How Do I Get Car Insurance Quotes?

Getting car insurance quotes is usually free and only takes a few minutes when you have the right information ready. Comparing multiple quotes helps you find the best balance between price, coverage, customer service, and financial protection.

Many insurers, independent agents, and comparison websites allow you to review quotes online without committing to a policy. Shopping around regularly can help you find lower rates and identify discounts you may be missing.

Getting a free car insurance quote is a straightforward process. Most companies allow you to get quotes online, over the phone, through an agent, or through a comparison website.

Following the steps below and taking a few extra minutes to compare options can help you avoid overpaying and ensure you have the coverage you need.

1. Gather your information

Before requesting quotes, collect the information insurers typically require. Having everything ready makes the process faster and helps improve quote accuracy.

You will usually need:

• Full name and date of birth

• Driver’s license number

• Address

• Vehicle year, make, model, and VIN

• Current insurance information

• Driving history

• Estimated annual mileage

• Information about other drivers in your household

Insurers use these details to generate personalized quotes for your lifestyle.

2. Consider how much coverage you need

Before comparing prices, decide how much protection you want. State minimum coverage may be the cheapest option, but it often provides limited financial protection after an accident.

Common coverage types include:

• Liability coverage

• Collision coverage

• Comprehensive coverage

• Personal injury protection (PIP)

• Medical payments coverage

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

You will also choose a deductible for collision and comprehensive coverage. A higher deductible generally lowers your premium, while a lower deductible typically increases it.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), higher deductibles can reduce premium costs but increase your out-of-pocket expenses when filing a claim.¹

3. Choose how you want to shop

You have several ways to obtain car insurance quotes. Each option offers different advantages depending on how much guidance you want during the process.

You can shop through:

• Direct insurance companies

• Captive agents

• Independent agents or brokers

• Online comparison websites

Direct insurers allow you to get quotes directly from one company. Independent agents can compare multiple insurers on your behalf. Comparison sites provide quotes from several companies through a single application.

Our data found that 80% of shoppers now complete their quote on a phone.² You can compare multiple insurers on Luva in the same few minutes and spot real price differences for similar coverage.

4. Compare and customize

Once you receive quotes, look beyond the premium amount. Coverage details can vary significantly even when prices appear similar.

Review factors such as:

• Liability limits

• Deductibles

• Coverage exclusions

• Optional endorsements

• Claims satisfaction ratings

• Available discounts

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, it’s important to review coverage details carefully rather than focus solely on price when comparing policies.³

5. Purchase your policy

After choosing a quote, you can usually purchase coverage with the selected insurer online, through an agent, or over the phone.

Before finalizing the policy:

1. Review all information for accuracy.

2. Confirm coverage limits and deductibles.

3. Verify discounts have been applied.

4. Select your effective date.

5. Save proof of insurance documents.

Many insurers can provide immediate proof of insurance once the policy becomes active.

Finding affordable car insurance often involves more than simply choosing the lowest initial quote. Small adjustments to your policy can sometimes lead to meaningful savings.

Ways to lower your premium include:

• Maintaining a clean driving record

• Bundling auto and home insurance

• Increasing deductibles

• Asking about available discounts

• Improving your credit profile, where permitted by state law

• Driving fewer miles

• Comparing quotes regularly

Many insurers use credit-based insurance scores in states where permitted, which may affect premium pricing.

Luva research shows that more than half of insured drivers shopping for car insurance have held continuous coverage for at least four years — often long enough to miss rate drops and new discounts.² Comparing quotes regularly is how you find them.

The best policy is not always the cheapest one. A slightly higher premium may provide substantially better financial protection and customer service.

When comparing policies, consider:

• Coverage limits

• Deductibles

• Company reputation

• Claims satisfaction

• Financial strength ratings

• Available policy features

A company with excellent claims handling may provide a better overall experience after an accident than one with the lowest premium. 

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners recommends evaluating both price and coverage value when selecting an insurer.³

Most insurance professionals recommend comparing at least three to five quotes before purchasing coverage.

Insurance companies use different underwriting models and rating factors. As a result, premiums for identical drivers can vary significantly between insurers.

Comparing multiple quotes helps you:

• Identify competitive pricing

• Find better coverage options

• Discover available discounts

• Avoid overpaying

Rates can vary considerably among insurers even when the same driver requests similar coverage levels.