NerdWallet Car Insurance: The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Coverage

Finding the right car insurance policy can be a daunting task. With so many different companies and policies to choose from, it's easy to get overwhelmed. That's where NerdWallet comes in.

NerdWallet is a personal finance website that helps consumers make smart financial decisions. We've partnered with dozens of insurance companies to offer you unbiased comparisons of car insurance rates. We also provide expert advice on everything from choosing the right deductible to filing a claim.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know aboutNerdWallet car insurance, including:

• How to find the best car insurance rates
• What types of car insurance coverage are available
• How to file a car insurance claim
• How to get discounts on car insurance

By the end of this guide, you'll be an expert on car insurance. You'll be able to find the best possible coverage at the lowest possible price.

How to Find the Best Car Insurance Rates

The best way to find the best car insurance rates is to shop around and compare quotes from multiple companies. NerdWallet makes it easy to do this. You can get quotes from dozens of companies in just a few minutes.

When you're comparing quotes, be sure to consider the following factors:

• Coverage: Make sure that the policy you're considering provides the coverage you need. At a minimum, you should have liability coverage, which pays for damages to other people's property and injuries. You may also want to consider collision coverage, which pays for damages to your own car, and comprehensive coverage, which pays for damages caused by events other than collisions, such as theft or vandalism.
• Deductible: The deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. A higher deductible will lower your premium, but it will also mean that you have to pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim.
• Premium: The premium is the amount of money you pay for your car insurance coverage. Premiums are based on a number of factors, including your driving history, your age, and the type of car you drive.

Once you've compared quotes from multiple companies, you can choose the policy that's right for you.

What Types of Car Insurance Coverage Are Available?

There are a variety of different types of car insurance coverage available. The most common types of coverage include:

• Liability coverage: Liability coverage pays for damages to other people's property and injuries. This is the minimum amount of coverage required by law in most states.
• Collision coverage: Collision coverage pays for damages to your own car. This coverage is optional, but it can be a good idea if you have a loan on your car or if you live in an area with a lot of traffic.
• Comprehensive coverage: Comprehensive coverage pays for damages caused by events other than collisions, such as theft or vandalism. This coverage is also optional, but it can be a good idea if you live in an area with a high crime rate.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays for damages if you're hit by a driver who doesn't have insurance or who doesn't have enough insurance to cover your damages. This coverage is optional, but it can be a good idea if you live in an area with a lot of uninsured drivers.

You may also want to consider other types of coverage, such as:

• Rental car reimbursement coverage: Rental car reimbursement coverage pays for the cost of a rental car if your car is damaged or stolen.
• Roadside assistance coverage: Roadside assistance coverage provides help with things like flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts.
• Gap insurance: Gap insurance pays the difference between the amount you owe on your car loan and the amount your insurance company pays if your car is totaled.

How to File a Car Insurance Claim

If you're involved in a car accident, you'll need to file a claim with your insurance company. Here's how to do it:

1. Call your insurance company. You can usually find the claims phone number on your insurance card.
2. Provide the details of the accident. Be prepared to give the insurance company the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as the names and contact information of the other drivers involved.
3. Take photos of the damage. If possible, take photos of the damage to your car and the other vehicles involved in the accident.
4. Get a copy of the police report. If there was a police report, be sure to get a copy of it.
5. Submit your claim. You can usually submit your claim online, by mail, or by phone.

Once you've submitted your claim, your insurance company will investigate the accident and determine how much you're entitled to. You'll usually receive a payment from your insurance company within a few weeks.

How to Get Discounts on Car Insurance

There are a number of ways to get discounts on car insurance. Some of the most common discounts include:

• Good driver discount: Drivers with a clean driving record can qualify for a good driver discount.
• Multi-car discount: Drivers who insure multiple cars with the same company can qualify for a multi-car discount.
• Defensive driving course discount: Drivers who complete a defensive driving course can qualify for a defensive driving course discount.
• Student discount: Students who maintain a good academic record can qualify for a student discount.
• Senior citizen discount: Senior citizens can qualify for a senior citizen discount.

You may also be able to get discounts for things like having anti-theft devices installed in your car or for driving a car that's considered to be safe.

Conclusion

Finding the right car insurance policy can be a daunting task. But by following the tips in this guide, you can find the best possible coverage at the lowest possible price.

NerdWallet is a personal finance website that helps consumers make smart financial decisions. We've partnered with dozens of insurance companies to offer you unbiased comparisons of car insurance rates. We also provide expert advice on everything from choosing the right deductible to filing a claim.

Use NerdWallet to find the best car insurance policy for you today.

FAQs

1. How much car insurance do I need?

The amount of car insurance you need depends on a number of factors, including the state you live in, the type of car you drive, and your driving history. However, most experts recommend that you have at least the following coverage:

• Liability coverage: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
• Collision coverage: $10,000
• Comprehensive coverage: $10,000

2. What is the average cost of car insurance?

The average cost of car insurance in the United States is $1,423 per year. However, the cost of car insurance can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the state you live in, the type of car you drive, and your driving history.

3. How can I get discounts on car insurance?

There are a number of ways to get discounts on car insurance. Some of the most common discounts include:

• Good driver discount
• Multi-car discount
• Defensive driving course discount
• Student discount
• Senior citizen discount

You may also be able to get discounts for things like having anti-theft devices installed in your car or for driving a car that's considered to be safe.

4. What is the best way to find the best car insurance rates?

The best way to find the best car insurance rates is to shop around and compare quotes from multiple companies. NerdWallet makes it easy to do this. You can get quotes from dozens of companies in just a few minutes.

5. How do I file a car insurance claim?

If you're involved in a car accident, you'll need to file a claim with your insurance company. Here's how to do it:

1. Call your insurance company.
2. Provide the details of the accident.
3. Take photos of the damage.
4. Get a copy of the police report.
5. Submit your claim.

6. How long does it take to get a car insurance payout?

Once you've submitted your claim, your insurance company will investigate the accident and determine how much you're entitled to. You'll usually receive a payment from your insurance company within a few weeks.

Tables

Table 1: Average Car Insurance Rates by State

Table 2: Common Car Insurance Discounts