What Information Do I Need To Get An Instant Car Insurance Quote?

What Information Do I Need To Get An Instant Car Insurance Quote?

Getting an instant car insurance quote can come in handy when you're shopping for a new car or comparing auto insurance rates. To help ensure your quote is tailored for your budget and your needs, you may want to gather a few pieces of information beforehand and read up on some of the common coverages available for you and your vehicle.

HAVE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION READY

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), some insurers use personal information as factors to determine the price of your auto policy. To help provide a more accurate quote, the insurer may ask you to provide certain information. The III says the following may be used to help determine your online car insurance quote:

• Your address, which may help determine your vehicle's exposure to certain risks specific to your area, such as severe weather.

• Your age, which may indicate your level of driving experience.

• Your gender, which may help indicate your risk for serious accidents.

• Your Social Security number

• Your driver's license number, to prove you're a licensed driver.

GATHER INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR VEHICLE

Beyond the basics about yourself, you may be asked to provide details about the car or cars you're insuring. Some of the additional information that you should have on hand, according to the III, includes:

• The make, model and year of the vehicle to be insured.

• Your car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

• Your car's odometer (mileage) reading.

• Details on any security features like car alarms or GPS anti-theft devices. Some security features may make your vehicle eligible for a discount on your car insurance policy.

• Whether your car has safety features like front- and side-impact airbags.

• If your car has anti-lock brakes.

SHARE YOUR DRIVING HISTORY

How you use your vehicle — and your driving record — may also factor into your car insurance quote. You might want to gather notes on the following before getting an online quote:

How many miles you drive per year (can be an average). According to the III, the more you drive, the higher your possibility of getting into an accident and paying more for an auto policy.

Specific details on moving violations and accidents of note that appear on your driving record, according to the III. In most cases, you will be asked to provide dates and details. To be better prepared and to help expedite the quote process, you might find it helpful to order a copy of your driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

KNOW THE CAR INSURANCE COVERAGES YOU MAY NEED

What coverages you choose — along with their limits and any deductibles — may directly affect your online car insurance quote. If you're not sure how much insurance you need, first review your state's requirements. Here are some of the common coverages you may want to read up on before you start your quote:

Liability coverage:

If you cause a car accident, this coverage may help pay for the other party's medical bills or property damage resulting from the accident.

Collision coverage:

If your car is damaged in an accident, this coverage may help pay for repairs.

Comprehensive coverage:

This coverage may help pay to repair damage to your vehicle that isn't from a collision. Covered perils may include things like fire, theft or vandalism.

Medical payments coverage:

This coverage may help pay medical expenses incurred by you or your passengers, regardless of who's at fault in an accident.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP):

Similar to medical payments coverage, PIP helps pay for your and your passengers' medical bills after a car accident, regardless of who caused the accident.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage:

If you're involved in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, this coverage may help pay for your medical bills or property damage (depending on the coverage available in your state).

Today's technology makes it possible for you to get an online car insurance quote from the convenience of your home or your mobile device. Just make sure you understand beforehand what goes into the quoting process — that way the estimate you receive will be as accurate as possible. Have questions? Contact a local agent.