The numbers imprinted on your debit card are unique and have a very specific meaning for merchants and card processors.

Have you ever taken a moment to look at the various things printed on your debit card? That small piece of plastic can give you access to cash at ATMs, allow you to tap or swipe to pay for purchases in stores and make it easy to conduct transactions online by simply referencing the information imprinted on the card.

But while that string of debit card numbers may seem random, it’s actually a unique code with a very specific meaning. Let’s look at what those 16 digits printed on the front or back of your card can tell you.

• What do my debit card numbers mean?
• How can I find my debit card number?
• What are the other parts of a debit card?

What do my debit card numbers mean?

One important piece of information found on your debit card is the 16-digit debit card number. This is the number that a merchant, credit card company or even a card network will use to identify your specific account, ensuring that your purchases are approved and processed correctly.

To read this string of numbers, you’ll need to break it into two different sections.

The first six digits

Digits one through six of your debit card number make up your card issuer identification number, also known as a bank identification number. These digits tell you (and merchants) which credit card network or banking institution the card belongs to, and where the transaction should be processed through.

The very first digit in the series is called the major industry identifier, or MII. This tells you the industry from which the card was issued. It can be a bank, credit union, credit card network, airline or even the government.

If the debit card can also be used to process transactions through a credit card network, it’ll have a credit card network logo printed in the corner. The four primary credit card networks are Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.

Though a debit card may have a credit card network logo on it, that doesn’t mean you can use it as a credit card. Debit cards are typically still tied to a checking or savings account, and the funds will be withdrawn as the transaction is posted.

The last 10 digits

The remaining digits of your debit card are used to personally identify your specific account. But while they reference the checking or savings account to which the card is tied, these numbers aren’t the same as your actual bank account number.

These numbers may change if the card is replaced in the event of loss or theft, but will likely stay the same if it expires or is damaged and you’re sent a new card.

The very last digit

The very last digit of your card number is a check sum, also called the check digit or key. Using a mathematical equation called the Luhn algorithm, this last digit can immediately detect if a card number is valid or not. It is used to immediately catch user errors — such as hitting the 9 instead of the 6 when typing in a card number — as well as certain instances of fraud.

How can I find my debit card number?

Your debit card number may be printed on either the front or the back of your debit card. More often than not, the number is embossed (printed with raised type) on the face of the card.

If you don’t have your card handy, you may be able to log into your bank’s mobile app or mobile wallet to see a digital version of your card.

What are the other parts of a debit card?

Beyond the debit card number, there are a few other debit card details to note. Here are the other pieces of debit card information you’ll likely see.

• Cardholder name — Your debit card will typically have your name printed on the front or back.
• Smart chip/magnetic stripe — In order to swipe a card for purchases, the reverse side of a debit card will include a magnetic strip. This strip encodes your personal information, which is used to process transactions. Most cards today are also chip cards, with a smart chip embedded in the face of the card. This is used to ensure more secure transactions.
• CVV code — Also known as a signature panel code, or SPC, this three-digit number is located in the signature panel box on the back of your card. It’s an added security feature, in conjunction with your card number and expiration date.
• Bank logo — Most banks will print their logo on the face of the card.
• Bank contact information — The reverse side of your card will usually include contact information for your financial institution, such as its mailing address, phone number or website.
• Signature panel — The back side of many debit and credit cards will contain a box for the cardholder to sign. This signature panel is used by merchants to confirm the cardholder’s identity, especially when transactions are processed through a credit card network (rather than by using a PIN, or personal identification number).
• Payment network logo and/or hologram — If your debit card can also be processed through a credit card network (such as Visa or Mastercard), that network’s logo (and often, a security hologram) will be printed in the corner.
• Expiration date — Your debit card will have an expiration date printed, which includes a month and year, usually on the front of the card.

What’s next?

Your debit card number is unique to you and your account, so it’s important to keep this information safe and confidential. If you lose your debit card or believe it may have been stolen, it’s wise to take precautions to protect your money. This might include freezing your debit card or contacting your banking institution to get a new card issued.

The new card may or may not have the same number as the one that was lost, so you may need to contact any merchants currently using your old debit card for automatic payments, bill-pay, memberships and the like.

This offer is no longer available on our site: Boston Celtics Credit Card

The Boston Celtics Credit Card is no longer available. For another option, shop for rewards cards on Credit Karma.

Pros

• Bonus rewards categories
• No annual fee
• Easy-to-earn sign-up bonus

Cons

• Limited redemption options
• Perks may appeal only to Celtics fans

What you need to know about the Boston Celtics Credit Card

If you’re a Boston Celtics fan, you might be considering adding the Boston Celtics Credit Card to your wallet. This card offers a slew of perks for Celtics fans. And its annual fee? None. Let’s take a closer look at some of the card’s key features.

Earning points with the Boston Celtics Credit Card

The Boston Celtics Credit Card gives you the ability to earn points on every purchase.

Here’s how the rewards categories break down.

• 7 points per $1 spent on Celtics tickets
• 3 points per $1 spent in bars and restaurants
• 1 point per $1 on all other spending

Perks are geared toward Celtics fans

Celtics fans would likely most appreciate this card’s Celtics-related perks. Not only do you get the seven points per $1 spent on Celtics ticket purchases, but cardholders also get 20% off all purchases at the Celtics online shop.

And when you go to redeem your points, you’ll have the option to cash them in for Celtics tickets or memorabilia, including team-signed balls and jerseys. Other redemption options include statement credits and gift cards.

Easy-to-earn sign-up bonus

With this card you can earn 5,000 points worth at least $50 in statement credits. But you’ll have to spend $500 in the first 3 months of account opening.

This bonus may be less than some other welcome bonuses, but if you were planning on making $500 in purchases anyway, it’s a great way to earn some extra rewards.

Limited redemption options

To redeem your points, you’ll have to log into the portal run by Cardless, the card’s issuer. Your options include the following:

• Celtics merchandise and memorabilia
• Statement credits
• Gift cards

What else you need to know about the Boston Celtics Credit Card

• No late fees — There are no fees if you pay after the due date.
• No foreign transaction fees — Using the card overseas won’t cost you extra.
• No cash advance fee — You won’t be charged a fee if you get a cash advance.

Who this card is good for

From its bonus rewards categories on game tickets to rewards that include premium Celtics experiences like signed team jerseys and balls, this card is specifically designed with Celtics enthusiasts in mind.

But since it offers bonus rewards in other categories like bars and restaurants, this card does have some long-term value that goes beyond rooting for the Celtics.

But if you’re not a Celtics loyalist, you may have little interest in carrying a Celtics-branded card in your wallet or in making use of some of the card’s perks. A more general purpose cash back credit card might be a better fit.

With so much of today’s banking being handled digitally, you may be wondering if you can actually cash a paper check online.

While you can’t technically cash a check in the traditional sense online, in many cases there are ways you can cash a check and get access to the funds electronically. Let’s explore how it works.

• Can I cash a check online?
• Where to cash a check online
• What to consider when cashing a check online

Can I cash a check online?

If you want to cash a check in the traditional sense — walking away with cash in hand — you’ll need to go to a physical location. This could include a branch of your bank or credit union, the bank or credit union from which the check was issued, or a check-cashing business. Some retailers (such as grocery stores) also provide check-cashing services.

But there are also some ways to deposit a check digitally and potentially get electronic access to some or all of the cash quickly.

Where to cash a check online

Here are some of the ways you can get access to your money if you want to deposit a check online.

Mobile check deposit

If your bank has a mobile check deposit feature, this may be a great way to cash a check electronically — especially if you want to potentially avoid paying any fees.

With mobile check deposit, all you typically need to do to deposit your check is take a picture of it using your bank’s app. Your bank may have specific instructions or requirements around endorsing a check for mobile deposit, but generally the process is fairly straightforward.  

Funds may be available within a day or so, but the timing could depend on your bank’s policies and the type of check.

If you need your funds quickly, it’s important to know that some banks may put a temporary hold on some or all of your cash. But you’ll be able to electronically access and spend any funds that may be immediately available to you — all without leaving your house. 

Check-cashing apps

If you don’t have access to mobile deposit through your bank or don’t have a bank account, you may want to consider using a check-cashing app.

Like using mobile deposit through a bank, these third-party apps allow you to use your smartphone to deposit a check digitally. Depending on the service you use, you may be able to access your money through the app, have it transferred to your own bank account or get it loaded onto a prepaid card.

You might also be able to send the funds to a money transfer service like MoneyGram, where you can pick up the cash.

But be aware that check-cashing apps typically have hold times on mobile check deposits, just like major banks do.

And while some of these apps don’t charge fees for their online check cashing services, they could charge extra if you want access to your cash quickly.

What to consider when cashing a check online

Remember that while you can’t cash a check the old-fashioned way online, it’s possible to deposit and access funds electronically. If you’re considering using your bank’s mobile app or a third-party check-cashing app, here are a few things to think about.

• Convenience — If you don’t feel like taking a trip to your bank or other brick-and-mortar check-cashing business, you may prefer an online option.   
• Safety — You won’t have to worry about carrying around a check and possibly losing it if you opt to cash it digitally. And banks and third-party apps typically have measures in place that are aimed at online security.
• Fees — Understand the cost of mobile deposit. While some banks and third parties might not charge you anything to use their services, you should be aware of fees that might apply if you want your cash sooner.
• Speed of access to funds — Funds from your mobile check deposit may or may not be available immediately.
• Deposit limits — Limits on how many mobile deposits you can make, or how much you can deposit digitally at once, may apply.  
• Not all types of checks are eligible — There may be limitations on the types of checks you can deposit. For example, some banks may not accept certain types of checks, like cashier’s checks, third-party checks or money orders.

What’s next?

If you’re not comfortable cashing a check online or don’t have access to a mobile banking app or service, you could always go the more traditional route of cashing checks in person.

Or, instead of receiving money in the form of a check, you could ask the person paying you to give you cash or use an electronic payment option like Zelle or Venmo.

Updated December 19, 2024

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: Stephanie Colestock

Editors’ take: With Auto-Owners Insurance, you must reach out to an insurance agent to get a quote, file a claim or manage your policy. This could be ideal if you want one-on-one support — especially since the company consistently gets high customer satisfaction ratings. But if you prefer online access, you might want to look elsewhere.

Auto-Owners Insurance at a glance

Pros

• Low on the complaint index
• Insures a range of vehicle types
• Opportunity to save based on how you drive (Ohio only)

Cons

• Must work with an agent
• No ability to get an online quote
• Not available in every state

What you need to know about Auto-Owners Insurance

Founded in 1916, Auto-Owners Insurance offers a range of insurance products, including auto insurance, life insurance, homeowners insurance, renters insurance, business insurance and even pet insurance. The company works with 48,000 local, independent agents in many states (check to see if yours is one of them).

High customer satisfaction ratings

Auto-Owners Insurance consistently receives above-average customer satisfaction ratings across J.D. Power studies. The company scored close to average in J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.

In terms of customer complaints, the insurer received significantly fewer than usual complaints for a company of its size in the market in 2022, according to National Association of Insurance Commissioners data available in April 2023.

Must work with an agent

In order to get an insurance quote, purchase coverage, make changes to a policy or file a claim, you’ll need to work directly with an agent. Auto-Owners doesn’t offer quotes online or through a mobile app, and you can’t file a claim online. This could be a pro or a con, depending on whether you prefer one-on-one support or managing your policy on your own.

Not available everywhere

Auto-Owners Insurance offers auto insurance in the following 26 states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Auto coverage offered by Auto-Owners Insurance

The following auto insurance coverage options through Auto-Owners are pretty standard:

• Bodily injury and property damage liability
• Comprehensive coverage
• Collision insurance
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Medical payments (MedPay) and personal injury protection (PIP)
• Roadside assistance

Additional coverage options include the following:

• Gap coverage — This helps cover the difference between what your insurance covers and the amount you owe on your car loan, in the event your vehicle is stolen, damaged or declared a total loss.
• Additional expense coverage — This coverage helps pay for expenses like rental cars as well as food or lodging if you’re stranded away from home after an accident.
• Diminished value coverage — If your car’s value depreciates after an accident, this coverage will pay you back for that reduction in value.
• Personal Automobile Plus package — This package includes more than 10 types of coverage, such as cellphone replacement, re-keying locks and identity theft protection.

Auto-Owners Insurance policies also come with some perks. For example, if you’re involved in an accident with another Auto-Owners Insurance customer, your collision deductible will be waived. Auto policies also include common loss deductible coverage, which means that if both your home and vehicle are insured with Auto-Owners Insurance — and both are damaged in the same incident — your total auto deductible will be reduced or waived.

In addition to cars, Auto-Owners Insurance offers coverage for motorcycles, motorhomes and RVs, boats, trailers, ATVs, and other off-road vehicles. It also writes policies for classic and vintage cars as well as converted or modified vehicles (such as wheelchair-accessible vans).

Auto insurance discounts offered by Auto-Owners Insurance

Auto-Owners Insurance offers quite a few discounts, though most of them are what you’d expect from any auto insurance company. Here are a few.

• Multi-policy discount
• Multi-vehicle discount
• Paid-in-full discount
• Payment history discount — You could save if you pay your insurance premium on time for 36 months or more.
• Green discount — Save if you opt into paperless billing.
• Bundling discount — People with a qualifying life insurance policy with Auto-Owners can save on their auto policy.
• Safety features discount — You may be able to save if your car has certain safety features, such as anti-lock brakes, airbags or anti-theft devices.
• Good student discount — Students who maintain a cumulative B GPA (or higher) may be able to save up to 20%.
• Teen Driver Monitoring discount — You may be able to save if you choose to have a GPS device installed on the car your teen drives.

Does Auto-Owners Insurance have accident forgiveness?

Auto-Owners Insurance doesn’t mention accident forgiveness anywhere on its website, but it provides discounts for drivers with a positive claims history, and the company waives your collision deductible if you’re in an accident that involves another driver who uses Auto-Owners.

Who owns Auto-Owners Insurance?

Auto-Owners Insurance Company was founded in 1916 by Vern V. Moulton and four associates. The carrier has since acquired nine subsidiary companies, which collectively make up the Auto-Owners Insurance Group. These include Auto-Owners Life Insurance, Home-Owners Insurance and Property-Owners Insurance. Auto-Owners Insurance is headquartered in Lansing, Michigan.

Is Auto-Owners Insurance good?

With top customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power, fewer than average customer complaints, and an A+ rating and accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, Auto-Owners Insurance may be a good option if you value customer service and want to work with an agent. It could also be a solid choice if you’re concerned about company stability: The company holds an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best — the highest possible rating.

But before you buy a policy from Auto-Owners Insurance, it’s a good idea to compare car insurance quotes from a few insurance companies to help make sure you’re getting the best possible rate for the coverage you need.

Not sure if Auto-Owners Insurance is right for you? Consider these alternatives.

• Progressive: This company may be a great choice if you prefer to buy and manage your policy online or through a mobile app.
• Geico: Geico could be a good option if you want your policy to include accident forgiveness.

If you’re among the 94% of American workers who prefer to receive their paychecks through direct deposit, you may need to give your employer a voided check to set things up.

Your employer may request a voided check to get your bank’s information, routing number and your own bank account number so they know where to deposit your money.

It’s wise to be cautious with your bank account information, so knowing the proper way to void a blank check could help you set up direct deposit safely and correctly. Let’s look at what you need to know about how to void a blank check.

• What’s a voided check?
• How to void a blank check
• What are reasons to void a blank check?
• What’s next? Setting up direct deposit without a voided check.

What’s a voided check?

A voided check is a valid paper bank check that you render unusable and uncashable. Though that specific check can no longer be used to make a purchase or access funds from the attached bank account without your authorization, a voided check is still very useful.

A voided check still contains valuable banking information such as your account and routing number — and you’ll need both numbers to set up a direct deposit through your employer or other payer. Your voided check may also include your address and the name (or names) of the account owner(s), exactly as they’re listed with the banking institution.

Voided checks often contain other important details necessary for an ACH electronic transaction setup, such as your bank’s branch address and phone number.

How to void a blank check

Voiding a blank check is as simple as writing the word “VOID.”

The easiest way to void a check is to rip out the next check number from your checkbook, and then write “void” across the front in large letters. Or, you may choose to write “void” on all the important lines of the check, including the payee line and signature line. You’ll want to use permanent ink (such as a pen or marker) to ensure that it can’t be erased. Just make sure that you don’t cover up the important areas such as your account number and routing number at the bottom of your check, or your personal/bank branch info.

In some cases, your employer may ask for the physical check that has been voided. You may be able to provide a pre-filled form from your bank.

If you give your employer a voided check, be sure to record it in your check register so that you can keep track of which check number was used. After you’ve recorded the voided check, you can either keep it in a secure file or completely destroy it.

Voiding a check payment

There’s a big difference between voiding a blank check and voiding a check that you’ve already written out as payment to someone else. If you’re trying to void a check that was sent to a payee or processed through a merchant, you’ll actually need to contact your bank or credit union about a “stop payment order.”

Whether you’re able to stop a check payment depends on when it was written and whether the payment has already been processed. And depending on your banking institution, there may be fees involved with stopping payment on a check.

What are reasons to void a blank check?

You may need to void a blank check for multiple reasons, not just to set up direct deposit for your paycheck.

You can also request ACH payment for government funds, such as Social Security checks or your tax refund. Since your personal bank check includes all the necessary information to set up an electronic payment (bank institution info, personal info, routing number and account info), it serves as a simple resource and helps eliminate errors.

Voided checks may also be necessary when setting up automatic bill payments, such as bill-pay for utilities or even automatic payments on a home or student loan. While many merchants and lenders can simply accept your banking institution information, voiding a blank check is often required.

What’s next? Setting up direct deposit without a voided check.

With the rise of online banks, your checking account may not come with a supply of paper checks. If you don’t have access to paper checks that you can void and provide to your employer or a merchant who needs one, there are other ways to set up ACH transactions.

• In many cases, your employer can establish direct deposit simply with you providing your routing and account numbers, as well as how your name appears on the account. Check with your employer’s payroll department to determine if this is an option.
• The company requesting a voided check may be able to accept printed deposit slips, that have your banking account information on them, instead of a check.
• Many banks now offer digital checks or, as mentioned above, a pre-filled direct deposit authorization form for ACH setup purposes. These can be filled out online and either printed or emailed directly to your payer.
• Check with the merchant you want to pay or the lender to whom you make loan payments, to see if they have online options for enrolling in automatic bill payment.

Knowing how to void a blank check is useful whether you need to set up auto-pay on a loan or want to start receiving your paycheck via direct deposit. Voided checks allow you to protect your funds from unauthorized use while also providing your pertinent financial information.

It’s an ironic reality of banking: You may have to pay in order to use your own money, even if you open a “free” account.

Both online and brick-and-mortar banks may charge monthly maintenance fees (among other types of fees), which can easily add up over the course of the year. But you may not be stuck having to pay them.

Here’s a look at what monthly maintenance fees are, where you can expect to see them and how much they cost on average. Want to avoid these fees altogether? We’ll cover a number of ways to do so.

• What is a monthly maintenance fee?
• Which banking products have monthly maintenance fees?
• Why do banks charge monthly maintenance fees?
• What is the average monthly maintenance fee?
• How can I avoid monthly maintenance fees?

What is a monthly maintenance fee?

A maintenance fee is a charge that account holders may incur monthly just for having a checking account with a financial institution. Not every financial institution charges these fees (though many do), and they may not apply to every type of account offered. And those that do charge monthly maintenance fees often allow account holders to avoid them by meeting certain requirements.

Banks are required to disclose any monthly maintenance fees upfront. So when you’re shopping around for a new checking account, read the fine print carefully to see which fees you may incur and if there are ways to avoid them. If so, take a moment to determine if you can meet those requirements and save yourself the cost.

Which banking products have monthly maintenance fees?

You’ll often see monthly maintenance fees associated with personal checking and business checking accounts. But some banks also charge monthly fees for savings accounts.  

You typically won’t find monthly maintenance fees associated with products like certificates of deposit, or CDs (though those types of accounts have other fees and penalties to keep in mind and avoid).

Why do banks charge monthly maintenance fees?

Charging monthly maintenance fees may help banks offset some of the costs involved with day-to-day operations and certain account features (like ATM reimbursement or rewards on daily transactions). Fee waivers might entice new customers to make larger deposits each month, hold larger balances, and even use their account with greater frequency.

Financial institutions, like any other type of business, need to make money to survive. Monthly maintenance fees likely contribute to a bank’s bottom line, helping it turn a profit and cover its operating costs.

What is the average monthly maintenance fee?

Maintenance fees can vary from bank to bank, but a 2020 Bankrate study found that the average monthly fee is $15.50 (an all-time high).

Monthly maintenance fee amounts can depend on a few factors, including the financial institution, type of account (checking, savings, etc.) and where you live. Here are some monthly maintenance fees that a handful of large financial institutions charge (as of Dec. 10, 2020).

Because bank rules and charges can vary, you’ll want to shop around when opening a new account. Find the checking account that offers the services and features you need with the lowest monthly fee, or that makes it easy for you to get the fee waived. And keep in mind that many banks offer more than one checking account option, each with its own fees and requirements.

Some financial institutions — mostly online banks — don’t charge maintenance fees at all, although other types of fees may apply to their accounts.

And even if your chosen bank does impose monthly fees, there are often ways to bypass these charges altogether.

How can I avoid monthly maintenance fees?

The easiest way to avoid being charged a monthly maintenance fee from your banking institution is to choose a bank that doesn’t charge this fee in the first place. Free checking and savings account options are available.

And if you find an account that you want at a bank that does impose monthly fees, that bank may offer ways to avoid them. Typically, this involves meeting certain requirements for how you manage your funds.

Banks may offer to waive your account’s monthly maintenance fee if you …

• Keep enough money in the account. Some banks will waive a monthly fee as long as you keep a certain balance in your account, either a minimum daily balance or an average daily balance requirement over the course of the month. You may also qualify for a waived fee if you meet a combined balance requirement across multiple accounts.
• Accept monthly direct deposits. If you make a certain dollar amount in direct deposits in a month, your bank may waive the maintenance fee on the account for that statement cycle.
• Have other products or accounts from the same bank. You might get your monthly fee waived if you have other qualifying products, services or accounts from the same bank, such as a home mortgage, personal loan, credit card or even a connected or investment savings account.
• Are of a certain age or attend school. If you’re under a set age limit or student, you might qualify to have your monthly fees waived. Each bank has different age limits, and some waive fees for either high school students or college students (or sometimes both).

Next steps

Shopping around thoroughly before choosing a new bank account can give you a chance to hold onto more of your hard-earned money. Consider how you typically bank, including your average daily account balance and whether or not you receive direct deposits.

Then, be sure to compare the features that are most important to you, like a high interest rate, ATM fee reimbursement and rewards on daily transactions. You should also examine whether the bank is FDIC-insured, offers overdraft fee protection or has in-branch banking (if desired).

Keep in mind that your banking needs may change over time, along with your habits and financial situation. If you ever begin to feel that your bank account isn’t the right fit — or your account benefits don’t outweigh what you’re spending in monthly maintenance fees — it may be time to switch accounts.

Updated September 13, 2022

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: Stephanie Colestock

Pros

• Rates based on how much you drive
• Miles beyond 250/day are free (150 in NJ)
• Robust mobile app

Cons

• Only available in eight states
• Not cost-effective for high-mileage drivers
• More complaints than usual for an insurer of its size in the market

What you need to know about Metromile insurance

Headquartered in San Francisco, Metromile is a usage-based insurance company, meaning it looks beyond the factors traditional insurers consider — such as your age, location and vehicle — to determine your car insurance premium.

Rates based on your mileage

Metromile offers pay-per-mile car insurance. As the term suggests, you’re charged a per-mile rate plus a flat monthly fee for coverage. The math is simple: The fewer miles you drive, the less you’ll pay in a given month. Metromile claims on its website that its monthly base rate starts at $29 per month, then you’re charged “a few cents” per mile. But keep in mind that both your base and per-mile rates will depend on factors such as your age, type of vehicle and driving history.

If you decide to take the occasional road trip, you won’t be penalized. You’re only charged for the first 250 miles (150 miles if you live in New Jersey) driven on any given day.

To track your mileage, Metromile gives customers the Metromile Pulse, a small device that plugs into your car’s OBD-II port — the same place a mechanic plugs in their tool to “diagnose” your vehicle. The device also captures data regarding your location, which can come in handy if your car is stolen. Metromile says on its website that it has a 92% stolen-car return rate.

A closer look at Metromile insurance

Here are a few more things to know about Metromile insurance.

• Only available in some states — Metromile only offers auto coverage in eight states: Arizona, California, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington.
• Few coverage options — Metromile only offers liability, comprehensive and collision insurance, as well as roadside assistance as an add-on.
• Pets are also protected — In some states, drivers automatically get up to $1,000 in pet injury coverage with comprehensive or collision policies.
• File claims quickly and easily — All drivers have access to 24/7 claims, which can be submitted quickly vis the mobile app, online or over the phone.
• Coverage is only for personal cars — Metromile doesn’t offer coverage for motorcycles, ATVs, RVs or boats — or for vehicles used for ride sharing or food delivery.

Is a Metromile insurance policy the right fit for you?

A Metromile policy may be ideal if you work from home, have a short daily commute or live within walking distance of the stores, restaurants and other places you go to a lot. Metromile notes on its blog that if you drive fewer than 10,000 miles per year, its insurance may be ideal for you. It may also be a good fit if you like the idea of using digital features and managing your policy largely from an app.

But if you regularly log a lot of miles or are turned off by an app tracking where you go, Metromile may not be the best choice for you.

How to get an auto insurance quote from Metromile

If you live in one of the eight states where Metromile operates, you can easily get a quote for coverage online or over the phone. According to the company’s website, the online process only takes about two minutes.

Any time you’re buying auto insurance coverage, it’s always smart to shop around for quotes first. Check out our guide on comparing auto insurance rates for tips on evaluating your options.

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

If you’re not sure whether Metromile is right for you — or if you live in a state where Metromile doesn’t offer insurance — here are some alternatives to consider.

• Farmers auto insurance: Farmers could be a good fit if you’re looking for a range of auto insurance coverage options, beyond standard types of coverage.
• Allstate: Allstate may work if you’re looking for coverage for a motorcycle, boat or ATV.

Updated April 20, 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: Stephanie Colestock

Pros

• Potential discounts

Cons

• Higher-than-expected rate of complaints
• Not available in some states

What you need to know about Esurance auto insurance

If you’re in the market for a new auto insurance policy, chances are that you’ve heard of Esurance, which has been selling policies since 1999. The company is owned by Allstate. Esurance is a California-based insurance company that sells policies through its website, mobile app or by phone. In addition to car insurance, Esurance offers motorcycle, renters and homeowners insurance in some states.

Higher-than-expected rate of complaints

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

Save based on how you drive

Esurance customers in some states can sign up to get an instant discount, then track your driving habits with the DriveSense mobile app to get a discount on your premium for each policy term.

A closer look at Esurance auto insurance

Want to know more about Esurance car insurance? Let’s take a deeper look.

• Availability — One of the biggest downsides to Esurance is that you can’t purchase a policy everywhere: Auto insurance coverage is currently offered in 43 states.
• Standard coverage options — Esurance offers standard coverage options, such as liability, comprehensive, collision, medical payments, personal injury protection and rental car reimbursement coverage. It also offers gap coverage.
• CarMatch Rental Coverage — In most states, Esurance offers CarMatch Rental Coverage, which covers the rental cost of a vehicle that’s comparable to your own car in size and body type. Note that you’ll need to have comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy to get CarMatch.
• File and manage claims online — Policyholders can file and track insurance claims or request roadside assistance by phone, online or through the Esurance mobile app.
• Robust mobile app — You can also use the mobile app to manage your policy, access insurance documents, make a payment and even make a one-time change to your payment due date.

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

Esurance auto insurance could be good if you want the ability to manage your policy or file a claim online or through an app. It may also work for you if you’re a safe driver and can qualify for some of the related discounts Esurance offers.

But if you prefer to work one-on-one with an insurance agent or don’t live in a state where Esurance offers auto insurance, you’ll need to consider other insurance carriers.

How to get an auto insurance quote from Esurance

Getting an auto insurance quote online at esurance.com will only take an average of six minutes, Esurance says on its website. You can also call Esurance if you’d like to complete the quote process over the phone.

But before you buy a policy with Esurance, it’s wise to compare quotes from multiple auto insurance companies to help find the best policy for your needs.

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

If you aren’t sure whether Esurance is the right choice for your next auto insurance policy, here are some other car insurance companies to consider.

• Amica: Amica could be a good fit if you’re seeking a company with strong claims satisfaction.
• Metromile: Metromile might work if you want your insurance premium to be largely based on how many miles you drive rather than how you drive.

Updated August 5, 2024

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: Stephanie Colestock

Pros

• Premiums based on how you drive
• Roadside assistance included in every policy
• Ability to file a claim quickly

Cons

• Not available in every state
• Not everyone qualifies for coverage

• What you need to know about Root auto insurance
• A closer look at Root auto insurance
• Is a Root auto insurance policy a good fit for you?
• How to get an auto insurance quote from Root
• Not sure if an auto insurance policy from Root is right for you? Consider these alternatives.

What you need to know about Root auto insurance

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Root Insurance was the country’s first entirely mobile-based insurance carrier. The company offers auto, and renters and homeowners insurance.

Premiums based on how you drive

According to Root, policy premiums are based largely on your driving behavior. Through its mobile app, Root will use your smartphone’s sensors to gather data virtually about your behind-the-wheel habits for a few weeks. After your test drive data is analyzed, Root may offer you a personalized quote.

But if you’re deemed a bad driver — either according to your driving history or data gathered through your Root test drive — you won’t be offered a policy. By not insuring high-risk drivers, Root claims it’s able to save good drivers hundreds of dollars on their auto insurance premiums.

Policy management done solely through the app

The test drive, insurance quote, payments and any claims are all done through the Root app, so you’ll need to make sure the app is compatible with your phone. Root says on its website that the app should work with iPhone models 5S or newer and most Android phones.

If you ever need to file a claim with Root, you can do it quickly online or through the mobile app in roughly three minutes, according to Root.

Every policy includes roadside assistance

In most states, Root includes free roadside assistance coverage with each auto insurance policy. Any service under $100 is covered for up to three times per vehicle during each six-month policy term. This coverage is not free for California drivers, however.

A closer look at Root auto insurance

Here are a few other things to know if you’re considering Root auto insurance.

• Availability — Root insurance is only available in many but not all states, so you’ll want to check Root’s website to see if the company can insure you where you live.
• Coverage options — Root offers standard auto insurance options, including property damage and bodily injury liability, comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist, personal injury protection, medical payments and rental car coverage. If you buy rental car coverage, the cost of your rental car will be covered, up to your policy limit, while your own car is being repaired — or you can use choose to use a rideshare service like Lyft.
• SR-22 forms — Root provides SR-22 forms upon request if you’re required to show proof of insurance coverage.
• Referral program — Through Root’s referral program, you could earn small cash bonuses if you refer friends who take a test drive and qualify for a policy. But keep in mind that this program isn’t available in all states.

Is a Root auto insurance policy a good fit for you?

Root auto insurance might be a good option if you’re a safe driver who can qualify for coverage at a lower rate than you’re currently paying. It may also be ideal if you’re tech-savvy and like the idea of managing your policy entirely on a mobile app.

But if you don’t live in a state where Root offers insurance, don’t have the best driving habits or prefer service from an insurance company agent, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

How to get an auto insurance quote from Root

The process of getting a quote through Root can a bit more involved than with other car insurance companies. But it might pay off — the test drive allows Root to not only gauge whether you qualify for a policy but also how much it can save you on your insurance rate.

You can begin your Root quote by downloading its mobile app. You can then sign up in less than a minute and begin your test drive period.

Before you decide to buy a Root policy, it’s a good idea to shop around. This allows you to gather and compare coverage options and rates from different insurance companies to help make sure you pick the policy that’s best for you.

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

If you’re not sure whether Root car insurance is the right fit for you — or don’t live in a state where it’s available — here are some other auto insurance companies that you might want to consider.

• Farmers Insurance: Farmers Insurance could be ideal if you want a range of auto insurance coverage options.
• Geico auto insurance: Geico could be a good option if you want a bunch of opportunities to potentially get discounts on your policy.

Whether you borrow a friend’s vehicle, use car-sharing services like Zipcar or rent cars often, car insurance for non-owners can provide an extra layer of protection while you’re behind the wheel.

Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage for people who occasionally drive vehicles they don’t own. Depending on your insurance company and where you live, it may provide other types of coverage, too.

Let’s take a look at how car insurance for non-owners works, who may need it and what this type of coverage might cost.

• How does non-owner insurance work?
• What doesn’t non-owner insurance cover?
• Do I need non-owner car insurance?
• How much does non-owner car insurance cost?

How does non-owner insurance work?

Non-owner car insurance provides drivers with coverage while driving a car they don’t own. Non-owner insurance provides auto liability coverage, which may help pay for the other driver’s medical expenses or property damage after an accident you cause.

Depending on where you live and which insurance company you choose, non-owner car insurance may provide additional protection such as uninsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection or medical payments coverage. Keep in mind that non-owners insurance typically doesn’t cover any damage to the car you’re driving.

The liability coverage provided by a non-owner insurance policy is generally secondary. This means that if you cause an accident while driving a vehicle whose owner has liability coverage, that coverage may kick in first. But if the damages or medical expenses exceed the car owner’s liability coverage limits, your non-owner insurance policy could help cover those costs.

As with any other type of auto insurance coverage, you can expect to pay a premium for car insurance for non-owners and you’ll have a coverage limit — the maximum amount your insurance company will pay on a covered claim.

It’s important to note that if the vehicle you occasionally drive belongs to a family member or even a roommate, you may not need a non-owner policy. Your state’s laws or the insurance company may require anyone in your household with a car to list you on their auto insurance policy.

What doesn’t non-owner insurance cover?

There are a couple limitations to non-owner auto insurance. Here’s what it won’t cover.

Damage to the car you’re driving

Non-owner car insurance doesn’t provide comprehensive or collision coverage. This means that if you’re found responsible for a wreck, your non-owner policy won’t help pay for any damage to the vehicle you were driving.

A vehicle you own

Non-owner insurance, as the name implies, won’t cover a vehicle that you own. If you end up buying a car, you’ll probably need to buy a traditional auto insurance policy, depending on your state’s requirements.

Do I need non-owner car insurance?

Non-owner car insurance isn’t for everyone. But it may make sense if the following applies to you.

• You rent cars frequently — Drivers who regularly rent cars may find that buying non-owner insurance is less expensive than buying supplemental liability coverage from the car rental company every time they rent a car.
• You drive a friend’s car — If you borrow vehicles from friends on occasion, non-owner coverage can further protect you (and them) whenever you get behind the wheel.
• You’re between vehicles — If you’re temporarily without a car, buying non-owner insurance can help you avoid an insurance coverage lapse. By having continuous coverage — even if you don’t currently own a car and don’t plan on driving until you get one — you may be able to prevent higher auto insurance rates when you’re ready to buy a traditional policy.
• You use car-sharing services — Drivers who occasionally use car-sharing services may benefit from non-owner insurance. Services like Zipcar may provide drivers with some types of insurance coverage, but non-owner insurance can provide additional protection if the cost of injuries or damage you cause exceed the car-sharing service’s coverage limits.
• You need proof of insurance to reinstate a driver’s license — If your driver’s license is suspended for something like a DUI, you may be required to provide an SR-22 form (or FR-44, in some states) in order to reinstate it. One of the requirements to obtain this form is proof of valid liability coverage. If you don’t own a vehicle but want to reinstate your license, you may need to buy non-owner insurance coverage.

How much does non-owner car insurance cost?

The average cost of a non-owner auto insurance policy in the U.S. is around $485 per year, according to data published in February 2020 on Insurance.com.

But what you pay for non-owner insurance will depend on a few factors. These may include the coverage limit you want, your driving history, where you live and how often you plan to drive.

In general, you can expect to pay less for non-owner insurance than you would a standard auto insurance policy because you’re only driving on occasion (meaning less risk for the insurance company) and coverage is limited.

What’s next?

If you think you might need non-owner insurance coverage, consider reaching out to an auto insurance agent. They can help you decide whether this type of coverage fits your needs and identify insurance companies that offer non-owner insurance.

Non-owner insurance is only offered by a few auto insurance companies. And the ones that offer it may require you to call or visit a local office for an insurance quote instead of allowing you to get a quote online.

As with any auto insurance product, it’s always smart to compare quotes from multiple companies. Taking the time to do this can help you find the best policy that meets your needs.

Totaling a car can be a scary — and expensive — situation.

A car accident can be someone’s fault or just plain bad luck, like if a tree falls on your vehicle. But no matter how it happens, a totaled vehicle can be a real pain.

If your vehicle is totaled, one of your first questions is probably how you’ll get a new one and whether insurance will cover the loss. While the answer varies from one situation to another, one thing is clear: A solid auto insurance policy can help get you back on the road while protecting your finances.

Let’s take a look at how insurance companies decide whether a vehicle is a total loss, how you might be protected and whether you can expect to pay out of pocket if your car is totaled.

• What does it mean when your car is totaled?
• Will my car insurance cover my totaled car?
• Do I still have to make payments on a totaled car?

What does it mean when your car is totaled?

Your vehicle can be damaged — and even totaled — in many different ways.

There are collisions, which occur when your car strikes another vehicle or object, like a deer or even a tree. Collisions can involve one car or many.

Cars can also be damaged in non-collision situations. These include weather events, like big hailstorms and floods, fire, vandalism or falling objects.

No matter how your car is damaged, you’ll need to file a claim with your auto insurance company if you’re hoping to get the loss covered. Your insurer will send out an adjuster who will inspect your vehicle’s damage and estimate the cost to repair it.

A vehicle is considered totaled if the cost to repair it is estimated to be more than its current value. When this happens, insurance companies may declare the car a total loss, according to how your state defines a total loss.

For example, some states, such as Alabama and Kansas, may only require that the damage equals 75% of the vehicle’s value in order to be declared a total loss. So if you live in one of these states and your car is worth $10,000 and repairs are estimated to cost $7,500, your insurance company would declare it a total loss. 

Will my car insurance cover my totaled car?

If your car has been declared a total loss, your biggest concern — assuming that everyone involved is OK — may be how you’ll replace your car and whether insurance will cover it. And that depends on your auto insurance coverage and how your vehicle was totaled in the first place.

If you were in an accident where another driver is found at-fault …

If the other person has property damage liability coverage, it will likely help cover your loss, up to the driver’s coverage limits.

If your car is badly damaged by weather, vandalism, fire, an animal or a falling object such as a tree …

Your comprehensive coverage (if you have it) may pay the actual cash value, or ACV, of your vehicle minus the deductible on your policy. To determine your car’s ACV — essentially, its fair market value — your insurance company will take into account factors such as your vehicle’s age, mileage and condition as well as the cost of similar cars in your market.

Some auto insurance companies also offer what’s called new-car replacement coverage. If your vehicle is totaled, this coverage may give you the money to purchase a brand new car of the same make and model versus reimbursement for your car’s current value.

If your car is totaled following a collision, such as hitting another vehicle or object or being involved in a rollover …

Your insurer may pay the actual cash value of the vehicle minus your policy deductible if you have collision coverage.

Note that comprehensive and collision coverage are optional for drivers, but they may be required if you finance or lease your vehicle. If you own your car and don’t have either coverage, you may not be protected in certain situations if your vehicle is totaled.

Do I still have to make payments on a totaled car?

You’ll have to continue making payments on your vehicle, even if it gets totaled.

Once your total loss claim is settled, your insurance company may issue a claim check made out to both you and your lender, with funds going toward your remaining auto loan balance first.

But what if you owe more to your lender than you receive from the insurance company? In that case, you’ll still be responsible for the remaining balance, which will need to come out of your own pocket. To prevent this situation from happening, you may want to consider purchasing guaranteed asset protection, or gap, coverage.

Gap insurance can pay the difference between the value of your vehicle and what you still owe on the car loan or lease. This coverage can help you avoid a hefty out-of-pocket expense if your vehicle is totaled while you’re still paying it off.

What’s next?

Don’t wait until your vehicle is totaled to start thinking about whether your auto insurance coverage adequately protects you. Even if you don’t finance or lease your vehicle, you may still consider getting comprehensive and collision coverage. These can offer you added financial protection — especially if your car gets totaled.

If you aren’t sure which types of insurance coverage you currently have, take a look at your policy or contact your insurance agent or company.

Are you thinking about buying a new car? By shopping around for rebates you’re eligible for first, you might be able to save yourself a pretty penny along the way.

Rebates are financial incentives offered by automakers in an effort to drum up sales or boost brand loyalty. These discounts could be a great way to potentially save thousands on a vehicle purchase.

Depending on the program, car rebates may be used as a cash discount or applied toward the down payment. In some cases, you may be able to qualify for a rebate plus another incentive such as a reduced annual percentage rate, or APR, which could save you even more.

• What does it mean to get a rebate on a car?
• Can you get rebates on used cars?
• Is a rebate on a car better than an intro 0% APR offer?

What does it mean to get a rebate on a car?

Rebates on cars originate from automakers — not dealerships — and are passed on to buyers through new-car dealerships. Rebates may also be referred to as a purchase allowance, cash back or bonus cash.

Depending on the automaker’s guidelines on how the rebate may be used, it could be applied as a car down payment on the car or simply deducted from the purchase price.

Rebates are often short-term promotions that often last for around one month to three months. These and other new-car deals vary by manufacturer as well as by car make and model. You may also find that available offers can differ based on your location.

Keep in mind that you may not qualify for a rebate. Manufacturers may have special requirements such as financing directly through the automaker’s finance company (for example, Ford Credit or Toyota Financial Services), buying your car with cash, or already owning or leasing a car from the brand. You might also be limited to choosing a car within the dealership’s existing inventory. And some rebates are designed for specific groups of buyers, like recent college graduates, active-duty military members or first responders.

If you’re curious about available rebates, visit the automaker’s website and search for current offers. You may be asked to enter your ZIP code so you can see offers available at local dealers. You can also call your local franchise dealership to see which offers are available and learn more about any requirements you’ll have to meet in order to qualify.

Can you get rebates on used cars?

While rebates are typically associated with new-car purchases, some automakers will offer incentives on certified pre-owned cars from time to time.

These offers may include reduced interest rates or payment credits.

As with new-car incentives, rebates and other offers on certified pre-owned cars often come with specific requirements to qualify. An automaker may require you to get a loan through its finance company, and the offer may be limited to certain models. 

Is a rebate on a car better than an intro 0% APR offer?

Automakers often offer low or 0% APR incentives along with — or in place of — cash rebates. While a reduced interest rate isn’t the same as a rebate, it can still save you money in interest if you plan to finance the vehicle.

To qualify for 0% APR incentives, you’ll typically need to finance your purchase through the manufacturer’s finance company. It’s also worth noting that you’ll usually need strong credit to qualify for a promotional APR.

Some automakers may offer you a choice between a rebate to reduce your purchase price or a 0% APR offer.

At first glance, saving hundreds or thousands on the price of the car may seem like a no-brainer. But it’s important to run the numbers to see where you’ll truly save the most — use a handy online auto loan calculator to help.

Let’s say you’re planning to buy a $30,000 car and the automaker offers you the choice of 0% APR financing or a $1,500 rebate with a 6% APR over 60 months.

If you take the 0% APR offer, you’ll pay the purchase price on your vehicle with no interest. At the end of your loan, this means you’ll have paid $30,000 total for the car.

If you opt for the cash rebate instead, you’ll need to finance $28,500. Over the course of your 60-month loan term, you’ll end up paying $4,559 in interest for a total of $33,059 paid for the car.

While the cash rebate would save you money on the vehicle’s actual price tag, you’d end up paying more — about $3,059 extra — by choosing the rebate over the 0% APR offer.

What’s next?

If you’re thinking about buying a new car, it’s a good idea to do some research beforehand to find any rebates or other incentives on models you’re considering buying. Rebates on cars are a great way to potentially save money. Just be sure to read the fine print or ask your car dealer about qualification requirements or how the rebate works.

And remember that some of these offers may require you to finance your purchase through the automaker’s finance company. While this may still end up being the best deal, it’s always a good idea to shop around for financing beforehand and apply to get preapproved for a car loan if that’s an option. You may qualify for a better interest rate with a bank, credit union or online lender, plus getting preapproved can give you added flexibility when negotiating the car price.