How to get car insurance in 5 easy steps
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What are the different ways to shop for car insurance?
There are a few ways that you can shop for car insurance. Depending on your preference, you could buy a policy directly from an insurance company, work with an agent, or get car insurance from a broker.
Each of these methods for getting insured has its own pros and cons that you should consider. Your own insurance history, knowledge, and preferences will impact your choice.
Method
Pros
Cons
Buy directly from an insurance company
Many companies make it simple to get quotes and buy coverage online
You’ll only see quotes from one company at a time, so you’ll have to compare costs yourself to find the cheapest rate
Buy through an agent
Agents have physical offices in your area so you can buy insurance in in person
Some agents may charge additional fees or only show you quotes from certain companies
Shop through an online marketplace
You’ll be able to compare quotes from multiple companies at once, without having to enter your information again and again
You won’t be able to visit an office in person, so this option is best for people who like shopping online or over the phone
Choose a policy and get insured
Once you’ve compared your quotes and picked an insurance company that you feel good about, it’s time to get covered.
When you buy a car insurance policy, you’ll set a start date for when your policy will start, and you’ll pay your first premium.
You’ll typically receive proof of coverage and some sort of welcome package from your insurer, with information about how to access your account and where to see your ID cards or declarations page.
Cancel your old car insurance policy
If you’ve been shopping for car insurance to replace a current policy, wait until after your new coverage is in place before you cancel your old policy. You want to make sure you don’t leave any gaps in your coverage.
To do this, set the cancellation date of your old policy and the effective date of your new policy on the same day. Insurance policies begin and end at 12:01 AM on a given date, so you don’t have to worry about having a full day of overlapping insurance.