Getting car insurance quotes online is a great way to start your search for cheap car insurance. Instant, online quotes can help you comparison shop for the best policy, whether you need it now or are planning for the future.
Auto Insurance
Instant and Free Car Insurance Quotes Online (2024)
Updated: August 20, 2024
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Car InsuranceInstant & FreeOnline QuotesKey Takeaways
A quote is not binding. You aren't obligated to purchase a policy because you received a quote. Your actual premium may differ based on the underwriting process of the insurer.
Most car insurance companies provide free quotes online and even have online payment options so that you can sign up for a new policy at your convenience. Some insurers also offer car insurance discounts if you sign up digitally.
Your best and cheapest options will vary depending on factors such as age, gender, location, motor vehicle record and credit history.
MoneyGeek used a range of driver profiles and geographic locations and collected quotes from Quadrant Information Services and State Departments of Insurance to create the most up-to-date and accurate estimates of car insurance premiums. Our content is fact-checked by our rigorous editorial process and evaluated by leading industry experts that review our pages and provide topical advice to ensure our readers have the information they need to make smart and data-driven decisions for their budgets.
Data Profile
2,118,312Quotes Analyzed
897Zip Codes Used
67Companies Compared
What Is an Online Car Insurance Quote?
An online car insurance quote is like a peek behind the curtain — it allows you to see what kind of premium you might get for different coverage amounts.
A quote is not contractual. Rates and coverage can change based on the insurer's underwriting criteria. Your rate could increase if certain personal information is not included in the screening questions and surfaces later (a ticket or DUI, for example). You aren't obligated to purchase a policy after receiving a quote, and your actual premium may increase or decrease from the quote estimate depending on how insurers assess more than a dozen individual rating factors.
For the average driver, a quote is a solid jumping-off point for what to expect to pay for your policy. What's important is that you’re gathering information and considering your options.
How Do Online Car Insurance Quotes Work?
Online car insurance quotes are estimates provided by insurers for the cost of a car insurance policy based on the driver's personal information, vehicle details and driving history. You specify your desired coverage, such as liability insurance or comprehensive coverage, and the insurance company calculates a premium based on assessed risk.
Receiving quotes online allows you to compare multiple sample rates to find the best coverage and cost balance. Once you find a quote that meets your budget, many insurers will allow you to purchase the policy online. It's a process that prioritizes ease and transparency, letting consumers make informed decisions that best suit their needs and budget.
Companies That Offer Online Quotes and Digital Discounts
Many car insurance companies offer online quotes to make it convenient for customers to estimate the cost of their coverage.
Here are a few prominent providers offering online quotes:
Some of these car insurance companies also offer car insurance discounts for drivers who get online quotes or manage their car insurance policies digitally.
- Progressive offers a discount with an average savings of 7% to get a quote online. If you sign up online, Progressive offers an average savings of 9%. If you pay in full and sign up for paperless and automatic payments with Progressive, you may be eligible for even more savings.
- While Liberty Mutual doesn't offer an online quote discount, the company does offer online purchase, paperless billing and automatic payment discounts.
What Do You Need to Get a Free Online Car Insurance Quote?
When obtaining an online car insurance quote, you'll typically need to provide the following personal information:
- Name: The full legal name of the person requesting the quote.
- Date of Birth: This is used to assess risk, as age can impact insurance rates.
- Address: Your residential address can impact your rates due to factors like local traffic conditions and crime rates.
- Driver's License Number: Insurers use this to confirm your identity and driving history.
- Vehicle Information: This includes the make, model and year of the vehicle, as well as its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Driving History: Information about any traffic violations, accidents or claims you've had in the past few years.
- Current Insurance Details: If you're already insured, the insurer may ask for details about your current policy and provider.
- Desired Coverage: The type and amount of coverage you want, such as liability, collision or comprehensive coverage.
Remember, it's important to provide accurate information to receive a quote. Misrepresentation could lead to increased premiums, policy cancellation or denial of a claim.
DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH COVERAGE YOU NEED?
MoneyGeek has the resources to help you determine how much car insurance you really need to make sure you are financially protected on the road.
It's also important to know how much car insurance is mandatory in your state, as well as pricing options for a cheap liability-only policy or an affordable full coverage policy.
Keep in mind that a liability-only policy only covers damages for the other driver in the event of an accident in which you are at fault. Full coverage offers the best financial protection from at-fault accidents and is typically required if you take out an auto loan or lease a vehicle.
Find Cheap Car Insurance
While getting a quote online is convenient, you should consider more than just the price when choosing your car insurance. Look for a balance between affordable premiums and adequate coverage to find the best car insurance for you.
Review the table below to explore how insurers stack up by cost for different coverage options. Adjust the table by your age range and preferred coverage to review the national average rates for each company.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age Group:22-29
Select
Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
| State Farm | $1,099 | $92 |
| GEICO | $1,123 | $94 |
| Nationwide | $1,146 | $96 |
| Travelers | $1,183 | $99 |
| Allstate | $1,247 | $104 |
| Progressive | $1,353 | $113 |
| Farmers | $1,437 | $120 |
Pros and Cons of Getting Car Insurance Quotes Online
Getting an online quote for car insurance can be convenient and time-saving, but like anything, it has its pros and cons.
- Convenience: You can get a quote anytime, anywhere, without needing to visit an office or make a phone call.
- Speed: Online quotes are usually generated quickly, allowing you to compare different options in a short period.
- Comparison: It's easy to compare rates from multiple insurers simultaneously, helping you find the best deal.
- Transparency: You can easily review and modify coverage options to see how changes affect your premium.
- Lack of Personalization: An online process might only consider some of your individual circumstances or special discounts that an agent could identify.
- Confusion: Without an insurance professional to explain terms and coverage, it might be challenging to understand all the details of the policy.
- Privacy Concerns: You'll have to share personal information online, which could be a concern for some regarding data security.
- Impersonal: Some people prefer the personal touch of dealing with an insurance agent, which you don't get online.
Pros
Cons
Get a Free Car Insurance Quote Now
Our Auto Insurance Calculator utilizes 2,118,312 quotes from 67 car insurance providers across 897 ZIP codes to help you find the best and most affordable car insurance for you. When collecting quotes, we analyzed costs for different driver profiles, ages, vehicles and geographic locations to estimate the cost of car insurance for various drivers. The information entered into the calculator helps us create the closest estimate for you.
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Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Ways to Find Cheap Car Insurance Quotes Online
Car insurance rates will vary depending on various factors, such as location, driver age (for example, teen drivers tend to be more expensive to insure), vehicle type and driving history. So, what’s “cheap” for one person may not be for another. That’s why casting a wide net when getting quotes is so important.
There are several ways to get online insurance quotes. You can use a specific car insurance company's website to get a quote or comparison tools, like the calculator provided by MoneyGeek, to get quotes in your area. When you use MoneyGeek's calculator, not only can you compare quotes from different companies, but you can also compare rates for different types and ranges of coverage. For instance, you can compare the cost of minimum liability coverage with the price of comprehensive and collision insurance to see how much more it will cost to have more protection.
When compiling quotes, you’ll also want to look at the coverage included, payment schedule and deductible to compare quotes and find the best one for you. Comparing these offerings can help you find the most affordable option that provides the level of coverage for your needs.
How to Get Cheaper Rates in an Online Quote
There are several ways to get cheaper rates in an online quote. Start with comparing auto insurance quotes from several providers. Improving your credit score and driving record can also lower your rates. Some providers may even offer discounts for clean records.
Another way to lower your rate is to drive a less expensive car. You can also decrease coverage for older cars and ask about discounts you may be eligible for. For example, you may qualify for a low-mileage discount if you tend to carpool to destinations or don't drive often. Some insurers also offer discounts for bundling homeowners and auto insurance.
How to Buy Car Insurance Online
Buying auto insurance coverage online is a fairly straightforward process. Follow these steps to purchase car insurance online.
- 1
Understand what coverages you need.
As long as you provide information about where you live, an online quote should include the minimum required coverages. Some shoppers will want additional options, like roadside assistance or higher coverage amounts, depending on their situation. Understanding how much coverage you need is critical to getting accurate quotes.
- 2
Gather online quotes from several insurers.
Insurance options can vary depending on where you live, so the best way to see which one will be the least expensive — given your desired coverages — is to get as many car insurance quotes online as possible. An online quote tool comes in handy here, especially one that gathers quotes from several companies simultaneously to compare them side-by-side. You won’t have to worry about looking into companies that may not even offer insurance where you live.
- 3
Weigh your options and select the best one for you.
Once you have those quotes handy, you can compare prices and coverage options. Make sure to consider the payment schedule. For example, some insurance companies may offer an annual estimate that includes a related discount, while others may give you a monthly payment estimate with a no down payment plan.
By breaking things down into comparable buckets, you can more easily figure out the best car insurance option for you. You should also look into the companies to make sure that the ones you’re considering are financially strong and have a solid reputation for claim management.
For example, having a knowledgeable agent might be a good idea if you value in-person customer service. If you want to access your coverage information or make claims on the go, tech offerings like a mobile app may be more important to you.
- 4
Contact the company (likely your local agent) and get your vehicle insured.
Once you’ve picked your best option, you can contact the company to begin the process of securing coverage.
Comparing Ways to Get Car Insurance
Whether you prefer working with a local agent or completing the quote and purchase process online, there are a variety of convenient ways to find car insurance that meets your needs.
- Pro: They can provide personalized service and detailed knowledge about the specific products and discounts offered by their company.
- Con: They can only provide options from one insurance company, limiting your ability to compare rates from multiple insurers.
- Pro: They can provide a wide range of options from different insurance companies, allowing you to compare multiple quotes and find the best deal.
- Con: Every independent agency represents a different mix of national and regional insurers, so an agency may not represent the company you are interested in
- Pro: It's convenient and quick, allowing you to get a quote anytime, anywhere, without making a phone call or visiting an office.
- Con: Online processes might not consider your individual circumstances or offer personalized advice that an agent could provide.
- Pro: They offer a quick way to compare multiple quotes simultaneously, saving you time and potentially helping you find the best deal.
- Con: Some comparison websites may not include every insurer in their comparisons, which could result in missing out on a better deal from an unlisted provider.
Local Captive Agents
A captive agent represents a single insurance company and sells policies from that insurer only.
Independent Agents or Brokers
Independent agents and brokers work with multiple insurance companies, giving them the ability to offer a variety of options.
Getting Insured Online Directly Through an Insurer
Getting insured online requires going directly to an insurer's website to get a quote or using a comparison website.
Using a Comparison Website
These sites gather quotes from various insurers, letting you compare them side by side.
Regardless of the method you choose, the key is to understand your needs, compare your options and make an informed decision that provides the coverage you need at a price you can afford.
Find Online Rates in Your State
Location is another factor that impacts auto insurance rates. Depending on where you live, rates can increase based on the likelihood of an accident or potential auto theft in the area. You can find the best rates in your state below.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age Group:22-29
Select
Coverage:Minimum Coverage
| Alabama | Cincinnati Insurance | $256 | $21 |
| Alaska | GEICO | $352 | $29 |
| Arizona | Travelers | $359 | $30 |
| Arkansas | Hanover | $260 | $22 |
| California | CSAA | $428 | $36 |
| Colorado | American National P&C | $259 | $22 |
| Connecticut | GEICO | $405 | $34 |
| Delaware | Travelers | $459 | $38 |
| District of Columbia | GEICO | $474 | $40 |
| Florida | State Farm | $581 | $48 |
| Georgia | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $441 | $37 |
| Hawaii | GEICO | $217 | $18 |
| Idaho | American National P&C | $152 | $13 |
| Illinois | Mercury | $329 | $27 |
| Indiana | State Farm | $287 | $24 |
| Iowa | State Farm | $175 | $15 |
| Kansas | Nationwide | $275 | $23 |
| Kentucky | Cincinnati Insurance | $330 | $28 |
| Louisiana | GEICO | $535 | $45 |
| Maine | Countryway Insurance | $266 | $22 |
| Maryland | Progressive | $572 | $48 |
| Massachusetts | State Farm | $221 | $18 |
| Michigan | Travelers | $111 | $9 |
| Minnesota | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $370 | $31 |
| Mississippi | Progressive | $304 | $25 |
| Missouri | State Farm | $479 | $40 |
| Montana | State Farm | $185 | $15 |
| Nebraska | American National P&C | $163 | $14 |
| Nevada | CSAA | $565 | $47 |
| New Hampshire | State Farm | $296 | $25 |
| New Jersey | Amica Mutual | $460 | $38 |
| New Mexico | State Farm | $310 | $26 |
| New York | Kemper | $540 | $45 |
| North Carolina | Nationwide | $293 | $24 |
| North Dakota | Nodak Mutual | $211 | $18 |
| Ohio | Erie | $220 | $18 |
| Oklahoma | State Farm | $258 | $22 |
| Oregon | State Farm | $411 | $34 |
| Pennsylvania | Travelers | $286 | $24 |
| Rhode Island | Travelers | $376 | $31 |
| South Carolina | American National P&C | $285 | $24 |
| South Dakota | State Farm | $260 | $22 |
| Tennessee | State Farm | $256 | $21 |
| Texas | State Farm | $392 | $33 |
| Utah | GEICO | $490 | $41 |
| Vermont | State Farm | $233 | $19 |
| Virginia | Virginia Farm Bureau | $300 | $25 |
| Washington | PEMCO | $326 | $27 |
| West Virginia | Erie | $361 | $30 |
| Wisconsin | GEICO | $273 | $23 |
| Wyoming | GEICO | $201 | $17 |
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FAQ: Online Auto Insurance Quotes
Getting your car insured is essential, but it’s also not always the most straightforward process. Here are some commonly asked questions about getting cheap car insurance quotes online to help you understand how to secure sample rates.
What do online car insurance quotes include?
It can vary depending on how you request a quote. For example, you can use a quote tool that pulls quotes from different insurers. Or, you can utilize an insurance company’s own quote tool, which will likely give you various options to compare with that company. Typically, an online car insurance quote includes your potential premium — which can be charged annually, semi-annually or monthly — for a given set of coverages.
Are car insurance quotes online accurate?
The more accurate the information you provide, the more accurate the quote will be. When you get car insurance quotes online, they may not be the same figures you’d get from that insurer. However, they do provide a good ballpark estimate, which makes them useful tools when shopping for cheap car insurance online.
How can I get car insurance quotes online?
You can go directly through a specific car insurance company to see your potential options from that company only, or you can use a tool that gathers quotes from many insurance companies. The latter is generally more useful for those just beginning their search for a policy.
Are online car insurance quotes free?
Yes, you should never have to pay for a quote from a car insurance company. If a company tries to charge for a quote, you are not dealing with a reputable insurer.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.