Glossary

Car insurance quote

An insurer's estimate of what a specific policy would cost you, based on the drivers, vehicles, coverage and discounts you describe.

Also called: auto insurance quote, insurance quote, rate quote

A car insurance quote is an estimate of the premium an insurer would charge for a specific policy. You can get one online, by phone, through an agent or through a comparison site. Expect to give details about each driver (date of birth, license number, driving history), each vehicle (usually the VIN), where the cars are kept and how they are used, your current insurance, and the coverages and deductibles you want.

A quote is not a promise. Before issuing a policy, the insurer checks what you told it against reports such as your motor vehicle report, your CLUE report of past claims and, where allowed, a credit-based insurance score. If those turn up a ticket, claim or lapse you did not mention, the final price can change. Insurance credit checks are generally soft inquiries that do not affect your credit score.

To compare quotes fairly, ask each company for the same liability limits, deductibles and optional coverages; a cheaper quote is often cheaper because it covers less. Example: Quote A is $1,320 for 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible, and Quote B is $1,150 for 50/100/50 with a $1,000 deductible. B is not the better deal until both are priced on the same coverage (hypothetical figures). See how to compare car insurance quotes apples to apples and the car insurance quote comparison worksheet.

Last reviewed October 4, 2026

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Related terms

Premium The amount you pay for an insurance policy over its term, built from the insurer's rate, your rating factors, coverage choices and discounts. Underwriting The process an insurer uses to decide whether to accept an applicant, on what terms, and in which pricing tier or company. Motor vehicle report (MVR) Your official state driving record, listing tickets, convictions, suspensions and license status, which insurers check to set your rate. CLUE report A LexisNexis database report of past auto or home insurance claims, which insurers pull to price and accept policies. Insurance binder A temporary written agreement that puts coverage in force immediately while the insurer finishes issuing the formal policy. Rating factors The characteristics insurers use to price a policy, such as driving record, location, vehicle, mileage and, where allowed, age and credit.

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Related tools

Car insurance quote comparison worksheet Line up quotes from several insurers, annualize the prices and flag where coverage differs, so you compare like with like before you switch.