any shopping experience that requires your personal information, including the security of the website’s connections, transparent opt-out options and the ability to choose not to be contacted via phone.
Some states require that you contact a licensed insurer in order to obtain a car insurance quote. When you do, ask for a comprehensive explanation of the coverage and rate options available to you, as well as the insurer’s claims handling process. Then, decide whether the insurer meets your needs and is worth your business.
A good car insurance policy should be able to pay for damage caused by accidents, theft and natural disasters. In addition, it should cover your legal liability in the event of an accident that you cause. But, the cost of car insurance can add up quickly, especially if you have high-value vehicles or a high-risk driver on your policy.
By following these tips, you can minimize your auto insurance costs without sacrificing the protection you need to get on the road. Using an online car insurance comparison tool such as MoneyGeek can help you narrow your search by providing anonymous estimates with minimal personal identifiers, so you can avoid sharing your information with dozens of companies while still getting quality options for your next policy.
4. Get a policy in writing.
If you’re shopping around for car insurance, it pays to have all your information together before making any calls or visiting websites. Make sure you know what coverages you want, the year, make and model of each vehicle you’re insuring (and the VIN number if possible) as well as your driver’s license number. And don’t forget about any discounts you may qualify for, especially if you bundle your auto with other policies such as home or renters.
Remember, it takes time to assemble the information you’ll need for quotes from multiple insurers and then compare them. It’s also important that each quote you get is based on the same coverage levels so that you can truly compare apples to apples.
The good news is that today, most companies will provide you with all of your insurance information and documents online. They’ll even send you a digital copy of your policy by email at the beginning of each term and you can request paper copies to be sent to your home. This makes it easier to keep track of your coverage and to understand the policy you’re buying.
You should always read your policy carefully and never be afraid to ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Whether you’re shopping for the best rate, filing a claim or reviewing your coverage to plan for the future, knowing how to navigate your policy will help you be a smarter, more confident driver.
The top car insurance companies balance affordability and service with a solid reputation for customer satisfaction. And although none of the top companies are cheapest for every driver, some are consistently lower than others for all coverage levels. Enter your ZIP code to see average monthly rates for your area. Then use NerdWallet’s list of the Best Car Insurance Companies 2025 to find a company that fits your needs. If you’re interested in keeping your rates low, work on maintaining a clean driving record and bundling your auto with other policies like home or renters insurance. That way, you’ll be eligible for additional discounts that will further reduce your costs.
