-
Step 1
Organize Your Personal Information
Before you start filling out the forms to get a free insurance quote, you should gather your person information. When you apply for a free quote, you will need to have the following readily available:
- First and last name, age, gender, marital status, Social Security Number, and date of birth.
- Your full driving history, including any car accidents along with dates and who was at fault; any traffic tickets; DUI or DWI infractions; and other violations, usually within the past 7 years.
- All claims made to previous auto insurance companies and any information regarding those claims.
- The number of individuals who live in your home who are of age to drive, regardless of whether or not they currently posses a valid driver's license or will ever drive the vehicle.
- Any driving courses you have taken, whether voluntary, for school, or court-ordered.
- The main purpose of driving your vehicle (to and from work or school, if it is used during the course of work, etc.).
- Your estimated annual mileage. For those who primarily drive to and from work, work within an hour of their home, and do not use their vehicle for work purposes, the average mileage is 12,000 a year.
- Your highest level of education, including any degrees you have obtained.
- If you are in school, your current GPA (you may qualify for special discounts).
- Your current place of employment and contact information, such as a phone number.
- Primary driver's full name and information, and driving record, if you are not the primary driver.
- Physical address (the address where you live the majority of the time).
- Valid driver's license & license number.
- Year, make, and model of the vehicle you are insuring.
- Your vehicle's current mileage.
- VIN number of the vehicle you are insuring (you can find this on your registration card and on most newer models, etched into the windshield near the driver's side door.
- Special safety features on your vehicle: if there are airbags and where they are located; any security system installed in your car, like an alarm or security pad; if there is a remote start system installed; etc. -
Step 2
Visit a Few Insurance Websites
While most companies offer a form to apply for a free insurance quote right on their websites, some actually offer free quotes from multiple companies and allow you to compare coverage and rates side by side. A few other websites are dedicated to just offering free insurance quotes for multiple companies, without actually selling any insurance themselves. While the former will allow you to purchase a policy right online, the latter will most likely give you a more balanced and unbiased comparison of what each company offers. Check out the sites listed below to get a free insurance quote from multiple companies with just one form:
Insurance Company Websites
Esurance: http://www.esurance.com/
Progressive: http://www.progressive.com/
Nationwide: http://www.nationwide.com/
Allstate: http://www.allstate.com/
Geico: http://www.geico.com/
Auto Insurance Comparison Websites
Insurance.com: http://www.insurance.com/auto.aspx
Quality Auto Insurance: http://www.qualityautoinsurance.com/
NetQuote: http://www.netquote.com/auto-insurance/
2Insurance4Less: http://www.2insure4less.com/quotes/am/ -
Step 3
Call for a Better Rate
When you've nabbed a free insurance quote that sounds appealing, give the insurance company a call directly. If you speak to a representative, you may be able to score a better deal on your insurance rate. Let them know that you are currently comparing insurance rates – but don't let them know they offered the best deal – and tell them the price you were quoted online. Tell them you are interested in possibly taking out a policy with their company, but you wanted to know if you could get a better rate, because you found some better rates online from other companies. While you may not get a huge discount, or anything at all, it can't hurt to try. In the end, if they offer you the lowest price and you like the company, go ahead and purchase the policy after comparing your free insurance quotes.
