You’ll need to provide your name and age, address, insurance history, payment information, and vehicle details to purchase a new car insurance policy.

Written by Jessica Barrett

Edited by Georgina Grant

Updated on Jan 31, 2024

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You need your personal and vehicle information to get car insurance quotes
Getting auto insurance coverage as a first-time buyer
Ask about discounts to reduce your insurance costs
FAQs

To get a

car insurance

policy, you’ll need to provide personal information like your name and address, vehicle information, and payment details.

You need your personal and vehicle information to get car insurance quotes

When you apply for car insurance, you’ll need to provide information about you, your vehicle, and your driving habits. This helps your insurance company assess your risk and give you an accurate quote.

Jerry simplifies insurance shopping

It can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

The

Jerry

app will walk you through each step of the quote process, starting with basics like your name, birth date, address, and the car you drive.

Here’s the other information you’ll need on hand…

License number: You’ll need a valid driver’s license to purchase insurance—but if you don’t have the number, the insurer might be able to pull it from the DMV database

Insurance history: If you’re currently insured, your new company may ask for a copy of your ID card or declaration page to confirm no lapses in coverage

Driving history: If you’ve had any accidents, tickets, or license suspensions in the last five years, provide as much information about these occurrences as you can—things like dates, times, fault, and any insurance payouts

VIN: You’ll need your new car’s specific VIN to finalize your insurance policy, though you can get a quote with just the year, make, and model.

Annual usage: If you don’t drive a lot (like if you work from home) or have a shorter commute than average, calculate your annual mileage—lower mileage will result in lower premiums

Payment information: You’ll need to pay your first month upfront, so your insurer will ask for a method of payment

Getting auto insurance coverage as a first-time buyer

If you’re a first-time buyer, you’ve probably never had to navigate the car insurance world before. Here’s what you’ll want to familiarize yourself with:

Coverage options

Liability insurance

, comprehensive insurance, and collision insurance are the most common types—but you’ll also have options like rental reimbursement, gap insurance, and roadside assistance.

Your state requirements

Almost all states require liability insurance, but some also mandate

uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

, personal injury protection (PIP), and/or medical payments coverage (MedPay).

Available car insurance companies

Compare rates from different insurers to find the one that best fits your needs.

USAA

only insures military personnel and their families, while GEICO and

Progressive

are often top picks for young drivers.

Jerry makes it easy for first time buyers

Jerry makes it easy for you to quickly compare your options to find the best auto insurance rates—and you can usually have an active policy the same day.

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Ask about discounts to reduce your insurance costs

Most insurance companies offer discounts that are automatically applied, but you may have to ask about some of them. Ask which ones you qualify for—and if you can stack them for greater savings on your car insurance rates.

Here are some of the most common

car insurance discounts

Good driver discount: Maintaining a clean driving record with no claims can qualify you for a discounted premium.

Multi-policy discount: Bundle car insurance with other insurance products (like homeowners or renters) to save on each policy.

Good student discount: Young drivers with at least a B average may qualify for a discounted rate.

Military discount: You’ll need to show your active military ID to receive this discount.

Membership discount: Many insurers offer special rates to members of specific employers, organizations, and education institutions.

Learn More:

Types of car insurance—mandatory and optional coverages

FAQs

Can you get car insurance without a driver’s license?

Legally speaking, you don’t need a driver’s license to purchase insurance—but almost all reputable insurance companies will require one. If you only have a learner’s permit, you’ll likely need a parent or guardian to add you to their car insurance policy.

What questions do insurance companies ask?

Some of the things insurers will ask you about include your insurance history, past accidents and tickets, your coverage needs, and when you want your coverage to start.

What car insurance do you need?

You’re required to purchase state minimum coverage. This includes liability insurance in almost all states, though some states also require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, PIP, and/or MedPay.