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Everyone who drives needs some form of auto insurance, if not to cover the costs of damage to their own vehicle, then at least to cover damage to other people’s property. But the days of visiting an insurer or broker’s office or phoning them for a quote are numbered, as most people get quotes and buy car insurance online.
You can get as many free quotes as you like either from an agent or by shopping online. Because it costs you nothing, it pays to shop around. You can usually buy car insurance online through comparison tools and get coverage on the same day. An easy way to get multiple quotes is by using a comparison site like Finder that compares your best rates side by side.
When getting a car insurance quote online, you’ll need to provide some basic information. The more details your provide, the more accurate the quote. Here is the info you might be requested to provide:
Yes, you can get a policy that starts today. You can buy car insurance online the same day you pick up your new or new-to-you car, or if your current policy was just canceled.
If you have insurance already and want to add a new car to your current policy, some insurers offer a 5- to 30-day grace period. That means your current policy will cover your new car for a few weeks until you update your car details.
If you don’t have insurance, you can buy it online the same day you get the car, but you’ll need to show proof of coverage before driving a new-to-you car off the lot. It could take less than an hour to get, but you may need to make a down payment to activate your policy.
Regulations and minimum coverage amounts vary from state to state, but all states except New Hampshire and Virginia require drivers to have both forms of liability insurance. Whether you buy online, by phone or in person, there are five main types of car insurance.
Pay only for the miles you drive, plus enjoy app services you won’t find everywhere like claims and car health updates.
There are many reasons to go online for car insurance:
Looking for the cheapest car insurance you can buy online? Compare sample car insurance rates for California drivers and find out how much you could save.
Company | Average annual rate | Learn more |
---|---|---|
Geico | $394 | Read review |
USAA | $416 | Read review |
Alliance | $435 | |
Progressive | $536 | Read review |
Grange | $557 | Read review |
Mercury | $564 | Read review |
Esurance | $609 | Read review |
Kemper | $615 | Read review |
21st Century | $651 | Read review |
Allied | $666 | Read review |
Nationwide | $666 | Read review |
Allstate | $693 | Read review |
Liberty Mutual | $709 | Read review |
State Farm | $726 | Read review |
The Hartford | $727 | Read review |
Average | $598 | Compare all reviews |
Buying car insurance online is fast and easy, but there are some reasons why you might want to consult with a car insurance agent before purchasing your policy.
If you have a great deal of assets, like owning a home, multiple cars or a business, you might want to purchase insurance through an agent. Not only will an agent help you manage all of your different insurance needs, he or she can help you save money by bundling those policies. And the agent can make sure you have adequate insurance to protect all of your assets in case you are sued as the result of a car accident.
The convenience of purchasing car insurance online is undeniable, plus many providers offer a discount for doing so. But make sure you’re informed about the basics of car insurance so you can choose the best coverage for your needs.
Compare car insurance companies near you.
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