Comparing car insurance quotes is a strategic way to identify the ideal coverage that aligns with your specific needs. It’s crucial to look beyond just the price and instead seek an insurance provider that demonstrates reliability and support, especially when an auto mishap or accident occurs – during those critical moments.
Strategies for Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Effectively
1. Obtain Multiple Quotes from Diverse Insurers.
Given that each insurance company employs unique methodologies to calculate rates, the most effective approach to securing competitive premiums for your individual circumstances is to solicit multiple quotes. There are various avenues for obtaining car insurance estimates. You can get quotes directly from individual insurance providers – either online, over the phone, or in person.1 Alternatively, you can consult independent insurance agents and brokers, or utilize certain third-party comparison websites.
It’s advisable to consider all major national insurers during your comparison. However, remember to also include regional insurers, as they might offer the most favorable premiums in your specific geographic area.
2. Ensure Consistent Coverage Levels for Accurate Comparison.
Before delving into a comparison of car insurance rates, determine the precise amount and type of coverage you intend to purchase. Increasing coverage will naturally elevate your premium, making it essential to maintain policy consistency across all quotes.2 For instance, if you plan to obtain full coverage, ensure you are comparing comprehensive car insurance quotes alongside collision insurance quotes.
3. Evaluate Beyond the Quoted Premium Alone.
While a lower rate can be highly appealing, you might miss out on significant value if you don’t consider the breadth of discounts an insurer provides. Beyond monetary figures, reviews concerning an insurance company – particularly those detailing their customer service and claims handling process – can offer invaluable insights.
4. Identify Top Companies for Your Demographic.
To assist drivers in pinpointing which companies to solicit quotes from, WalletHub’s editors have categorized and ranked the most affordable insurers for various customer segments. For example, you can explore the best car insurance companies tailored for young drivers, college students, and seniors.
5. Have All Necessary Information Readily Available.
To receive quotes specifically tailored to your individual requirements, you will need detailed information about your car, including its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and current mileage. Be prepared with your driver’s license number and contact information, as well as specifics regarding your driving habits and insurance history.
6. Prepare for Potential Rate Adjustments Post-Quote.
The quote you receive from an insurance company is an estimate – akin to a pre-approval.3 The actual rate assigned to you once your policy is officially approved, and the corresponding premium after discounts are applied, might differ. If your policy’s final price turns out to be significantly higher than the initial quote, you can attempt to negotiate with the insurance company. However, it’s wise to have a backup insurer in mind. It’s also beneficial to pre-determine what level of increase from the quote you would find acceptable.
7. Learn from Other Consumers’ Experiences.
In addition to reviewing formal assessments of various insurance companies, you can gain valuable insights from the collective wisdom of other consumers when refining your approach to comparing car insurance offers. With this in mind, a review of online community message boards (like Reddit) reveals practical tips. Some of the most frequently upvoted advice includes finding a trustworthy independent agent, dedicating at least a few hours to the comparison process, considering switching companies if you can achieve 20% savings, and exercising caution when freely sharing personal information. Redditors also consistently advise comparing a wide range of insurers, both large national players and smaller regional ones.
Comparative Car Insurance Rates by Company
| Company | Average Minimum Coverage Premium | Average Full Coverage Premium |
| Geico | $462 per year | $1,955 per year |
| USAA | $487 per year | $1,829 per year |
| Progressive | $549 per year | $2,271 per year |
| Travelers | $639 per year | $2,536 per year |
| Kemper | $689 per year | $2,600 per year |
| State Farm | $718 per year | $2,627 per year |
| Allstate | $781 per year | $2,438 per year |
| Nationwide | $890 per year | $3,046 per year |
| Farmers | $1,044 per year | $3,295 per year |
| Liberty Mutual | $1,090 per year | $3,419 per year |
Note: Premiums represent average annual prices for a policy fulfilling minimum coverage requirements and a full coverage policy including comprehensive and collision coverage. The driver is assumed to be a 45-year-old male in California. Actual rates will vary.
This table serves as an excellent starting point for comparing quotes for your personal car insurance policy. However, remember that your unique circumstances will dictate your precise premium. Consequently, the most affordable insurer for the average driver might not be the most economical choice for your specific needs.
Comparative Car Insurance Rates by Age
| Company | 16-year-old | 25-year-old | 45-year-old |
| State Farm | $1,803 per year | $845 per year | $718 per year |
| Geico | $1,544 per year | $550 per year | $462 per year |
| Progressive | $1,780 per year | $692 per year | $549 per year |
| Allstate | $2,349 per year | $874 per year | $781 per year |
| USAA | $1,581 per year | $575 per year | $487 per year |
| Liberty Mutual | $2,991 per year | $1,305 per year | $1,090 per year |
| Farmers | $2,588 per year | $1,188 per year | $1,044 per year |
| Nationwide | $4,372 per year | $1,168 per year | $890 per year |
| Travelers | $1,372 per year | $730 per year | $639 per year |
| Kemper | $2,507 per year | $942 per year | $689 per year |
Note: Premiums represent average annual prices for a policy fulfilling minimum coverage requirements for a male driver in California.4 Actual rates will vary.
Younger drivers typically incur higher insurance costs because, statistically, they are more prone to accidents.5 Nevertheless, premiums generally decrease as drivers gain more experience.
Comparative Car Insurance Rates by Driving Record
| Company | Clean Record | Speeding Ticket | At-Fault Accident |
| Travelers | $639 per year | $984 per year | $1,103 per year |
| Geico | $462 per year | $705 per year | $826 per year |
| USAA | $487 per year | $533 per year | $701 per year |
| Progressive | $549 per year | $996 per year | $1,103 per year |
| State Farm | $718 per year | $1,091 per year | $1,140 per year |
| Allstate | $781 per year | $1,104 per year | $1,277 per year |
| Farmers | $1,044 per year | $1,431 per year | $1,431 per year |
| Liberty Mutual | $1,090 per year | $1,656 per year | $1,845 per year |
| Nationwide | $890 per year | $1,546 per year | $1,385 per year |
| Kemper | $689 per year | $1,231 per year | $1,336 per year |
Note: Premiums represent average annual prices for a policy fulfilling minimum coverage requirements. The driver is assumed to be a 45-year-old male in California. Actual rates will vary.
Traffic violations, even minor ones like speeding tickets, signal to an insurer that you are statistically more likely to be involved in a crash than the average driver.6 Furthermore, more serious infractions, such as at-fault accidents, typically result in an even greater rate increase.
Comparative Car Insurance Rates by Credit Score
| Company | Average Cost with Good Credit | Average Cost with Bad Credit |
| State Farm | $1,591 per year | $3,478 per year |
| Geico | $784 per year | $1,003 per year |
| Progressive | $852 per year | $10,811 per year |
| Allstate | $1,616 per year | $3,089 per year |
| USAA | $872 per year | $1,323 per year |
| Travelers | $1,871 per year | $3,655 per year |
| Kemper | $1,988 per year | $6,584 per year |
Note: Rates are an approximation based on a driver in New York with minimum coverage. Actual rates will vary. “Bad credit” indicates a credit score below 640.
Studies have consistently shown a correlation between a lower credit score and a higher likelihood of a consumer filing an expensive insurance claim.7 However, it’s important to note that using credit scores as a factor in determining car insurance rates is not permissible in every state. California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan have prohibited or limited this practice.
Comparative Car Insurance Companies by User Rating (WalletHub)
| Company | User Rating on WalletHub |
| Nationwide | 3.2/5 |
| State Farm | 3.0/5 |
| Farmers | 3.1/5 |
| Allstate | 2.6/5 |
| USAA | 2.5/5 |
| Progressive | 2.4/5 |
| Geico | 1.6/5 |
| Liberty Mutual | 1.6/5 |
| Travelers | 1.9/5 |
| Kemper | 1.5/5 |
Examining a company’s user rating on WalletHub provides a quick and straightforward assessment of customer satisfaction. For more detailed insights into each company’s customer service record, click on the company name to access WalletHub’s full review.
Comparative Car Insurance Companies by Number of Discounts Offered
| Company | Number of Available Discounts |
| Farmers | 22 |
| Geico | 23 |
| State Farm | 16 |
| USAA | 7 |
| Travelers | 12 |
| Progressive | 18 |
| Liberty Mutual | 13 |
| Allstate | 11 |
| Nationwide | 11 |
| Kemper | 8 |
Car insurance companies provide a diverse range of discounts designed to reward safe driving, acknowledge customer loyalty, and more.8 Common opportunities for savings include good-student discounts, good-driver discounts, and multi-car discounts. Click on the company names above to explore the specific discounts each insurer offers.
Comparative Car Insurance Rates by State
| State | Minimum Coverage Cost | Full Coverage Cost |
| Alabama | $577 per year | $2,029 per year |
| Alaska | $470 per year | $1,679 per year |
| Arizona | $720 per year | $2,111 per year |
| Arkansas | $591 per year | $2,450 per year |
| California | $717 per year | $2,567 per year |
| Colorado | $606 per year | $2,445 per year |
| Connecticut | $1,086 per year | $2,453 per year |
| Delaware | $927 per year | $2,396 per year |
| Florida | $1,242 per year | $3,406 per year |
| Georgia | $877 per year | $2,287 per year |
| Hawaii | $432 per year | $1,434 per year |
| Idaho | $374 per year | $1,262 per year |
| Illinois | $592 per year | $1,801 per year |
| Indiana | $422 per year | $1,432 per year |
| Iowa | $294 per year | $1,409 per year |
| Kansas | $565 per year | $2,109 per year |
| Kentucky | $827 per year | $2,492 per year |
| Louisiana | $1,175 per year | $3,824 per year |
| Maine | $427 per year | $1,251 per year |
| Maryland | $1,038 per year | $2,533 per year |
| Massachusetts | $647 per year | $2,114 per year |
| Michigan | $1,300 per year | $3,397 per year |
| Minnesota | $698 per year | $1,928 per year |
| Mississippi | $508 per year | $1,920 per year |
| Missouri | $651 per year | $2,105 per year |
| Montana | $423 per year | $2,079 per year |
| Nebraska | $437 per year | $1,930 per year |
| Nevada | $874 per year | $2,365 per year |
| New Hampshire | $503 per year | $1,510 per year |
| New Jersey | $1,283 per year | $2,936 per year |
| New Mexico | $497 per year | $1,959 per year |
| New York | $1,719 per year | $4,535 per year |
| North Carolina | $511 per year | $1,454 per year |
| North Dakota | $384 per year | $1,623 per year |
| Ohio | $393 per year | $1,308 per year |
| Oklahoma | $511 per year | $2,155 per year |
| Oregon | $807 per year | $1,755 per year |
| Pennsylvania | $611 per year | $2,321 per year |
| Rhode Island | $946 per year | $2,479 per year |
| South Carolina | $802 per year | $2,339 per year |
| South Dakota | $304 per year | $1,822 per year |
| Tennessee | $467 per year | $1,736 per year |
| Texas | $773 per year | $2,577 per year |
| Utah | $765 per year | $2,114 per year |
| Vermont | $318 per year | $1,212 per year |
| Virginia | $603 per year | $1,653 per year |
| Washington | $699 per year | $2,215 per year |
| West Virginia | $523 per year | $1,787 per year |
| Wisconsin | $412 per year | $1,457 per year |
| Wyoming | $291 per year | $1,716 per year |
Note: Premiums represent average annual prices for a policy fulfilling minimum coverage requirements and a full coverage policy including comprehensive and collision coverage. The driver is assumed to be a 45-year-old male. Actual rates will vary.
Methodology
Quote information is sourced from Quadrant Information Services. Average annual premiums by company reflect nationwide quotes for a 45-year-old single driver with a clean driving record, purchasing minimum coverage. This driver is assumed to have good credit and drive an average of 15,000 miles annually.
Quotes for policyholders with a recent speeding ticket or a recent at-fault accident are also for 45-year-old single drivers with good credit who drive 15,000 miles annually and are purchasing minimum coverage. Average premiums for 16-year-old and 25-year-old drivers similarly reflect minimum coverage requirements, good credit, a clean driving record, and 15,000 annual miles.