Guides · Auto insurance
How to compare car insurance quotes
Updated November 2026 · All guides
Start with the same coverage
A lower price often means less coverage. Before comparing, ask every company to quote the same liability limits, the same deductibles and the same optional coverages.
Liability limits are usually written as three numbers, such as 50/100/50: bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident and property damage, in thousands of dollars. Every state sets its own minimums, and many drivers choose higher limits than the minimum.
Know what each coverage does
The most common parts of an auto policy are:
- Liability: pays for injuries and damage you cause to others. Required in almost every state.
- Collision: pays to repair your car after an accident, minus your deductible.
- Comprehensive: covers theft, weather, fire, vandalism and hitting an animal.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist: protects you if the other driver has little or no insurance.
- Medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP): helps with medical bills, and is required in some states.
Look at the deductible, not just the premium
A higher deductible lowers the premium, but you pay more out of pocket when you file a claim. Pick a deductible you could pay comfortably tomorrow, then compare quotes at that level.
Ask about discounts you already qualify for
Insurers price risk differently, so the same driver can get very different quotes. Ask each one which discounts apply, for example:
- Bundling home or renters insurance
- A clean driving record
- Safety or anti-theft features
- Paying in full or going paperless
- Low annual mileage
Check the company, not only the price
Look up how each insurer handles claims and complaints. Your state's department of insurance and independent ratings agencies publish this information. A slightly higher premium can be worth it for a company that pays claims smoothly.
Next step, if you want one
When you're ready, you can request quotes from several providers with one short form.