Start with a comparison baseline
A price comparison is useful only when you know what each price includes. Put your current declarations page beside each new quote and check the same drivers, vehicles, coverage limits and deductibles. If a quote changes those details, ask for a revised version before treating the difference as savings.
Build your own side-by-side worksheet
| Write down | What to check |
|---|---|
| Policy period | Six months or twelve? Use the same time period. |
| Liability | Match the bodily injury and property damage limits. |
| Vehicle protection | Check collision and comprehensive separately. |
| Your share of a claim | Match each deductible. |
| Final payment | Include required fees and the total installment cost. |
Ask the question that changes the decision
Try this: “Can you send me the total premium for the entire policy period, with the same limits and deductibles as this other quote?” Keep both written responses. A monthly payment can be useful for budgeting, but it is a poor comparison when one option requires a larger first payment.
Use our cost comparison tool to put different policy terms on an annualized basis. That calculation is a way to compare today’s quoted costs, not a prediction of next year’s renewal price.
Check the company as well as the quote
Verify the insurer and agent with your state insurance department and review complaint information. Ask how claims are reported and whether repair-network or service options matter to you. A quote request is a starting point; confirm the final terms with the insurer before buying.
Further reading: NAIC: comparing online auto insurance quotes. Coverage and eligibility depend on the policy, insurer and state.
Put your questions to work.
Start with your ZIP and continue to the Quote Pro Auto quiz.