Car Insurance

How to Shop for Car Insurance and Get the Best Deals

May 11, 2026By GEICO Team7 min readEditorial Guidelines
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Key Takeaways

Have Your VIN, License Number, and Driving History Ready Before You Quote
An accurate car insurance quote requires your Vehicle Identification Number, driver's license number, details about other household drivers, and your accident and insurance history. Having this information on hand before you start prevents delays and ensures the quote reflects your actual rate. You can get a quote online, by phone, or through a local agent.

Compare Quotes Using the Same Coverages, Limits, and Deductibles
The cheapest quote means nothing if the coverage behind it is different. When comparing multiple providers, make sure every quote uses identical coverage types, deductible amounts, and liability limits. Also factor in post-purchase service like 24/7 claims support and access to licensed agents, which affects your experience when you actually need to use the policy.

Check for Discounts Before You Buy
Many drivers miss savings simply because they don't ask. Multi-policy bundling, multi-car, pay-in-full, driver's education, and usage-based programs like GEICO DriveEasy can all reduce your premium. Stack as many as you qualify for to get the best rate without cutting coverage.

When comparing car insurance rates online or over the phone, make sure you're looking at similar policies to accurately compare rates. With a 97% customer satisfaction rate*, why not start with GEICO? Here's what you need to know about

How to Shop for Car Insurance

1. Gather the Information You Need to Shop for a Car Insurance Quote.

The first step in shopping for car insurance is to get a quote. To get an accurate car insurance quote, you'll need to provide some basic information. In addition to your name, address, and date of birth, some questions you may be asked include:

  • Type of vehicle(s) and how you use it
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Driver's license number
  • Any other drivers in your household
  • Education and profession
  • Auto insurance history
  • Accident history

When purchasing auto insurance, you can choose how to receive your quote. You can get a quote online, call us at (800) 861-8380 to speak directly with an insurer, or work with a local agent to find the coverage that fits your needs.

Not sure about something? You can always save your car insurance quote at any step and come back later.

2. Determine How Much Coverage You Need

When shopping for the best car insurance, make sure you're comparing apples to apples. If you already have auto insurance, have your current policy details handy to understand your current limits and deductibles. You can also use our Coverage Calculator to help determine the amount of coverage that’s best for you.

Some things to consider when shopping for a policy:

  • Check the minimum coverage requirements for auto insurance in your state.
  • Consider carrying a higher deductible to lower your premium. A $500 deductible is a popular choice.
  • Collision coverage and comprehensive coverage provides protection for your car. If you lease or finance your car, your lender likely requires these coverages.
  • Liability coverage helps protect your personal assets in the event you are responsible for injuries or damage.
  • Uninsured motorist coverage protects you in the event of an accident involving an uninsured driver.
  • Rental reimbursement overage can help pay for a rental vehicle or other transportation while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered loss.
  • Emergency Roadside Service coverage can provide help with lockouts, jump starts, towing, and more.

3. Explore Car Insurance Discounts.

When shopping for car insurance, see if you qualify for additional discounts that are offered in your market. Get a quote and see if you qualify for any of these discounts:

  • GEICO DriveEasy: Participate in DriveEasy through GEICO’s mobile app to track driving habits and earn savings for safe behavior behind the wheel
  • Multi-policy: Save more on car insurance when you bundle auto insurance with other policies like homeowners or renters insurance
  • Multi-car: Insure more than one vehicle on the same policy to unlock lower premiums
  • Pay in full: Receive a discount when you pay your entire premium up front instead of in monthly installments
  • Driver's education: Discounts for completing approved driver education courses
  • Customer loyalty: Discounts for staying with the same insurer for an extended period

5. Compare Insurance Quotes.

If you are getting quotes from different companies, you may want to compare them. For a useful comparison, make sure the quotes are for the same:

  • Coverages
  • Deductibles
  • Limits

Shopping around for car insurance can be a straightforward process once you understand what parts of the quote you need to compare. You also need to consider the service you will get after your purchase. GEICO has 24/7 claims service and provides easy access to licensed insurance agents, which has helped us achieve our 97% customer satisfaction rating*.

How To Get Car Insurance with GEICO

Ready to save on car insurance? Get a quote from GEICO today and discover how much you could save! Learn how you can accurately compare rates from multiple insurers and find the coverage that fits your needs and budget. Do not wait—start your quote now and see why millions of drivers trust GEICO.

Car Insurance Shopping Resources

Below you can find some additional resources that can make shopping for car insurance even easier with GEICO:

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Shopping for Car Insurance - FAQs

The average cost of car insurance varies widely and depends upon your insurance company. There are many other factors that influence your rates, such as age, driving history, location, and vehicle type. Shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurers can help you find the best rate.

The price of car insurance varies depending on individual circumstances, including driving record, location, and coverage needs. While some insurers offer lower premiums, it's crucial to consider factors beyond price, such as coverage limits, deductibles, customer service quality, and financial stability. When shopping for insurance, make sure that your policy fits your needs.

You should buy car insurance first since most states and dealerships require proof of insurance before purchasing a vehicle. However, you will need to know the specific vehicle you are purchasing to provide its VIN during your quote. Securing insurance beforehand ensures immediate coverage, protecting against potential risks from the moment you drive the car off the lot.

No, you must generally have insurance in place when you purchase a vehicle. However, many states and insurance companies offer a short grace period (typically 7 to 30 days) for buyers to add their vehicle onto their existing insurance policy. While requirements vary by location and insurer, it's best to secure insurance before obtaining the vehicle to ensure coverage.

Yes, you can get a quote without owning a car by simply providing details about the vehicle you plan to buy. This helps you compare rates in advance and can help you select the coverages you want prior to purchasing your vehicle. If you don't plan on purchasing a vehicle but want to obtain coverage for yourself, you can also quote a non-owner policy.

Whether $200 a month for car insurance is high or reasonable depends on factors like your location, driving history, coverage level, and vehicle type. While it may be expensive for someone with a clean record and basic coverage in a rural area, it could be normal or even low for high-risk drivers or those needing additional coverages.