Buying Car Insurance Online | Bankrate

Shopping for car insurance isn’t as complex as it used to be. These days, you can research, compare and lock in coverage from the convenience of your device. But with so many choices just a few clicks away, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or miss out on savings if you dive in unprepared. Knowing what to expect before you start can make the process smoother — and help you land the right policy for your needs. Here’s how to navigate buying car insurance online with more confidence and less guesswork.

What to know before purchasing car insurance online

Buying car insurance online can feel a little like walking into a giant warehouse with endless aisles — lots of options, but easy to get lost if you don’t know exactly what you need. Before you start filling out quote forms or comparing discounts, it can help to have a game plan. A little prep work can mean the difference between finding the right coverage for your needs — or ending up with a policy that leaves you underinsured (or overpaying).

One of the best ways to simplify the process is to gather key information ahead of time. Things like your car’s make and model, VIN number, how you use the vehicle and the driving history of anyone on the policy will help you get a more accurate quote. Armed with the right details, you’ll be better positioned to shop smart and choose confidently.

Questions to ask yourself before purchasing a policy online

Before you jump into quoting, it can be worth taking a step back to think through what you really need. Asking yourself a few key questions can help you avoid buying a policy that doesn’t fit — or missing out on coverage you’ll wish you had later. Here are some things to consider before locking in a policy online:

• Do I have a loan or lease that requires specific coverage?
  Lenders often require full coverage and may set minimum deductible limits. It’s important to know these requirements upfront before selecting a policy.
• Should I stick with liability or opt for full coverage if I don’t have a loan on my vehicle?
  Liability insurance is the legal minimum in most states, but depending on your car’s value and your financial situation, carrying full coverage could offer more financial protection against costly out-of-pocket expenses.
• Is a strong mobile app important to me?
  If you prefer to handle policy updates, file claims or pull up ID cards from your phone, look for a company with a top-rated mobile app.
• Will I want to bundle policies in the future?
  If you think you might add renters, homeowners or even life insurance later on, finding a carrier that offers bundling discounts could save you money.
• Do I need easily accessible customer support?
  Some companies provide 24/7 customer service, while others may have limited hours. If you value having help just a phone call or chat message away, prioritize carriers with strong support options.
• Am I comfortable with the claims process offered?
  Some insurers let you handle claims entirely online or via an app, while others might still rely on phone calls and paperwork. Make sure the process matches your expectations before committing.

What coverage types are right for you?

Finding the right car insurance coverage starts with understanding what you need — and what’s legally required. Your decision will often depend on factors like your vehicle’s value, whether you have a loan or lease and how much financial protection you’re comfortable carrying. Before you start quoting, it’s helpful to brush up on different types of car insurance coverage so you can choose the right policy without paying for extras you might not need.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main coverage types you’ll run into:

Best online car insurance companies

Now that you may be ready to shop online for car insurance, you are probably wondering where to start. There are dozens of popular auto insurers, but not all may be the best car insurance company for you.

We reviewed numerous auto insurance companies, examining factors like customer satisfaction, ease of the online application process, available discounts, mobile app availability and claims satisfaction to help you find a company that might be right for you. We also analyzed results from J.D. Power, a leading third-party source for insurance industry research.

Out of the companies we reviewed, these were the standout features we identified for each one:

Geico

Geico is a company that offers quick and easy quotes and generally cheap rates. In fact, Geico received the 2025 Bankrate Award for the Best Auto Insurance Company for High-Risk Drivers. This major carrier utilizes a user-friendly quoting system and makes it simple to file a claim. Geico’s mobile app is a standout in the industry. Policyholders can do everything from making policy changes to paying a bill and filing a claim within the app. You can even download your proof of insurance ID cards for easy access. Plus, Geico’s website allows you to complete certain tasks without logging in, which is great for anyone who easily forgets their password. Although the company scored high for shopping in J.D. Power’s Digital Insurance Study, it ranked below average for service.

Learn more: Geico Insurance review

Allstate

Allstate offers users a multi-functional website, making it simple to get direct customer support if handling your policy yourself becomes overwhelming. You can even reach Allstate via email or through a digital chat. Allstate offers a variety of discounts and plenty of agents nationwide if you need to talk to someone face-to-face after you have purchased your online policy. The company scored high in J.D. Power’s Digital Insurance Study for service and shopping.

Learn more: Allstate Insurance review

Amica

If you want an easy and hassle-free option, you might appreciate Amica’s online application process. You begin by entering your address and answering just a few simple questions that will help determine if you are eligible for a quote. The application is then broken down into simple sections — your information, vehicles, drivers, driving history, discounts, and quote summary. If you need to step away from your computer, you can save a quote and return to it later. Amica also tied for Bankrate’s Best Auto Insurance Company Overall and ranked slightly above average in the J.D. Power Insurance Digital Experience Study for service and shopping. You can learn more about Amica and get a personalized quote at amica.com or by calling 1-800-242-6422.

Learn more: Amica Insurance review

State Farm

State Farm offers a convenient and well-designed claims management system that is easy to navigate. Choose the type of incident you are dealing with, and the website will break the claims process down into five steps. Even third parties involved in an incident with a State Farm driver, but not insured with State Farm themselves can create an account to track a claim. Additionally, every claims page has a digital chat button so you can easily chat with a representative if you have a question. J.D. Power ranked State Farm above average for customer service, suggesting satisfied policyholders.

Learn more: State Farm Insurance review

Lemonade

Lemonade features a user-friendly digital auto insurance experience. It’s also an attractive option due to its AI-driven claims processing capabilities, and roadside assistance is available free of charge if all drivers on the policy have the app installed and location services enabled. Even better, policyholders can submit claims through the digital app and possibly receive immediate payment following approval. The insurance provider currently writes policies in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Tennessee, Texas, Ohio, Oregon and Washington, and plans to expand car insurance coverage to drivers in other states in the near future.

Learn more: Lemonade Insurance review

How to compare multiple car insurance quotes at the same time

Online insurance comparison websites can help you purchase auto insurance online. These sites typically use algorithms to match you with multiple companies and give you quotes. However, once you provide all your personal and vehicle information to your chosen insurance company, these initial quotes may not be accurate.

For an accurate comparison, get car insurance quotes with the same coverage limits, types and deductibles from each carrier. Ask about available discounts and which ones you qualify for, which can help you get the cheapest rate. Also, review each carrier’s coverage options to see if they have standout coverages that another may not.

Pros and cons of buying auto insurance online

Purchasing car insurance online might work well for some people, but not others. To determine if buying insurance online is right for you, consider weighing the pros and cons.

Pros

• Generating quotes and buying all in one place
• Conveniently shop and purchase around your schedule
• Could save money since agents aren’t earning a commission
• Wide variety of options, especially if you use a price comparison site

Cons

• May not get personalized guidance from a licensed insurance agent
• Limiting your options to companies that offer to sell policies online
• Inaccurate quotes if you don’t provide all the required information
• Comparison shopping can be time-consuming

Ultimately, the choice to buy insurance online comes down to you. While it’s not right for everyone, you might decide that you know what coverage you want, have the information the insurance company needs, and are ready to purchase a policy without leaving home.

On the other hand, if you still have questions or want a deeper explanation, you can speak with a licensed insurance agent. Although purchasing insurance in person or over the phone might take more effort, it might be better if you want help and advice choosing your coverage.

Buying car insurance online makes comparing policies easier than ever — but finding the best rate still takes a little strategy. While the average cost of full coverage car insurance as of April 2025 is $2,685 per year, you could land a lower rate with a few smart moves. Just keep in mind that the cheapest policies aren’t always the best — it’s about balancing savings with the right protection. Here’s how to make the most of your online search:

• Compare apples to apples: Always compare quotes with the same coverage limits and deductibles across different insurers. It’s the only way to get a true side-by-side price check.
• Be detailed when getting quotes: The more complete and accurate your information, the more realistic your quoted premium will be — no unpleasant surprises later.
• Bundle your coverage: If you also need homeowners, renters or even motorcycle insurance, bundling multiple policies with the same provider could unlock big savings.
• Take advantage of online-exclusive discounts: Some insurers offer lower rates or discounts just for purchasing a policy online without going through an agent.
• Use insurer apps and telematics programs: Many companies offer discounts if you allow their app to track your driving habits — safer drivers can often save even more.
• Look for price comparison tools: Instead of bouncing between websites, try using a trusted online comparison platform that pulls rates from multiple insurers at once.
• Don’t sacrifice coverage for cost: Choosing a bare-minimum policy might be tempting, but it could cost you much more after an accident. Focus on value, not just price.

Shopping online gives you speed and control, but the smartest savings usually come from understanding what you’re buying — and not just chasing the lowest number.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the best online car insurance company?
  

  There’s no single best car insurance company since car insurance is highly personalized, so it might be better to ask what you’re looking for from an insurance provider. For example, do you want strong digital tools, local agents, the cheapest rates or extensive discounts? Once you know your insurance priorities, you can request quotes from several providers and compare your options.

• Can I get car insurance immediately?
  

  You might be able to get same-day car insurance, but it depends on the company and the circumstances around your quote. For instance, some companies may only provide same-day car insurance if you purchase a new vehicle and need immediate coverage to leave the dealership. Car insurance generally goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. the day after you bind it. Regardless of the effective date, most companies should be able to email you proof of insurance (like an ID card) immediately after you purchase your policy.

• Is it cheaper to buy car insurance online?
  

  Unless the company provides a discount for purchasing a policy online, a quoted premium generated online should be the same as a quote generated over the phone or in person. All information between the two quotes needs to be identical for this to be the case, however. If you don’t know what kind of coverage you need or how to answer a question on the application, your online quote may be higher than one done by an agent. Purchasing a policy with an agent isn’t inherently cheaper, though. This higher rate could be due to a missing discount opportunity or accidentally adding extra coverage. If you are unsure about what coverage you need to protect yourself financially, you may want to consult with an insurance professional before finalizing your online purchase.

• Is it safe to buy an insurance policy online?
  

  Buying a car insurance policy is generally considered safe if you shop directly on the company’s website. Suppose you’re hesitant about entering personal information. In that case, you might want to know that if you work with an agent in person or over the phone, they will typically enter your personal information online. Either way, your personal information should be encrypted to protect you.

• Should I buy car insurance online?
  

  Since this is a highly personal decision, it depends on your feelings. If you feel confident that you know what type of insurance you need and what coverage amounts you want, you might enjoy purchasing car insurance online. But, if you’re hesitant or want a little help from an agent, shopping in person or over the phone might be the option for you.