Shopping for car insurance isn’t nearly as exciting as buying your new car.
Between the dozens of coverage options, different rates from one car insurance quote to another, and often confusing industry jargon, getting the right auto insurance policy for your needs can be difficult, especially if this is your first time getting a car or other vehicle insured.
But it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, and the right insurance partner, you can get the coverage you need, at a price you can afford, without spending hours online.
Here are nine practical tips when shopping for car insurance to help you avoid common pitfalls and get the coverage you need.
1. Start with what you actually need
Before jumping into quotes, take a moment to consider your situation. Your insurance needs depend on several factors, including:
- How often you drive and what kind of driving you do (commuting, long distance, local chores)
- The age and value of your vehicle
- Where you live (some areas have higher risk factors like theft or collisions)
- Who else will be driving the car
- What you can afford monthly, and in case of an accident
Being clear about your needs up front helps you avoid overpaying or ending up with the wrong coverage.
2. Know the essential car insurance coverage types
There are three main types of insurance you’ll likely need:
Liability coverage
Required in most states, this coverage protects you against injuries or property damage you cause to others in an accident. Liability coverage doesn’t pay for your own repairs.
Collision coverage
This pays for damage to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. If your car is new, leased, or financed, collision coverage is highly recommended.
Comprehensive coverage
This protects against non-collision events, like theft, fire, vandalism, or natural disasters. Comprehensive coverage is especially important if you want full protection for your investment.
3. Auto insurance add-ons worth considering
Once the basics are covered, think about optional coverages that can save you time, money, and stress down the road
Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
These cover medical bills for you and your passengers, regardless of who is responsible.
- MedPay is limited to medical expenses.
- PIP also helps with lost wages, childcare, and other costs associated with injuries.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Covers you if you’re hit by someone with little or no insurance. It helps pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage.
Rental reimbursement
Covers the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident.
Roadside assistance
Provides help if your car breaks down—typically includes towing, flat tire changes, battery jump-starts, lockout services, and more.
These add-ons can make a big difference in real-world situations.
4. Premiums, deductibles, and what you can afford
Your premium is what you pay monthly or annually for coverage. Your deductible is what you pay out of pocket when filing a claim.
Generally:
- Higher deductible = a lower monthly premium
- Lower deductible = a higher monthly premium, but less out-of-pocket cost after an accident
Choose a balance that fits your budget. A low monthly rate isn’t worth it if your deductible is too high to handle in the event of an emergency. You might also save money by paying your premium once a year instead of monthly—many insurance providers offer a discount for annual premiums.
5. What new drivers need to get car insurance
If this is your first time buying car insurance, no worries. You just have to do a little preparation to find the best car insurance for new drivers. Here’s a checklist of information you’ll need on hand to make the process smoother:
Personal information
Your full name, date of birth, address, phone, and email.
Driver’s license
Have your valid driver’s license ready. If other drivers will be on the policy, you’ll need their driver’s license numbers, too.
Vehicle details
The car’s make, model, year, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and mileage. (If you haven’t bought the car yet, just provide the details of what you’re planning to purchase.)
Vehicle registration
Having your registration handy can speed up the process, especially when switching providers.
Driving History
Be prepared to share any tickets, accidents, or past claims. Insurers already verify this, so it’s best to be honest and upfront.
Current insurance policy information (if applicable)
If you’re switching providers, provide your current insurer’s name, policy number, and coverage information.
Financial information
In some cases, income or employment information may be requested to assess risk and payment plan options.
Special circumstances
Teen drivers, rideshare use, or high-risk history? Let the insurer know up front. If they find out later, you could face high increases or have your policy canceled outright.
6. Choose a car insurance policy based on more than price
Everyone wants to save money, but trying to find the least expensive car insurance without understanding what’s included can cost you more in the long run.
The lowest premium can often come with hidden challenges, like:
- Less assistance when you file a claim
- Delays in payouts or disputes over what’s covered
- Coverage gaps that leave you paying out of pocket
- Limited add-ons or exclusions found in the fine print
When it comes to insurance, value is more important than price. A $10/month savings may not be worth it if your claim gets denied or you’re left without proper protection when you need it.
If you’re wondering what the best car insurance is, the answer depends on the balance between price, service, and reliability. Here’s what to look for instead:
- Financial stability – Is the company reliable and able to pay claims?
- Claims satisfaction scores – What do other customers say about their experience?
- Responsive service – Can you reach someone quickly when you need them?
- Policy flexibility – Can you tailor coverage to your needs, or do you only have access to a one-size-fits-all plan?
Before committing to a provider, do a full car insurance quote comparison to understand what’s included, not just what it costs.
7. Always review policy details — and know what to look for
Before you sign, create a “car insurance compare” checklist to ensure you’re not missing any hidden details and that you fully understand what you’re buying. Too many drivers skip this step and only find out what their car insurance policy doesn’t cover after they file a claim.
Here’s what you need to review before you commit:
- Coverage limits – How much will your insurer pay in the event of an accident?
- Deductibles – Are you comfortable with what you’d pay out of pocket for a claim?
- Exclusions – What situations aren’t covered (e.g., driving for Uber, using your car for business)?
- Premium frequency – Is it monthly, quarterly, or annual? Are there fees for installment plans?
- Cancellation policy – Can you change your mind if needed? What are the penalties?
8. Take advantage of car insurance discounts
You may be eligible for savings based on your car, your driving history, your lifestyle, and even how you pay.
Here are some of the most common discounts to look for:
- Bundling – Combine your auto policy with homeowner’s or renter’s insurance for potential big savings.
- Good driver –You could be rewarded if you have a clean driving record.
- Good student – If you have a teen driver with good grades, there could be savings available.
- Low mileage – If you drive less than the average policy holders in your state, you may qualify for usage-based discounts.
- Safety features – Cars with anti-theft systems, lane assist, or other built-in safety features often cost less to insure.
- Paid-in-full – Pay your premium all at once instead of monthly, and you may qualify for a price break.
9. Let a trusted insurance broker do the heavy lifting
You can shop for car insurance on your own by spending hours online, re-entering your information, and trying to compare quotes.
Or you can let The Baldwin Group handle it for you.
As independent brokers, we work on your behalf, not for the insurers. That means we search across top-rated national and regional providers to find the best car insurance option that fits your needs and budget—and from reputable insurance companies.
The Baldwin Group will handle getting your car insurance quote so you don’t have to. Here’s how we make it easy:
- Faster quotes: We gather options from trusted insurance companies, often within the same day.
- Clear comparisons: We break down each policy and help you compare car insurance rates to make informed decisions. Our agents walk you through a full car insurance quote comparison to help you understand not just what you’re paying but what you’re getting.
- Real advice: You’ll talk to licensed agents who know the market, not chatbots.
- Smarter savings: We help uncover hidden discounts and better coverage combinations.
The Baldwin Group makes getting the right car insurance at a price you can afford easier. Call us now at 813.939.5288 or fill out our quick online quote form, and let’s get started.
