Get Free Car Insurance Quotes Online (May 2024)
You could save $134 (or more) per month on car insurance by comparing free quotes online.
Find free car insurance quotes online
Most insurance companies offer free car insurance quotes online.
To get an online quote, you'll need to share your personal information and know how much coverage you need. Then you can compare quotes from multiple companies to find the cheapest rates for you.
1. Get info about you and your car for online car insurance quotes
To get free online insurance quotes, you must enter info about yourself, your car and your driving record.
- Driver's license info
- Current insurance company
- Your car's make, model and year
- Driving history
- About how many miles you drive per year
2. Choose a policy and coverage limits
The coverage types and limits you choose will affect your car insurance quotes.
Basic car insurance coverages
Bodily injury liability coverage pays for another driver's medical expenses, lost income and funeral expenses if you cause an accident.
Property damage liability coverage pays to repair or replace other people's cars and belongings after an accident you cause.
Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays for your medical expenses, regardless of who caused an accident.
Collision coverage pays to fix your car after an accident, even if it's your fault.
Comprehensive coverage pays to repair your car after a weather-related accident, vandalism, hitting a deer or other "acts of God."
Most people should get car insurance quotes that include comprehensive and collision coverage.
Also called a full coverage policy, this policy will pay for damage to your car. It's essential for newer cars and vehicles worth over $5,000.
Some drivers may also want extra coverage, like roadside assistance or rideshare insurance.
3. Compare quotes to find your best rate
After you've gathered your info and determined your coverage needs, you're ready to get a quote.
A quote comparison tool is the fastest way to get multiple quotes.
You can also visit each insurance company's website and use their free online quote tools. Another option is to work with an independent agent who can get quotes from multiple companies.
ValuePenguin works with trusted national car insurance companies to help you find your best rate quickly, simply and easily — for free.
- Save money. Comparison shopping is the best way to find the cheapest quotes.
- It's free and easy. Get car insurance quotes in just a few minutes, with no cost or hassle.
- Find an insurance company you trust. We partner with the country's leading companies, so you can be confident you'll be protected when it counts.
- Get customized results. You get more accurate rates when your online quote matches your unique driver profile.
- Shop with confidence. ValuePenguin respects your privacy, and we take extra precautions to ensure your info remains secure.
ValuePenguin's analysis of millions of insurance quotes collected nationwide shows that getting multiple automobile insurance quotes is the best way to find affordable rates.
Companies base their quotes on how likely they believe you are to make a claim and how much it could cost them.
The most common factors used to calculate your quotes are how much coverage you choose, the car you drive and where you live. Companies also look at your credit history, age and gender.
Car insurance quotes by company
Full coverage car insurance costs $164 per month, on average.
State Farm has the cheapest rates among national companies. Full coverage from State Farm costs an average of $124 per month.
Erie has even lower rates, at $106 per month for full coverage. But it's only available in 12 states and Washington, D.C.
The difference in rates between companies is the most important reason to compare auto insurance quotes. For example, you could get a quote of $161 per month from Geico. But Allstate might quote you $217 per month for the same policy.
Full coverage insurance rates by company
Company | Monthly cost | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie | $107 | |
| State Farm | $125 | |
| Geico | $162 | |
| Progressive | $170 | |
| Nationwide | $189 | |
*USAA is only available to military members, veterans and their families.
When comparing quotes, make sure to consider the quality of the insurance company.
The best car insurance doesn't always cost more. If two companies quote you similar rates, consider which offers better customer service.
When shopping for car insurance quotes online, write down the reference number of your quote. This lets you return to it later. Insurance prices change constantly. If you get a quote a second time, your rate may increase.
Online auto insurance quotes might last for only a few weeks. If you've found a great deal, it's a good idea to do your research quickly so you can take advantage of it.
What factors affect my car insurance rates?
How location affects car insurance quotes
Car insurance quotes will be different based on where you live.
That's because state governments set minimum requirements for coverage. In addition, insurance companies must get their rates approved by your state government. Weather, population, traffic and crime will also impact your rates.
State minimum requirements
Every state sets different minimum coverage requirements.
Most states require bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. However, the coverage limits can differ. The higher the coverage limits required, the more expensive the policy.
Some states also require uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection (PIP) . This increases your protection but also adds to your car insurance costs.
Population density
Insurance companies set quotes based on the average number of claims in an area.
Urban areas with narrow roads and more cars typically have more car accidents and claims.
That's why drivers in large cities often get higher quotes than people in rural communities.
For example, Rhode Island is one of the only states with more than 1,000 residents per square mile. And it has some of the most expensive auto insurance quotes.
Local risks and weather
Car insurance quotes may be higher if a state, city, or neighborhood has more uninsured drivers or dangerous roads. Severe weather, like hurricanes or hail, can also affect your rates. That's because these factors can lead to more claims.
Insurance companies have their own ways of looking at risk and pricing auto insurance quotes. That's why some companies have policies that cost more than others. It's also why some companies aren't available in every state.
How coverage affects auto insurance quotes
The more car insurance coverage you buy, the higher your quotes will be. But you'll also get more protection after a crash.
Policy type | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| Minimum coverage | $64 |
| Full coverage | $164 |
How your driving record affects quotes
Car insurance quotes increase by 23% or more after a ticket, accident or DUI.
People with tickets or accidents on their record tend to have more expensive car insurance quotes. If you get a ticket or cause a crash, insurance companies believe you're more likely to file a claim.
Full coverage quotes for high-risk drivers
Driving record | Monthly rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Clean record | $164 | — |
| Speeding ticket | $202 | 23% |
| Accident | $244 | 49% |
| DUI | $302 | 84% |
Serious tickets, like a DUI, increase your rates more than a minor traffic stop, like a speeding ticket.
For example, people caught driving under the influence see car insurance quotes go up by 84%, on average. On the other hand, a single speeding ticket will raise your rates by around 23%.
How age affects car insurance quotes
Car insurance quotes tend to be higher for young people than older drivers with more experience.
Auto insurance quotes are usually expensive for teens and new drivers. This is because they have less experience on the road. Quotes typically level off around 30 years old and increase slightly after age 65.
How vehicle type affects auto insurance quotes
Monthly full coverage quotes by model
Model | Type | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Honda CR-V | Small SUV | $238 |
| Toyota Tacoma | Small pickup truck | $251 |
| Chrysler Pacifica | Minivan | $251 |
| Ford F-150 | Standard pickup truck | $258 |
| Ford Explorer | Standard SUV | $263 |
Among top-selling cars, the Honda CR-V and Ford F-150 have some of the cheapest full-coverage car insurance quotes.
How credit scores impact car insurance quotes
Insurance companies believe credit scores can predict how likely drivers are to file claims.
So, a better credit score can mean cheaper rates. Drivers with good credit have full coverage quotes that are 47% less expensive than rates for those with poor credit.
Credit | Monthly rate |
|---|---|
| Good | $164 |
| Poor | $308 |
Some states don't allow companies to use credit scores to set insurance quotes. This includes California, Michigan, Massachusetts and Hawaii. In these states, your credit score will not affect your auto quote.
How gender impacts car insurance quotes
Car insurance quotes are typically more expensive for men than women.
This is especially true for young drivers. That's because young men tend to be riskier drivers than young women. The cost of car insurance for men versus women is about the same starting around age 25.
Monthly full coverage quotes by gender
Age | Women | Men | Price gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | $312 | $345 | 11% |
| 30 | $179 | $178 | -1% |
| 40 | $174 | $172 | -1% |
| 50 | $165 | $165 | 0% |
| 60 | $158 | $159 | 1% |
| 70 | $170 | $173 | 2% |
| 80 | $203 | $215 | 6% |
The difference is mainly because of how insurance companies calculate risk. However, some states don't allow companies to use gender to set your car insurance rates. This includes California, Massachusetts and Michigan.
Should I get car insurance quotes online or with an agent?
Shopping for car insurance online can be more convenient. But an independent agent can help you compare multiple quotes at once.
You can get quotes in person, over the phone or online.
Whether you get a free quote online or through an agent, it's best to get quotes from multiple companies. The more quotes you get, the more options you have. That gives you a better chance to save money.
- Most insurance companies allow you to compare quotes on their website for free.
- Some companies give you a discount for buying a policy online or for shopping early.
- If you can't get a quote online, try calling or emailing an agent at the insurance company you're interested in.
- Independent insurance agents work with multiple insurance companies. That means they can give you lots of quotes to choose from.
Frequently asked questions
What is a car insurance quote?
A car insurance quote estimates how much you'll pay for insurance. Insurance companies base your quote on info like your address, car and driving history.
You can get free quotes online or by phone. You can get as many car insurance quotes as you want because there's no obligation to buy a policy.
How do car insurance quotes work?
To get a car insurance quote, you'll give an insurance company your personal information and get a custom price. Your quote is based on your car, driving history, where you live and how much coverage you want. Companies will quote you different prices for the same amount of coverage. That's why it's important to compare quotes from a few companies.
What is the cheapest car insurance I can get online?
State Farm, Geico and USAA offer the best rates compared to other major insurance companies. And, they all offer online quotes. But everyone will pay different rates based on where they live, what car they own and their driving history.
How can I pay less for my car insurance?
Comparing quotes from different companies is the best way to save on car insurance. Companies set their rates differently and offer unique discounts.
How much does a car insurance quote cost?
Getting a car insurance quote is free. The average cost of car insurance is $64 per month for minimum coverage and $164 per month for full coverage. Find out how much you'll pay by getting quotes from insurance companies or agents. Or use ValuePenguin's free quote tool to get multiple rates at once.
How long does a car insurance quote take?
When getting an insurance quote online, entering your info usually takes around five minutes. Then, you'll see your quote instantly.
It takes about 15 minutes to get a quote by phone. After you get a quote, you can usually buy a policy that starts the same day.
Is buying an auto insurance policy online cheaper?
Some companies will give you a discount for shopping for car insurance online. Liberty Mutual offers a discount of up to 12% if you buy your car insurance online. Progressive gives drivers an average of 7% off for getting an online quote, plus a 9% savings for signing up online.
Methodology
ValuePenguin collected millions of car insurance quotes from 37 companies across the U.S. to find rates for the cheapest companies, states and drivers with issues on their records.
Average car insurance quotes are based on rates from all available ZIP codes in the U.S. Quotes are for a 30-year-old man who drives a 2015 Honda Civic EX. He has good credit and a clean driving record.
Full coverage quotes include comprehensive and collision coverage, along with liability coverage:
- Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident
- Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
- Personal injury protection: Minimum when required by state
To find out how age affects rates, ValuePenguin gathered quotes from every ZIP code in Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Texas. Quotes for different vehicle models are from all across Illinois. Gender data came from the country's ten largest states.
Rate data was provided to ValuePenguin by Quadrant Information Services. Insurer filings were used to publicly source rate information. These quotes are intended for comparative purposes only. Your rates could differ.
Expert insights to help you make smarter financial decisions
ValuePenguin has assembled an exclusive panel of professionals across various areas of expertise to help you understand complex topics and empower you to make smarter financial decisions.
- Mandatory financial products, like car insurance, allow socioeconomic status and geotargeting by ZIP code to influence the price one consumer gets compared to another. Do you believe these non-driving characteristics should play a role? Why or why not?
- A 2022 study conducted by ValuePenguin highlighted that 92% of policyholders who recently switched auto insurance companies saved money. Despite this, most policyholders (65%) don't get outside quotes for comparison. Why might these drivers be hesitant to seek additional quotes from other insurers?
- According to a ValuePenguin analysis, quotes for teenagers are three times as expensive as quotes for drivers in their mid-30s and closer to four times the rate for drivers in their mid-50s. Do you believe these prices appropriately reflect their increased risk? Why or why not?
- Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular by the day. With the rise of EVs comes new risks for insurers to consider, such as battery fires and cyber security. How do you think the increasing use of electric vehicles will affect the auto insurance industry and pricing going forward?
- Lars Powell, Ph.D.
- Executive Director of the Alabama Center for Insurance Information and Research
- Read answer
- Lynne McChristian
- Director of the Office of Risk Management & Insurance Research
- Read answer
- Lars Powell, Ph.D.
- Executive Director of the Alabama Center for Insurance Information and Research
- Read answer
- Lynne McChristian
- Director of the Office of Risk Management & Insurance Research
- Read answer
Lars Powell, Ph.D.
Executive Director of the Alabama Center for Insurance Information and Research, University of Alabama
Mandatory financial products, like car insurance, allow socioeconomic status and geotargeting by ZIP code to influence the price one consumer gets compared to another. Do you believe these non-driving characteristics should play a role? Why or why not?
Very few of the variables used to rate and underwrite auto insurance would be considered "driving factors," but all of them are highly correlated with crashing and claims. In fact, because they are all used based on their correlation with claims, they could all reasonably be considered driving factors. I believe they should be used to set insurance rates because they are accurate predictors of claims.
A 2022 study conducted by ValuePenguin highlighted that 92% of policyholders who recently switched auto insurance companies saved money. Despite this, most policyholders (65%) don't get outside quotes for comparison. Why might these drivers be hesitant to seek additional quotes from other insurers?
People do a lot of things that seem to go against their financial interests. Some people lack knowledge of the insurance market; some people don't think shopping is worth the trouble, and other people like or trust their insurance agent and don't want to find a new one. I expect this behavior to become less frequent as more people buy insurance online.
According to a ValuePenguin analysis, quotes for teenagers are three times as expensive as quotes for drivers in their mid-30s and closer to four times the rate for drivers in their mid-50s. Do you believe these prices appropriately reflect their increased risk? Why or why not?
These prices are still too low in most cases. The average 15-year-old male driver has a 1-in-5 chance of crashing in the first year that they drive. The average 50-year-old driver might have a 1-in-35 chance of crashing. Insurers subsidize youthful driver premiums so that they do not lose the rest of the family as customers.
Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular by the day. With the rise of EVs comes new risks for insurers to consider such as battery fires and cyber security. How do you think the increasing use of electric vehicles will affect the auto insurance industry and pricing going forward?
Electric vehicles can only increase the cost of insurance. Battery fires could increase homeowners insurance risk, and the cost of repairing EVs increases auto insurance risk.
Lynne McChristian
Director of the Office of Risk Management & Insurance Research at Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Mandatory financial products, like car insurance, allow socioeconomic status and geotargeting by ZIP code to influence the price one consumer gets compared to another. Do you believe these non-driving characteristics should play a role? Why or why not?
The saying in real estate is that location matters. It matters with driving, too. If one lives in a rural area absent the daily annoyance of rush hour traffic, there are typically fewer car crashes and related injuries.
If a ZIP code is in a big city with considerable traffic congestion and a high population, then accidents are more likely. Big city drivers pay more.
It's what happens in that ZIP code that provides a data point that makes insurance pricing reflect the risk. Absent using data that has been consistently proven to correlate to increased insurance claims, those rural drivers would pay more than what is fair based on their risks.
A 2022 study conducted by ValuePenguin highlighted that 92% of policyholders who recently switched auto insurance companies saved money. Despite this, most policyholders (65%) don't get outside quotes for comparison. Why might these drivers be hesitant to seek additional quotes from other insurers?
I think many policyholders do not shop for coverage because they are satisfied with their current insurance carrier. In fact, auto insurance claims satisfaction is high, and that means people want to stick with the companies they know that have delivered good customer service.
Another issue is that many people really don't take the time to shop around. It could pay off and be educational at the same time. When you shop, however, you want to make sure the insurance protection remains consistent with what you need. Buying what is cheaper could shortchange your protection level.
According to a ValuePenguin analysis, quotes for teenagers are three times as expensive as quotes for drivers in their mid-30s and closer to four times the rate for drivers in their mid-50s. Do you believe these prices appropriately reflect their increased risk? Why or why not?
The cost of insurance reflects the risks. Automobile insurance for teen drivers is three times the cost of mid-aged drivers because teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash, according to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The number of crashes and fatalities is disproportionally higher for drivers between the ages of 16 and 19.
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