Auto Insurance Buyer's Guide for All States

Learn What Drives Your Rate

It starts with you. Your application for a quote begins with basic questions about your age, sex, marital status, driving record, and the cars you drive. Why so many questions? Each one helps insurers predict how likely you are to have an accident or continue your record of safe driving. Plus, many discounts are based on your answers, so the more info you provide, the more you can save.

Before you buy a policy, your company will verify your driving record and claims history. If permitted by law in your state, and only if you grant permission, your credit history will also be factored into your rate.

Where You Live Matters

Urban, suburban and rural rates are quite different. It's all about dangerous intersections, over-crowded freeways and vehicle theft rates. If you're lucky enough to live in the country where there are usually fewer crashes and car thefts, your rates will be relatively lower. Some states put limits on how high urban rates can go, while others require companies to focus primarily on your driving record, annual mileage and the number of years you've been licensed.