Car insurance rates are unlikely to cool off anytime soon. That’s why it pays to compare quotes regularly and maximize discounts.
The average annual cost of full coverage climbed 22% in 2024, according to data from Insurify. This is due to factors within and outside your control, like inflation and weather-related claims.
How to Get a Quote
Getting a car insurance quote is the first step in buying a policy. To do so, you must gather personal and vehicle information, choose coverage limits and compare quotes from multiple providers. Contact independent agents or comparison websites like The Zebra for a fast and easy experience.
During the quoting process, being honest with your insurer about your driving history and any claims you have made is important. This will help you get the most accurate rate. However, some factors are more complex to determine and will affect your quote differently with each provider.
For example, your credit score greatly influences how much you pay for your premium. In addition, the make and model of your vehicle are significant considerations as they can impact the repair or replacement cost. Lastly, your policy type and the coverage amount you select will also affect your quote.
Some companies will require you to fill out an application for a policy and then contact you with a quote, while others provide quotes based on the key information you supply to them. Beware of third-party comparison tools that may sell your data to insurance providers, which can cause you to receive unwanted solicitations. It is best to work with an agent or use a comparison website that is free from lead aggregators and works on your behalf to shop for the most competitive providers.
Coverage Options
With auto insurance rates rising, drivers must take proactive measures to make their premiums more affordable without dropping the coverage they need. A few strategies include shopping for the best rate, bundling policies, and capitalizing on available discounts. Drivers should also evaluate their risk tolerance and consider increasing policy limits to lower their premiums and increase protection.
A few major factors influencing car insurance rates are vehicle type, driving history, credit score, and coverage options. In general, vehicles with higher repair costs and sports cars tend to be more expensive to insure. Drivers with a clean driving record and good credit are typically eligible for lower rates. In addition, selecting a policy with lower deductibles can help reduce a premium, but it will require you to pay more out-of-pocket expenses in case of a claim.
The coverage you choose is a personal decision that should be based on your needs and budget. Most insurance professionals recommend choosing higher coverage limits than the minimum legal requirements to ensure financial protection in case of a collision. Medical payment coverage is another valuable option that helps pay for medical expenses for the driver and passengers after an accident, regardless of who caused it. However, it is important to balance your need for protection with your budget and be sure you have the finances to afford any out-of-pocket expenses.
State Requirements
Most states require drivers to have liability insurance to pay for medical and property damage caused by an accident. Some states also mandate other types of coverage, such as personal injury protection or uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. The minimum amounts vary by state, but most insurance professionals recommend higher policy limits to better protect your financial assets in the event of a serious crash.
Car insurance quotes for 2025 are based on the information you provide about yourself, your vehicle and your driving habits. You must provide some basic contact information, your driver’s license number and details of any accidents or tickets you have had in the past five years. You will also need to provide the make and model of your vehicle, its VIN, safety features, and weekly mileage. You may also need to know if you have a loan or lease on your car, as lenders typically require full-coverage policies.
To generate an accurate quote, you will need to provide the following information:
Shopping Around
As car insurance rates continue to rise, it’s more important than ever for consumers to shop around. Much of your premium is based on the unique characteristics of your driving profile and vehicle so that it can vary substantially between insurers. Taking the time to compare quotes can help you find a great deal on your policy.
The most obvious factor that can affect your rate is the make and model of your vehicle. In general, safer cars with lower repair costs will have lower rates. However, some companies may emphasize the driver’s age and driving history or offer discounts for drivers who participate in telematics programs.
It’s also important to consider extras like roadside assistance, comprehensive coverage and uninsured motorist protection. These can add up to a significant amount of your total annual premium. Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of available discounts. These can include savings for federal employees, combining home and auto insurance, military affiliation, good driving records, eco-friendly vehicles, safe driving habits, and customer loyalty.
These tips can help you save on your car insurance premium in 2025. By reviewing your options and using available discounts, you can help keep your car insurance rates manageable in an increasingly expensive market.
