Car insurance isn't exactly fun to shop for but don't let that make you pay more or get less coverage than you need.
Take the time to gather all the information you need to get quotes from different auto insurance companies.
Below, CNBC Select lists the information you'll likely need to shop for car insurance and explains how to navigate the process.
What you need to buy car insurance
Personal information
When you call an insurer or start a quote online, you'll be asked for personal information, including your name, address and date of birth. This will allow them to search public records for your prior insurance history, as well as your household's vehicles and any other drivers.
After that, you'll need to provide more specific information to determine your coverage needs and its cost.
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
Geico auto coverage is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with 16 discounts and add-ons like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and mechanical breakdown insurance.
Progressive offers an array of riders, including rideshare insurance and a Deductible Savings Bank that deducts $50 each policy period you go without a claim. It also offers mechanical breakdown insurance, which covers unexpected major system failures.
Be prepared to give your Social Security and driver's license numbers and disclose details about your driving history, including any tickets, accidents or license suspensions. The insurer will also probably ask about your marital status and household and many will want to know about anyone else residing in your house, including your spouse or partner, children, parents and grandparents and even roommates. This can also include people in your household who don't drive.
Depending on the company, you may have to provide documentation to receive certain discounts. Parents might need to send their child's most recent report card to qualify for a good student discount, for example. Or if you want a military discount, expect to produce a copy of your military ID.
Information about your vehicle
You'll need to have information about your vehicle handy. This typically includes:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Make, model and year
- Body style
- Mileage
- Registered owners
- Address where the car is kept
- How much you drive annually
Besides that, information about certain vehicle equipment and features can also result in discounts. Geico, our top pick for the cheapest car insurance, advertises discounts of up to 23% if your car has an anti-theft system.
Having daytime running lights can save you 3%, while anti-lock brakes can get you 5% off.
Current insurance information
Finally, if you're switching insurance providers, the new company will want to know about your existing (or most recent) policy. This can include the insurance carrier, policy expiration date and coverage limits and your deductible.
It can be helpful to have your previous policy on hand when you're calling your potential new insurer.
Payment information
When you're ready to purchase an auto insurance policy, the insurance company will likely require the first payment up front, meaning they'll need your payment information.
This is yet another opportunity to lower your insurance premiums. Many companies offer discounts if you pay for your policy in full or set up automatic payments from your credit card, debit card or bank account.
How to get car insurance
Once you have all the information and paperwork you might need in front of you, it's time to start calling insurance companies and get your new auto insurance policy. Here's how it generally goes:
- Research auto insurance companies. Remember that while getting a good deal might be a priority, it's also important to find an insurer you can rely on. Make sure to read up on reviews to find affordable and reliable companies.
- Evaluate your coverage needs. Everyone's insurance needs are different — coverage that's great for young people might not be the best choice for seniors. Determine how much insurance you need and tailor your coverage to your specific situation.
- Compare quotes. Pick at least three insurance companies and get quotes. This is where having all the information handy will become helpful.
- Pay for your new policy. Once you're done shopping, choose the insurance carrier that offers the coverage you need at the best price. At this step, you'll need to pay for your policy to secure your coverage. Usually, you have the option to either pay in full or in installments.
- Get your insurance identification card. You need to have proof of insurance at all times when you're driving. You can go old school and print your insurance ID card to keep in your glove box, or you can use your insurer's mobile app to access an electronic copy. Or have both forms of insurance ID to make sure your bases are covered.
How to get car insurance
Is $200 a lot for car insurance?
The average cost of full coverage car insurance in the U.S. is $224 per month, so $200 wouldn't be a lot. However, costs vary greatly by state — while $200 is a lot in some states like Idaho, where the average is $1,481 per year, it's quite low in Florida, where the average policy is $4,125 per year.
Does your credit score affect car insurance premiums?
Seven states — California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon and Utah — restrict the use of credit scores when calculating insurance premiums. In any other state, however, your credit score will be a factor in deciding what you'll pay.
Who normally has the cheapest car insurance?
CNBC Select chosen Geico, Auto-Owners, Travelers, Nationwide and USAA as some of the cheapest car insurance companies in the U.S..
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Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every insurance guide is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best insurance companies.
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