Buying car insurance online is a quick and easy way to find the coverage you need at a rate you can afford. You can shop on your schedule and get quotes from insurers in minutes.
All you’ll need to do is answer some personal questions, such as your age and where you live, and provide information about the vehicles you want to insure.
- To get accurate car insurance quotes, compile detailed information about your vehicle—such as the make/model and VIN—and the driving records of the people in your household.
- Ask insurers which discounts you qualify for—bundling with homeowners insurance is big.
- You can buy same-day car insurance coverage online from many large insurers.
Can you purchase car insurance online?
In most cases, yes, you can buy car insurance online instantly. When you purchase a policy, you’ll pick a coverage date, which can be the current date. Once you pay, you’ll be covered.
Step-by-step guide to buying car insurance online
Getting car insurance online is as easy as filling out a quote form and providing personal details about yourself and your vehicle.
First, figure out how much you currently pay (per month and annually) and understand your coverage limits. You might have to permit insurers to check your credit report and driving record. In most states, both play a crucial role in determining your rates.
Step 1: Compare car insurance quotes from different companies
Figure out how much car insurance you should buy, as well as what average car insurance rates are for your ZIP code, your age group and your preferred level of coverage. Then, you’re ready to begin researching quotes from carriers. Experts recommend getting quotes from at least three insurers when comparing car insurance.
Step 2: Select your policy’s coverage limits
You’ll need to purchase liability insurance since it’s required in nearly all states to drive a car legally. Bodily injury liability coverage covers other people’s injuries if you’re at fault in an accident. Property damage liability insurance pays for the damage to another vehicle or other property caused by your car.
While you can legally drive after buying your state minimum liability coverage, it’s not recommended because the cost of a car accident can be much higher than what your insurance will pay out if you have only minimum coverage.
Unless your income and assets are minimal – you do not own a home or have savings or investments – we recommend liability limits of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident for bodily injury and $100,000 for property damage.
Buying extra liability insurance to protect you and your assets is typically affordable. It exemplifies how the best car insurance may not be the cheapest.
Once you’ve set your liability limits, decide if you want to purchase optional coverages, such as:
- Collision coverage: Pays for damage to your vehicle caused by a collision, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers non-collision damage, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
- Gap insurance: Covers the difference between your car’s value and the amount you owe on your loan or lease if it’s totaled.
- Uninsured motorist/under-insured motorist coverage (UM/UIM): Protects you if you’re hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): Pays for medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault.
| State | Annual rate for state minimum | Annual rate for 50/100/50 liability only | Annual rate for full coverage 100/300/100 | Increase liability & state minimum | Increase liability & state minimum | Increase state minimum & full coverage | Increase state minimum & full coverage | Collision | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Average | $563 | $709 | $1,693 | $146 | 26% | $1,130 | 201% | $650 | $267 |
| Alaska | $338 | $428 | $1,236 | $90 | 27% | $898 | 266% | $592 | $146 |
| Alabama | $449 | $654 | $1,522 | $205 | 46% | $1,073 | 239% | $600 | $196 |
| Arkansas | $445 | $602 | $1,587 | $157 | 35% | $1,142 | 257% | $658 | $297 |
| Arizona | $534 | $783 | $1,649 | $249 | 47% | $1,115 | 209% | $573 | $187 |
| California | $568 | $838 | $2,043 | $270 | 48% | $1,475 | 260% | $968 | $136 |
| Colorado | $531 | $967 | $2,166 | $436 | 82% | $1,635 | 308% | $600 | $439 |
| Connecticut | $682 | $748 | $1,436 | $66 | 10% | $754 | 111% | $560 | $117 |
| Washington, D.C. | $583 | $732 | $1,877 | $149 | 26% | $1,294 | 222% | $852 | $218 |
| Delaware | $695 | $845 | $1,707 | $150 | 22% | $1,012 | 146% | $627 | $157 |
| Florida | $1,120 | $1,957 | $3,015 | $837 | 75% | $1,895 | 169% | $582 | $204 |
| Georgia | $655 | $834 | $1,638 | $179 | 27% | $983 | 150% | $561 | $174 |
| Hawaii | $388 | $527 | $1,282 | $139 | 36% | $894 | 230% | $550 | $137 |
| Iowa | $273 | $336 | $1,156 | $63 | 23% | $883 | 323% | $423 | $367 |
| Idaho | $318 | $396 | $1,012 | $78 | 25% | $694 | 218% | $464 | $137 |
| Illinois | $519 | $575 | $1,474 | $56 | 11% | $955 | 184% | $684 | $185 |
| Indiana | $405 | $487 | $1,283 | $82 | 20% | $878 | 217% | $573 | $192 |
| Kansas | $424 | $448 | $1,477 | $24 | 6% | $1,053 | 248% | $514 | $483 |
| Kentucky | $732 | $951 | $1,944 | $219 | 30% | $1,212 | 166% | $657 | $266 |
| Louisiana | $693 | $1,310 | $2,969 | $617 | 89% | $2,276 | 328% | $918 | $466 |
| Massachusetts | $626 | $784 | $1,741 | $158 | 25% | $1,115 | 178% | $736 | $234 |
| Maryland | $890 | $960 | $2,076 | $70 | 8% | $1,186 | 133% | $886 | $173 |
| Maine | $342 | $346 | $988 | $4 | 1% | $646 | 189% | $488 | $108 |
| Michigan | $1,742 | $1,352 | $3,945 | -$ 390 | -22% | $2,203 | 126% | $1,740 | $750 |
| Minnesota | $682 | $725 | $1,667 | $43 | 6% | $985 | 144% | $636 | $295 |
| Missouri | $670 | $776 | $2,374 | $106 | 16% | $1,704 | 254% | $1,009 | $505 |
| Mississippi | $393 | $552 | $1,448 | $159 | 40% | $1,055 | 268% | $561 | $272 |
| Montana | $431 | $586 | $1,670 | $155 | 36% | $1,239 | 287% | $605 | $443 |
| North Carolina | $482 | $528 | $1,417 | $46 | 10% | $935 | 194% | $641 | $167 |
| North Dakota | $331 | $343 | $1,258 | $12 | 4% | $927 | 280% | $502 | $401 |
| Nebraska | $481 | $526 | $1,845 | $45 | 9% | $1,364 | 284% | $627 | $663 |
| New Hampshire | $361 | $383 | $982 | $22 | 6% | $621 | 172% | $468 | $113 |
| New Jersey | $1,145 | $1,322 | $2,199 | $177 | 15% | $1,054 | 92% | $665 | $131 |
| New Mexico | $448 | $690 | $1,649 | $242 | 54% | $1,201 | 268% | $631 | $224 |
| Nevada | $820 | $1,293 | $2,327 | $473 | 58% | $1,507 | 184% | $662 | $163 |
| NewYork | $826 | $900 | $1,832 | $74 | 9% | $1,006 | 122% | $658 | $191 |
| Ohio | $349 | $423 | $1,082 | $74 | 21% | $733 | 210% | $508 | $121 |
| Oklahoma | $443 | $722 | $1,954 | $279 | 63% | $1,511 | 341% | $674 | $425 |
| Oregon | $733 | $793 | $1,440 | $60 | 8% | $707 | 96% | $493 | $102 |
| Pennsylvania | $444 | $568 | $1,418 | $124 | 28% | $974 | 219% | $634 | $204 |
| Rhode Island | $641 | $814 | $1,786 | $173 | 27% | $1,145 | 179% | $765 | $142 |
| South Carolina | $573 | $761 | $1,671 | $188 | 33% | $1,098 | 192% | $452 | $319 |
| South Dakota | $280 | $304 | $1,523 | $24 | 9% | $1,243 | 444% | $458 | $735 |
| Tennessee | $384 | $469 | $1,250 | $85 | 22% | $866 | 226% | $567 | $184 |
| Texas | $551 | $794 | $1,880 | $243 | 44% | $1,329 | 241% | $694 | $310 |
| Utah | $677 | $848 | $1,824 | $171 | 25% | $1,147 | 169% | $729 | $147 |
| Virginia | $494 | $512 | $1,210 | $18 | 4% | $716 | 145% | $532 | $142 |
| Vermont | $317 | $340 | $1,074 | $23 | 7% | $757 | 239% | $541 | $180 |
| Washington | $508 | $829 | $1,462 | $321 | 63% | $954 | 188% | $459 | $134 |
| Wisconsin | $544 | $612 | $1,712 | $68 | 13% | $1,168 | 215% | $803 | $268 |
| West Virginia | $470 | $529 | $1,417 | $59 | 13% | $947 | 201% | $567 | $269 |
| Wyoming | $300 | $337 | $1,730 | $37 | 12% | $1,430 | 477% | $793 | $583 |
Step 3: Save money when you buy car insurance online
Consider increasing your deductible and maximizing discounts to reduce your car insurance expenses.
Increase your deductible
Shoppers can save 9% to 23% by increasing their deductibles from $250 to $1,000 on a full coverage policy, according to CarInsurance.com data. See the table below for how much you can save on your car insurance policy by increasing your deductible.
| State | Annual full coverage rate, $250 deductible | Annual full coverage rate, $1,000 deductible | Decrease | Decrease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $1,362 | $1,092 | $270 | 20% |
| Alabama | $1,642 | $1,384 | $258 | 16% |
| Arkansas | $1,776 | $1,405 | $371 | 21% |
| Arizona | $1,792 | $1,478 | $314 | 18% |
| California | $2,191 | $1,820 | $371 | 17% |
| Colorado | $2,395 | $1,951 | $444 | 19% |
| Connecticut | $1,560 | $1,309 | $251 | 16% |
| Washington, D.C. | $2,031 | $1,617 | $414 | 20% |
| Delaware | $1,862 | $1,535 | $327 | 18% |
| Florida | $3,167 | $2,873 | $294 | 9% |
| Georgia | $1,797 | $1,503 | $294 | 16% |
| Hawaii | $1,401 | $1,142 | $259 | 18% |
| Iowa | $1,302 | $997 | $305 | 23% |
| Idaho | $1,128 | $893 | $235 | 21% |
| Illinois | $1,650 | $1,277 | $373 | 23% |
| Indiana | $1,417 | $1,131 | $286 | 20% |
| Kansas | $1,659 | $1,272 | $387 | 23% |
| Kentucky | $2,096 | $1,762 | $334 | 16% |
| Louisiana | $3,257 | $2,666 | $591 | 18% |
| Massachusetts | $1,862 | $1,486 | $376 | 20% |
| Maryland | $2,254 | $1,864 | $390 | 17% |
| Maine | $1,107 | $866 | $241 | 22% |
| Michigan | $4,410 | $3,486 | $924 | 21% |
| Minnesota | $1,849 | $1,479 | $370 | 20% |
| Missouri | $2,681 | $2,059 | $622 | 23% |
| Mississippi | $1,591 | $1,290 | $301 | 19% |
| Montana | $1,887 | $1,440 | $447 | 24% |
| North Carolina | $1,497 | $1,318 | $179 | 12% |
| North Dakota | $1,441 | $1,069 | $372 | 26% |
| Nebraska | $2,131 | $1,576 | $555 | 26% |
| New Hampshire | $1,111 | $869 | $242 | 22% |
| New Jersey | $2,314 | $2,060 | $254 | 11% |
| New Mexico | $1,818 | $1,475 | $343 | 19% |
| Nevada | $2,473 | $2,180 | $293 | 12% |
| NewYork | $1,974 | $1,668 | $306 | 16% |
| Ohio | $1,193 | $943 | $250 | 21% |
| Oklahoma | $2,215 | $1,720 | $495 | 22% |
| Oregon | $1,560 | $1,328 | $232 | 15% |
| Pennsylvania | $1,584 | $1,227 | $357 | 23% |
| Rhode Island | $1,953 | $1,603 | $350 | 18% |
| South Carolina | $1,784 | $1,533 | $251 | 14% |
| South Dakota | $1,749 | $1,240 | $509 | 29% |
| Tennessee | $1,371 | $1,106 | $265 | 19% |
| Texas | $2,079 | $1,685 | $394 | 19% |
| Utah | $2,017 | $1,639 | $378 | 19% |
| Virginia | $1,363 | $1,077 | $286 | 21% |
| Vermont | $1,203 | $942 | $261 | 22% |
| Washington | $1,582 | $1,344 | $238 | 15% |
| Wisconsin | $1,924 | $1,483 | $441 | 23% |
| West Virginia | $1,597 | $1,239 | $358 | 22% |
| Wyoming | $1,984 | $1,405 | $579 | 29% |
Maximize discounts on car insurance
During your online buying process, you will be asked questions that will let insurers know if you qualify for car insurance discounts, which will help you get the cheapest car insurance, such as discounts for:
- Occupation/professional membership
- Safety/anti-theft devices
- Good driving
- Telematics programs
- Bundling with home/renters policies
Step 4: Pay for your new car insurance policy and get your insurance card
Once you’ve purchased your auto insurance policy, you can download an insurance card or print your proof of coverage. Ensure your new policy begins before your old policy ends so you don’t have a coverage gap. Then, you can cancel your old policy.
Top providers for buying same-day car insurance online
Most insurers offer coverage that becomes effective the same day you purchase it. While not all may explicitly label it as “same-day” car insurance, if the policy’s start date is the same as the purchase date, it qualifies as such.
Some of the companies that will insure you instantly include:
- Allstate
- American Family
- Amica
- Farmers
- Geico
- Liberty Mutual
- Nationwide
- Progressive
- State Farm
- Travelers
- USAA
Best car insurance company for online shopping
According to Insure.com’s 2024 Best Auto Insurance Company survey, the top national carriers for best website/online experience are:
- Geico
- Progressive
- Allstate
The top regional carriers for best online/web experience are:
- CSAA Insurance Group (AAA)
- Auto-Owners
- Auto Club Group (ACG) – AAA
CASE STUDYRyan, from Perryville, Missouri, left the following review of Progressive on BestCompany.com:
“I love Progressive auto insurance. It was easy to insure my car online and print the insurance card for proof of insurance. Progressive was the lowest-priced policy in my area, and I am glad to have such ease of application and confirmation.”
Unlock valuable insights on how to choose the best car insurance company.
Difference between online quotes and online insurance purchases
Online auto insurance quotes provide an estimate of what your premium might be based on the information you enter, but they aren’t a binding offer. In contrast, an online auto insurance purchase involves finalizing coverage details, confirming rates, and completing the transaction to obtain an active policy. Quotes are for comparison, while purchases secure coverage.
What to do if your preferred insurer doesn’t offer online purchasing
If your preferred auto insurer doesn’t offer online purchasing, contact them by phone or work with a local agent to complete the policy. Ask for any relevant documentation or forms to be emailed to speed up the process. Additionally, ensure you have all the necessary information ready, like your driver’s license, vehicle details, and prior insurance records.
Check out our detailed guide on Is it cheaper to buy car insurance online or from an agent
Instant car insurance – what you need to know
Instant car insurance, also known as same-day coverage, lets you purchase and activate an auto insurance policy immediately. This is useful if you need coverage quickly, such as when buying a new car or renewing an expired policy. You can typically secure same-day coverage online or through a call with an insurance provider.
To get instant car insurance, you’ll need to provide the following information:
- Your driver’s license number
- Your vehicle identification number (VIN)
- The first month’s payment
- Your name and date of birth
- How many miles you plan to drive your car
- The make, model, and year of your car
Common mistakes to avoid when buying car insurance online
Some common mistakes people make when shopping for car insurance include not understanding what the various parts of their policies mean and how much coverage they need.
Here are some other common mistakes to avoid:
- Concealing information or lying on the application
- Providing incorrect information
- Missing payments
- Not asking about discounts
- Forgetting to renew your policy before it expires
- Not understanding your deductibles
- Not shopping around
- Only purchasing the state minimum coverage
- Focusing only on the price
FAQs: Can you buy car insurance online?
What are the pros and cons of buying car insurance online?
Pros: It’s convenient – you can compare quotes from multiple insurance companies simultaneously. It’s fast: With an online quote, you fill out a short form, get quotes, and see the insurance companies that best match you. It’s flexible: Shop online for car insurance anytime. It’s low-pressure: Even if you need insurance immediately, you’ll avoid sales pressure by shopping online.
Cons of buying car insurance online: You’re on your own. Some people prefer expert advice on auto insurance options from an experienced agent. If so, shopping online might be a starting point before contacting an agent.
What are some common myths or misconceptions about purchasing insurance online?
- Buying car insurance online will hurt your credit. “The type of information the company looks at creates a ‘soft inquiry,’ which does not affect your score,” says Rocky Lalvani, a financial coach and enrolled agent with the IRS and Profit Comes First consultant in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
- Buying car insurance online is always cheaper: It’s not always cheaper –compare rates among various carriers to find the best company for you.
- You can’t get personalized or accurate quotes: Quotes can be personalized just as easily online as with an agent.
- You’re limited to online-only companies: While some companies won’t allow you to purchase a policy online, you can still compare quotes and do company research online.
Is it cheaper to buy car insurance online?
It depends on the company. Buying online might not be cheaper if the car insurance company sells coverage online and through agents at its offices. Regardless of whether the carrier has agents working out of offices, there are discounts associated with buying online that may lower your rate.
When and why might you prefer to buy from an agent?
You may prefer to buy from an agent if the insurance company you want to purchase a policy from operates that way or if you have questions about insurance and want expert guidance from an agent.
“You might prefer to buy auto insurance from an agent when you need personalized advice tailored to your specific coverage needs and want help navigating complex policy options,” says James Brau, Joel C. Peterson Professor of Finance at Brigham Young University. “An agent can also assist with claims and offer ongoing support, ensuring you have the best protection as your circumstances change. For example, my brother-in-law is an agent, and his clients love having a personalized touch with him.”
Is it safe to buy car insurance online?
Yes, it’s safe to buy car insurance online. Just as you would take precautions when buying any other service or product online, you want to be sure the vendor is legitimate by researching the company’s history, reading the site’s “About Us” section and its terms of privacy and security.
You can also check with your state’s insurance commissioner to see if the company is listed and how many complaints it has received, as well as the Better Business Bureau and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Resources & Methodology
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned the Auto Coverages Report 2022 to field rates for a 40-year-old male driver of a Honda Accord LX 2021 with good credit, full coverage and a $500 deductible.
The survey scores are based on Insure.com’s survey of the best car insurance companies. Each insurer was awarded from half a star to 5 stars. No insurer in our star ranking received less than half a star and 5 stars was the most any insurer could receive.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
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Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.