How to Shop for Car Insurance in 5 Easy Steps

Shopping for car insurance? Here's how to do it right:

Compare quotes side-by-side to save time.
Make sure it’s apples to apples—same coverage, same limits.
Choose a policy that fits your life and car, not just your budget.

The Zebra handles this in minutes. Enter your ZIP code to get started. Or, keep reading for smart shopping tips—no matter how you buy.

Why you can trust The Zebra

The Zebra partners with some of the companies we write about. However, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of editors and licensed agents. Reference our data methodology and learn more about how we make money.

By Beth Swanson

Updated May 21, 2025

Reviewed By Mark Friedlander

Edited By Renata Balasco

Jump to

What to have ready
How to pick coverage
How to shop
How to get the lowest price
How to get insured in tricky situations
Quick tips before you buy
FAQs

How to shop for car insurance: Step-by-step

Buying car insurance doesn’t have to be confusing or time-consuming. Whether you’re insuring a brand-new vehicle or switching providers to save money, the process is the same—and it’s easier than you might think. Our buying guide walks you through five simple steps:

Get your info ready to get accurate quotes
Choose coverage that fits your life and your car
Choose how you want to shop
Compare insurers and ask about discounts
Buy your policy and cancel your old one

Along the way, we’ll share expert tips to help you avoid common pitfalls, unlock savings, and get the best value for your coverage. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Gather the necessary information

To get an accurate quote—whether online or through an agent—you’ll need a few key details ready. Here’s what to gather before you start:

✅ Personal info
• Full name and birthdate
• Home address for the policy

✅ Vehicle info
• Year, make, and model
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Mileage and safety features

✅ Driver info
• License numbers and birthdates for everyone on the policy
• Helps determine rates based on driving history

✅ Current insurance details
• Coverage limits from your current policy
• Useful if you want to match or compare coverage levels

More people are switching

With rates rising and satisfaction falling, nearly half of drivers are now shopping for new auto insurance. You’re definitely not alone.^[1]

Step 2: Determine your coverage needs

It’s important to compare apples to apples when shopping for auto insurance. When comparing quotes from several auto insurance companies, make sure your quotes reflect the same limits so you can get the best value. The best place to start is by matching your previous insurance coverages.

Most policies include:

Liability – Covers injuries or damage you cause to others
Collision – Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident
Comprehensive – Covers non-collision damage like theft, weather, or animals
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist – Protects you if the other driver doesn’t have enough coverage
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers

You’ll choose your coverage limits and deductibles for each. Starting with these basics can help you compare quotes more accurately. The drop-downs below address certain circumstances that might help you decide on coverage.

Is your car new?

Suppose you have a car that is less than four years old or that still holds a high resale value. In that case, the following types of coverage are recommended along with your state-minimum liability insurance coverage:

Comprehensive coverage (other-than-collision)
Collision coverage
Gap insurance

Together with higher liability limits, these are commonly referred to as 'full coverage.'

Are you financing an older vehicle?

Those financing an older vehicle may still be required by their bank or lender to carry physical damage coverage. Have a look at the following recommended coverages:

Comprehensive coverage (other-than-collision)
Collision coverage
Gap insurance
Roadside assistance

Does your state have low liability coverage limits?

In most states, the mandatory minimum coverage is not enough to keep you properly protected. As such, it's recommended that you consider adding the following:

Increased bodily injury and property damage liability limits
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Medical payments (where available)

Everyone’s insurance needs are different. The right level of coverage depends on what you drive, how often you drive, and what kind of protection gives you peace of mind. While most states set minimum coverage requirements, those limits often fall short in a serious accident. That’s why it’s generally recommended to increase your liability limits to the highest amount you can reasonably afford.

Beyond the basics, there are other coverage options—like PIP in no-fault states or umbrella insurance—that may be worth considering based on your budget and risk factors.

Agent Insight: Does getting cheap insurance mean lower quality?

"Cheap insurance does not mean lower quality or a reduced chance of a claim payout. All policies are bound by the same contract and promise to pay in the event of a covered claim. However, a cheaper policy may mean missing out on some potential coverages that are not required but could be beneficial in the event of an accident. Always consult your insurance professional to determine what is right for you."

-Erick Sosa, Licensed Insurance Agent and Sales Manager at The Zebra

The best way to save is to compare!

Step 3: Choose your shopping method

There’s no one “right” way to shop for car insurance (although comparing quotes has some serious perks!). What matters is what works best for you. Whether you want hands-on help or prefer to shop solo, here’s a quick breakdown of your options, with pros and cons of each.

Option A: From an insurer’s agent

Works for just one insurer and sells only their policies.

👍 Knows the insurer’s coverage inside and out
👍 Helpful if you’re unsure what coverage you need
❌ Can’t compare quotes from other companies
❌ May push pricier policies to earn commission

Option B: From an independent agent

Can offer quotes from multiple insurers they partner with.

👍 Compare premiums across multiple insurers
👍 Understands state regulations and policy differences
👍 More pricing and coverage flexibility than captive agents
❌ May charge broker fees
❌ Commission-based—could push certain policies

Option C: Directly from an insurer’s website

Buy directly from the insurer without an agent.

👍 Easy to shop solo if you know what you need
👍 No agent pressure
👍 Convenient for comparing options
👍 Some companies offer extra online discounts
❌ Online experience varies by company
❌ You only see that company’s rates

Option D: Use an online comparison platform

Compare quotes from many insurers at once.

👍 See rates from multiple insurers to get the best value
👍 Online comparisons offer a pressure-free experience
👍 The Zebra’s quote tool takes less than 5 minutes
❌ May be harder if you’re unsure about your coverage needs
❌ Lack of agent support on most sites—but at The Zebra, licensed experts are just a call or chat away

Compare auto insurance options and save!

Step 4: Compare quotes, after discounts are applied

Get quotes from at least three companies—each one prices policies differently, and the discounts they offer may vary. But don’t get too caught up in the percentage off. What matters most is the total estimated cost you’ll pay.

Here are a few ways to help lower that final number:

Adjust your payment strategy: Consider raising your deductible to lower your monthly cost. If you can afford a lump sum, paying in full for the whole policy period can also cost less.
Improve your profile: Work to improve your credit, since good credit often leads to better rates. Focus on driving safely and avoiding claims, as well. The better your driving profile the more likely insurers will want to cover you!

How to maximize discounts

Insurance discounts can help lower your premium, and you might qualify for more than you think—just ask! But don’t focus only on the size of a discount; what matters most is your total cost after all savings are applied.

Here are some of the most common discounts available to drivers:

Bundle policies — Combine auto with renters or homeowners insurance.
Take a defensive driving course — Clean driving = instant discounts.
Install anti-theft devices — Security systems can earn you savings.
Avoid coverage lapses — Staying insured consistently unlocks loyalty discounts.
Drive less — Low-mileage drivers may qualify for telematics-based savings.

How much does car insurance cost?

Every policy (and driver) is different, but here's a look at the average rates for both liability-only policies and full coverage from top carriers.

Updating data...

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
Travelers	$657	$110
USAA	$726	$121
GEICO	$832	$139
Nationwide	$833	$139
State Farm	$874	$146
Progressive	$955	$159
Farmers	$963	$161
Esurance	$1,057	$176
Allstate	$1,283	$214

Source: The Zebra

The Best Cheap Car Insurance

See which company offers the best cheap car insurance. Compare coverage options, find affordable auto insurance and save on your next policy.

Step 5: Purchase your new insurance policy

Once you’ve chosen a provider and policy, it’s time to buy. You can secure your coverage by making a down payment and either paying in full or setting up monthly payments.

⚠️ Important:

Don’t cancel your old policy until the new one is active.
Always get a confirmation of cancellation in writing.
Set the cancellation date after your new policy’s start date to avoid a lapse in coverage.
Prepaid your old insurer? You’ll typically see a pro-rated refund for unused premium within 1 to 3 weeks.

Get covered with an affordable policy today.

How to get car insurance under specific circumstances

Even if you’re missing a license, VIN, or address, you may still be able to get car insurance. Just know that your options may be more limited, your premium might be higher, and you’ll likely need to update your details later. An agent can help you find the right path forward based on your situation. Take a look at the pages below for additional information about these scenarios:

Without a down payment	Without a social security number
Without a VIN number	Anonymous car insurance quotes
With no driver's license	With a learner’s permit
Without an address	With an open claim

Final tips before you buy

About 43% think they're paying too much for auto insurance. If you’re shopping for a new policy—or buying car insurance for the first time—you’re not alone. You’ve done the research. Now it’s time to put it into action! Here are a few last tips to keep in mind:

Get quotes from multiple insurers – Prices and coverage can vary more than you’d expect.
Focus on fit, not just price – Make sure the policy covers what matters to you.
Check the fine print – Understand what's covered, what’s excluded, and how claims are handled.
Ask about discounts – Bundles, safe driving, low mileage, and other perks can lower your rate.
Keep your policy updated – As your life changes, your coverage should too.

Ready to find your best rate? Start comparing quotes now and get coverage that actually fits your life. If you need coverage today, we're here to help!

Real people. Real help. Right here.

Shop with The Zebra and save an average of $440/year on car insurance.

How to shop for car insurance: FAQs

What's the best way to shop car insurance?

There are several different ways to shop, but the most important point should be to compare multiple companies to get the best rates. Compare line-by-line with coverage so you can truly evaluate what you're getting for the price. You can shop online with a comparison site, such as The Zebra, in a few minutes to get rates from a wide variety of companies.

How to know which car insurance is best?

It really depends on your state's requirements and what you need to feel confident behind the wheel. You need to meet legal limits to drive, so check your state minimums. However, we recommend getting as much coverage as you can comfortably afford (especially if you have a nicer vehicle). Also, be aware that if you're leasing or financing the vehicle, there may be specific requirements from your lender.

Who normally has the cheapest car insurance?

This depends on your rating factors and the area where you reside. Check our list of the best cheap car insurance companies for up-to-date rates and reviews of car insurance companies. If you're a military member, USAA tends to be an affordable option. According to our current research, Travelers and GEICO have lower rates than many companies.

Sources

Half of Auto Insurance Customers Currently Shopping for New Policies. J.D. Power
How to find the right auto insurance. Insurance Information Institute

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.