Is Compare.com good for comparing car insurance?
Compare.com specializes in providing auto insurance quotes from multiple companies. It focuses on simplifying the process for users seeking to evaluate rates in one place, with tools and resources tailored to auto insurance needs. Read on for our complete review, including details on how the quote process works and how Compare.com stacks up against competitors like The Zebra.
Pros and cons of Compare.com
Compare.com offers a solid range of resources for those looking to deepen their understanding of auto insurance. You’ll find detailed carrier reviews, tips for securing discounts, and straightforward explanations of coverage options—perfect for beginners. However, if you’re seeking insights into other types of insurance, you’ll need to explore other platforms.
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Resources for learning about car insurance
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Partners with 75+ insurance companies
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User-friendly process for getting insurance rates
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Results may be scarce
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You might have to reenter your information
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Some rates aren't available immediately
Save on car insurance with The Zebra
How does Compare.com work?
The website, launched in 2013, specializes in car insurance evaluations by gathering quotes from multiple insurers using user-submitted details. Like The Zebra and Insurify—a sister company—it aims to simplify the insurance shopping experience. While it makes it easy to review auto insurance quotes, shoppers looking for broader insurance options or highly personalized recommendations might find other platforms more suitable.
The platform’s quote process includes pop-up explanations for each question, helping users understand how their answers influence quotes and coverage options. You’ll provide details about your driving history, such as license status and past accidents, through an intuitive interface. After submitting your contact details, you’ll receive a personalized quotes page with options tailored to the information you provided.
Insurance companies use personal factors like age, gender, marital status, address, and driving history to provide accurate quotes. Additional details—such as credit scores, education, homeownership, and military status—may influence rates or qualify users for discounts. Sharing this information allows for personalized quotes tailored to individual needs.
Insurance premiums change over time as your personal factors change, so it's a great idea to shop around every six months or so. Another good rule of thumb is to reevaluate your coverage and get new quotes whenever there is a special event in your life: a milestone birthday, a marriage, or a move to a new state, for example.Â
How Does The Zebra Work?
Here’s a quick run-down of The Zebra's business model and how we help people find the best insurance policies for them.
The Compare.com results page
The results page on the website allows you to choose your desired coverage as you progress through the online quote process, including prompts like, "Do you want full coverage?" The platform offers four coverage levels for shoppers:
- State Minimum
- Basic Coverage
- Plus Coverage (marked as the recommended option)
- Premium Coverage
I initially selected the Plus Coverage tier, which included bodily injury and property damage liability limits of 50/100/50. These predefined tiers make it easy to evaluate options; however, customization within the tool is limited. For unique circumstances or highly specific needs, consulting with an insurance agent may provide more personalized advice and options.
How many quotes will you get?
The number of quotes you receive depends on your location and coverage level. Urban areas (such as the ZIP code I used for Austin, TX) tend to provide more options, and adjusting coverage can expand results. For example, switching from 100/300 coverage to state minimum increased matches in my test results.
While the state minimum is cheaper than full coverage, it may not offer enough protection. Compare.com advises against relying solely on minimum coverage, and I recommend choosing the highest coverage you can afford.
One drawback: clicking on some companies, like Progressive, required re-entering details to view a quote, which felt repetitive and time-consuming.
How does Compare.com handle your personal data?
Many people hesitate to share their phone numbers when getting online insurance quotes, but it’s often required to finalize results. This is the case for Compare.com, and your phone number may be shared with insurers and partners. While this is standard for comparison sites, the site links to a privacy policy for more details on how your information is used.
Although I provided my email and phone number during the quote process, I didn’t receive any unwanted calls in the following weeks, which was reassuring.Â
Compare.com does have a robust privacy policy on its website, but there is no specific "opt-out" form for information collection. However, they list an email address at the bottom of the privacy page where you can write for additional information or clarification regarding your personal information. They also reference the California Civil Code, which requires businesses to disclose where third-party information is shared and provide an address for California residents requesting this legally required information.
How Other Comparison Websites Measure Up
The Zebra leads the way in simplifying insurance shopping, but we’re not alone in this growing space. Explore how Gabi, Insurify, and Compare.com approach insurance comparisons and carrier reviews.
NerdWallet offers users a plethora of financial information and guides but is limited when it comes to car insurance purchase options.
Insurify partners with top insurers and connects customers with licensed agents through its in-house agency. However, a phone number is required for quotes.
Gabi compares quotes from 40+ companies, offering a 5-minute process per product with purchase options online or by phone.
Explore insurance quotes and save using The Zebra!
Customer ratings and reviews
Compare.com is a car insurance comparison site that partners with over 75 insurers to show side-by-side quotes. The Better Business Bureau accredits it with an A+ rating, which is a good sign if you’re concerned about credibility. You’ll need to provide your email and phone number to see final quotes, but the site is upfront about how your information is used. The interface is easy to navigate, so it could be worth a look if you’re shopping for car insurance specifically. Just keep in mind it focuses mainly on auto insurance, so you may need a different tool if you’re looking for broader coverage options.
| The Zebra | Compare.com | |
|---|---|---|
| Better Busines Bureau | A- | A+ |
| Clearsurance | 3.87 | 3.95 |
| Trustpilot | 4.5 | 4.1 |
| Shopper Approved | 4.8 | 4.7 |
Compare.com vs. The Zebra
At first glance, Compare.com and The Zebra may appear similar, as both platforms provide quotes and help users find insurance policies. However, a closer look reveals some notable differences between the two.
Compare.com:
- Sends the personal information you provide to partner companies.
- Earns revenue by selling "leads" to insurance companies.
- Passes your information to lead-generation sites, which may result in unwanted emails and phone calls.
The Zebra:
- Generates real-time insurance quotes based on the information you provide.
- Offers support through an in-house agency to help you bind a policy or find more suitable coverage.
- Protects your private information with a strict "no-spam" policy, ensuring your details remain secure.
| The Zebra | Compare.com | |
|---|---|---|
| In-house agency | ✓ | |
| Educational resources | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile app | ||
| Reviews and ratings | ✓ | ✓ |
| Data privacy and security | ✓ | ✓ |
| Requires phone number | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-time quotes | ✓ | ✓ |
Compare.com: The final verdict
Compare.com offers a simple and transparent way to explore insurance options, making it easy for users to get quotes and compare rates. While it tends to perform best in urban areas, it may not always return quotes for every driver or location. Still, its straightforward approach makes it a helpful tool, especially for those just starting their search for insurance.
FAQs
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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.