Auto Insurance Questions Answered
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get straight answers about comparing car insurance quotes, coverage options, and what to expect when shopping for a policy.
Coverage Options
What's the difference between full coverage and liability only?
Liability-only insurance covers damage you cause to others, while full coverage adds comprehensive and collision to protect your own vehicle. Comprehensive covers non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail, and hitting a deer. Collision covers damage to your car from accidents regardless of fault. Full coverage costs significantly more but is required by lenders and makes sense for vehicles worth more than a few thousand dollars.
How It Works
How quickly can I get car insurance coverage?
You can purchase car insurance and get immediate coverage within 15-30 minutes online or over the phone. Most insurers offer same-day coverage that begins as soon as you pay your first premium. You'll receive proof of insurance documents via email instantly, which you can show on your phone or print. If you need coverage to start on a future date, you can also schedule your policy to begin later.
About This Site
Does Insure Auto Pros sell my information?
When you submit your information, it's shared with insurance companies and licensed agents who will contact you with quotes—that's how the service works. We do not sell your data to unrelated third parties like data brokers or marketing lists. The companies that receive your information are insurance providers you're actively trying to get quotes from. You may receive calls, emails, and texts from multiple insurers and agents, which is expected when comparing rates through a lead generation service.
How It Works
What information do I need to get an accurate car insurance quote?
You'll need your driver's license, vehicle identification number (VIN), current insurance details if applicable, and your driving history from the past 3-5 years. Accurate quotes also require information about all household drivers, current coverage limits, and annual mileage. Having your VIN ensures accurate vehicle information, which affects your rate. The more complete your information, the closer your initial quote will be to your actual price—incomplete details often result in quotes that increase after the insurer pulls your driving record.
About This Site
How does Insure Auto Pros make money?
Insure Auto Pros earns a commission from insurance companies and agents when you request quotes through the site. When you submit your information, it's sent to insurers who pay a fee for the connection to potential customers. This doesn't affect your rates—insurance companies budget for customer acquisition whether through advertising, agents, or lead generation services. You're under no obligation to purchase from any company that contacts you.
Insurance Basics
Can I get car insurance with a bad driving record?
Yes, all drivers can get insurance, but violations and accidents will increase your rates significantly. Multiple tickets, at-fault accidents, or a DUI may move you into the high-risk category, where premiums can be 2-3 times higher than standard rates. Some standard insurers will decline coverage, but non-standard or high-risk insurers specialize in these situations. Shopping around is especially important with a bad record because rate differences between companies are even wider for high-risk drivers.
Coverage Options
What's the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
Collision covers damage to your car from crashes with other vehicles or objects, while comprehensive covers nearly everything else—theft, vandalism, fire, weather damage, and animal strikes. Both coverages are optional unless you have a loan or lease, and both require you to pay a deductible when filing a claim. Comprehensive is typically cheaper because these claims are less frequent and less expensive. You can carry one without the other, though most drivers with newer vehicles choose both.
About This Site
Will comparing quotes hurt my credit score?
No, getting insurance quotes does not affect your credit score because insurers use a soft pull when checking your credit. Soft inquiries don't appear on credit reports viewed by lenders and have zero impact on your score. Insurance companies do check credit in most states to help determine your rate, but this is completely separate from hard inquiries used for loans or credit cards. You can request as many insurance quotes as you want without any credit score consequences.
Insurance Basics
How often should I shop for car insurance?
You should compare car insurance rates at least once per year, ideally 30 days before your policy renewal. Insurance companies regularly adjust their pricing models, and the insurer offering the best rate three years ago may no longer be competitive. Life changes like moving, buying a new car, getting married, or improving your credit score can also significantly impact your rates. Loyalty doesn't pay in insurance—staying with the same company without shopping around typically costs drivers hundreds of dollars annually.
How It Works
What happens after I submit my information for quotes?
After submitting your information, you'll be contacted by insurance companies and licensed agents via phone, email, and text message with quotes, typically within minutes to 24 hours. You may receive contact from multiple insurers—usually 3-7 companies depending on your profile and location. Each will provide quotes based on the information you submitted, though some may ask clarifying questions. You can compare the quotes you receive and choose to purchase from any company, or none at all—there's no obligation to buy.
