Car insurance questions, answered

Basics

Is AutosXchange an insurance company?

No. AutosXchange is a car marketplace. When you submit the quote form, AutosXchange sends your request to a licensed insurance professional who contacts you with quote options. AutosXchange does not sell, quote, bind or service insurance policies. Call or text (916) 476-7689 with questions.

What does the VIN decode do?

When you enter a 17-character VIN, the form looks it up in the U.S. Department of Transportation's free NHTSA vPIC database and shows the model year, make, model, trim, body style, drive type, engine, fuel type, weight class, assembly plant and factory safety equipment. That information goes to the agent with your request, so they can quote the exact vehicle without calling you back for details.

What is the minimum car insurance required?

It depends on the state. Most states require bodily injury and property damage liability, written as three numbers — for example 30/60/15 means $30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident for injuries and $15,000 for property damage. Some states also require PIP, uninsured motorist or medical payments coverage. See the state table on this page.

What does "full coverage" mean?

It is not an official policy type. People usually mean liability plus collision and comprehensive (and whatever else the state requires). Lenders and leasing companies normally require this combination on financed or leased cars.

How do I check that an insurance agent is licensed?

Every state insurance department offers a license lookup. Search for your state's department in the NAIC directory of state insurance departments and look up the agent or agency by name or license number.

Discounts

How do I get a good driver discount?

Most insurers offer a good- or safe-driver discount when you have no at-fault accidents or major violations for a set number of years, often three or more. Rules and amounts vary by insurer and state. In California, insurers must offer a Good Driver Discount to drivers who meet the state's criteria. Ask the agent to apply every discount you qualify for.

Which car insurance discounts are most common?

Common discounts include good driver, multi-policy (bundling with home or renters), multi-car, good student, approved defensive-driving course, telematics or usage-based programs, paying in full or by autopay, low mileage, vehicle safety and anti-theft features, and affinity or military membership. Availability and amounts vary by insurer and state.

Pricing

Why do car insurance quotes vary so much?

Each insurer weighs rating factors differently — driving record, age and experience, ZIP code, vehicle, annual miles, coverage and deductibles, prior insurance and, where allowed, a credit-based insurance score. Comparing several quotes for the same coverage is the best way to find a good price.

Can insurers use my credit score?

In most states insurers may use a credit-based insurance score as one rating factor, within state rules. California, Hawaii and Massachusetts prohibit using credit for auto insurance pricing, and Michigan restricts it.

Will one ticket raise my rate?

Often, though it depends on the violation, your state and your insurer. Minor violations may have a small effect, and serious ones such as DUI or reckless driving usually have a large and lasting effect. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness.

Does the car I choose affect my insurance cost?

Yes. Repair costs, the price of the car, theft rates, safety ratings, engine power and claim history for that model all influence collision and comprehensive pricing in particular. Quote the specific VIN before you buy.

How often should I shop for car insurance?

Reviewing at each renewal, and whenever you move, buy a car, add a driver or have a ticket fall off your record, is a good habit. Rates change and so do the discounts you qualify for.

Buying a car

Do I need insurance before I buy a car?

You need insurance before you drive it. States require proof of insurance to register and drive the car, and dealers usually ask for proof before delivery. If you finance or lease, the lender will require collision and comprehensive. Get a quote on the exact VIN before you sign.

Does a financed car need full coverage?

Almost always. Loan and lease contracts typically require collision and comprehensive, often with a maximum deductible, and list the lender as loss payee. If coverage lapses, the lender may buy expensive force-placed insurance and add it to your loan.

Coverage

Is the state minimum enough?

It is the legal minimum, not a recommendation. A serious crash can cost far more than minimum limits, and you can be personally responsible for the difference. Many drivers choose higher liability limits, especially if they have savings or a home to protect. A licensed agent can explain the trade-offs.

What is uninsured motorist coverage?

It pays for your injuries (and in some states car damage) when the at-fault driver has no insurance; underinsured motorist coverage helps when their limits are too low. Some states require it; others require insurers to offer it.

What is the difference between collision and comprehensive?

Collision covers damage to your car from hitting another vehicle or object, regardless of fault. Comprehensive covers most other physical damage: theft, vandalism, fire, flood, hail, falling objects and hitting an animal. Both pay up to the car's actual cash value, minus your deductible.

What is a deductible?

The amount you pay toward a collision or comprehensive claim before insurance pays the rest. A higher deductible lowers your premium but increases your out-of-pocket cost after a claim. Liability coverage usually has no deductible.

What is PIP and which states require it?

Personal injury protection pays medical expenses (and in many states lost wages and other costs) for you and your passengers regardless of fault. It is required in no-fault states such as Florida, Michigan, New York and New Jersey and in some other states; see the state pages.

What is a no-fault state?

In a no-fault state your own PIP pays your medical bills after a crash regardless of who caused it, and lawsuits against the other driver for pain and suffering are limited unless injuries meet a threshold. Triple-I lists 12 no-fault states; Kentucky, New Jersey and Pennsylvania let drivers choose.

Do I need gap insurance?

Consider it if you owe more than the car is worth — common with small down payments, long loans or rolled-in negative equity. If the car is totaled, gap pays the difference between the insurer's payout and your loan balance. Many leases include it.

Does my policy cover rideshare or delivery driving?

Usually not while the app is on, under a standard personal policy. Many insurers sell a rideshare endorsement, and the rideshare company provides some coverage during trips. Tell the agent if you drive for a rideshare or delivery service.

Getting a quote

What information do I need for a quote?

The VIN (or year, make and model), garaging ZIP, how you use the car and annual miles, each driver's details, driving history for the last 3–5 years, your current insurer and coverages, and any lender or lessor. The agent will ask for driver's license numbers and dates of birth directly; do not post them on any web form.

How fast will an agent contact me?

Requests are reviewed during business hours and passed to a licensed insurance professional, who follows up by your preferred method and time. For anything urgent, call or text (916) 476-7689.

Is it free to request a quote?

Yes. Requesting a quote through AutosXchange is free and does not obligate you to buy anything. Consent to be contacted is not a condition of any purchase.

Where is the VIN on my car?

Look at the lower driver-side corner of the windshield (visible from outside), the driver-side door jamb sticker, your registration card, title or insurance card. It is 17 characters and never uses the letters I, O or Q.

Claims

What should I do after a car accident?

Make sure everyone is safe and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move to safety if possible, exchange names, insurance and license plate details, take photos, get witness contacts, file a police report where required, and notify your insurer promptly. Do not admit fault at the scene.

Will my rate go up if I file a claim?

It can, especially for at-fault accidents. Not-at-fault claims and many comprehensive claims (like glass or weather) often have less effect, but rules vary by insurer and state.