Finding the correct car insurance provider in today’s digital environment might be difficult. There are numerous firms and policies, each with varying levels of car insurance coverage and pricing. It is critical to compare insurance from several providers to ensure you get the most value for your money.
Fortunately, car insurance comparison sites have made this process simpler than it was previously. In this post, we’ll look at the finest car insurance comparison sites and how they may assist you in finding the best auto insurance policy.
What are Car Insurance Comparison Sites?
Car insurance comparison sites are online platforms that enable customers to compare insurance quotations. These websites simplify the process of finding insurance by allowing consumers to quickly and simply find the best and cheapest policies.
How Do Insurance Comparison Sites Work?
Users can use comparison sites to compare actual, accurate, and tailored car insurance quotes online. These websites simplify the insurance purchasing process by allowing clients to enter their information once and obtain quotations from various insurers on a single page. Drivers may find the best and cheapest coverage in the least amount of time this way.
Just once a year, comparison shopping can save you hundreds of dollars on your insurance price. However, buying insurance online, let alone comparing prices online, is not very usual.
According to Statista, only approximately 27% of American drivers buy insurance online.[1] If you’re one of them, don’t worry – here’s how it works.
To begin, car insurance comparison sites are classified into two types:
- Quote comparison websites
- Lead generation sites
You provide basic information about yourself, your car, and your insurance coverage for both. But that’s where the parallels end.
#1. Car insurance search engines and Quote comparison sites
Quote-comparison sites provide rates from numerous car insurance companies, allowing you to assess your alternatives and choose which offers to pursue.
When doing comparison shopping, you’ll come across car insurance search engines that provide real-time insurance rates as well as other sites that provide an estimate. Estimated quotes are based on historical data that may or may not be up to date. Because the service obtains estimates straight from insurance companies, real-time quotes are far more accurate.
Once you’ve decided, the car insurance comparison website sends your information to the agent or firm. By sharing your information, the site speeds up and smooths out the shopping experience. It’s worth noting that trustworthy quote-comparison services will never sell your information to auto insurance companies or agencies.
#2. Lead Comparison Sites for Car Insurance
Lead-generation websites take your information in exchange for the promise of providing you with various quotations to compare. These sites, however, frequently sell your information to advertising partners such as insurance firms and agencies.
Lead-generation websites should be avoided in general. They’re not designed to generate personalized quotes, and they’re useless for obtaining precise cost information. Furthermore, you may receive a flood of cold calls or emails from insurance call centers and frantic salespeople.
What Is the Distinction Between Lead Generation and Real-Time Quote Sites?
A lead-generating website will sell your personal information, such as your address and email address, to their marketing partners, who are typically other insurance carriers.
These sites are often not designed to provide you with the finest quotations, and they are rarely useful when comparing car insurance rates.
The Best Car Insurance Quote Comparison Sites
With many of insurance websites at your disposal, choosing the ideal insurance buying experience might be difficult. Here’s a thorough list of sites where you may compare car insurance quotes to help you decide.
- Insurify
- The Zebra
- Gabi
- Policygenius
- Compare.com
- SmartFinancial
- Bankrate
- QuoteWizard
- ValuePenguin
- Otto
| Comparison Site | Shopper-Approved Reviews | Trustpilot Reviews | Real-Time Quotes |
| Insurify | 4.8 stars | 3.4 stars | 8 |
| The Zebra | 4.8 stars | 4.1 stars | 2 |
| Gabi | N/A | N/A | 1 |
| Policygenius | N/A | 4.8 stars | 0 |
| Compare.com | 4.8 stars | 3.2 stars | 0 |
| SmartFinancial | N/A | N/A | 0 |
| Bankrate | N/A | 3.3 stars | 0 |
| QuoteWizard | N/A | 3.0 stars | 0 |
| ValuePenguin | N/A | 2.9 stars | 0 |
| Otto | N/A | 4.5 stars | 0 |
#1. Insurify
According to Shopper Approved, Insurify is the best insurance comparison platform in the United States. It’s quick, simple, and free.
Insurify is popular among drivers since it gives real-time estimates from prominent auto insurance companies. As a result, you will receive authentic quotes from some of the most recognized insurers. Insurify is a licensed virtual agent in all 50 states.
Begin by inputting your ZIP code, car information, and driver information. Then you’ll have to decide whether you want to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage. Following that, Insurify requests your name, birth date, and other information in order to match you with accessible discounts.
The form inquires as to whether you are currently insured and asks a few questions regarding your driving history. Then, to speed things up and get accurate rates from major insurance providers like Liberty Mutual and Nationwide, you’ll enter your email, phone number, and address.
Insurify works with over 200 insurance companies across the United States, including both regional and well-known national insurers. It can provide you with customized discounts and coverage options in only a few minutes. The site is compatible with mobile and desktop browsers, and Insurify also provides a user-friendly app.
In addition to comparing car insurance rates, users may also compare house and renters insurance prices on the same platform. Millions of drivers and homeowners have been matched with insurance coverage through Insurify.
Results
Quotes from eight different firms were provided by Insurify. The site included the insurer’s name and the quoted price, as well as any lowered costs and available discounts.
After comparing pricing, you may view more information about the offer and proceed with the quote process with the provider of your choosing. You can also buy a policy directly from Insurify. The questionnaire is quick and easy to complete, and Insurify users can have coverage in less than two minutes.
Top 5 Insurify Benefits
- Partnerships with the majority of America’s largest national and regional corporations
- Real-time display of legitimate quotes
- Provides a rapid sign-up procedure
- It safeguards your data so that you are not harassed by unsolicited phone calls.
- Provides a fantastic mobile app experience
#2. The Zebra
Another auto insurance comparison website is The Zebra. It seeks to simplify insurance by providing real-time quotes. The Zebra, like Insurify, is also free to use.
You may acquire coverage no matter where you live because the website works with over 30 prominent insurers and provides rates in all 50 states. The company began with auto insurance. However, it can also be used to compare house, renters, and condo insurance coverage.
To receive quotes from The Zebra, just enter your ZIP code. You’ll then be asked to provide more information, such as if you have car insurance and whether you own or rent your home.
Following that, the site requests information on your vehicle and insurance history before moving on to questions about you and any other drivers on the policy. You may also create an account and keep your information for easier access the next time.
Results
When compared to the possibilities provided by Insurify, the Zebra produced fewer results. Nonetheless, the auto insurance firms were credible, with well-known brands such as Liberty Mutual among them.
You click over to finish your quote with your selected company after reviewing your choices and selecting insurance. To speed up the process, Zebra sends your data to the insurance.
Pros
- Quotes are displayed in real-time.
- Collaboration with respectable, well-known insurers
Cons
- You are unable to complete your transaction on the website.
- You’ll have to reapply for a policy on the insurance company’s website.
#3. Gabi
Gabi works as an insurance broker online. The website allows you to compare several prices and provides coverage in all 50 states. Gabi, on the other hand, does not provide a real-time experience: within 48 hours, someone from the Gabi team will send you a follow-up email with customized prices.
The firm collaborates with over 40 insurers to help you discover low-cost car insurance. Policies from Travelers, Safeco, Clearcover, and Nationwide, to mention a few, are available through Gabi.
If you need more coverage, you may get prices for the landlord, renters, house, and umbrella insurance.
When you seek a quotation, Gabi asks for the name of your current insurer. Gabi then asks for your phone number and sends you a six-digit verification code. Gabi also requires you to agree to receive commercial text messages, phone calls, and pre-recorded communications before proceeding. Following the verification of your phone number, you will submit basic information about your address, vehicle, and driving history.
You can also submit your current policy to the Gabi website and a Gabi team member will pull your details from it. They will then email you insurance estimates within 48 hours.
Results
Gabi only provided one car insurance quotation, for Travelers, as well as a Progressive ad with no price, despite boasting that it works with 40+ insurers.
Gabi does not appear to provide much value or save you much time when shopping for auto insurance.
Pros
- Collaboration with well-known insurance companies
- Captures data from your current insurance policy.
Cons
- Doesn’t display as many quotes in real-time.
- Quotes can take up to 48 hours to be emailed to you.
#4. Policygenius
Policygenius, like Insurify and The Zebra, is an online insurance marketplace. It enables you to compare car insurance policies from several firms. Aside from vehicle insurance, the comparison service may help you save money on home, disability, and renters insurance.
Policygenius claims to save drivers an average of $435 on auto insurance each year. The business also claims that bundling home and vehicle insurance through its platform saves customers an average of 35%.
You begin your Policygenius marketplace shopping experience by inputting your ZIP code. You’ll also get to pick whether you want to combine your auto and house insurance policies to save even more money.
The website requests information about your existing auto insurance company, policy term, and cost. It will next ask you to provide every address you’ve lived at in the last three years before moving on to facts such as claims history, driving record, name, and address.
In addition, you must enter your occupation, personal annual income, credit score, and vehicle make and model.
Results
When requesting an auto insurance quote, Policygenius does not offer real-time quotes. Policygenius, like Gabi, offers personalized quotations by email or phone.
Policygenius has the advantage of comparing bundled home and vehicle insurance quotes. When looking for insurance, this focus might save homeowners time. It’s also a smart bet for policy bundling, but it might not be the ideal option when comparing vehicle insurance prices.
Pros
- Provides rates for combining your car and home insurance.
- Has mostly good client feedback
Cons
- Quotes are not displayed in real-time.
- Long registration procedure
#5. Compare.com
Compare.com is yet another car insurance comparison website that allows consumers to compare real-time prices from various carriers at the same time. However, unlike some of the other sites on this list, Compare.com focuses entirely on auto insurance, with no alternatives for homeowners or renters insurance.
Compare.com promises to save its users an average of $720 per year on their auto insurance coverage, and many of its reviews support that claim – Compare.com consumers often have great things to say about their experiences using the site. Shopper Approved customers have given the company a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Compare.com claims to make money through saving money for its users. According to the site’s “About Us” page, the majority of its revenue comes from commissions from partners when consumers purchase a policy through Compare.com. Unlike some other sites, it pledges not to sell your information to other parties.
To obtain a price from Compare.com, begin by providing your ZIP code. Following that, you’ll be asked a series of questions about your vehicle, home address, driving and insurance histories, and a variety of other characteristics that insurance companies use to set prices.
In order to display your quotations, Compare.com requests your contact information at the end of the procedure, including your email address and phone number (optional). After a quick 30-second countdown, you’ll be taken to a results page with your final quotes displayed.
Results
On its results page, Compare.com displayed six quotes in all, five of which featured actual rates. The final quotation, from State Farm, did not provide a price but did offer the option to complete the quote on State Farm’s website. You can also choose between four different coverage levels: “minimum,” “basic,” “plus,” and “premium.”
Every Compare.com quote displays your offered monthly premium, the total cost for the duration of the policy (typically six or twelve months), and the amount due on the day you purchase your policy. If you decide to buy one of the policies available, Compare.com will pass your information to the company’s website, where you will finish the purchase procedure.
Pros
- Displays real-time quotations
- Collaboration with a number of well-known insurance firms
- The form that is simple to use
Cons
- Fewer outcomes than Insurify
- There is no possibility to buy your coverage straight through Compare.com.
- There is no way to compare house insurance quotations.
#6. SmartFinancial
SmartFinancial provides more than just auto insurance. You can also acquire coverage for your home, life, health, Medicare, and commercial enterprise.
More than 200 insurance firms are associated with the company. SmartFinancial claims to have sifted through all 200 insurers to discover the lowest rates and savings.
To view your rates, you must enter a valid address and phone number after selecting your car type and answering questions about your driving history.
The online form was quick and easy to complete. When it comes to online insurance comparison sites, it’s one of the most user-friendly solutions.
Results
SmartFinancial produced three findings after going through the process. Given that the company claims to work with over 200 insurers, receiving so few results was disheartening. Car insurance premiums were left out of the results. It also did not provide information on the quantity of coverage or policy limits.
To acquire more information, each recommended car insurance business included a “view my quote” button. However, clicking it takes customers to that company’s website, where they must fill out yet another form in order to receive a price from that company.
Pros
- The sign-up process was quite quick.
- A form that is simple to use
Cons
- Quotes are not displayed in real-time.
- Mostly displays advertisements
#7. Bankrate
The comparison tool is powered by homeinsurance.com, a corporate affiliate of Bankrate, and while it provides access to quotes from leading businesses, the majority of the quotations given to users are ads.
It’s a little difficult to use Bankrate’s comparison tool. After completing a short questionnaire about yourself, your car, and your insurance history, you may either click “Continue” or choose to search directly with insurance firms such as Progressive, Liberty Mutual, and Allstate.
The “continue” button will redirect you to a secondary form where you can answer a few more questions about your vehicle. “Searching directly” opens a pop-up window with adverts.
Results
Bankrate’s comparison experience produced no quotations. Instead, the site displayed advertisements that directed readers to the websites of insurance firms. Overall, Bankrate’s tool is ineffective for comparing quotes.
Pros
- Collaboration with well-known insurance companies
- There are numerous personal finance guides and internet tools available.
Cons
- Does not display quotes; instead, it largely displays advertisements.
- To obtain a quote, users must navigate to the websites of insurers.
#8. QuoteWizard
QuoteWizard began in 2006 as a family-owned business. LendingTree purchased the platform in 2018, and QuoteWizard is now a subsidiary of LendingTree.
If you use QuoteWizard, your personal and contact information may be distributed, resulting in unwanted calls and offers in your inbox.
QuoteWizard offers rates both online and over the phone. The online approach claims to provide you with a quote in minutes. You can also contact an agent over the phone.
QuoteWizard requests the standard information: car year and type, existing insurance company, date of birth, name, and address. To proceed with the quote procedure, you must input a valid phone number.
If you own a property, you can combine your homeowners’ insurance and get a multi-policy rate.
Results
QuoteWizard returned four possibilities but did not list the rates for any of them. Instead, it provided a “view my rate” button that could be clicked to continue the quote process.
When you visit the recommended insurers, you must re-enter your information. Filling out online forms can be time-consuming. Rather than saving time, utilizing QuoteWizard when comparing insurance quotes appears to be an unnecessary step. The majority of the results were advertisements.
Pros
- Allows you to contact an agent.
- Homeowners can get a price for combining their house and auto insurance.
Cons
- Does not display quotes; instead, it largely displays advertisements.
- Sells your information, which results in unwanted phone calls
#9. ValuePenguin
ValuePenguin claims to help you “find clarity in your financial decisions,” and it offers house insurance, health insurance, and credit card advice in addition to vehicle insurance.
In ValuePenguin is unusual in that you can choose your level of auto coverage before beginning the quote process. You can select between full coverage and liability coverage.
To begin, the form only asks three questions: ZIP code, age, and whether you already have insurance. You’ll then provide your vehicle information, driving history, name, and address.
The quote process is identical to QuoteWizard, with the same questions, form style, and insurer results. The similarity is most likely due to LendingTree’s ownership of both companies.
Results
ValuePenguin returned the same four results as QuoteWizard, and the experience was nearly identical.
Quotes and policy information are not provided to users. To finish the procedure and obtain a price, you must instead click “view my rate” and then visit the company’s website. Overall, ValuePenguin displayed advertisements rather than actual quotes.
Pros
- Allows you to contact an agent.
- Before beginning the quote process, you can select your auto coverage level.
Cons
- Does not display quotes; instead, it largely displays advertisements.
- Sells your information, which results in unwanted phone calls
#10. Otto
Otto is a policy-comparison website that claims to utilize “cutting-edge technology” to assist users to save money on car insurance plans. It does not provide much information about its personnel, technology, or other factors that might help legitimate the offering.
Users may tell from a short search that Otto has received quite a few unfavorable reviews for its service, with many consumers stating that the website is a fraud designed to collect users’ personal information.
The Otto product is relatively straightforward to use. Users must fill out a short questionnaire about their vehicle, driving history, and insurance coverage needs, just like other car insurance comparison sites. To access quotes on Otto, users must first register an account.
Results
Otto provided no actual quotes. Instead, it displayed adverts that referred to other websites, such as those offering home and life insurance rates – not exactly what people looking for auto insurance required.
Otto is a lead-generation website that redirects readers to other websites rather than displaying the true quotes it promises. Furthermore, Otto provides no guarantees about data privacy or security on its website.
Pros
- Sign-up is rather quick.
- You can get rates from a variety of suppliers.
Cons
- Quotes are not displayed in real-time.
- Even if you’re only shopping for car insurance, this site provides possibilities for life and house insurance.
Why Should You Shop Around for Car Insurance?
Comparing car insurance providers is a crucial step toward obtaining the greatest coverage at the lowest possible cost. Not all car insurance policies are the same, and there can be substantial disparities in coverage and pricing. When you compare car insurance companies, you may discover the greatest coverage for your vehicle and lifestyle at the best price.
Before you begin, you need to understand what factors influence the rates displayed by these comparison sites. These elements may include:
#1. Driving history
Your driving record is an important consideration when determining your insurance cost because it represents your past driving conduct and possible risk to insurers. A clean driving record (no speeding citations, DUIs, or at-fault accidents, for example) usually results in reduced premiums.
#2. Age
Older drivers have more experience than younger drivers and have fewer accidents on average, which might result in reduced insurance costs. Young drivers, on the other hand, are more likely to be involved in an accident because they lack driving experience, thus they normally pay higher rates.
#3. Gender
Gender is used by insurers to predict the likelihood of risky conduct, and your rate may differ depending on your gender. Men drive more recklessly than women, according to statistics.
#4. Vehicle Type
The cost of insurance varies depending on the type and model of the car you drive. Again, it all comes down to statistics. Certain vehicles have more safety features than others, and some are more likely to be involved in accidents. Because new cars are more expensive to maintain, they are often more expensive to insure.
#5. Location
Your ZIP code is one of the most important things insurers consider when determining rates because it represents the amount of risk connected with a specific place. Higher rates are anticipated in areas where there are more vehicle thefts or accidents since the possibility of filing a claim is higher.
#6. Credit rating
In most states, a good credit score may result in cheaper rates. If you have bad credit, it may be worthwhile to work on improving it. Insurers cannot use your credit score to calculate prices in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, or Washington.
#7. Eligibility for a discount
Many companies provide discounts to good drivers, young, dependable drivers, and customers who bundle their plans.
Tips For a Better Comparison Shopping Experience
One of those time-consuming jobs that most drivers detest is comparison searching for car insurance. However, it does not have to be this way.
To make comparison shopping easier and more fruitful, follow these guidelines:
- Gather basic information ahead of time, such as driver’s license numbers, VINs, and previous insurance coverage limits.
- Determine your coverage requirements and if comprehensive or collision insurance is best for you.
- Look for credible car insurance comparison sites that offer real-time quotes, such as Insurify.
- Inquire about discounts and other ways to reduce premiums.
- Prepare to pay for the policy in full or to make a down payment and establish a monthly payment plan.
Remember that new cars are typically more expensive to insure than older vehicles. Teenagers, younger drivers, and drivers with speeding tickets and other offenses on their driving records are also more likely to pay higher insurance rates.
However, if you have solid information at your disposal, you’ll be better able to choose a good premium for car insurance coverage. It is critical to consider the platform’s reputation for customer service. Insurify is the internet’s most popular and highest-rated insurance comparison marketplace.
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