Car insurance prices are built from risk statistics about you, your car and your postcode. Two neighbours can get very different quotes, and the same driver can get widely varying prices from different companies. That spread is why comparing helps more than almost anything else on this page.
Should you raise your deductible?
Enter two quotes from your insurer. Works in any currency.
The coverage in plain language
- Liability: pays for injury and damage you cause to others. Legally required nearly everywhere, and state minimums are often far below what a serious crash costs.
- Collision: repairs your car after a crash, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive: covers theft, fire, hail, animals and similar events.
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist: protects you when the other driver cannot pay.
What drives your price
Common factors include driving record, age and experience, annual mileage, where the car is kept, the model and its repair cost, and claims history. In many US states insurers may also use credit-based scores, while some states restrict this. Your own state or provincial regulator lists what is allowed.
Seven ways to pay less
- Get at least three quotes at each renewal, including a direct insurer and an independent broker.
- Raise your deductible if you have cash to cover it. Use the calculator below to find the break-even.
- Drop collision and comprehensive on an older car when the likely payout is close to a few years of premium.
- Ask for every discount: bundling, low mileage, safe driver, good student, defensive driving course.
- Try telematics if you drive gently and not much at night. Check first whether bad data can raise your price.
- Pay annually or semi-annually if installment fees apply.
- Keep liability limits high. This is the one saving that can cost you your house.