Shopping for a car insurance estimate online does not have to be complicated or take up your entire day. With Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA), you can get an estimate in about five minutes and compare options from more than 20 carriers, all from the comfort of your home. Simply have your driver’s license information, vehicle details, driving history and preferred coverage ready. Your online car insurance estimate can give you a better idea of what you may pay and help you find an option that fits your needs and budget. Keep reading to learn how to get a car insurance quote, what information you will need and what happens after you submit your request.
How to get a car insurance estimate online in about 5 minutes
An online calculator or quote tool can simplify the process by collecting your information and presenting available coverage options.
Follow these steps to get started:
- Gather your driver’s license and vehicle information. Have your license number and details about each driver and vehicle you want to include.
- Review your current policy. If you already have auto insurance, keep your coverage limits and deductibles nearby. This will make it easier to compare similar policies.
- Open an online quote tool. IIA’s car insurance calculator can help you get an estimate in minutes and compare options from more than 20 carriers.
- Enter your ZIP code and driver information. Your location, age, driving history and other personal details can affect the rates available to you.
- Provide information about your vehicle. Enter the vehicle’s year, make, model, Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, and how you plan to use it.
- Review your coverage choices. Depending on your state and needs, these options may include liability, collision, comprehensive, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage(UM/UIM).
- Submit your information and compare rates. Review more than the price. Look at the coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions and payment terms for each option.
If you are unsure which coverage fits your situation, IIA’s Spanish-bilingual agents can explain your choices and help you customize your policy.
Get A Personal Auto Insurance Quote
Information needed for an online car insurance estimate
Having the right documents nearby can make the quote process faster. Although car insurance quote requirements vary by carrier, the information needed for a car insurance quote commonly includes:
- Personal information: Your full name, date of birth, home address and ZIP code.
- Driver’s license information: Provide information for every licensed driver who may be included on the policy. Some carriers available through IIA may accept a foreign driver’s license, valid passport or a matrícula consular. Acceptance may vary by carrier and state.
- Vehicle information: Be prepared to enter the year, make, model and VIN, if available. You may also be asked about the vehicle’s current mileage, where it is kept and how often it is driven.
- Vehicle use: Indicate whether you use the vehicle for commuting, personal errands or business purposes. Using a personal vehicle for work may create different insurance needs.
- Loan or lease information: If your vehicle is financed or leased, you may need the lender’s or leasing company’s information. Your agreement may also require collision and comprehensive coverage.
- Driving history: Include recent accidents, claims, tickets or other traffic violations. Accurate information can help the carrier calculate a more reliable estimate.
- Current coverage: If you already have insurance, provide the carrier’s name, your coverage limits and your deductibles.
- Desired coverage: Decide whether you are interested in your state’s minimum liability coverage, additional liability limits, full coverage or a filing such as an SR-22 or FR-44. “Full coverage” generally refers to a policy that includes liability, collision and comprehensive coverage, but the exact coverages may vary.
Business owners may need additional details, such as the type of work performed, the number of vehicles used, who drives them and where they travel. If you use a pickup truck, van or other vehicle for work, consider requesting a commercial auto insurance estimate.
Pros and cons of getting an estimate on car insurance online
Getting an estimate on car insurance through an online tool can be convenient, but it may not be the right approach for every driver. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages can help you decide when to use a quote tool and when to contact an agent.
Advantages of an online estimate
- Access at any time: You can shop 24/7 without planning around an agency’s business hours.
- A quick process: A straightforward application may take about five minutes when you have your information ready.
- Easy carrier comparisons: Instead of requesting quotes one at a time, you can compare options from multiple carriers in one place.
- Free and without obligation: You can review available rates before deciding whether to purchase a policy.
- A helpful starting point: An estimate can show how different coverage limits and deductibles may affect what you pay for car insurance.
Disadvantages of an online estimate
- Less personal interaction: A website cannot always provide the same explanations or recommendations you may receive from a licensed agent.
- Limited customization: An online tool may not account for every detail of a complicated driving or insurance history.
- Potentially missed discounts: The calculator may not identify every discount that could apply to you.
- Estimates may change: Your final rate may be different after a carrier verifies your driving history, vehicle information and other application details.
An online tool can help you begin comparing policies quickly. If you have questions or need more personalized assistance, an IIA Spanish-bilingual agent can help fill in the gaps.
What to do after you get an online car insurance estimate
Once you receive an online auto insurance quote, take time to evaluate the details before choosing a policy.
First, compare coverage rather than looking only at the monthly price. One policy may appear less expensive because it has lower liability limits or a higher deductible. Compare policies with similar limits and deductibles to get a clearer picture of their overall value.
Next, ask about available discounts. Depending on the carrier and state, you may qualify for savings based on prior coverage, safe driving, insuring multiple vehicles, switching carriers or paying your premium in full. Discounts and eligibility requirements vary.
You should also compare the estimated coverage with your state’s requirements. IIA’s guide to car insurance by state can help you learn about the minimum limits that may apply where you live.
Drivers with a foreign license, an SR-22 or FR-44 requirement, limited credit history or a previous lapse in coverage may benefit from speaking with an agent. IIA works with carriers that serve a range of drivers, including those who may have difficulty finding coverage through standard insurance markets.
Before purchasing, confirm the policy’s effective date. If you are changing carriers, coordinate the start of your new policy with the cancellation of your old one to avoid a lapse. After you select an option, make the required payment to activate your new policy. Once payment is issued and the policy is active, IIA may provide same-day digital proof of insurance.
Why use IIA for a car insurance estimate online
IIA makes it easier to compare car insurance carriers without contacting each one separately. Drivers can receive quick estimates from more than 20 carriers and review options that fit different coverage needs and budgets.
IIA also offers:
- Spanish-bilingual agents who can explain insurance terms and answer questions in your preferred language.
- Access to carriers that may accept foreign licenses, valid passports or matrículas consulares, depending on the carrier and state.
- Options for drivers with SR-22 or FR-44 filing requirements, limited credit history or other non-standard insurance needs.
- Flexible payment options, which may include recurring card payments.
- Same-day digital proof of insurance after the required payment is issued and the policy becomes active.
Because IIA is an insurance agency, its agents can help you compare available options from multiple carriers. Coverage, payment plans, discounts and document acceptance vary by carrier and state.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a car insurance estimate online?
A straightforward estimate may take about five minutes if you have your driver’s license, vehicle information and driving history ready. More complex situations may require additional details or assistance from an agent.
Is an online car insurance estimate accurate?
An estimate can provide a useful idea of what you may pay based on the information you enter. However, it is not a guaranteed final rate. The price may change after the carrier verifies your driving record, claims history, vehicle details and eligibility for discounts.
Do I need to enter my Social Security number for an online quote?
Requirements vary by carrier. Some carriers may request your Social Security number to verify your identity or use credit-based insurance information where permitted by law. Ask how the information will be used if you have concerns about providing it.
Can I get an online estimate with a foreign license?
You may be able to get an estimate with a foreign driver’s license, valid passport or matrícula consular. IIA works with some carriers that accept alternative identification, but availability and requirements vary by state and carrier.
Is the online estimate the same as a final quote?
Not necessarily. An estimate is based on the initial information you provide. A final quote may be issued after the carrier verifies your information and completes its underwriting review.
Can I buy a policy online after getting an estimate?
You may be able to select coverage and make a payment to activate your policy online. If the carrier needs more information, an agent may contact you before the purchase can be completed.
Get your online car insurance estimate today
Whether you are buying a vehicle, shopping before a renewal or responding to a recent rate increase, a car insurance estimate online can help you see available options in about five minutes. IIA can connect you with more than 20 carriers, including options for drivers with non-standard coverage needs. Start an online auto insurance quote to compare car insurance online, or speak with an insurance agent for Spanish-bilingual support so you can choose coverage that fits your needs and budget.
Get A Personal Auto Insurance Quote