Auto Insurance

Geo depth: Class A

Auto insurance covers vehicles against financial loss from accidents, theft, and other damage. Policies typically combine liability coverage (for injuries or damage you cause to others) with optional collision and comprehensive coverage (for damage to your own vehicle). Nearly every state requires drivers to carry a minimum level of liability coverage.

Compare Auto Insurance rates

What is auto insurance?

Most auto policies are built from a handful of standard coverage parts: bodily injury and property damage liability, collision coverage (damage to your own car from a crash, regardless of fault), comprehensive coverage (non-collision events like theft, vandalism, or weather), and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which protects you if the at-fault driver doesn't carry enough insurance.

Beyond whatever your state requires as a liability minimum, how much additional coverage makes sense typically depends on your vehicle's value, whether you're financing or leasing it (lenders usually require collision and comprehensive coverage for as long as the loan is outstanding), and how much you could comfortably pay out of pocket after an accident.

What affects your auto insurance cost

Typical costs vary significantly by state, provider, and personal factors — {{VERIFY: national average auto insurance premium not yet sourced}}. Rather than a single number, the factors below are what actually move your quote up or down.

Driving record (accidents, moving violations, and claims history)
Vehicle make, model, age, and safety features
Where you live and primarily park the car (location-based rating territory)
Coverage types and liability limits selected
Deductible amount for collision and comprehensive coverage
Credit-based insurance score, in states that permit its use in rating
Age and driving experience
Annual mileage and how the vehicle is primarily used

How to compare auto insurance providers

Price is only one part of the decision. Before choosing a provider, compare each of the following side by side:

Coverage limits, and exactly what's included or excluded
Deductible options and how a higher or lower deductible changes the premium
Financial strength ratings from an independent rating agency (e.g., AM Best, S&P, Moody's) — an indicator of an insurer's ability to pay future claims
Customer service and claims-handling reputation, including complaint-ratio data where a state Department of Insurance publishes it
Available discounts and bundling options
Confirmation that the carrier is licensed to write this coverage in your state
Ask whether the carrier offers accident forgiveness or usage-based/telematics programs
Check how claims and roadside assistance are handled in your state

Related calculators

Explore auto insurance by state

Coverage requirements and licensed carriers for auto insurance vary by state. Here are a few popular starting points, or browse the full state directory below.

Auto Insurance FAQ

Is auto insurance required by law?

Nearly every state requires drivers to carry at least a minimum amount of liability insurance, though required minimum limits and a small number of state-specific exceptions vary. {{VERIFY: state-by-state minimum liability requirements}} — check your specific state's requirement rather than assuming a limit applies everywhere.

What's the difference between liability and full coverage?

Liability coverage pays for injuries or damage you cause to others; it doesn't pay to repair or replace your own vehicle. "Full coverage" isn't an official policy type — it typically refers to a policy that also adds collision and comprehensive coverage for your own car.

Will my rate go up after a claim?

It can, depending on the claim type, fault determination, your claims history, and the carrier's specific rating rules, which vary by carrier and state. Ask a prospective carrier directly how they handle rate impact after a claim before you're in that situation.

Do I need more coverage than my state's minimum?

Many drivers carry more than the state minimum because those limits can be exhausted quickly in a serious accident, leaving the driver personally responsible for the remainder. How much makes sense depends on your assets and risk tolerance.

Ready to see auto insurance options?

Compare providers side by side using the factors above, then see options tailored to your state and situation.