How to shop for car insurance
Getting quotes is the easy part. Making them comparable, switching without a gap and pushing back on a rate increase take a little more.
Comparing and switching
Getting quotes that can be compared line by line, and moving a policy without a gap.
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Comparing, updated Oct 26, 2026
Comparing quotes line by line
Match limits, deductibles and add-ons, list every driver, compare totals with fees, then check the company.
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Timing, updated Oct 26, 2026
When to shop for car insurance
Renewal notices (45 days ahead in Maryland), moves, new cars and drivers, and old tickets that stop counting.
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Switching, updated Oct 26, 2026
Switching insurers without a gap
Start the new policy first, cancel in writing, tell the lender. A North Carolina lapse can cost up to $200 in fees.
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Your policy, updated Oct 26, 2026
Reading your declarations page
Drivers, cars, limits such as 50/100/50, deductibles, rejected coverages, required discounts and the premium.
When the price is the problem
Renewal increases, high-risk markets, state programs and where to complain.
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Rate increases, updated Oct 26, 2026
Why your premium went up
Market-wide changes vs. your own record. The price index fell 5.0% to September 2026; yours may not have.
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Low-cost options, updated Oct 26, 2026
State low-cost programs
California's 10/20/3 policy, New Jersey's $365 Medicaid policy, Hawaii's free minimums and Maryland's MAIF.
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High-risk drivers, updated Oct 26, 2026
Assigned-risk plans
Turned down twice in Texas or Maryland? How state plans place you, what they cover and how to get back out.
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Complaints, updated Oct 26, 2026
Complaining about a rate increase
Ask the insurer, use your adverse action rights, read the filing, then complain; Maryland gives you 30 days.