How to Compare Car Insurance Companies

Comparing car insurance companies isn’t only about saving money. Follow these steps to shop for a new car insurance provider.
Written by Elaine Sulpy
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
The best way to compare car insurance companies is to request quotes and compare their rates and coverage. Of course, there are other things to consider, such as their reviews and business ratings.
Getting a headache sorting through all the car insurance companies out there? Whether you’re
purchasing insurance
for the very first time or looking for a better deal, comparing car insurance companies can be confusing. From the sheer number of companies to sift through to varying policy options and rates, it’s easy to be overwhelmed.
You may be tempted to fill out an online form and simply select an insurance company based on the lowest price. Or, maybe a catchy commercial or social media ad swayed your opinion.
While this may be the easy route, it won’t guarantee that you get the coverage you need. It's recommended you gather at least three quotes from different companies—the more, the better.
Go beyond just the dollar amount and take the time to compare insurance companies.
And if you want an app to do all the work of comparing quotes for you, give
Jerry
a try.
The Jerry app can collect quotes from 50+ top insurance companies, like Travelers, Nationwide, and Progressive, in seconds. They even help cancel your old policy once you’ve made your pick.
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Comparing car insurance providers

Research each company

Take a look at the company itself. How long have they been in operation? Review its rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and locate any sources of reviews about the company, such as customer complaints or potential lawsuits against the company.
For example,
State Auto has an A+ on BBB
, but it has mostly
negative reviews
. Reading these reviews can give you valuable insight into how a company treats its customers.
Going even further, take a look at a company’s stock ratings to determine where their business is headed. A steady increase in revenue shows that a company is more likely to be in business when you need them the most.

Don’t stop at two or three companies

While only two companies are needed to make comparisons, research as many companies and offerings as possible. Look at local and regional insurance providers, as well as major national providers.
Regional companies may have additional benefits and
discounts
that are more suited to where you live.

Request quotes

A big component of comparing car insurance companies revolves around price and what they offer.
Quotes
can be obtained online, over the phone, or in person in local offices. Regardless of your personal preference, it’s easy to request a car insurance quote.
Once you've obtained quotes for the car insurance companies you're interested in, compare the premiums and the coverage they come with. If a company offers lower rates for the same coverage other companies are offering, they may be a good choice.
If you don't want to go through all the work of requesting quotes yourself, use
Jerry
.
After providing some basic information, Jerry will use your driver profile to estimate your rates for over 50 different car insurance companies. When you've found a quote you like with the coverage you need, Jerry will switch your car insurance over to your new carrier for you. It's that easy.

Look at extra coverage options

Many insurance companies provide additional offerings with their insurance policies, from roadside assistance to
towing and labor coverage
Depending on your vehicle use and lifestyle, spending a few extra dollars on your insurance policy could result in other long-term savings. Consider getting more coverage packages before settling for the minimum
liability coverage
.

Get referrals

Beyond computer algorithms, nothing can provide a better real-world comparison than personal reviews.
Ask friends, family members, and coworkers what insurance companies they use and why. Take their negative and positive experiences into account when making your final decision.
An additional resource is
J.D. Power
, which rates auto insurance companies by region using five factors: Interaction, price, policy offerings, billing process and policy info, and claims.
As you can see, comparing car insurance companies can be an involved process—but it can pay off in a big way! If you want to easily and quickly try comparing car insurance, use
Jerry
, a free service that will compare rates in 45 seconds and help you find the policy and rate that's best for you.
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