Basics about the drivers in your household
You will need to have the following handy for all drivers in your household before you start gathering quotes:
- Full name and date of birth.
- Driver's license number and the date when the driver was first licensed
- Home address
- Occupation and commute length, including for students who drive to school
Information about your vehicle(s)
For every vehicle you need to insure, gather the following:
- Make, model and year of each vehicle. You will need to know the vehicle's make and model (Honda Accord, for example) and trim level (LE or SE, for example). Having the VIN handy can ensure you have those details correct; it's not required for quotes, but does help ensure accuracy.
- Safety features. To take advantage of possible discounts, know the safety features of each vehicle, like anti-lock brakes and the type of anti-theft devices (passive, active, audible and so forth).
- Who drives the vehicle most often. This is the rated driver and will influence rates.
Check car insurance rates by make and model.
Driving history for each driver
- Tickets in the past three years. Any ticket you have received that is on your driving record will affect your rates. Most companies will only ask about the past three years.
- Accidents in the past three years. At-fault accidents in the past three years should be listed.
- DUIs or other serious convictions. Don't try to hide a DUI. Although it means higher rates, it's best to be honest. Also, let the insurance company know if you require an SR-22.
Your previous insurance history
- Current policy information: Insurers will want to know what your current insurance company is and how long you've been insured. If you are not currently insured, disclose that up front. Note when your current policy renews.
- Your current policy limits. Have your current policy handy so you know what coverage you carry. That way, you can compare apples to apples when you get quotes.
- Claims you have filed: Even claims that are not at-fault accidents should be reported.
Helpful auto insurance tools and calculators
