* Your driving history: Clean record? Accidents or tickets? This massively impacts your rates.
* Your age and gender: Younger drivers and men generally pay more.
* Your location: Insurance rates vary significantly by state and even zip code due to accident rates and claims costs.
* Your car: Make, model, year, and safety features all factor into the cost.
* Your coverage needs: The level of coverage you choose (liability, collision, comprehensive, etc.) directly affects the premium.
To find the best deal *for you*, I strongly recommend using comparison websites like:
* NerdWallet: Provides comprehensive comparisons and reviews.
* The Zebra: Similar to NerdWallet, offering a wide range of quotes.
* Insurify: Another popular comparison site with user reviews.
* Policygenius: Focuses on helping you find the right policy, not just the cheapest.
These websites allow you to enter your information once and receive quotes from multiple insurers. This is the most efficient way to compare.
Some of the *companies* you'll likely see frequently mentioned (but remember, price varies wildly based on your individual profile):
* Geico: Known for their advertising and often competitive rates.
* State Farm: A large, established company with a wide range of coverage options.
* Progressive: Offers a variety of discounts and personalized options.
* USAA: Excellent reputation, but generally only available to military members and their families.
* Allstate: Another large, well-known insurer.
Don't just focus on the lowest price. Consider the company's reputation for customer service and claims handling. Read reviews before making a decision. Getting the cheapest insurance is useless if they're difficult to work with when you need them.
