Is Experian good for comparing car insurance?
Experian is a credit reporting agency that offers tools for managing credit, protecting identity, and exploring financial options. However, it may not be your best option for getting car insurance online.
In addition to providing free credit scores and reports, the site features insurance rate comparison tools through its subsidiary, Gabi, which partners with top-rated insurers to offer personalized auto insurance quotes. While Experian itself doesn’t provide insurance policies, it uses its expertise in credit to help users find options tailored to their financial profiles.Â
Pros and cons of Experian
Experian 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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Easy to edit coverage during the quote process
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User-friendly interface
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Variety of financial education resources
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Customer service concerns
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Two-factor authentication is required to get quotes
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Few resources for home or renters quotes
Save on car insurance with The Zebra
How does Experian work?
Experian’s car insurance comparison tool pulls quotes from multiple insurers based on user-provided details, using its subsidiary, Gabi, to generate results. Like The Zebra, it simplifies shopping for coverage but may be better suited for users seeking quick rate comparisons rather than highly personalized recommendations. Those looking for broader insurance options (like bundling auto and home) might find other platforms more suitable. The site also requires a two-factor authentication code (meaning you must provide a valid phone number) to start.Â
The homepage is clean and easy to navigate, making it simple to start a quote by entering your ZIP code. Beyond quotes, the website offers resources such as guides on auto insurance types, tips for insuring different vehicles, and state-specific insurance rules.
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.
Car insurance companies determine your rates based on personal factors like age, location, driving history, and marital status. Additional details—such as your credit score, education level, home ownership, and military affiliation—can also influence your rate or unlock potential discounts. Sharing this information ensures you receive personalized quotes that accurately reflect your situation.
Since insurance rates change over time, it’s smart to compare quotes regularly—about every six months is a good rule of thumb. Major life changes, like reaching a milestone birthday, getting married, or moving to a new state, are also great times to reassess your coverage and explore new options.
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 results page
The results page lets you customize your coverage options or use their "recommended" setting based on your previously reported coverage level. Adjusting your quote was easy—I could modify coverage and instantly see updated prices.
I also appreciated the star ratings displayed next to each insurer’s name. It made quick comparisons easier and helped gauge a company's reputation at a glance, saving time on individual research.
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How many quotes will you get?
The number of quotes you receive and the prices you see will depend on where you live and what coverage you choose. Urban areas might provide more results, but I used my current address (in a more rural area) and a previous address in a suburban area and got the same amount of matches. I also changed coverage levels twice to see if I'd get more or fewer results, and I had the same number—although there were a few different companies on each list.Â
One drawback: you'll likely need to reenter some of your personal information to finalize the quote. When I clicked on the Dairyland quote, it didn't reroute me from Experian's website, but I had to provide additional information. When I selected GEICO, I was taken to the GEICO website to complete the process.
Zebra Tip: Weigh coverage with cost
While state minimum coverage is more affordable than full coverage, it may not provide enough protection. Choosing the cheapest option to meet legal requirements is tempting, but this could leave you financially vulnerable if you need to file a claim. I recommend selecting the highest level of coverage that fits your budget for better peace of mind.
How does Experian handle your personal data?
Many users are cautious about sharing personal information, such as phone numbers, when seeking online insurance quotes. With Experian's tool, providing your phone number is part of the process to receive personalized quotes.
According to the company, they will only contact you with permission to help you save on insurance. While this is standard practice among comparison sites, Experian provides a privacy policy detailing how your information is used.
After entering my information, I received an email from Experian fairly quickly. However, I did not receive any unsolicited phone calls in the following weeks, which was reassuring.
Can I opt out of information sharing?
Experian has a comprehensive privacy policy and offers users a pathway to opt out of data sharing. However, the process may feel cumbersome—users must either send an email with personal details or complete an online form, which might deter some who prefer a simpler method. Clicking the "Get Started" button requires re-entering personal information, adding another step to the process.
That said, the form does provide an option to request a report detailing the personal data the website has shared. This transparency could be useful for those considering whether to remove data.
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 Nerdwallet, 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.
Compare.com lets users compare insurance quotes but may offer limited results and share your info, leading to unwanted contacts.
Explore insurance quotes and save using The Zebra!
Customer ratings and reviews
Experian is best known for its credit reports, scores, and monitoring, which helps users track their financial health. It also offers identity theft protection and matches users with credit cards and loans. While Experian provides auto insurance quotes through its subsidiary, Gabi, it doesn’t sell insurance directly but facilitates comparisons.
Experian has mixed reviews, with low ratings on sites such as BBB (1.08/5) and Sitejabber (1/5). Common complaints include poor customer service, dispute resolution, and account access problems, though some users appreciate its credit monitoring tools.[1][2]
Experian vs. The Zebra
At first glance, Experian 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.
Experian:
- Uses their subsidiary, Gabi, to provide auto quotes
- Requires two-factor authentication (phone number) to get quote results
- Evaluates rates from over 30 top insurance companies
- Focused on credit monitoring and financial education for consumers
The Zebra:
- Focused on insurance
- Generates real-time insurance quotes based on your information
- 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 | Experian | |
|---|---|---|
| In-house agency | ✓ | |
| Educational resources | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile app | ✓ | |
| Reviews and ratings | ✓ | ✓ |
| Data privacy and security | ✓ | ✓ |
| Requires phone number | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real-time quotes | ✓ | ✓ |
Experian: The final verdict
Experian is a useful resource if you want to focus on monitoring and improving your credit. However, the website relies on its subsidiary, Gabi, to handle the insurance quotes they provides. Because the company isn't focused specifically on insurance, it may not be the best option for customers who want a wide net of company comparisons and coverage options.Â
FAQs
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Business Profile: Experian. Better Business Bureau
Experian Reviews. Sitejabber
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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.