To drive a vehicle on public roads, almost every state requires drives to have some form of car insurance.

But do you have to pay full price for it? Car insurance discounts could be available to you based on various factors — you just need to know where to look.

Car insurance premium rates are regulated by state governments based on standard risk factors, including age, years of driving experience, type of vehicle driven and where it is parked. However, insurance discounts must be applied equally to all drivers and must not unfairly discriminate against policyholders. This includes any discounts that you may qualify for. Depending on your age, how long you’ve been driving, your driving record and organizations you belong to, you could be eligible for car insurance discounts you didn’t even know existed.

As you shop for car insurance, always ask companies what discounts they offer. Let’s look at how your initial car insurance quote is created — and the types of car insurance discounts that may help you lower that quote or shop for a better one.

• How are car insurance quotes determined?
• Can you get discounts on car insurance?
• What are the best insurance discounts?

How are car insurance quotes determined?

Understanding the different factors that determine your car insurance rate can help you figure out what discounts you might be able to get.

Your driving record is an important factor insurance companies consider when setting your rate. They want to know how likely it is that you’ll get into a car accident, and past driving behavior is an important indicator of future results.

As you begin shopping around and comparing car insurance rates, you give companies permission to look at your motor vehicle report, which may include any accidents and moving violations over the last three to five years.

Simply put: Good drivers may get rewarded with discount car insurance.

Here are some other factors that could affect your car insurance quote.

• Age — Insurers equate age to driving experience. The theory is that the longer you’ve been driving, the less likely you are to get into a car accident — and insurers base that on statistics: The fatal crash rate per mile driven for 16- to 19-year-old-drivers is significantly higher than for drivers 20 and older, according to 2018 data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
• How you use your car — From the insurer’s standpoint, the more you’re on the road, the greater the chance you’ll be involved in an accident — whether it’s your fault or not. If you have a long commute to work or put a lot of other miles on your car, your car insurance premium may be higher.
• Where you live — You could be the safest driver in the world, but if you live in a city with a lot of traffic (which increases the chance of an accident) or increased theft rates, you could pay more than someone who drives the same vehicle in a remote, rural area.
• What kind of car you drive — Premiums may also go up if you have a newer car, an expensive car, a vehicle that’s commonly stolen or a vehicle with fewer safety features.
• How much insurance you want to buy — One of the few auto insurance rate factors in your control is how much insurance you intend to buy. If you decide to purchase insurance with lower deductibles or higher maximum benefits, your price will go up. On the other hand, coverage with higher deductibles or state-minimum benefits could reduce your payment. The goal is to balance how much you can afford to pay if your car gets in an accident with your insurance benefits and price.

Does my credit score affect my car insurance price?

It depends on which state you live in. In most states, your credit score could affect how much you pay for your premium. If you live in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan or Washington state, auto insurance companies can’t use your credit score when establishing your premium. But insurance companies are limited on how they can use your credit score when determining your rate in Oregon, Maryland and Utah, for example.

Can you get discounts on car insurance?

In many situations, yes — car insurance discounts are available to policyholders. But you can only leverage the ones you’re eligible for.

When you’re shopping for car insurance, check on an insurance company’s discount page to see what’s offered, or speak to an insurance agent to find out if you may qualify for any discounts.

Here are a few of the discounts that some of the larger car insurance companies in the U.S. may offer — policies and availability of programs can vary by state.

What are the best insurance discounts?

When it comes to car insurance policy discounts, it’s all about fit. If you’re not a full-time student or don’t have a child studying full time, a good-student discount won’t work for you.

But there are a number of common car insurance discounts that apply to a wide range of drivers.

Be sure to ask your insurance company about these common savings opportunities.

Multi-policy discounts

One of the most common car insurance discounts is the multi-policy option. Insurers want their customers to insure all of their major items with the company, and multi-policy discounts encourage this.

The selling points of bundled policies are that they save time — simplifying your insurance billing with a single company — and money. For example, a number of insurers advertise savings for multi-car coverage and discounts of around 20% to 25% when you bundle home and auto coverage. Some insurers also have options for bundling auto or motorcycle insurance with renters insurance.

Safe-driver and accident-free discounts

Safe-driver discounts can be easier to qualify for — eligibility is partially in the driver’s control. If you keep a clean record and aren’t involved in an accident for a certain period of time — typically three to five years — insurance companies may be able to give you safe-driver or accident-free discounts.

Safety feature discounts

If you’re driving a newer vehicle with top safety features — including airbags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, an anti-theft system or lane departure technology — you could qualify for discount car insurance. Your discount may vary based on how many features your car has.

Next steps

When you go shopping for discount car insurance, don’t just compare companies by their initial rate quotes. Look at what discounts they offer too — you could save even more.

If you’re unsure about whether a certain discount applies to you, you can always ask the insurance company. Let them know about your vehicle’s safety features, any organizations you might be a part of (like an alumni organization, employer group, professional organization or trade union) or if you’ve completed any defensive-driving courses.

And even if you’re not looking for a new car insurance company, it doesn’t hurt to explore these discounts with your current provider. If you’ve joined a discount-eligible group, moved to a less populated area or are commuting less since you first bought your policy, you could get a discount car insurance plan. Share these updates with your current insurer and see if you could bring your premium down.

Updated April 17, 2023

This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.

Editorial Note: Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Written by: Joe Dyton

Editors’ take: Erie Insurance values one-on-one interactions — and its high customer satisfaction ratings reflect that. But you’ll need to contact an agent for most needs, which could feel inconvenient if you prefer online service. Still, Erie car insurance policies come with a lot of extras that could save you money.

Pros

• Ability to lock in your rate
• Lots of insurance “extras” included in policy

Cons

• Only available in 12 states
• Limited ability to manage your policy or claims online
• Fewer-than-typical discount opportunities

What you need to know about Erie auto insurance

Founded in 1925, Pennsylvania-based Erie Insurance offers auto insurance in 12 states along the East Coast and in the Midwest, as well as in Washington, D.C. According to the company website, Erie values providing a “human touch” through its more than 13,000 agents. In addition to car insurance, Erie offers a range of coverage options, including for other vehicle types as well as homeowners, life and business insurance.

Lots of insurance extras

Erie auto insurance policies may come with extras, including a waived auto glass repair deductible, a roadside and rentals bundle, locksmith services, personal item coverage, and even pet insurance in case your pet is injured in a car accident.  

Ability to lock in your rate

With the Erie Rate Lock feature (known as “Erie Rate Protect” in New York), your auto insurance rate won’t increase — even if you file a claim — unless you make a policy change, such as adding or removing a driver or vehicle or changing your address. Take note that Erie Rate Lock is not available in all states, and the rate lock period is limited to three years in Virginia.

High customer satisfaction

Erie’s number of customer complaints in 2022 was lower than usual for insurance companies of its size in the market, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

The company also scores high in customer satisfaction in J.D. Power studies. It was rated above average in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study and No. 2 in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study for midsize insurers. In addition, it was rated No. 1 in the Mid-Atlantic and North Central regions and No. 3 in the Southeast Region in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, which looks at customer satisfaction related to billing, claims, interaction, price and policy offerings.

Auto coverage offered by Erie

Erie Insurance’s coverage area might be limited, but its coverage options aren’t. Erie’s offerings include the following types of coverage:

• Liability insurance
• Collision insurance
• Comprehensive coverage
• Rental car expense coverage (basic coverage included with comprehensive coverage in most states)
• Roadside assistance
• New car protection — If you total your new vehicle that’s up to two years old, Erie will replace it with a new vehicle of the latest model year. Note that this coverage isn’t available in North Carolina or New York.
• Better car protection — If you total an older car, Erie will replace it with a vehicle that’s two years newer. Note that this coverage isn’t available in North Carolina or New York, either.
• Ridesharing coverage — This coverage — available in some states — helps protect you if you use your vehicle to drive for a ridesharing company like Uber or Lyft.
• Non-owned vehicle coverage — Erie offers coverage for cars, moving vans and trailers that you don’t own.
• “First Accident Forgiveness” — After you’ve been an Erie customer for three years (in most states), Erie won’t charge you extra the first time you’re in an at-fault accident.
• “Diminishing Deductible” — Your deductible will be reduced by $100 (up to $500) every consecutive policy year that you don’t file a claim. Keep in mind that eligibility varies by state — check with an insurance agent to see if you qualify.

Auto insurance discounts offered by Erie

Erie offers a limited number of common auto insurance discounts.

• Reduced usage — Erie offers a reduced usage discount if you plan to store your vehicle for 90 consecutive days or more (not available in Kentucky).
• Safety savings — Drivers receive discounts for having safety features like factory-installed airbags, anti-theft devices and anti-lock brakes in the vehicle (some discounts aren’t available in Kentucky or North Carolina).
• Multi-car discount — You could qualify for a discount if you insure two or more cars with Erie.
• Multi-policy discount — Discounts are available for customers who have a qualifying Erie life or home insurance policy along with Erie car insurance. Keep in mind that Erie life insurance policies aren’t available in New York.
• Annual payment plan — You could save if you pay your premium in one lump sum.
• Young drivers discount (not available in North Carolina) — Unmarried drivers under the age of 21 who live with their parents could be eligible for savings.

Common question: Does Erie offer accident forgiveness?

Erie Insurance offers first accident forgiveness. This means you won’t see a premium hike the first time you’re at fault in a car accident. But in most states, you’ll need to be an Erie customer for at least three years to qualify for accident forgiveness.

Common question: What does Erie cover?

Erie offers a range of auto insurance coverage options, including standard liability, comprehensive and collision coverage, as well as a bunch of extras and add-on options. And Erie’s coverage doesn’t stop with cars. The company also covers other vehicles, including motorcycles, RVs, boats, ATVs, classic cars, golf carts and snowmobiles. Erie’s nonvehicle coverage includes home (homeowners, renters, condo, mobile home and flood), life insurance and business insurance.

Not sure if Erie auto insurance is right for you? Consider these alternatives.

Here are two other insurers to consider if you think Erie might not be the best fit for your situation.

• Esurance: This insurer could work for someone who prefers to manage their auto policy and claims entirely online or via a mobile app.
• Geico: Geico may be a good choice if you’re looking for a wider range of discount options.

When you bought your car you likely purchased a standard car insurance policy — and you may have gotten an extended warranty to help pay for mechanical issues down the line. But what happens when that warranty expires?

Once your car warranty expires, you’re financially responsible for any repairs going forward, which can be expensive. One way to keep those costs down is by getting car repair insurance — also known as mechanical breakdown insurance.

Car repair insurance serves a purpose similar to that of a vehicle warranty — easing your financial burden if something goes wrong with your car, like a failed engine or blown transmission. But keep in mind that this type of insurance doesn’t cover traditional wear and tear services like oil changes and tire replacement, or damage from an accident.

Before you buy car repair insurance, you’ll want to figure out if it makes financial sense for you. Based on your car’s age, how much you drive and your current financial situation, you may be better off without it. Let’s explore what car repair insurance is, what it covers and who it may be best suited for.

• What is car repair insurance?
• What does car repair insurance cover?
• Is car repair insurance worth it?
• Car repair insurance alternatives
• Next steps
• FAQs about car repair insurance

What is car repair insurance?

Car repair insurance, sometimes known as mechanical breakdown insurance, is coverage you can add to your current auto insurance policy to help pay for repairs that aren’t accident-related.

It’s important to note that all car repair insurance policies aren’t created equal — coverage can vary depending on the insurer you choose. And keep in mind that car repair insurance may not be available through every insurance carrier.

Eligibility requirements for car repair insurance vary from one company to the next.

How does car repair insurance differ from an extended warranty?

While it may sound like car repair insurance and extended warranties function in similar ways, they actually work very differently. An extended warranty covers specific types of car repairs over a certain period of time or up to a mileage allotment, while car repair insurance provides ongoing coverage (again, what’s covered can vary) as long as you pay for it.

Before opting for an extended warranty, you’ll want to understand what’s covered. Keep in mind that these types of warranties often come with a hefty price tag — and depending on the type of repair you face down the road, you may still be stuck footing the bill.

What’s the difference between standard car insurance and car repair insurance?

First, while standard car insurance is required by law in most states to financially protect you and your vehicle if it’s in an accident, stolen, or damaged in some other way — car repair insurance is optional.

In addition, standard car insurance covers accident-related damage while car repair insurance covers mechanical problems unrelated to accidents. You can think of it this way.

• Standard car insurance helps pay for vehicle repairs related to things like collisions, fire or theft. Your policy will not pay for mechanical or equipment repairs.
• Car repair insurance helps pay for those more-standard repairs and breakdowns that your basic policy won’t, like engine failure or a blown transmission.

Learn more about the types of auto insurance you can buy.

What does car repair insurance cover?

Here are examples of some of the parts and systems covered by car repair insurance:

• Engine
• Transmission
• Brakes
• Suspension
• Steering
• Electrical

Other components may be covered as well.

Car repair insurance doesn’t cover routine service and maintenance or damage caused by accidents.

Is car repair insurance worth it?

There are several benefits to buying car repair insurance. It can give you peace of mind knowing that you likely have coverage for an unexpected repair. But like with all warranties, you’ll want to make sure that you know how the repair process works ahead of time, whether you’ll have to pay upfront and get reimbursed, or whether your service provider will pay for the repair.

You may want to consider getting car repair insurance as your car gets older, or if you buy a used car with significant mileage.

But buying car repair insurance might not make sense for a new car. The types of issues that car repair insurance typically covers (like engine, transmission and mechanical) may not come up for quite a while.

And if they do, your existing new-car warranty would likely cover the repair costs.  So at least until your new-car warranty expires, it can pay to save your money and then consider whether buying car repair insurance makes sense for you. 

Car repair insurance alternatives

Car repair insurance isn’t your only option if you want to protect yourself from the cost of unexpected repairs. Here are a couple of alternatives.

Get an extended warranty

An extended warranty — also known as a vehicle service contract — covers the cost of certain repairs. You can purchase it to supplement the coverage provided by your car’s existing manufacturer’s warranty if it’s still in effect. If the manufacturer’s warranty has expired, you can use an extended warranty to get wide-ranging protection.

This coverage doesn’t include routine maintenance like oil changes and tire replacement.  

Build an emergency fund

An emergency fund is a cash reserve that can be used for unexpected expenses.

You can fund this cash reserve by consistently saving money from your paycheck. Another approach is to build this fund using one-time opportunities such as a tax refund.

Next steps

Now that you have a better idea of what car repair insurance is, think about whether it’s a good value for you.

If it is, start by checking whether your current insurance carrier offers car repair insurance or something similar. If it does, request a quote — and be sure to ask for a detailed list of what repairs will be covered. Car insurance companies typically offer similar coverage when it comes to their auto insurance product. But their car insurance repair parameters can vary.

If you don’t think car repair insurance is worth it, don’t worry — there are alternatives. You can consider getting an extended warranty from your car manufacturer or third party before your factory warranty expires. Just like with car repair insurance, be sure to shop around for the best price.

FAQs about car repair insurance

Updated January 30, 2025

This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.

Editorial Note: Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Written by: Joe Dyton

Pros

• Rewards and discounts for safe drivers
• Pay-per-mile insurance program available

Cons

• Below average customer satisfaction for insurance shopping

What you need to know about Allstate auto insurance

Robert E. Wood, president of Sears, Roebuck & Co., founded Allstate in 1931 with the intention of selling auto insurance by mail. Today, the Illinois-based company offers a range of insurance products, including renters, homeowners, condo, motorcycle, business and term life insurance.

Rewards and discounts for safe drivers

Allstate offers a range of rewards and discounts for policyholders who practice safe driving habits. Drivewise is a usage-based insurance program that allows you to earn rewards for safe driving habits in some states. You can sign up for the program in the Allstate mobile app and use it to track your driving.

Here are some more rewards and discounts for safe drivers.

• Deductible rewards — You can get $100 off your deductible when you sign up, plus an additional $100 off for each year that you’re accident free — up to $500.
• Safe driving bonus — If you add this to your policy, you get a bonus for every six months that you go without an accident.

Below average shopping experience

Allstate was rated below average in the J.D. Power 2024 Insurance Shopping Study.

Pay-per-mile program

In addition to Drivewise, Allstate is one of only a few insurance companies to offer a pay-per-mile insurance program. With Milewise, you pay a daily base rate, plus a per-mile rate for each mile you drive. This program could be ideal if you have a short commute, work from home or just don’t drive much. Currently, Milewise isn’t available in every state.

A closer look at Allstate auto insurance

Here are a few more things to know about Allstate auto insurance.

• Range of coverage options — Beyond standard insurance coverage such as liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, personal injury protection, rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance, Allstate offers insurance for rideshare drivers, classic car insurance and new car replacement coverage.
• Teen driver insurance — Allstate offers a range of opportunities to save on insurance for your student driver. You might be able to get a discount for taking part in Allstate’s teen-driver training program, and Allstate offers accident forgiveness — which can keep your rates from going up after an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.
• Robust mobile app — Using Allstate’s mobile app, you can retrieve your ID cards, pay your bill, report a claim, make a quick photo claim, request roadside assistance, view policy documents and more.
• Easy claims process — In addition to using the Allstate app, you can file a claim online, or over the phone with a local agent.

Is an Allstate auto insurance policy the right fit for you?

If you’re a historically good driver, Allstate insurance might be a good fit for you. The company’s many rewards and discounts for good driving habits could help reduce your insurance premium. And if you don’t drive much each day, Allstate’s Milewise program could help you save.

Allstate may also be ideal if you’re tech savvy and like the idea of being able to manage your policy and claims through a mobile app.

But if your driving record is spotty, you aren’t the safest driver or you want an insurer with higher shopping satisfaction, Allstate may not be the best choice for you.

How to get an auto insurance quote from Allstate

You can get an online insurance quote at allstate.com, or you can get a quote by speaking with an Allstate agent.

Before you buy an auto insurance policy from Allstate, it’s a good idea to gather and compare quotes from other insurers. Shopping around can help you find the best auto policy for your needs and budget. Read our article on how to compare car insurance rates to learn more about the process.

Not sure if an auto insurance policy from Allstate is right for you? Consider these alternatives.

If you’re not sure whether car insurance from Allstate is right for you, here are some other auto insurance companies to consider.

• Amica Mutual: Auto insurance from Amica Mutual might be worth considering if you want an insurer with strong claims satisfaction ratings.
• Farmers Insurance: Farmers Insurance may be good if you want a range of supplemental insurance coverage options, such as original equipment manufacturer coverage.

Updated January 14, 2025

This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.

Editorial Note: Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Written by: Joe Dyton

Pros

• Numerous coverage options
• Range of services and hands-on support during the claims process
• Rated above average for claims satisfaction

Cons

• Below average ratings for insurance shopping experience

What you need to know about Farmers auto insurance

Farmers Insurance was started in a one-room office in downtown Los Angeles in 1928. Today, it serves millions of homes throughout the U.S.

Farmers works with thousands of exclusive and independent insurance agents, and it offers a full menu of insurance products in most states, including homeowners, renters, motorcycle, recreational, umbrella, business and life insurance. Farmers also offers coverage for boats and recreational vehicles, including motor homes and travel trailers.

Customer service

Customers rated Farmers as below average among large insurers in the 2024 J.D. Power Insurance Shopping Study.

But Farmers was rated above average in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.

Numerous auto insurance coverage options

Farmers offers standard car insurance coverage such as liability, collision and comprehensive coverage — but it also offers a range of other, less-common options.

• Loss of use — Provides a flat sum to pay for transportation while your car is repaired, including public transit, a rental vehicle, taxi or rideshare services
• Customized equipment coverage — Covers costs to repair or replace equipment you had installed, such as infotainment systems
• Original equipment manufacturer coverage — Covers the cost of using original factory parts in covered repairs on vehicles up to 10 years old
• Glass deductible buyback — Allows you to lower your deductible to $100 for glass repair and replacement
• New-car replacement — When your car is totaled, this covers the cost to replace your vehicle with a new one of the same make and model. This coverage is available for cars up to two model years old with up to 24,000 miles. Some other insurers who offer this type of coverage require your vehicle to be no more than 1 year old and have fewer than 15,000 miles. 

Claims support and services

Farmers offers a range of services during the claims process to help you get back behind the wheel. Here are some of Farmers’ claims support features.

• Offers a guaranteed repair program
• Can connect you with a glass repair company
• Can help you find and save money on a replacement car through its partnership with TrueCar

A closer look at Farmers auto insurance

Here are a few more things to know about Farmers auto insurance.

• Potential to save based on how you drive — Farmers policyholders can save on their insurance premium when they download and use the Signal app. Based on how you drive, you could save each time your policy renews. But your premium may increase based on your driving behavior, too. As part of Farmers’ accident forgiveness coverage, you can keep your premium from going up after one at-fault accident for every three years you go without one.
• Towing and roadside assistance — Farmers auto policies include roadside assistance.
• Discounts — Farmers offers auto insurance discounts for certain professions (such as doctors, nurses, dentists, teachers, police and firefighters), as well as for people who own a home, are good students or have certain car safety features. Farmers also offers multicar and multipolicy discounts. Just keep in mind that available discounts vary by state, so you’ll need to contact a Farmers agent to get a full list of potential discounts where you live.
• Various ways to report a claim — You can report an insurance claim online, by phone or through the Farmers mobile app.
• Robust mobile app — You can use the Farmers mobile app to get a quote, stay in touch with your local agent, view policy documents, pay bills, report a claim, request roadside assistance and more.

Is a Farmers auto insurance policy the right fit for you?

Farmers auto insurance could be a good fit if you have a new car that you want added protection for. With an extensive list of coverage options, Farmers may also be ideal if you’re seeking a type of coverage that isn’t commonly offered by other insurers, such as spare parts (which could be useful if you have a classic or collector car, for example) or customized equipment coverage.

Farmers may also be a good choice if you prefer working with an agent.

How to get an auto insurance quote from Farmers

You can get an auto insurance quote through the app, online at farmers.com or by calling a Farmers agent. You’ll need to provide information about your car, commute and drivers in your household.

Once you review your quote, you can also buy a Farmers auto policy online. But before you buy, it’s a good idea to get quotes from a few other auto insurance companies and compare them. Shopping around can help you get the best possible car insurance price for your situation. Check out our article on how to compare car insurance rates to learn more.

Not sure if a Farmers auto insurance policy is right for you? Consider these alternatives.

If you aren’t sure whether Farmers auto insurance is right for you, here are some other insurance providers to consider.

• Allstate: Allstate might be good if you’re a safe driver seeking discounts.
• Geico: Geico could be ideal for someone who wants a range of potential discounts.