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How Rate Retriever works

How Rate Retriever works

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Our online quiz is short, it’s free, and we don’t require any contact information

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Why you can trust Rate Retriever

Our rates are based on public rate filings obtained by analytics company First Interpreter. While we may partner with some of the carriers you see on our site, we maintain editorial independence and it does not affect the rates you see. Read more about our rating methodology or see our rigorous editorial policy. 

Our rates are based on public rate filings obtained by analytics company First Interpreter. While we may partner with some of the carriers you see on our site, we maintain editorial independence and it does not affect the rates you see. Read more about our rating methodology or see our rigorous editorial policy. 

Picture of Written by <a href="https://rateretriever.com/about/alyssa-dicrasto/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Alyssa DiCrasto</span></a>
Written by Alyssa DiCrasto
Picture of Edited by <a href="https://rateretriever.com/about/rob-deming/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rob Deming</span></a>
Edited by Rob Deming

Last updated: June 13th, 2024

Picture of Written by <a href="https://rateretriever.com/about/alyssa-dicrasto/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Alyssa DiCrasto</span></a>
Written by Alyssa DiCrasto
Picture of Edited by <a href="https://rateretriever.com/about/rob-deming/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rob Deming</span></a>
Edited by Rob Deming

Last updated: July 11th, 2024

Your Guide to Comparing Car Insurance in 2024

The cost of car insurance is skyrocketing. From mid-2023 to 2024, the cost of car insurance rose 12.4% on average, with some drivers seeing even bigger increases based on where they live, the car they drive, and other personal factors. 

Today, the average cost of car insurance is $2,049 a year. But when car insurance prices are highly personalized, how can you know if you’re getting the best price for your coverage? Compare car insurance rates at a variety of companies.

Why does this matter?
  • Knowing the average gives you a benchmark to compare your own rate. If you’re paying a lot more, it might be time to shop around or ask your insurer why.

Find the Cheapest Car Insurance for You

Finding the right car insurance can be a daunting task with so many options available. At Rate Retriever, we simplify the process, helping you find the cheapest and most suitable car insurance for your needs. By comparing multiple quotes, you can ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

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Factors That Impact Car Insurance Cost

Car insurance quotes are highly personalized. Car insurance companies look at your driver profile to calculate the premium they charge you. It’s all about risk: the more statistically likely you are to get into an accident or file a claim, the more the car insurance company will charge you. 

Car insurance companies look at a variety of factors when assessing your driver profile. Factors include:

  • Where you live
  • Your age and driving experience
  • The car you drive
  • The discounts you qualify for

Each company has its own rating plans that detail what factors they assess and how much weight they assign to each factor in a given area. 

This is how car insurance companies decide what to quote you for car insurance. It’s also why the cheapest company for you might be different than the cheapest company for your friend or neighbor. 

Car insurance cost by state

The cost of car insurance can vary widely depending on the state you live in. Each state has its own minimum coverage requirements, which means what’s necessary in one state might not be in another. Understanding your state’s specific requirements ensures you are legally compliant and adequately covered. 

Additionally, each state has its own laws for what factors insurance companies can consider when assigning rates. For example, California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts do not allow insurance companies to use your credit score when calculating your rate. 

Even your specific city or zip code will have an impact on what you pay because things like local traffic conditions, crime rates, and weather patterns can influence insurance premiums. 

Compare car insurance by state >

$2,049

Average cost of car insurance

Wyoming

Cheapest state for car insurance

New York

Most expensive state for car insurance

Why does this matter?

  • Where you live is the first factor insurance companies use when calculating your rates. The way they weight all other factors will be specific to your zip code.

Find car insurance in your state

Average car insurance rates by state

Annual rates for a male driving a 2023 RAV4, estimated using public rate filings sourced from First Interpreter. Rates do not represent actual quotes. Accurate as of January 2024. 

Car Insurance Cost by Age

Age is a crucial factor in determining insurance rates. Young drivers, especially teenagers, generally face higher premiums because they don’t have as much driving experience and have a higher risk of accidents. Rates tend to decrease as drivers reach middle age and may rise again for senior drivers. 

Find car insurance by age >

how age affects your insurance rates 2024

Why does this matter?

  • Your specific age will impact your car insurance rates, so it’s always a good idea to compare rates from different insurers to find the most cost-effective coverage for you. Learn more >

Car Insurance Cost by Vehicle

The type of vehicle you drive greatly impacts your insurance cost. Factors include the car’s make, model, year, safety features, and repair costs.

As a general rule of thumb, vehicles with higher value will cost more to insure. This is why luxury brands and newer vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than economy or used cars. 

Additionally, if it’s more expensive to repair your car than others, you will pay more. This is why electric vehicles are usually more expensive to insure than their gas-powered counterparts, and why higher trim levels with more features may cost more than the base model. 

Lastly, if your vehicle is more likely to get in an accident, your insurance will be higher. This is why sports cars and vehicles that don’t have modern safety features are more expensive to insure than cars with excellent safety ratings. Your insurance company may also offer discounts for certain safety features, like lane departure sensors.

Among popular vehicle models, the Subaru Outback is the least expensive to insure on average while the Tesla Model S is the most expensive. 

Read more about car insurance for different vehicles >

See how much car insurance costs for your vehicle:

Car Insurance Cost by Personal Factors

Car insurance companies will also ask you about personal factors such as your credit score, marital status, and driving record. Drivers with poor credit scores or those with a history of traffic violations often pay higher premiums. On the other hand, drivers who are married, homeowners, or bundling their insurance policies may save on their premiums. 

Car Insurance Discounts

Many insurance companies offer various discounts that can lower your premium. These may include good driver discounts, multi-policy discounts, and discounts for safety features or defensive driving courses.

Read more about common car insurance discounts >

Why does this matter?

  • Different insurance companies offer different discounts. When comparing insurance, it’s smart to ask the insurance company if they offer discounts you qualify for. 

How to Compare Car Insurance

1. Decide what kind of car insurance you want

It’s essential to understand the various types of coverage available to make an informed decision on your policy. Here are some common types: 

  • Liability Coverage – Required in most states, this covers damages and injuries you cause to others in an accident.
  • Collision Coverage – Pays for repairs to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Collision coverage requires a deductible.
  • Comprehensive Coverage – Covers non-collision-related incidents such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Comprehensive coverage requires a deductible.
  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage – Protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have adequate insurance.
  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments – Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault.

2. Use an online car insurance comparison tool

Comparison sites, like Rate Retriever, simplify the process by allowing you to compare options side by side to evaluate prices and coverage levels. This helps you make an informed decision quickly and easily.

See how insurance comparison sites work and a list of the best ones >

Why Rate Retriever?

  • Rate Retriever is different than other comparison sites because we don’t require your contact info (so absolutely no spam) and are committed to giving you accurate rates. Our tool is easy-to-use and gives you personalized rates tailored to your specific needs with no unwanted calls and emails. Get started >

3. Compare car insurance companies

Different companies offer various benefits and coverage options. By comparing what different insurers provide, you can choose a company that best meets your needs in terms of service, claims process, and policy options.  

Compare the best car insurance companies >

4. Consider the cheapest options for the right coverage

While price is important, it shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. The cheapest car insurance might not provide the best coverage. Consider the balance between cost and the coverage provided to find the best value. 

Compare cheap car insurance >

5. Make an informed decision

Finally, take the time to read customer reviews and ratings for the insurance companies you’re considering. Look for feedback on their customer service, claims process, and overall satisfaction. This can give you a better idea of what to expect if you need to file a claim or have questions about your policy.  

By following these steps, you can make an informed decision and choose the car insurance that best meets your needs and budget.

Find your savings in less than 30 seconds

Why Compare Car Insurance

Comparing car insurance is the best way to save on this necessary expense. Benefits of comparing car insurance include:
  • Save Money – Insurance companies offer different rates for similar coverage. By comparing multiple quotes, you can find the most competitive prices and save a significant amount on your premiums.
  • Find the Best Coverage – Not all insurance policies are the same. Comparing options helps you find the best coverage for your needs, ensuring you get the protection you without paying for unnecessary extras.
  • Understand Your Options – Exploring different policies allows you to understand the various types of coverage available. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about what coverage is best for you. 
  • Identify Discounts – Many insurers offer discounts that can lower your premium. By comparing different providers, you can find those that offer discounts relevant to you, such as safe driver discounts or multi-policy discounts. 
  • Avoid Overpaying – Sticking with the same insurer without comparing rates periodically can lead to overpaying. The insurance market is and rates change frequently, so regular comparisons ensure you’re not spending more than necessary.
  • Improve Customer Service – Customer service varies between insurance companies. Comparing insurers allows you to choose one with a reputation for excellent service, making it easier to handle claims and get support when needed. 
  • Get Tailored Coverage – Comparing car insurance helps you find policies that are specifically tailored to your situation, whether you need comprehensive coverage, higher liability limits, or specific add-ons like roadside assistance.

In summary, comparing car insurance helps you find the best rates, the most suitable coverage, and excellent customer service, ensuring you are well-protected and not overspending.

Why use Rate Retriever to compare car insurance?

Rate Retriever empowers you to independently research your insurance options. We use third-party data to provide you with accurate and personalized rate estimates after answering just 5 quick questions. Then, we’ll seamlessly connect you with the company or agent of your choice.

One of our core priorities when creating Rate Retriever was to keep our tool 100% spam free, so we never require any user contact information before displaying results. 

We search 214 insurance companies to find the best rates

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Frequently asked

Frequently asked

What types of coverage are available for car insurance?

There are different types of coverage available for car insurance, such as liability, which helps pay for damage you cause to others, and collision, which helps cover damage to your own car from accidents. Comprehensive coverage can help with other damages, like theft or natural disasters. Medical coverage can help with medical expenses for you or passengers. Some policies also offer uninsured motorist protection in case you’re in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance. It’s important to choose the right types of coverage based on your needs, budget, and state laws.

How does car insurance pricing work?

Car insurance pricing is based on a few key factors. Insurance companies consider things like your age, driving record, type of car, and where you live when determining the price you pay for car insurance. Younger drivers or those with accidents on their record might pay more for insurance. The make and model of your car can also affect the price, as some cars are more expensive to repair or replace. Your location matters, too, as some areas have higher rates of accidents or theft. By looking at all of these factors, insurance companies determine how much risk you pose and set your premium accordingly.

What factors affect my car insurance rates?

Several factors can affect your car insurance rates. Insurance companies consider your age, driving record, type of car you drive, where you live, and much more when determining your rate. Teen drivers may have higher rates due to their lack of driving experience. If you have a history of accidents or speeding tickets, your rates may increase. The type of car you drive, like a sports car or luxury vehicle, can also impact your rates. Living in a busy city with more traffic can lead to higher rates than a rural area. It’s important to shop around and compare quotes to find the best rate for you.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage required in my state?

The minimum car insurance coverage required in your state will vary depending on where you live. However, most states require drivers to have at least liability insurance. This type of insurance helps pay for damages and injuries you may cause to others in an accident. It typically includes bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage. It’s important to check out your state’s specific minimum requirements for car insurance in your state. A car insurance agent can help you with this too.

How can I lower my car insurance premiums?

Because different car insurance companies charge different rates for different driver profiles, one of the most effective ways to get a cheaper car insurnace premium is to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best rate for you. You can also lower your car insurance premiums by raising your deductible, bundling your policies, or asking about discounts for good students or safe drivers. Keeping a good credit score and maintaining a clean driving record can also help lower your premiums. Additionally, you can inquire about any available programs that offer discounts for usage-based insurance or installing safety devices in your car.

Do car insurance companies offer discounts?

Yes, car insurance companies do offer discounts to help lower the cost of insurance for drivers. These discounts can be based on factors such as having a clean driving record, being a student with good grades, owning a car with safety features, or bundling multiple types of insurance policies together. By taking advantage of these discounts, drivers can save money on their car insurance premiums and make sure they are getting the best coverage at the best price. It’s a good idea to ask your insurance agent about what discounts are available to you.