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How to Get Car Insurance: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Buyers

Learn how to get car insurance as a first-time buyer with this step-by-step guide. Explore coverage options, get quotes, and secure the right policy.

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Are you anxiously asking yourself "How do I get car insurance?" When it's your first time shopping for car insurance, you should break down the task into easily digestible bites. New drivers can find affordable rates when they compare several quotes and apply discounts. Just follow these nine steps.

1. Gather necessary driver and vehicle information

Start by gathering the important documents you'll need to get quotes and apply for insurance policies. These include the vehicle's make and model, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and your driver's license.

2. Determine the right amount of coverage for your needs

Each state, besides New Hampshire, has required minimum insurance coverage, which is the baseline amount of necessary coverage. But you should also purchase enough insurance to meet your needs. 

Insurance is typically divided into a set amount of bodily injury, maximum bodily injury per accident, and property damage coverage such as 50/100/25. This means your insurance would cover $50,000 of bodily injury per person in an accident you are liable for, up to a maximum of $100,000 per accident. It would cover $25,000 in property damage to repair someone's car you hit. You should carry enough in each category to cover average costs, and keep in mind that you could be responsible for amounts exceeding your coverage in a lawsuit.

3. Understand different types of car insurance coverage

The answer to "How do I get car insurance for the first time?" is to shop around for different types of car insurance. Learn the local requirements and which types of coverage are smart to add to your policy, which can include:

  • Liability coverage. Liability insurance includes property damage and bodily injury coverage for the other car in an accident you cause.
  • Collision coverage. Collision coverage covers repairs to your car from an accident. This is optional but generally required by lienholders if you have a loan on your car.
  • Comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive is another optional coverage typically required on financed cars that repairs damage such as that from a tree falling on your car.
  • Uninsured motorist coverage. If you are hit by a driver who does not have insurance or does not have enough coverage (underinsured) to pay for your repairs, this policy from your insurer can make up the difference.
  • Gap insurance. If you have a financed vehicle, gap insurance helps cover the difference between the value of your car and what you owe. Cars depreciate rapidly after purchase, so you can easily end up owing more than your insurance would pay after an accident, which is where gap insurance comes in handy.

4. Research and make a list of potential insurance providers

When you're asking "How do I get insurance for my car?" the simplest answer is to research and make a list of each potential insurance company. You can also work with an insurance broker or agent to do this. 

You can, however, get faster, streamlined service with an online provider like EverQuote. When you utilize an online comparison tool with EverQuote, we do the research for you and provide a list of potential auto insurance policy providers in minutes.

5. Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies

After quickly getting multiple insurance quotes from us, you can compare them to see who offers the highest level of coverage within your budget. Keep in mind that opting for the policy with the lowest cost may not always be the best option if it leaves you at risk.

6. Seek out available discounts for first-time buyers

There are many ways to reduce your insurance costs, including seeking first-time buyer discounts. You may also qualify for different types of car insurance discounts like a paperless billing discount or a bundling discount when you combine your policy with renters or homeowners insurance.

7. Review the policy terms and conditions

Insurance policies are written with a number of terms and conditions that are important to understand so that you stay compliant with your policy. These may explain how long your coverage is in effect or reasons you could be dropped from the policy.

8. Make an informed decision before purchasing

Car insurance is an important and sometimes pricey purchase, so make sure you're making an informed decision before purchasing. This includes getting familiar with local requirements, knowing average local repair costs, and comparing insurance quotes from different providers.

Review the insurance requirements of your state:

9. Common mistakes to avoid as a first-time buyer

When you're trying to figure out "How do I get my own car insurance?" it's easy to make mistakes as a first-time buyer. Some common mistakes include:

  • Only opting for the state minimum. These limited requirements often aren't enough to cover serious accidents and can leave you exposed to greater expenses.
  • Skipping on rental reimbursement or roadside coverage. Inexpensive to tack onto a policy, these extras can save you a boatload should you need a rental or a tow after an accident.
  • Getting your own insurance. Young drivers may save money by staying on a family member's insurance policy.
  • Shopping only for big-name brands. Smaller insurers may offer you a better rate, so use an online comparison tool to help you review several of the best car insurance companies at once.
  • Buying an expensive car. "How do I get insurance on a new car?" Start by buying an affordable car that won't be expensive to insure. 
  • Forgetting to improve your credit score. Your credit score can affect the cost of your car insurance, so work on improving it to get better insurance rates.

And the biggest mistake: shopping on your own. When you use EverQuote's online comparison tool, you can get free, custom quotes in just a few minutes. Compare policies with the right information to find the lowest quotes.