How often should you check car insurance quotes?
How often should you check car insurance quotes is ultimately up to you, but your rates can change frequently. It's important to check car insurance rates on a regular basis. The longer you go without tickets and the older your car gets, the lower your rates should get. One speeding ticket can cost you an extra $45 a month. Learn how to shop for car insurance and compare auto insurance rates online here.
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Tonya Sisler
Insurance Content Team Lead
Tonya Sisler has been a technical insurance writer for over five years. She uses her extensive insurance and finance knowledge to write informative articles that answer readers' top questions. Her mission is to provide readers with timely, accurate information that allows them to determine their insurance needs and choose the best coverage. Tonya currently leads a team of 10 insurance copywrite...
Insurance Content Team Lead
UPDATED: May 5, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: May 5, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- The factors that go into the determination of your rate change frequently, so you should shop for insurance frequently
- As you go longer without traffic violations or accidents, your rates should decrease
- The economy plays a role in car insurance rates
- As your vehicle ages, you should start paying less for insurance
How often should you check car insurance quotes? There are many factors that answer the question of how often should you shop car insurance, and we will go over the big ones here.
Shopping for car insurance can seem like a hassle, but you may have heard that it can help you get cheap car insurance rates, too.
It is easy to get an insurance policy in place and just not think about it again until you need to file a claim.
However, shopping auto insurance rates around periodically really can save you money, and it may not be quite as stressful and time-consuming to do as you might think.
If you’re wondering how to shop for car insurance, it’s as simple as knowing your ZIP code and a few details about your car and driving habits.
The easiest way to shop around for car insurance quotes is to enter your ZIP. Compare quotes and check car insurance rates easily today.
How Often to Shop for Car Insurance Quotes
How often should you switch car insurance? Should you change car insurance every year?
Some experts recommend that you shop for new auto coverage every six or twelve months.
There are many factors affecting your car insurance premiums that are used to calculate your rate, and these factors do change fairly regularly.
Understanding these factors can help you to better understand why you should shop for new coverage every six or twelve months. Some of the factors affecting your auto insurance premium include:
- Your Driving History
- Crime Rates
- The Location of Your Home
- The State of the Economy
- Your Vehicle
Also, if you have had an improvement in your credit score recently, if may pay to recheck your coverage for more competitive rates.
Watch this video to learn more about what factors affect your car insurance rates, and how to find affordable car insurance options.
Some factors you can control, like your driving history, but some factors like age and gender are out of your hands. Do what you can to make sure the factors you can control are good.
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Your Driving History
When is the best time to shop for car insurance? Your driving history affects your insurance rates, so if a ticket or accident drops off your record, your rates may go down.
You may have added one of these events onto your driving record in the last few months, and your current rate may reflect a rate change that is less forgiving of such events than another policy may be.
Even if your last accident or ticket occurred a few years ago, keep in mind that each insurance company calculates their rates differently. So that added time that has elapsed may be enough to trigger a lower rate through another company.
Let’s look to see just how your driving record will affect your rates.
Toyota Scion Average Annual Car Insurance Rates by Driving Record
| Companies | Rates with Clean Record | Rates with With 1 Accident | Rates with With 1 DUI | Rates with With 1 Speeding Violation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,933.68 | $2,516.24 | $3,506.03 | $2,193.25 |
| Geico | $2,145.96 | $3,192.77 | $4,875.87 | $2,645.43 |
| American Family | $2,693.61 | $3,722.75 | $4,330.24 | $3,025.74 |
| Nationwide | $2,746.18 | $3,396.95 | $4,543.20 | $3,113.68 |
| State Farm | $2,821.18 | $3,396.01 | $3,636.80 | $3,186.01 |
| Progressive | $3,393.09 | $4,777.04 | $3,969.65 | $4,002.28 |
| Travelers | $3,447.69 | $4,289.74 | $5,741.40 | $4,260.80 |
| Farmers | $3,460.60 | $4,518.73 | $4,718.75 | $4,079.01 |
| Allstate | $3,819.90 | $4,987.68 | $6,260.73 | $4,483.51 |
| Liberty Mutual | $4,774.30 | $6,204.78 | $7,613.48 | $5,701.26 |
Your driving record is usually the biggest factor that determines your car insurance rates. For example, one speeding ticket can cost you around an extra $45 a month. By using comparison tools and shopping around, you may find your personalized rates are more affordable rates.
Crime Rates
Crime rates and statistics are constantly being updated, and this includes vehicle-related crimes.
According to the FBI, there were over 748,000 vehicle thefts in 2018. Car insurance companies will raise rates to offset those costs.
The last time you shopped for rates, there could have been a string of car thefts or vandalism crimes that took place that affected your rates.
The fluctuating crime rate, as well as the different weight that different car insurance companies apply to this factor, will cause rate quotes to change.
The Location of Your Home
Insurance companies use the location of your for a few different reasons in calculating your rate. Crime, as noted above is one of them.
However, other location-related factors such as the average age of residents in your area and the level of traffic in your area are taken into account. If you have moved, these factors will definitely change.
Even if you have not moved, people do get older, people move in and out of the area to affect the average age of residents, and traffic patterns change, too.
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The State of the Economy
The insurance industry is a business that does take into account factors like supply and demand, inflation, and other economic factors when calculating rates. (For more information, read our “Car Industry Inflation“).
The state of the economy is constantly changing, and this can spur rate changes in an insurance company.
Your Vehicle
Should I change car insurance when I buy a new car?
Your insurance rates will change if you buy a new car. However, even if your car is the same one you’ve been driving for a few years, your rates may need to be adjusted.
Factors that affect your car insurance rates include the value and repair costs of your car. As your model ages, these factors do tend to decrease.
Yet if you have been locked into a rate for the past few years under the same policy, you may not be taking advantage of this fact. Also, if you have a more comprehensive insurance policy, rates may fluctuate depending on the vehicle you own.
Faster and Easier Car Insurance Rate Shopping
Should I shop around for car insurance online?
Understanding the factors that affect insurance rates changing often can help you to realize that you may get a better rate by shopping around for new coverage today.
However, the thought of calling around from insurance company to insurance company can be intimidating, and actually making so many calls can be time-consuming.
A better way to shop for rates is to use a price comparison website. This is an online tool that allows you to enter your personal and vehicle information into a single form, and you will receive several quotes back as a result.
The forms are available to use around the clock, and they take only a few minutes to use.
With how fast and easy it is to get new insurance quotes today combined with the possibility that you could save money on your rate, it does make sense to take a few minutes today and get a few quotes for coverage.
Your insurance rate is a regular expense in your budget, and so trimming it down today equates to regular savings for months to come. Be sure to set a reminder for yourself to shop for new coverage again in a few months, too.
Simply mark it on a calendar or set an auto-reminder to complete this easy task on your phone or computer.
Learning how to shop for insurance rates is quick and easy. How often should you check car insurance quotes online? It’s so easy, you can check as often as you like. Just enter your ZIP now to start receiving quotes for your car insurance.
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Case Studies: Frequency of Checking Car Insurance Quotes
Case Study 1: Annual Policy Review
John reviews his car insurance policy annually. He understands that insurance rates and coverage options can change over time. By checking quotes once a year, he can compare offers from different insurance providers, evaluate any changes in his driving profile, and make informed decisions about his coverage and premiums.
Case Study 2: Significant Life Event
Sarah recently got married and moved to a different state. She recognizes that these life changes may impact her car insurance rates. Sarah decides to check car insurance quotes after significant life events, such as marriage, relocation, or purchasing a new vehicle, to ensure she has the most suitable coverage at the best rates.
Case Study 3: Market Review
Mike regularly monitors the insurance market to stay informed about pricing trends and new offers. He knows that insurance rates can fluctuate due to various factors, including competition, economic conditions, and industry regulations. By checking car insurance quotes every few months, Mike can take advantage of any favorable rate changes or new discounts.
Case Study 4: End of Current Policy
Samantha’s car insurance policy is about to expire. She uses this opportunity to evaluate her coverage needs and compare quotes from multiple insurance providers. Samantha understands that loyalty discounts offered by her current provider might not always be the most cost-effective option.
By checking quotes at the end of her policy term, she can make an informed decision about renewing or switching providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check car insurance quotes?
It’s generally recommended to check car insurance quotes at least once a year or when certain life events occur, such as buying a new car, moving to a new location, or experiencing changes in your driving record. Regularly reviewing your car insurance quotes ensures that you have the most up-to-date information and can potentially find better rates or coverage options.
Why should I check car insurance quotes regularly?
Checking car insurance quotes regularly allows you to stay informed about the current market rates and compare offers from different insurance providers. Insurance rates can change over time due to various factors, including insurance company pricing adjustments, changes in your circumstances, or new discounts that may be available. By checking quotes regularly, you can ensure you are getting the best value for your coverage.
What life events may require me to check car insurance quotes?
Life events such as purchasing a new car, moving to a new location, getting married, adding or removing drivers from your policy, or significant changes in your driving record (e.g., accidents or traffic violations) may require you to check car insurance quotes. These events can impact your insurance rates, and comparing quotes helps you assess any potential changes in premiums.
Can checking car insurance quotes frequently affect my credit score?
No, checking car insurance quotes does not typically impact your credit score. When you request quotes, insurance companies usually perform what’s called a “soft inquiry” or “insurance inquiry,” which does not affect your credit score. It’s important to distinguish these types of inquiries from “hard inquiries” that occur when you apply for credit, which can affect your credit score.
Can I switch insurance providers if I find a better quote?
Yes, you have the option to switch insurance providers if you find a better quote that offers comparable coverage and meets your needs. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of your current policy, including any cancellation fees or requirements, before making the switch. Additionally, ensure that the new insurance provider offers the same level of coverage or better to avoid any gaps in protection.
Are there any disadvantages to checking car insurance quotes frequently?
There are generally no significant disadvantages to checking car insurance quotes frequently. However, it’s important to note that excessive inquiries may be seen as a red flag by insurance companies or credit bureaus, potentially affecting your eligibility for certain discounts or promotional offers. It’s best to balance regular quote checks with making informed decisions based on your specific needs.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
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Tonya Sisler
Insurance Content Team Lead
Tonya Sisler has been a technical insurance writer for over five years. She uses her extensive insurance and finance knowledge to write informative articles that answer readers' top questions. Her mission is to provide readers with timely, accurate information that allows them to determine their insurance needs and choose the best coverage. Tonya currently leads a team of 10 insurance copywrite...
Insurance Content Team Lead
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.