Where to Buy Auto Insurance Online (2024)
Most major insurers, such as Geico, Allstate, and Progressive, provide instant coverage through online purchase. You can save up to 25% on your auto insurance bill by going paperless. We'll help you find out how to shop for auto insurance coverage online and the best companies for online service.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Nov 1, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Nov 1, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Online purchasing is one of the most popular ways to shop for auto insurance
- Most top insurers offer online shopping, quotes, and policy management
- Compare online quotes from various companies to find your best deal
One of the most important things on the agenda for a car owner is buying adequate auto insurance.
Online purchasing is becoming one of the most popular ways for busy modern-day shoppers to obtain their needs, and auto insurance is no exception. Compare the best auto insurance companies with our FREE comparison quote tool!
Where to Shop for Auto Insurance Coverage Online
Most auto insurance companies now provide easy online shopping options; allowing consumers to obtain auto insurance quotes based on where the vehicle is located, make comparisons with competitors, purchase insurance, and print out insurance documents.
Among the companies with the greatest online presence are:
- Geico Auto Insurance
- Allstate Auto Insurance
- Progressive Auto Insurance
- Liberty Mutual Auto Insurance
- USAA Auto Insurance
The six companies listed above are the main companies offering online service for Maryland zip code 20878, the Gaithersburg area. USAA is a company offering coverage to certain categories of military and government employees and requires membership for coverage.
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Know Before You Go: How to Comparison Shop Online
Minimum auto insurance requirements by state vary, so the first thing a shopper should do is determine the legally required coverage in the state of residence, or in the state where the car will normally be garaged.
Most of the states, for instance, require insurance for any driver, including those driving on learner’s permits. When making comparisons on which insurance is best, it is also necessary to know the minimum insurance requirements for the state of residence.Dani Best Licensed Insurance Producer
This is useful when doing a cost comparison among the various companies. This information can be obtained from the state insurance commission.
Obtaining liability auto insurance provides legal coverage, but buying the minimum insurance, depending on driving experience, local conditions, and driving habits is seldom a wise idea.
Comparison shopping is the best advice when buying anything online, but especially something as expensive and important as auto insurance. Don’t be swayed by the TV ads promising great savings over other companies.
Advertising claims might not apply in the purchaser’s case, so it’s best to check four or five companies, and the rates charged for the coverage desired, line by line. Check the requirements for filing claims, and the companies’ histories of serving clients.
This can be done through the local Better Business Bureau, or with other drivers in the area.
A company with low rates, but which has a record of slowness in settling claims, for instance, might not be the bargain it appears on a quote document.
The first sign of whether a company makes the short-list of insurance providers is the ease with which quotes can be obtained. Companies requiring upfront commitments, as an example, should probably be avoided, as perhaps should companies requesting too much information before they will give a quote.
Check to see if the company offers auto insurance discounts for low driving mileage, good students, seniors, or safety devices on the vehicle. These discounts can reduce a premium significantly, and it might be advisable to avoid companies not offering them.
Finally, while you might be able to buy cheap car insurance online, make sure you will also be able to manage your account as much as possible on line as well.
Most companies will require hard copy documents; accident reports, repair quotes, etc., at some point, being able to file an initial claim online is a convenience factor worth considering.
Once a consumer is satisfied with what the company offers, the next step is to complete the application, pay, and printout proof of insurance documents, which in most states must be kept in the insured vehicle.
Understanding the Coverage Options
Most insurance coverage is comprehensive, meaning that coverage is provided for bodily injury and damage to vehicles.
State minimums are given, for example, 25/50/20, which means that the coverage for bodily injury liability is $25,000 per person injured, with a total limit of $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for damage liability.
What this means is that if three people are injured in an accident, and if injury claims are $25,000 only the first two people applying would receive payment. The driver at fault would be personally liable for the remainder.
Before settling for the minimum coverage, it is wise for the insurance buyer to know the prevailing rates for medical coverage in the area. In most cases, the cost of medical care for serious injury exceeds the minimum coverage required, placing drivers in a risky financial position in the event of an accident causing injury.
The same holds true for damages. Depending on the extent of damage to vehicles in an accident, minimum coverage can often leave even insured motorists holding the bag.
State minimums are legislatively determined, based on the accident history in the state, but are sadly often behind the economic conditions of the state.
Insurance premiums are also impacted by the deductible buyers chose. This is the amount of any liability claim that a buyer commits to pay out-of-pocket. The buyer’s financial status is the key determining factor in deciding on the amount of deductible and can be different for injury and damage.
For instance, the driver of an older car might decide to take a lower auto insurance deductible than for a more expensive vehicle. Amounts of deductibles vary from zero to several thousand dollars.
More About Buying Affordable Car Insurance Coverage Online
Buying auto insurance online is simple, easy, if a buyer does sufficient research on companies and their offerings, carefully comparing rates and coverage, before making a commitment to buy. The same principles apply as when buying in person, always read the fine print, and if something is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask questions.
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Find cheap auto insurance quotes with our FREE comparison tool below. Just enter your ZIP code and shop for car insurance online today.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy auto insurance online?
Yes, you can purchase auto insurance online. Many insurance companies offer the convenience of buying insurance policies directly through their websites or mobile apps.
Can I buy auto insurance online without a driver’s license?
In most cases, you need a valid driver’s license to purchase auto insurance online. Insurance companies typically require a driver’s license number and other driving history details as part of the application process. If you don’t have a driver’s license, it may be challenging to find an insurance company willing to issue a policy.
Can I modify my auto insurance policy online after purchasing it?
Yes, many insurance companies allow you to make modifications to your auto insurance policy online. These modifications may include adding or removing vehicles, changing coverage limits, updating your personal information, or adding additional coverage options. Check with your insurance provider to see if they offer online policy management options.
Are there any risks associated with buying auto insurance online?
Generally, buying auto insurance online is a secure and reliable process. However, there are a few risks to be aware of:
- Scams and fraudulent websites: Exercise caution when providing personal and financial information online. Only use reputable insurance company websites or trusted third-party comparison sites to ensure the security of your data.
- Inadequate coverage: While it’s convenient to purchase insurance online, there’s a possibility of overlooking essential coverage options or not fully understanding the policy terms and conditions. Take the time to read through the policy details and consider seeking clarification from the insurer if needed.
Can I get discounts on auto insurance by buying online?
Yes, many insurance companies offer discounts for purchasing auto insurance online. These discounts can vary depending on the insurer but may include incentives for paperless billing, online policy management, or exclusive online promotions. Be sure to inquire about any available discounts when obtaining quotes or during the purchasing process.
Remember, when buying auto insurance online, it’s crucial to review the policy details carefully, understand the coverage you’re purchasing, and choose a reputable insurance provider to ensure you have the right protection for your needs.
Can I cancel my auto insurance policy purchased online?
Yes, you can typically cancel your auto insurance policy purchased online. Insurance companies have different cancellation policies, so it’s important to review the terms and conditions of your policy or contact the insurance provider directly for guidance. Keep in mind that there may be cancellation fees or penalties associated with canceling a policy before its expiration date.
How long does it take to receive proof of insurance when buying online?
The time it takes to receive proof of insurance after purchasing online can vary depending on the insurance company. In many cases, you will receive immediate proof of insurance upon completing the online purchase. This proof is often in the form of an electronic document that can be printed or saved digitally. However, some insurers may require additional processing time, and the proof of insurance may be emailed or mailed to you within a few business days.
Can I renew my auto insurance policy online?
Yes, most insurance companies offer online renewal options for auto insurance policies. As your policy’s expiration date approaches, the insurer will typically notify you about the renewal process. You can then log into your online account or access the insurer’s website to review and renew your policy. It’s important to carefully review the renewed policy to ensure it still meets your needs and make any necessary updates or changes.
Can I receive discounts for bundling auto insurance with other policies when buying online?
Yes, many insurance companies offer discounts for bundling multiple policies, such as auto insurance, home insurance, or renter’s insurance. When purchasing auto insurance online, you can often explore options to bundle your coverage with other policies and receive a discounted rate. Bundling policies with the same insurance provider can lead to cost savings and potentially simplify your insurance management by having multiple policies under one account.
Is my personal and financial information safe when buying auto insurance online?
Reputable insurance companies take measures to ensure the security and privacy of your personal and financial information when buying auto insurance online. They employ various encryption and security protocols to protect your data from unauthorized access. It’s important to verify that you are on a secure website by looking for “https://” at the beginning of the web address and checking for security symbols, such as a lock icon, in the browser. Additionally, read the insurance company’s privacy policy to understand how they handle and protect customer information.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.