Car Insurance Questions for First-Time Buyers
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Frequently Asked Questions
Getting your first insurance policy comes with a lot of unfamiliar terms and decisions. Here are answers to the questions most first-time buyers search for.
Coverage Options
What is comprehensive and collision insurance?
Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, hail, flooding, vandalism, or hitting a deer. Collision insurance covers damage to your car when you hit another vehicle or object, or if you roll over, regardless of who's at fault. Both are optional unless you're financing your car, and both require you to pay a deductible before coverage kicks in. Together, these two coverages (plus liability) make up what's commonly called "full coverage."
How It Works
How does comparing quotes online work?
When you enter your information on a comparison site, your details are shared with multiple insurance companies or agents who send back quotes based on the coverage you requested. You'll typically receive 3–8 quotes within minutes to a few hours, either on-screen or via email and phone. The quotes are real rates from licensed insurers, but they're estimates until you complete a full application and the insurer verifies details like your driving record. Comparing quotes doesn't affect your credit score or commit you to buying.
How It Works
What information do I need to get a car insurance quote?
You'll need your driver's license number, the VIN or year/make/model of your car, your current address, and details about your driving history (accidents, tickets, or claims in the past 3–5 years). If you're currently insured or were recently, have your policy details handy including your current coverage levels and the date your last policy started. The process takes about 5–10 minutes, and the more accurate your information, the closer the quote will be to your actual rate. You don't need a car picked out yet to get quotes—you can compare rates for a car you're planning to buy.
About This Site
Is my information safe when I compare insurance quotes online?
Legitimate comparison sites use encryption to protect your data during transmission, and they're legally required to share how your information is used in their privacy policy. Your details are shared with insurance companies and licensed agents to generate quotes, and those companies may contact you by phone, email, or text to discuss coverage. You will likely receive multiple calls and emails after submitting—that's how the free service works. Read the privacy policy and terms before submitting to understand who gets your information and how to opt out of future contact.
About This Site
How does Under 25 Insurance make money?
This site earns a commission from insurance companies and agents when someone submits their information and completes a quote or buys a policy. You don't pay anything extra—insurers pay for customer referrals as part of their marketing budget, the same way they pay for TV ads or billboards. The quotes you receive are the same prices you'd get going directly to the insurance company. This referral commission is how the site stays free to use.
