How to Get Auto Insurance in 2026

Almost all drivers are required to carry auto insurance in the United States. Getting auto insurance denotes financial responsibility, ensuring that drivers can cover necessary damages if they’re involved in or cause a car accident.

With that said, most states require a minimum level of auto insurance coverage, which can vary from state to state. If you’re shopping for car insurance, you should familiarize yourself with the minimum requirements in your state.

Typically, these are liability and collision coverage requirements, which help protect drivers and other motorists if an accident occurs.

This guide will explain how to get auto insurance correctly, the different types of auto insurance coverage you might need, and how to stay compliant with your state’s standards.

Getting Auto Insurance as Required by the State

Car insurance is a crucial requirement for drivers in most states across the U.S. It is designed to protect not just the driver but other motorists and pedestrians on the road.

Car insurance also provides financial protection in case of an accident or other unforeseen incident while driving a car.

The primary purpose of car insurance is to compensate for damages caused by a driver’s negligence or recklessness when operating a vehicle.

Such damages may include medical bills, repair costs, and legal fees resulting from the accident. Without proper insurance coverage, these expenses could be unmanageable and financially devastating for individual drivers or their families.

In addition to covering damages incurred due to an accident, states require drivers to have minimum levels of coverage so that any losses resulting from an incident are adequately covered.

Minimum coverage requirements vary by state, but they typically include:

• Bodily liability insurance
• Personal injury protection (PIP)
• Property damage liability (PDL)
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection

Drivers can purchase additional coverage levels, such as full coverage auto insurance, for greater financial protection.

State-mandated car insurance not only provides the necessary financial support for those involved in accidents, but it also helps maintain the safety of drivers on the road.

With proper coverage in place, drivers can confidently operate their vehicles without worrying about financial burdens due to an incident. Ultimately, car insurance is necessary for all drivers who want to drive legally and safely.

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Types of Auto Insurance You Can Get

When it comes to car insurance, there are several different types of coverage available. It’s important to understand each one in order to find the right policy for your needs:

• Liability auto insurance: This most common type of car insurance covers any damage you may cause to another vehicle or property when you are at fault.
• Comprehensive auto insurance: Goes beyond liability and provides protection against accidents not caused by you, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
• Collision coverage: Applies exclusively to physical damage sustained by your own vehicle due to an accident.
• Uninsured motorist coverage: Protects you if you are ever involved in an accident with a driver who does not have adequate insurance of their own.
• Personal injury protection (PIP)/ Medical payments coverage (MedPay): This type of coverage can help cover any medical and repair expenses incurred due to the crash.

Comprehensive and collision coverage are never required by law, but you will need both types of insurance if you are financing or leasing a vehicle.

How to Get Auto Insurance

Now that you know about the most common types of car insurance, you can start shopping around for coverage and compare companies near you to get the most affordable auto insurance.

What do you need to get auto insurance? Follow the steps below to buy auto insurance.

Getting the Minimum Auto Insurance Required by Your State

The first step in determining the minimum auto insurance coverage you need to sign up for is understanding the different types of coverage. Different states have different laws regarding auto insurance, so make sure you know your state’s specific guidelines.

Generally speaking, most states require drivers to carry liability insurance. No-fault insurance states will also require PIP or another type of medical payments coverage as a minimum requirement for cars registered in their state.

Here are the minimum auto insurance requirements by state for each state in the U.S.:

Liability coverage helps pay for property damage or bodily injuries that occur in an accident where you are at fault, while personal injury protection covers medical bills incurred by you or any other individual involved in the crash, regardless of who caused the accident.

In addition to liability and personal injury protection, some states may also require uninsured motorist coverage, which helps cover expenses if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.

It is important to note that the amount of coverage varies from state to state. As you can see, some may require more than others. Understanding your state’s minimum car insurance requirements is essential for protecting yourself financially should an accident occur on the road.

The Information You Need to Get Auto Insurance

What information do you need to get auto insurance? To get auto insurance quotes online,  you’ll need to provide the following driver and vehicle information:

• Name and date of birth for each driver
• The driver’s license number and state where it was issued
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Current mileage of your car
• Address where the car is registered
• Name of the registered owner
• Details about prior insurance policy, such as who provided it and when it expires
• Date of purchase for the vehicle
• Its purpose (work or leisure)

This data allows an insurer to check for speeding tickets or accidents associated with any driver. Your premium amount may also depend on the age and condition of your car.

Consider Your Financial Situation Before You Shop Around for Auto Insurance

Car insurance costs vary depending on the type of policy and level of coverage you need. Knowing what types of coverage are available and how much they cost will help you make an informed decision that fits within your budget.

Additionally, many providers offer discounts for different reasons, such as safe driving or bundling policies, so taking advantage of those can lower your auto insurance rates.

Review Your Driving Record to Get Auto Insurance

Your driving record is an essential factor in your car insurance rates. Any traffic violations, accidents, or other incidents on your record can seriously drive up the cost of coverage.

Find out how long it takes for an accident to get off your record, and make sure to review your driving record before shopping for a policy so that you fully understand the potential impact on your rate.

You may have certain options available depending on the specific situation. For example, some states offer driver improvement courses and accident forgiveness programs, which could help improve your chances of qualifying for lower rates.

In addition, some providers specialize in high-risk policies, so if you have a less-than-perfect driving record, you may find more affordable coverage from those companies.

Check Your Current Auto Insurance Policy

If you’re insuring your car with another provider, reviewing the details of your current policy before making a switch is important.

Take note of any deductibles, coverages, and discounts that are included in the plan so that you can compare them against potential new policies. Additionally, check for any cancellation fees or other penalties associated with switching providers.

Before switching auto insurance, consider how long you have had the policy and how much money has been paid towards it overall. Some companies may offer loyalty discounts for customers who stay with them for extended periods of time or offer credits towards new policies when canceling early.

Shopping Around for Auto Insurance

When it comes to finding the right car insurance policy, you need to know how to shop auto insurance options. Insurance rates vary significantly from company to company, so compare quotes to find the best deal for your needs.

Learn about finding auto insurance quotes online to learn more about how to shop car insurance.

Look into national and local providers and compare what they offer regarding coverage, deductibles, discounts, and other features. You may also want to consider customer reviews or ratings when researching insurance companies since this can provide valuable insight into the quality of service you can expect to receive.

Finally, remember that cheaper isn’t always better when choosing an insurer. Make sure that the company you select offers reliable coverage at a reasonable price — not just the lowest rate available.

How to Get Auto Insurance Discounts

As you continue researching different companies, don’t forget to ask about any auto insurance discounts that might be available. Many companies offer savings for members of certain organizations or those with a good driving record. Some providers provide special rates for students, military personnel, and seniors.

In addition to these discounts, ask what other types of incentives are offered. Some companies offer rewards programs or cash-back options when customers refer others or take advantage of their services.

Also, inquire about any payment plans they may have in place so that you can budget accordingly.

Finally, inquire about additional coverage options such as roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement if they are provided. These add-ons can provide extra peace of mind regarding your car insurance policy. Make sure that you fully understand what is included in the coverage and any additional costs associated with the services.

Consider the Auto Insurance Claims Process

It’s important to consider how auto insurance claims work at different car insurance companies. Review the policy information to understand how long it takes for claims to be processed, what types of documentation are needed, and how you are alerted when your claim has been approved or denied.

Furthermore, check to see if any additional paperwork is required for your claim to be approved quickly and accurately.

Ensure you thoroughly understand the provider’s definition of “totaled” because this will determine how much compensation you may receive in a severe accident.

Also, inquire about any additional services or resources the provider offers to help you file and manage a claim, such as an online portal or dedicated customer service line.

Finally, ask if there is any way to expedite the process so that you can receive compensation more quickly in the case of an emergency. Knowing how your provider handles claims can give you added peace of mind when selecting a car insurance policy.

After researching and comparing different car insurance policies, it’s time to narrow down your options.

Make a list of the companies that offer the best coverage at the most affordable rate. Consider factors like customer service, coverage levels, discounts, and other features when shortlisting your choices.

Once you have identified a few potential providers, make follow-up calls and ask additional questions to help determine which one is right for you. Ask about any hidden fees or extra costs associated with certain coverages or services, so there are no surprises down the road.

Next, inquire about payment plans and what type of resources they provide if you need to file a claim later.

Finally, request an introduction call with an agent to discuss your policy in more detail, if possible. During this call, you’ll have the chance to ask any lingering questions and get a better understanding of the coverage provided. This can help you make an informed decision about which policy is best for you.

Cancel Your Old Policy When You Buy an Auto Insurance Policy

Once you have found the right policy for your needs, review the fine print to ensure that you understand the coverage, deductible amounts, and payment options. Once everything is in order, officially sign up with the new provider and cancel your old policy. Read our guide on how to cancel auto insurance.

It’s important to remember that any remaining balance on your previous policy must be paid before it can be canceled. Next, check to see if you are eligible for any refunds or credits which may be applied toward your new policy.

Finally, please keep track of the date your new insurance coverage becomes active and make sure that it coincides with when your old policy stops being valid.

How to Buy Auto Insurance: The Bottom Line

Getting auto insurance requires researching and understanding the different types of coverage available.

Compare quotes from multiple providers, ask about payment plans, inquire about add-on coverage options, and consider their claims process before signing up for a policy.

Keep track of when your new policy starts so that you’re never without the protection you need in case of an accident. By following these steps, you can find an affordable car insurance policy that meets your needs and gives you peace of mind on the road.