Shopping for auto insurance shouldn't be overwhelming. Follow this checklist step by step and you'll be confident you're getting the best rate for your coverage needs.
Before You Start Shopping
Having this information ready before you start will speed up the quoting process and ensure you get accurate rates.
Gather your information:
- Driver's license number for all household drivers
- Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) for all vehicles
- Current odometer readings (annual mileage estimates)
- Current insurance declarations page (if switching)
- Driving record details (violations, accidents in past 5 years)
- Date of any prior insurance lapses
Know your coverage needs:
- Determine your minimum liability limits (we recommend 100/300/100)
- Decide on comprehensive and collision deductibles ($500 or $1,000)
- Check if your lender requires specific coverage levels
- Consider uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Evaluate whether you need rental reimbursement or roadside assistance
During the Shopping Process
Get Multiple Quotes
The biggest savings come from comparing quotes across different insurers. The same driver can see rate differences of $1,000+ per year between companies.
- Get quotes from at least 5 different insurers
- Include at least one direct insurer (GEICO, Progressive, USAA)
- Include at least one agent-based insurer (State Farm, Allstate)
- Try an independent agent who represents multiple companies
- Use an online comparison tool for side-by-side rates
Ask About Every Discount
Don't assume discounts will be applied automatically. Ask each insurer about:
- Multi-policy bundle — auto + home/renters
- Multi-vehicle discount — 2+ cars on one policy
- Good driver discount — clean record for 3–5 years
- Good student discount — 3.0+ GPA (under age 25)
- Defensive driving course — approved course completion
- Low mileage — under 7,500–10,000 miles/year
- Anti-theft device — alarm, GPS tracker, or VIN etching
- Safety features — airbags, anti-lock brakes, backup camera
- Paperless billing & autopay — electronic delivery discount
- Pay-in-full discount — paying 6 months upfront
- Military/veteran discount — active duty or veteran
- Professional/alumni association — employer or college groups
- Telematics/usage-based program — safe driving monitoring
Compare Apples to Apples
The cheapest quote isn't always the best deal. Make sure you're comparing the same coverage levels, deductibles, and add-ons across all quotes.
For each quote, verify:
- Same liability limits across all quotes
- Same deductible amounts for comp and collision
- Same uninsured/underinsured motorist limits
- Same add-on coverages (rental, roadside, etc.)
- Check whether the quote includes all applicable discounts
- Confirm the quote is for the same policy term (6 months vs. 12 months)
Evaluating Your Options
Check Insurer Reputation
- Look up the insurer's AM Best rating (A or better = financially strong)
- Check J.D. Power claims satisfaction scores
- Read recent customer reviews (focus on claims handling)
- Verify the insurer is licensed in your state
- Check your state's department of insurance for complaint data
Review the Policy Details
- Read the full declarations page carefully
- Understand all exclusions listed in the policy
- Check the cancellation policy and fees
- Verify the grace period for late payments
- Ask about the claims process — how do you file? 24/7 support?
After You Purchase
Your work isn't done after buying a policy. Set reminders to re-evaluate regularly — loyalty rarely pays in insurance.
- Save your declarations page in a safe, accessible place
- Add your insurance card to your phone's digital wallet
- Set a calendar reminder to re-shop 60 days before renewal
- Review your coverage after any major life change:
- Moving to a new address
- Buying or selling a vehicle
- Adding or removing a driver
- Getting married or divorced
- Teen driver getting their license
- Paying off your car loan
- Starting to work from home
Quick Reference: Recommended Coverage Levels
| Coverage Type | Minimum Recommendation | Ideal for Most Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | 50/100 | 100/300 |
| Property Damage Liability | $50,000 | $100,000 |
| Uninsured Motorist | Match your BI limits | Match your BI limits |
| Comprehensive Deductible | $1,000 | $500 |
| Collision Deductible | $1,000 | $500 |
| Medical Payments / PIP | $5,000 | $10,000–25,000 |
Drivers who follow this checklist save an average of $400–800 per year compared to those who auto-renew without shopping around. The time investment is typically less than 2 hours.
Print This Checklist
Bookmark this page or print it out before your next insurance shopping session. Having a structured approach prevents you from missing discounts, overlooking important coverage, or settling for the first quote you receive.