Free Auto Insurance: The Ultimate Guide

While auto insurance is required in almost every US state, finding the right policy at a good price can be challenging. However, it is possible to obtain free auto insurance quotes to help you compare rates and coverage options from different insurance companies. Online car insurance quote sites allow drivers to enter their information once and receive quotes from multiple trusted insurance companies within minutes. When obtaining a quote, you will typically need to provide your driver's license, vehicle identification number, date of purchase, and driving history. Keep in mind that auto insurance quotes are estimates, and the final premium amount may vary based on specific information provided for your policy.

Compare quotes from multiple companies

Comparing quotes from multiple companies is a great way to find the best deal on auto insurance. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Use a comparison website or app: Websites like Insurify, Compare.com, and Policygenius allow you to compare real-time quotes from multiple insurance companies at once. Some companies, like Progressive, also offer their own comparison tools that allow you to compare their rates with competitors.
• Provide accurate information: To get accurate quotes, make sure to provide detailed information about yourself, your vehicle, and your driving history. This includes your age, gender, address, vehicle make and model, driving record, and current insurance coverage.
• Choose the right coverage: Decide what type of coverage you need before comparing quotes. The most common types of auto insurance coverage include liability, collision, and comprehensive. You may also want to consider additional coverages like emergency roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and mechanical breakdown insurance.
• Select the same coverage limits and deductibles: When comparing quotes from different companies, make sure to select the same coverage limits and deductibles to get an accurate comparison. This will help you understand the true cost of each policy.
• Consider discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for things like being a good driver, having safety features in your car, or bundling your auto insurance with other types of insurance. Look for these discounts when comparing quotes to find the best deal.
• Read reviews: Before choosing an insurance company, be sure to read reviews from other customers. This can give you an idea of the quality of their customer service, the ease of filing claims, and overall satisfaction with the company.

Research insurer reputation

When choosing an auto insurance company, it is important to research the insurer's reputation. This can be done by checking third-party customer reviews and ratings from organizations such as J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and AM Best. These sources can provide insights into areas such as customer satisfaction, claims handling, financial strength, and complaint indices. Additionally, it is worth considering the company's business model, whether it has a customer-centric approach, and if it offers customizable policy options and discounts.

• Amica Mutual Insurance: Amica is known for its exceptional claims service and customer-centric business model. It has consistently low complaint indices with the NAIC and has received high marks for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power studies. Amica offers customizable policy options and various discounts, including a loyalty discount for maintaining a policy for at least two years.
• GEICO: GEICO is a trusted and well-known auto insurer with a long history. It offers coverage for various types of drivers, including those with blemished driving records. GEICO provides robust digital tools, a user-friendly app, and a wide range of discounts. However, customer service scores can vary by region, and it offers fewer coverage options compared to some competitors.
• Progressive: Progressive is the second-largest auto insurance company in the country, serving over 14% of the market. It offers coverage options for a wide range of vehicles and drivers, including those with DUIs. Progressive provides strong digital tools, several discount opportunities, and a telematics program called Snapshot. However, customer satisfaction scores vary by region, and the Snapshot program can raise rates for less safe drivers.
• Auto-Owners Insurance: Auto-Owners Insurance is available in 26 states and has received high marks for customer loyalty and satisfaction. It offers a low NAIC complaint index and superior financial strength ratings from AM Best. Auto-Owners provides a variety of discounts, including multipolicy and student discounts. However, it does not offer online quoting or claims filing.
• State Farm: State Farm is the largest national auto insurer in terms of market share. It has a vast network of local agents and a strong reputation for customer service. State Farm offers various discounts, safe driving programs, and telematics programs. However, customer service is not available 24/7, and it has a higher-than-average overall NAIC Complaint Index.
• USAA: USAA is highly regarded for its customer service and financial strength, consistently scoring well in J.D. Power studies. It offers military-focused coverage options and discounts, such as savings for on-base military members. However, USAA is only available to active-duty military, veterans, and their eligible family members.

Choose how to get your insurance quotes

There are several ways to get your insurance quotes. Here are some options:

Local Captive Agents

These agents work for a specific insurance company, such as Allstate, Farmers, or State Farm. They will only provide you with a quote from that one carrier. Some newer or more technology-focused carriers do not use agents at all.

Independent Agents or Brokers

Independent agents or brokers are appointed to sell policies from multiple insurance companies, giving you a wider range of options to choose from. Many top insurance companies like Travelers and Progressive sell policies through independent agents.

Online Comparison Sites

Online insurance comparison sites, such as The Zebra, offer the most convenience and the widest array of options. They can help you find multiple car insurance quotes in minutes. However, not all comparison sites are equal. Some only have a limited number of insurance partners, while others may sell your information to other aggregators.

When deciding how to get your insurance quotes, it is important to get multiple quotes to ensure you are getting good coverage at a competitive rate. This will allow you to compare rates, coverages, and customer service across different insurance providers.

Consider your coverage

When considering auto insurance coverage, it's important to understand the different types of insurance available and choose the right policy and coverage limits for your vehicle. Here are some factors to consider when reviewing your coverage options:

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is mandatory in most states and is required in almost every state. It covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties if you are at fault in an accident. This can include the other driver, their passengers, their vehicle, as well as injured pedestrians and property owners. However, liability coverage does not compensate you or your passengers for injuries or damages. It is important to check your state's minimum coverage requirements and determine if you need additional coverage beyond the state minimum.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage is not required by law but is usually mandated by a lienholder or lessor for a financed or leased vehicle. It covers the cost of repairs or replacement of your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. While not mandatory, collision coverage can provide financial protection in case of an accident.

Comprehensive Coverage

Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage is not required by law but is often required by a lienholder or lessor. It covers repairs to your vehicle caused by events other than a collision, such as vandalism, theft, flood, hail, fire, and animal damage. Comprehensive coverage helps protect your investment in your vehicle by covering damages that are not the result of a collision.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is required in many states. This type of coverage pays for your and your passengers' medical bills and property damage if the at-fault driver doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough coverage. It also covers hit-and-run accidents, providing financial protection in case the other driver cannot be identified.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal injury protection is mandatory in states with no-fault insurance laws. PIP covers medical bills and lost wages for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault in the accident. It can also cover replacement services for daily tasks that you are unable to perform due to your injuries. PIP provides additional financial protection and peace of mind in the event of an accident.

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)

Medical payments coverage is optional in most states and covers your medical bills in the event of a crash, regardless of who is at fault. However, it does not cover lost wages, child care, or other related expenses, unlike PIP coverage. MedPay can be a good option if you want additional coverage for medical expenses.

Other Optional Coverages

In addition to the standard coverages mentioned above, there are several other optional coverages you may want to consider, depending on your specific needs:

• Gap coverage: Required for leased or financed cars, it covers the difference between the car's actual cash value and the loan balance if the car is totaled.
• Rideshare insurance: Supplemental coverage for rideshare drivers, filling gaps in personal and commercial insurance policies.
• Accident forgiveness coverage: Protects you from rising insurance rates after an at-fault accident, typically a one-time benefit.
• Glass coverage: Reduces or eliminates the deductible for windshield repairs or replacements.
• Custom equipment coverage: Reimburses you for aftermarket parts or customisations damaged in a collision.
• Pay-per-mile insurance: Calculates insurance costs based on miles driven and includes collision and comprehensive coverage.
• Usage-based insurance (UBI): Calculates insurance costs based on driving habits and behaviours, reported via a mobile app or a device plugged into the car.
• Roadside assistance: Provides towing coverage and other services like flat tire changes, jump starts, fuel delivery, and lock-out assistance.
• Umbrella insurance: Supplemental liability coverage for lawsuits resulting from collisions.
• Rental reimbursement coverage: Covers the cost of a rental car or alternative transportation when your vehicle is inoperable due to an accident or covered claim.
• Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage: Ensures that your vehicle is repaired with parts from the original manufacturer, rather than aftermarket parts.

When considering your coverage, it's important to review your state's minimum requirements, your lender's or lessor's mandates, and your own personal needs and preferences. Balancing affordability and quality coverage is essential, and understanding the different types of insurance can help you make an informed decision about your auto insurance policy.

Choose your policy

Choosing your auto insurance policy is a balancing act between your needs and preferences, and the cost. Here are some steps to help you choose your policy:

Understand Why You Need Auto Insurance

Knowing why you need auto insurance helps you to understand your objectives when shopping for a policy. You need insurance to drive legally, as most states require at least a minimum level of liability coverage. Auto insurance also ensures you can live up to your financial responsibility if you are in an accident, and it helps protect your financial health.

Know the Types of Car Insurance

There are several types of car insurance to consider when choosing a policy. The five main types are:

• Liability insurance: This helps cover the costs for personal injury or damage to others when you are legally responsible for an accident.
• Collision coverage: This applies to damage to your vehicle in an accident and is essential if you own a new vehicle.
• Comprehensive coverage: This covers damage to your vehicle that is not caused by an accident, such as theft or weather damage.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: This helps defray the cost of an accident when the other driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage.
• Medical coverage or personal injury protection: This can help cover the cost of medical care for you and your passengers.

Choose Coverage and Deductibles

When choosing coverage and deductibles, consider your financial resources. If you have more assets, you may want more coverage to protect yourself from risk. You should also think about your liquidity; if you can afford a higher deductible, you can save on your premiums. Ask yourself if you would want to use insurance to pay for a small repair, or if you'd rather have a higher deductible and set aside the savings.

Shop Around for Insurance

When shopping for insurance, it's helpful to have the following information ready:

• Your vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Your driver's license number
• An estimate of how many miles you drive per year
• A copy of your current auto insurance policy (if you have one)
• An estimate of your current insurance costs
• Your state's insurance requirements

It's also a good idea to get quotes from multiple insurance companies and compare policies to find the best rates and coverage for your needs.

Consider Discounts

You can also inquire about discounts to lower your insurance costs. Common discounts include those for low mileage, professional or alumni affiliations, and safe driving.

Pick a Reputable Insurance Company

Finally, choose an insurance company with a strong track record of financial stability and good customer service. Check ratings with third-party credit bureaus and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Referrals from family and friends are also a great source of information.

Frequently asked questions