How to Get Car Insurance

How to Get Car Insurance

Buying car insurance can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. At The Hartford, we are here to make it as easy as possible for you. Get your quote online, by phone or by contacting an insurance agent.

If you’re looking to get a quote quickly, you can receive one in minutes online with the AARP ® Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford. 1 You can also call The Hartford’s representatives at 888-413-8970 to find out which types of coverages are best for you. Or you can find out how to switch car insurance.

As you shop, remember that it’s important to get a few insurance quotes before you decide on a policy. You’ll also want to look into the requirements for where you live. The coverages you’ll need often vary by state.

Get Car Insurance Online

To buy car insurance online, you’ll need to first enter your zip code. From there, we’ll ask you a series of questions to help choose coverages that are best for you.

Online car insurance quotes allow you to:

Remember that getting a quote online isn’t always the best choice. You can miss out on discounts because some online forms don’t include them. Another common issue is getting too much or not enough coverage because you’ve misunderstood certain policies.

1. Get Car Insurance Over the Phone

Get Car Insurance

Many auto insurance shoppers prefer to talk to insurance professionals to help them pick their coverages. A representative can help guide you through the quoting process. They’ll also help you understand all your insurance coverage options. One of the biggest benefits to this approach is that you’ll have a person to ask questions to in real-time. This can be useful if you’re new to buying insurance coverage.

Keep in mind that talking with an insurance professional over the phone can take more time than getting quotes online. You’ll also need to answer a series of questions about your vehicle, where you live and your driving record. Insurance coverage options offered over the phone are also limited to what that insurance company offers. You may be missing out on other deals or protections elsewhere.

To learn more, call us at 888-413-8970.

2. Get Car Insurance From an Agent

Get Car Insurance Quotes

Another option for getting auto insurance is to work with an agent or broker. They’ll have knowledge of policies sold by different companies and can help you find the best one for you. They can also help you get car insurance that’s affordable by talking to insurance companies for you. This can help you get extra savings and deals compared to doing an online quote yourself.

Car insurance agents and brokers are also more objective about coverages because they aren’t working with any particular insurance company. However, they do sometimes try to upsell you in order to get bigger commissions. They may also charge fees for their service.

Steps to Get Car Insurance Today

Still not sure how car insurance works? You can learn more and start your quote process by following these steps:

  1. Decide if you’ll want to get a car insurance quote online, over the phone or through an agent.
  2. Research coverage options on your own to get a better understanding.
  3. Determine how much car insurance coverage you need.
  4. Gather personal and vehicle information you’ll need to get car insurance quotes.
  5. Compare quotes from different insurance companies.
  6. Choose the coverages that fit your needs best.
  7. Pay for your coverage.

What Do You Need to Get Car Insurance Quotes?

Before you can get your free car insurance quote, you’ll need to have certain information on hand, including:

Get Car Insurance Quotes From The Hartford

Can You Get Car Insurance Without a License

Getting a car insurance quote doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, car insurance quotes are easy to get through the AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford. The Hartford can help you save money on car insurance when you:

We also offer benefits like:

Common Questions About How to Get Car Insurance

Can You Get Car Insurance Without a License?

Most companies won’t offer you insurance without a license. So, you’ll need to visit your state’s department of motor vehicles and become a licensed driver before you can get car insurance. Learn more about getting car insurance with no license.

Can I Get Car Insurance Without a Car?

If you drive a car often but don’t own it, you can get non-owners car insurance coverage. This helps cover you if you’re in an accident while driving someone else’s vehicle.

How Long Does It Take to Get Car Insurance?

Applying for auto insurance doesn’t take long. In most cases, you can get a policy from your insurance company in a few minutes. Keep in mind that the amount of time it takes can depend on how many coverages you need and how many questions you have.

How Do I Get Car Insurance Before Buying a Car?

To get car insurance before you buy a car, you’ll need to follow these steps:
  1. Decide if you’re getting your policy online, by phone or in-person.
  2. Make sure you have the right information for your car, like your vehicle identification number (VIN), mileage and model.
  3. Learn what your coverage options are and how much protection you’ll need.
  4. See if you qualify for discounts. For instance, many companies will reduce your rate if you bundle your auto coverage with your home or life insurance policy.
  5. Pay for your policy.
Last Updated: September 21, 2023

** Average savings amounts based on information reported by customers who switched to The Hartford from other carriers between 9/1/22 and 8/31/23. Your savings may vary. Average auto insurance savings is $577 and average home insurance savings is $236. Rate differences for AARP members and non-members vary by state and AARP membership tenure. Auto/Home discount is available only to policyholders who have both their auto and home (or condo or renters) insurance through the AARP Auto & Home Insurance Program from The Hartford. The Hartford does not write new business in all areas, including the states of CA and FL.

§ Availability of RecoverCare benefit and benefit levels vary by state. The Hartford RecoverCare Advantage ® is a registered mark of The Hartford.

§§ Terms and conditions apply.

‡ Terms and conditions apply. Accident Forgiveness and the Disappearing Deductible are not available to CA policyholders.

‡‡ Terms and conditions apply. Availability varies by state.

‡‡‡ Based on one car and driver; individual rate/premium/savings will vary based on actual coverage selections and characteristics of vehicle(s)/driver(s).

Additional disclosures below.

More Answers to Frequently Asked Auto Insurance Questions

AARP ® Auto Insurance Quick Links For AARP ® Members Additional Resources Back To Top

© 2024 The Hartford

Summaries of coverages and policy features are for informational purposes only. In the event of loss, the actual terms and conditions set forth in your policy will determine your coverage.

AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states.

The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA, by Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company; in WA, by Hartford Casualty Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company and Twin City Fire Insurance Company. The AARP Home Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA by Property and Casualty Insurance Company of Hartford; in WA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company, Sentinel Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest, and Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company. Home product is not available in all areas, including the state of FL. Savings, benefits and coverages may vary and some applicants may not qualify. The Program is currently unavailable in Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions.

1 In Texas, the Auto Program is underwritten by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford of the Southeast General Agency, Inc. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company. The Home Program is underwritten by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast.

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