If you’re thinking of purchasing auto insurance, it’s important to get an estimate of how much the policy will cost. There are several ways you can get free auto insurance quotes, and we’ll go over them here.
Compare Insurance Rates Online
One of the easiest ways to get car insurance quotes online is through a third-party aggregator website that will show you the rates of auto insurance plans from different companies. These sites will ask for some basic information about your driving history, age, and so on, but they don’t require any personal information like your address or phone number. You can also key in specific coverage amounts and deductibles to know how much the quote will vary.
Captive Insurance Agents
You can also request car insurance quotes for free through a captive agent. These agents usually work for a specific insurer, such as Farmers Insurance, State Farm, or Allstate. Their job is to help you figure out which car insurance plan is best for you and to provide you with a quote. In return, if you purchase a policy, they earn a certain commission or a percentage of your premium. If you have complex insurance needs (like, say, you have multiple high-end cars), it would be best to work with a captive agent. If you want to speak to a captive agent, you’ll need to visit the insurance provider’s office.
Independent Agent or Broker
If you want to speak to a professional but still have access to a range of car insurance quotes, it’s a good idea to get in touch with an independent agent or broker. These professionals work with numerous insurance companies and can thus, explain the differences and benefits of different policies. The only drawback is that since they work on a commission model, they may steer toward the most expensive policy.
Specialty Agencies
Drivers who have speeding tickets, DUIs, or multiple accidents may have to get a non-standard auto insurance plan meant for high-risk drivers. If you’re in such a circumstance, you may have to get in touch with a specialty agency in your state for quotes.