AbleProFAIR OR NOT
☰ Menu
Pay · what you’re chargedOwn · what happens after you buyAgree · what you sign or clickTrust · who is really on your sideHelp · getting a problem fixedData · what happens to your informationBrowse by area of lifeReport a problemRead reportsCommon pricing problemsNickel-and-dime tacticsFind your subscriptionsFree toolsGuidesComplain in your stateSearch
Report a problem
Home › Pay › Common problems › Auto insurance
Insurance

Auto insurance

Car insurance is required in most states, so many people renew year after year without looking closely. Prices can creep up at renewal, add-ons can pile on, and errors in your claims history can raise your rate. This page covers the common patterns, free help for comparing quotes, and how to switch without a gap.

Why premiums are so high, and how to check insurer profits and rate filings: Insurance costs explained →

Common problems to watch for

  • Renewal prices that rise each year for drivers who never shop around
  • Add-ons sold at the dealership or online that may duplicate coverage you already have
  • Carrying only your state's minimum liability without knowing how little it may cover
  • Errors in your claims history report that can raise your quoted rate
  • Collision coverage kept on an older car worth little more than the deductible
  • Discounts you qualify for but never applied to your policy

Had one of these happen? Telling others what you were charged helps them avoid it.

Report it

Free and low-cost alternatives

About this listAuto insurance has no free version, and most states require it. These free resources help you check and compare coverage; they do not replace a policy.
Your state insurance departmentEvery state has one. It answers consumer questions, confirms whether a company or agent is licensed, and takes complaints. Find yours through the NAIC's state map at content.naic.org.
Free CLUE report from LexisNexisUnder the Fair Credit Reporting Act you can get a free copy of your CLUE claims history for home and auto. Check it for errors before you shop and dispute mistakes.
Quotes through an independent agentAn independent agent can compare several insurers at once. This helps you shop; it does not replace coverage. Ask how the agent is paid.
NAIC Consumer Insurance SearchA free tool from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for looking up insurers and closed complaint information before you buy.

Availability depends on your device and model. AblePro has no relationship with any company named here.

What fair pricing looks like

Reasonable pricing is easiest to judge by comparing several quotes with the same liability limits, deductibles, and add-ons. Paying more each renewal without checking other quotes is a common way to overpay.

Before you pay

  • Get quotes from at least two or three insurers for the same coverage
  • Check your free CLUE report for claims errors before you shop
  • Ask what discounts you qualify for, such as safe driving or bundling
  • Review each add-on and drop ones that duplicate other coverage you have
  • Ask how raising your deductible would change the price

How to cancel

  1. Never cancel until the new policy is active; a lapse can cause problems in many states
  2. If your car is financed or leased, send the lender proof of the new policy
  3. Cancel in writing or through your insurer's account and get a dated confirmation
  4. Ask how any refund of unused premium is figured; rules vary by state
  5. Turn off automatic payments for the old policy once cancellation is confirmed

Step-by-step cancel guide for iPhone, Android and PayPal →

Common questions

Why did my auto insurance go up when I had no tickets or claims?

Rates can change because of repair costs, claims in your area, or changes in how an insurer prices risk. Ask your insurer what changed, check your free CLUE report for errors, and compare quotes from other companies for the same coverage. Your state insurance department can answer questions about rate rules.

Is state minimum coverage enough?

Minimum liability limits are set by each state and may not cover the full cost of a serious accident. If damages go beyond your limits, you could be personally responsible. Whether to buy more depends on your situation, so ask your agent or state insurance department.

Should I keep collision coverage on an older car?

It depends on what the car is worth, your deductible, and whether you could afford to replace it. If the car's value is close to your deductible, collision may pay little. Ask your agent to show the cost of the coverage next to the car's current value.

General consumer information, not legal or financial advice. Reports reflect the experiences and opinions of their writers, not AblePro, Inc. We check reports against our posting rules but do not verify them.