Editors’ take: Grange auto insurance is highly rated in terms of customer satisfaction and offers a usage-based insurance product that can save you up to 35% on car insurance upon renewal based on your driving behavior. It also has unique insurance coverage options, like mobile phone coverage, identity theft protection and pet injury coverage. But it’s only available in a handful of states, and you’ll need to get a quote through an independent agent.

Grange car insurance at a glance

Pros

• High customer satisfaction ratings
• Unique insurance coverages, such as identity theft car insurance, pet injury protection and mobile device coverage
• Usage-based insurance product that allows you to qualify for discounts based on driving behavior tracked by an app

Cons

• Not available in every state

What you need to know about Grange car insurance

Grange was founded in the 1930s by John Haaf, a member of the agriculture-based organization Ohio State Grange. He used his company to provide low-cost auto insurance for group members.

Today, Grange sells its insurance entirely through local independent insurance agents. These agents work with multiple insurance carriers to help you find coverage that works for you.

Usage-based insurance

Grange offers a usage-based insurance program, OnTrack, that can help save you money on your policy. New policyholders can earn a 10% discount for enrolling in OnTrack. Once your insurance is renewed, you may be eligible for an additional discount of up to 25% if the app shows you have safe driving behavior. The program uses a smartphone app to monitor your driving.

Loan/lease gap coverage

If you have a loan or lease, the amount you owe to the lender may exceed the value of your vehicle. That means if your car is totaled in an accident, you may be responsible for paying what your insurance policy doesn’t cover.

Gap insurance shields you by taking care of the difference between what your policy covers and what you owe to the lender. Grange offers gap insurance to its policyholders.

Unique insurance coverages

In addition to standard car insurance products, Grange offers a few less-common coverages, including identity theft car insurance. This product can reimburse you for lost wages and legal fees if your identity is compromised, and it puts you in touch with a fraud specialist who can advocate on your behalf to help you recover your assets.

Grange also offers pet injury protection, which provides coverage if your pet is injured in a car accident while riding with you. Grange also offers mobile device protection that provides coverage if your mobile device is damaged in a car accident.

Auto coverage offered by Grange

In addition to identity theft, pet and mobile coverages, Grange offers the standard insurance products you might expect from a provider, including liability, comprehensive, collision, medical payments, personal injury and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Full glass coverage is also available, which waives your deductible if you have a crack in your windshield. Here are a few other insurance options from Grange.

• Roadside assistance coverage
• Rental reimbursement coverage
• New car replacement insurance that replaces your total loss with a new vehicle if your car is two years old or newer
• Personal umbrella car insurance

Auto insurance discounts offered by Grange

Grange offers policyholders a wide range of discounts.

• Accident forgiveness — Prevents your rates from rising after your first at-fault accident
• Multi-policy discount — Can save you up to 7% on car insurance
• Good student discount — Offers a price break based on educational information provided about a student covered by your car insurance policy
• New beginnings discount — Offered if you get divorced
• Safety technology discount — Offered if your vehicle has automatic emergency braking or blind spot monitoring
• Away at school car insurance discount — Discount if you have a child on your policy who is away at school
• Legacy loyalty car insurance discount — Offered to new policyholders who leave their parents’ Grange coverage to get coverage of their own

In addition to the above discounts, Grange offers OnTrack, a safe driving discount program that tracks your driving behavior via a smartphone app. New policyholders can earn a 10% discount for enrolling in OnTrack. Once your policy is renewed, you may be eligible for a discount of up to 25% if the app shows you have safe driving habits.

FAQs about Grange

Not sure if Grange car insurance is right for you? Consider these alternatives.

• State Farm: This company has products for those seeking classic car coverage and a wide range of discount options.
• Root: If you’re interested in paying a premium largely dictated by your driving behavior, Root may be a good insurer.

Editors’ take: Electric auto insurance is available nationwide. If you’re interested in a usage-based insurance program but live in a state where Electric’s Great Driver program isn’t available, you may want to look elsewhere.

What you need to know about Electric auto insurance

Electric Insurance Company is a subsidiary of G.E. Capital U.S. Holdings, Inc.

Based in Beverly, Mass., Electric provides auto, home and umbrella coverage for individuals and families.

Auto coverage offered by Electric

Electric offers standard auto insurance coverages such as liability, collision, comprehensive and personal injury protection.

FAQs about Electric auto insurance

Having the right insurance coverage as a rideshare driver is crucial.

Personal insurance may not cover you when you’re providing ridesharing services. And while you get some coverage from the rideshare company you work for, it doesn’t protect you during every period you’re operating a vehicle for hire.

That’s where rideshare insurance comes in. It fills the gap between your personal policy and the one provided by your employer. Let’s explore what this coverage is and how it benefits you as a rideshare driver.

• What is rideshare insurance?
• What does rideshare insurance cover?
• Why rideshare drivers need rideshare insurance
• Is rideshare insurance included in car insurance policies?
• Auto insurers that offer rideshare insurance as a standalone policy
• FAQs about rideshare insurance

What is rideshare insurance?

Commercial ridesharing companies are a relatively new option for public transportation, and their popularity has grown in recent years. These companies use smartphone apps to match drivers with people seeking a ride.

The three most popular companies in this space are Uber, Lyft, and Via. The drivers who work for these companies use their personal vehicles to transport passengers for a fee.

Ridesharing companies provide some insurance coverage to drivers, but these policies don’t deliver complete protection. If you work for a rideshare company, consider getting ridesharing insurance to help fill the gap between your personal insurance and the coverage provided by your employer.

What does rideshare insurance cover?

Three periods need to be covered when you’re on the job as a rideshare driver.

• Period 1: The first period is when you have your app on and are waiting for a ride request.
• Period 2: This is when you’ve accepted the request but haven’t picked up the passenger yet.
• Period 3: The third period is when a passenger is in the vehicle.

Typically, your personal insurance doesn’t provide coverage during any of these three periods.

The insurance provided by your employer (the rideshare company) may cover the second and third periods — when you’ve accepted a ride request and have a passenger in the vehicle. But typically, it doesn’t provide coverage for the first period when you have your app on and are hoping to get a ride request.

In many cases, rideshare insurance — that’s additional to your personal and company-provided coverage — covers drivers during that first period when waiting to get a request from a future passenger. By doing so, this coverage provides protection you may not be able to get from other types of insurance products.

Why rideshare drivers need rideshare insurance

Rideshare insurance protects you while you’re waiting to get a ride request. If you have a mishap during this window, you can rest easy knowing you have coverage to ease your financial burden.

Without this coverage, you may have a gap in your insurance protection. That gap could leave you vulnerable if there’s an accident or injury while waiting for your next passenger’s ride request.

Is rideshare insurance included in car insurance policies?

Typically, a standard personal car insurance policy doesn’t cover driving for a rideshare company.

Standard personal car insurance stops providing coverage when a driver logs into a ridesharing app to indicate they’re available for service. And the protection provided by a personal car insurance policy doesn’t resume until the rider has left the vehicle and the ridesharing transaction has ended.

Some insurance companies allow you to include rideshare insurance as an add-on or endorsement to an existing personal insurance policy. You can also purchase a full ridesharing insurance policy. This coverage includes personal and ridesharing coverage in a single, standalone product.

Auto insurers that offer rideshare insurance as a standalone policy

The following companies offer rideshare insurance in a standalone policy. Each policy includes personal and ridesharing coverage.

Esurance

Esurance calls its rideshare insurance product ShareSmart. This product covers gaps at all stages of the ridesharing process, ensuring that you’re protected from start to finish.

ShareSmart is available to all drivers in specific states who qualify for an Esurance policy. And, if you’re already an Esurance customer, you have the option to add the endorsement when your policy renews.

But this product is only available in California, Illinois and New Jersey.

Mercury Insurance

Mercury offers rideshare insurance that helps reduce your risk if an accident happens during the time between fares. If you have an accident and are at fault, Mercury’s coverage will pay to fix the damage to the other car and cover expenses related to any injuries. This insurance product will also pay for fixing your vehicle at one of Mercury’s authorized repair facilities. (Both of these coverages are subject to policy limits and eligibility.)

Mercury’s rideshare insurance covers the driver and the car’s passengers. You can get this coverage by purchasing a policy that includes personal and rideshare insurance. Mercury doesn’t offer rideshare coverage in every state, so you’ll need to check with the insurer to see if it’s available where you live.

Farmers Insurance

Farmers offers rideshare insurance that protects you while you’re waiting to be matched with your next customer.

You can get this coverage by purchasing a policy that includes personal and rideshare protection. And if you already have a personal auto policy from Farmers, you can add rideshare coverage by calling your agent.

FAQs about rideshare insurance

Next steps

If you’re considering getting rideshare insurance, research the insurers we’ve listed to see which ones provide coverage in your state. Then, get a quote for rideshare coverage.

Wondering how to switch your car insurance?

Buying a policy with a car insurance company isn’t a lifetime commitment. Your situation may change in ways that make other insurers more suitable than your current provider. Fortunately, you can switch car insurance companies anytime. Taking this step could save you money.

• Reasons to switch car insurance companies
• How to switch car insurance companies
• FAQs about switching auto insurance companies

Reasons to switch car insurance companies

• Different driving habits — Maybe you’re driving less because you’re working from home and no longer have a commute. In that case, you may want to consider replacing your current policy with usage-based coverage.
• Lifestyle changes — Another reason you may want to switch auto insurance companies is a change in lifestyle that affects your insurance profile. This type of change may be something like getting married or purchasing a new car or home.
• Change in driving history — Your driving history significantly affects your car insurance rates, and a change may warrant the need to seek other coverage options. For example, an event like being ticketed or getting into an accident could cause a rate increase or necessitate a switch to a nonstandard insurance provider.
• Need to add or remove drivers from your policy — Switching car insurance may also be worth considering if you add or remove drivers from your policy. For example, adding a teen driver to your coverage may significantly affect your rate. In that situation, it might be wise to compare quotes to ensure you’re getting the best deal on your coverage.
• Unhappy with your current provider — A poor experience with your current provider may cause you to consider switching. Maybe you had a frustrating claims or customer service experience.
• Need coverage not offered by your current insurer — Maybe you want to change providers because you’re looking to add specialty coverage that your current insurer doesn’t provide. For example, not all insurance companies cover classic cars. If you want classic car insurance, you’ll have to look elsewhere if your current insurer doesn’t provide it.
• Seeking the best rates — Maybe your situation hasn’t changed, but you want to make sure you’re getting the best rates possible. It’s a good idea to periodically compare prices from different insurance providers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

How to switch car insurance companies

Switching car insurance companies may help you get lower rates and better coverage.

When making a switch, avoid a lapse in coverage. Remember, liability insurance is a legal requirement in most states. You could lose your license if you’re caught driving without insurance. Here are some things to consider when switching auto insurers.

Determine how much auto insurance coverage you need

When switching car insurance providers, ensure your new coverage provides all the protection you need.

The first thing to consider is the minimum coverage requirements in your state. Most states require drivers to have a minimum amount of liability coverage and some states require drivers to get other types of coverage, such as personal injury protection and/or uninsured motorist coverage. Your new coverage should meet or exceed state minimums.

If you’re financing or leasing your car, choose coverage that meets the requirements of your loan or lease provider. For example, some lenders may require you to get gap insurance for financed vehicles.

Also, some drivers are legally required to get SR-22 insurance. For example, drivers with a DUI or several at-fault accidents may have to make an SR-22 filing. Not all insurance companies provide coverage for drivers in this situation, so if you’re required to file this form, make sure to choose an insurance company that offers SR-22 filings.

Consider optional add-ons, discounts and bundling opportunities

Once those basics are handled, you’ll be ready to consider optional add-ons. This list can include options like uninsured/underinsured motorist, roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, comprehensive and collision coverages.

Before checking out, research car insurance discounts and bundling opportunities. For example, you may be able to get a discount for insuring more than one car with the same company or for getting your home and car insurance from the same provider.

Compare auto insurance rates every six months

It’s an excellent idea to price shop once or twice yearly to ensure you get the best rate. That may seem excessive, but remember that a lot can happen in this period that could change your profile as a policyholder.

Get car insurance quotes from multiple companies. You can centralize your search by using an online comparison tool. Remember to factor in available discounts when comparing providers. Now that you’ve picked your next insurer, you’re ready to think about canceling your current policy. If you’re canceling before the end of your policy term, check to see if you’ll face a cancellation fee. And if you have unused coverage that you’ve already paid for, check to see if you’re eligible for a refund.

Purchase a new auto insurance policy and cancel your current insurance

When switching insurers, purchasing new coverage before canceling your old policy is vital. And make sure there’s no coverage gap between your old and new policies. For example, if your old coverage ends on July 1, make sure your new policy takes effect on that date or sooner.

In some states, you could be penalized for driving without insurance, even if it’s a temporary lapse in coverage. A lapse could also leave you financially liable if you have an accident while in between insurance policies.

Print or download your new insurance ID cards

Once you’ve purchased your new coverage, print or download your new insurance ID card.

Most states allow digital cards that you can display on your mobile device. If you want a digital card, you may need to download it from your insurer’s website. Alternatively, some insurers may display your digital card within their mobile app. More interested in using a physical card? If so, print it from the insurer’s site. Then, keep the card in your wallet, purse or glove box for easy access if you have an accident or get pulled over.

FAQs about switching auto insurance companies

Roadside assistance coverage is like a trusted friend who’s always there to help you out of a jam.

If your car breaks down or you run out of gas, roadside assistance can make it less of a hassle — and it’s typically available around the clock. Many insurers, carmakers and auto clubs offer roadside assistance, so understanding the costs and services you’ll get in return is key to making a good choice.

• What does roadside assistance cover?
• What happens if I break down and I don’t have roadside assistance?
• How you can get roadside assistance coverage?
• Auto insurers that offer roadside assistance
• Car manufacturers that offer roadside assistance
• Auto clubs that offer roadside assistance
• FAQs about roadside assistance coverage

What does roadside assistance cover?

Roadside assistance plans typically offer a broad range of coverage for things like …

• Battery jump-starts or flat tire changes
• Towing to the nearest repair facility if your vehicle disabled
• Locksmith services if you lock yourself out of your car or lose your keys
• Fuel if you run out of gas

Coverage may vary from one plan to the next, so you’ll want to check details carefully before buying.

What happens if I break down and I don’t have roadside assistance?

Towing a car after a breakdown can be pricey. A breakdown without roadside assistance can also be a big inconvenience.

You may need help finding a service provider and getting the aid you need. Having roadside assistance coverage simplifies things — you’ll know exactly who to call if you’re stuck.

How you can get roadside assistance coverage

Many auto insurers can provide this as part of a policy or standalone serve, but you can also get roadside coverage from auto clubs and some carmakers.

Auto insurers that offer roadside assistance

Here are some auto insurers to consider for roadside assistance coverage. 

Allstate

Allstate offers various roadside plans through three programs.

• Membership — Membership plans start for as little as $73 for the first year. Allstate offers this as a standalone plan. You don’t need to be an Allstate customer to purchase this coverage.
• Pay-per-use — Allstate also offers pay-per-use coverage. With this plan, you’re only charged if you need service, and the fee varies based on the service provided. The cost for a tow starts at $154. Again, Allstate sells this coverage as a standalone product, so you don’t have to purchase any other insurance products to qualify.
• Insurance add-on coverage — This coverage is for those who already get car insurance from Allstate. It allows you to add roadside assistance to your current Allstate policy for as little as $25 per vehicle.

Allstate’s 24-hour coverage includes tow service, jump starts, lockout service and tire changes.

Nationwide

Nationwide offers roadside assistance as an add-on to one of the company’s car insurance policies. The company sells the following two plans:

• Basic — This plan covers towing up to 15 miles, battery jump starts up to $100, lockout service and flat tire replacement with your spare. It also covers ditch extraction and fuel delivery although some restrictions apply.
• Plus — This plan builds on the Basic plan, adding towing for up to 100 miles. It also includes trip interruption coverage that reimburses you up to $500 for lodging, transportation and meal expenses if you get stranded 100 miles or more from home.

Progressive

Progressive offers roadside assistance as additional coverage you can include with your policy.

Services include vehicle towing (within 15 miles or to the nearest repair shop), jump starts, fuel delivery, vehicle lockouts and flat tire changes. The company also offers winching service, which can assist if you’re stuck in mud, water, snow or sand within 100 feet of a road or highway.

Progressive works with a service provider called Agero to provide roadside assistance.

Car manufacturers that offer roadside assistance

These car manufacturers offer complimentary roadside assistance when you make a vehicle purchase.

Honda

Honda offers free roadside assistance on new vehicle purchases. The program extends through the automaker’s 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. Honda’s program began in the 2015 model year, and it covers winching, jump starts, fuel delivery, lockout and flat tires. It also covers towing caused by a mechanical breakdown or an accident.

Toyota

Every new Toyota vehicle purchased comes with free roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. The plan covers battery jump starts, lockouts, fuel delivery, tire service, towing and winching.

Ford

Ford offers roadside assistance that is complimentary for some purchasers and available to all purchasers for a fee. The coverage extends for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. It includes fuel assistance, lockouts, towing, and tire and battery assistance.  

Auto clubs that offer roadside assistance

Roadside assistance is one benefit of some auto club memberships. The clubs listed below offer this service.

AAA

AAA was founded over 100 years ago, and membership includes roadside assistance. Towing, winching, jump starts, battery replacement, tire assistance, fuel delivery, lockouts, battery testing and minor auto repairs are part of the package. AAA membership plans start at $59.99 annually, and different membership levels are available. AAA auto insurance plans are also available.

Better World

Better World is unique in that it offers roadside assistance for cars and bicycles. Its car plans cover towing, battery jump-starts, tire changes, lockouts, fuel delivery, winching and trip interruption. A basic auto plan with a towing range of five miles costs $61.95, and an upgraded plan with a towing range of 100 miles costs $99.95. Hybrid and electric cars may be eligible for discounts.

Good Sam

Good Sam offers roadside assistance for cars and RVs. Coverage includes tire service, battery jump-starts and recharging. Trip interruption assistance, lockouts, emergency medical assistance and emergency fuel delivery are also part of the plan. Different membership levels are offered, with plans starting at $49.95.

FAQs about roadside assistance coverage

Next steps

Figure out which roadside assistance services are most valuable to you. Then, use your selections to evaluate and choose providers, and price-shop to get the best deal.

Pay-per-mile car insurance is a specialized coverage option that could save you money on auto insurance if you’re a low-mileage driver.

Pay-per-mile car insurance is different from traditional auto coverage: With pay-per-mile insurance, your insurer tracks the miles you drive and bases your rate on your monthly or daily mileage. If you don’t drive much — say, you’re retired or work from home — pay-per-mile coverage could be a good fit for you.

• What is pay-per-mile car insurance?
• How does pay-per-mile car insurance work?
• Pros of pay-per-mile auto insurance
• Cons of pay-per-mile auto insurance
• Can you save money with pay-per-mile car insurance?
• Which companies offer pay-per-mile car insurance?

What is pay-per-mile car insurance?

Pay-per-mile car insurance is a coverage option that uses your mileage to calculate your premium. It uses a formula that taps your daily or monthly mileage to determine your insurance rate. Because the number of miles you drive directly affects your premium, fewer miles mean a lower rate, making this type of coverage best for drivers who spend less time behind the wheel.

Some companies that offer pay-per-mile car insurance use telematics to track your mileage. Others take a more straightforward approach, requiring you to send a photo of your odometer each month.

How does pay-per-mile car insurance work?

Pay-per-mile coverage uses a formula with two components — a flat base rate and a daily or monthly mileage rate. The amount you pay for these two rates is determined using the same variables as traditional car insurance — driving history, location, vehicle type, age, gender and more. Pay-per-mile car insurance also allows you to access the same types of coverage as a traditional auto policy.

The big difference between pay-per-mile and traditional car insurance concerns the importance of mileage in calculating your rate.

With traditional coverage, insurers usually ask you to estimate your mileage, and they consider this figure in their overall rates. But mileage isn’t a central factor in the rate calculation.

Pay-per-mile coverage makes mileage a crucial part of rate calculation, and it does so transparently. Once you know your base and per-mile rates, you can estimate how much you’ll pay each month based on the miles you’ve driven.

Usage-based insurance differs from pay-per-mile coverage in a couple of ways.

With usage-based insurance, insurers monitor your driving behavior and use that data to determine your rate. Pay-per-mile coverage is a type of usage-based insurance, but not all usage-based coverages are pay-per-mile.

There are two main types of usage-based insurance.

• Driving-based — With this coverage, your insurer tracks and evaluates your driving habits, including how you brake and accelerate and what time of day you typically drive.
• Mileage-based — Mileage-based coverage looks solely at the number of miles you drive each month. Pay-per-mile insurance is a type of mileage-based coverage.

Pros of pay-per-mile auto insurance

Here are some possible benefits of selecting pay-per-mile car insurance.

• It may reduce your insurance bill: If you’re a low-mileage driver with traditional insurance, you may be able to reduce your premium with pay-per-mile coverage.
• It allows you to shape your monthly car insurance payment: Because it’s mileage-based, pay-per-mile coverage puts you in the driver’s seat regarding your monthly premium. If things are tight during a particular month, you may be able to reduce your payment by limiting your driving.
• It may provide app-related advantages: Some pay-per-mile insurers provide telematics apps that do more than track your mileage.

Cons of pay-per-mile auto insurance

Pay-per-mile coverage has some potential downsides to consider.

• It may not be available in all states: Some pay-per-mile providers limit coverage to certain states so this type of policy may not be available in your neck of the woods.
• It may not be available for certain cars: Some pay-per-mile companies use a device to track mileage. This device may not be compatible with all vehicles.

Can you save money with pay-per-mile car insurance?

It may be possible to save money with pay-per-mile car insurance if you’re a low-mileage driver. MileAuto estimates it can save low-mileage drivers 30% to 40% off the rates paid for traditional auto insurance.

Because many of the same variables used in traditional auto insurance apply to a pay-per-mile policy, rates will vary from one policyholder to the next.

For a monthly calculation, the basic formula used in pay-per-mile coverage looks like this:

Monthly base rate + (per-mile rate x number of miles driven)

Suppose you currently pay $150 for traditional car insurance each month and drive 600 miles monthly. If you choose a pay-per-mile policy with a base rate of $40 and a per-mile rate of 10 cents, you’d have a monthly payment of $100 ($40 base rate plus $60 for per-mile expenses). That means pay-per-mile coverage could save you $50 per month in insurance costs.

If you’re thinking about pay-per-mile coverage, get quotes for the base and per-mile rates. Then you can estimate your monthly mileage and use the pay-per-mile coverage formula to determine if you’ll save money compared to your current car insurance policy.

Which companies offer pay-per-mile car insurance?

Though insurance companies consider mileage when calculating your rate, many providers don’t offer pay-per-mile coverage. This coverage caters to low-mileage drivers, so it’s a specialized type of policy.

Take note: If you’re interested in this type of coverage, you might need to check whether it’s available in your state.

What’s next?

If you’re interested in getting pay-per-mile insurance, track your mileage for a month to ensure you have an accurate monthly mileage estimate. This step is vital since this coverage offers the most benefit to low-mileage drivers. Then get quotes from pay-per-mile providers and use your mileage to determine if this coverage could save you money.

Getting quick car insurance coverage can be simple and straightforward — it’s even possible to go from quote to coverage in minutes. To streamline things, make sure you have all the information needed for a car insurance quote on hand before you start shopping around.

• What do you need to get car insurance?
• How much car insurance do you need?
• How do I start my car insurance policy?
• How long does it take for car insurance to start?
• FAQs about how long it takes to get car insurance

What do you need to get car insurance?

To help with a quick, hassle-free car insurance search, have the following personal information for each driver on your policy:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Driver’s license number
• Vehicle identification numbers for all vehicles being covered
• Address
• Driving history (past tickets and accidents)
• Make and model of vehicle being insured
• Estimated annual mileage

The insurance company may also ask if the car you’re insuring is used for work or pleasure. Once you’ve put this information together, it’s time to consider how much auto insurance you need.

How much car insurance do you need?

Most states have minimum requirements for car insurance coverage. Getting protection that meets or exceeds these minimums is vital when buying auto insurance. Find out the minimum requirements in your to as a starting point for your coverage choices.

There are many different types of coverage available. Liability insurance is mandatory in most states, but several other options exist.

Common types of car insurance

The cost of your overall coverage depends on factors like your driving habits, age, driving record, and where you live. Your rate also depends on how much coverage you buy and the amount of your deductible — fewer coverage options and increasing your deductible could lower your monthly premium.

Consider bundling and discount opportunities

Some insurance companies offer car insurance discounts for certain types of drivers, like drivers who’ve been accident-free for a specific period or those who’ve taken defensive driving courses.

And some carriers provide discounted rates for policyholders who bundle their coverage, meaning you purchase different policies (like auto and home coverage) from the same insurance company.

Consider usage-based insurance models

With usage-based insurance, the cost of your policy is directly affected by your driving habits. In some cases, insurers track things like hard braking, speed and the location where you’re driving. Then, they use this data to determine your premium.

In other cases, insurance companies monitor your mileage. They typically do this using a telematics device. There’s usually a flat base rate and a per-mile rate, so generally the more miles you drive, the higher your premium.

How do I start my car insurance policy?

A quick way to start your new policy is with a quote online or with an agent over the phone.

When you choose which date your policy starts, make sure there’s no lapse in coverage between your old and new policies so that you avoid being financially vulnerable during a coverage gap. A lapse in coverage could also cause you to face higher rates.

And make sure to cancel your old policy so that you’re not on the hook for payments on two different policies.

How long does it take for car insurance to start?

Once you’ve paid for your new policy, you should be automatically covered from the official start date. You’ll likely be able to download your card to your mobile device with insurers that offer it in states that allow digital insurance cards. Or you can print out your policy documents.

FAQs about how long it takes to get car insurance

Teachers play a valuable role in shaping young minds, and if you work in this field, it could impact your options regarding car insurance. Some auto insurance companies offer products that are ideal for educators or provide money-saving discounts for teaching professionals. The companies listed below offer the best car insurance for teachers seeking coverage geared toward their line of work.

FAQs about car insurance for teachers

How we picked these insurers

We looked at insurers offering coverage designed for teachers to pick our candidates. We considered the selection of specialized insurance products provided by each company. In addition, we factored in benefits, discounts, NAIC customer complaint information and J.D. Power auto claims satisfaction data.

If you want to protect your investment in your classic car, a specific type of insurance fits the bill. It’s classic car insurance, and it offers specialized coverage for your vintage ride. Here are our picks for the best classic car insurance companies.

FAQs about classic car insurance

How we picked these insurers

We looked at insurers offering coverage for classic cars to pick our candidates. We considered the breadth of vehicle coverage offered, the selection of each company’s insurance products, and specific offerings for five different categories. We also factored in customer service benefits and discounts. 

Whether you use it for weekend getaways or extended excursions, your RV can be a home on wheels. Many auto insurers provide a range of RV insurance — so whether you want coverage for a small camper van or a king-size Class A motorhome, you should be able to find a policy that fits the bill.

In picking the best RV insurance providers, we considered each company’s selection of discounts and products. We also looked at A.M. Best ratings for financial stability and consumer complaints from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, or NAIC. Here are some of the best insurance providers for different RV owners.

• FAQs about RV insurance

FAQs about RV insurance

How we picked these insurers

We considered availability, policy options, and discounts to arrive at our choices. We evaluated A.M. Best ratings regarding financial health and factored in NAIC data that compared each company’s total complaints against a national index. We also considered discount options and range of services.

Teen drivers can face unique challenges when searching for auto insurance coverage, including affordability. Insurance companies in most states can consider age as a factor when setting insurance rates, which can translate into steep premiums for teenagers. That’s because teens can be seen as high-risk drivers. Fortunately, there are ways to make auto coverage for teens more budget friendly. 

Some insurers offer discounts for teen drivers or savings for adults who add a teen to their existing policy. It’s essential to know that some insurance products are better than others at meeting the needs of teen drivers.

Keep reading for our top picks for the best insurance for teenage drivers.

• How we picked these insurers 
• FAQs about car insurance for teens

How we picked these insurers

To develop our top picks for teen auto insurance, we reviewed the websites of nearly a dozen insurance companies. We chose the insurers in this article based on factors we believe necessary to teenagers and their families, including …

• Discounts
• Special services or accommodations for teens
• Customer satisfaction
• Financial stability
• Coverage options
• Types of vehicles insured

FAQs about car insurance for teens

In most states, insurers can consider age as one of the many factors that go into risk assessment — translating into higher or lower car insurance premiums. And drivers in the middle of the pack, age-wise, may get the best rates.

When it comes to mature drivers, some car insurance companies offer discounts for drivers 50 and up to help maximize their savings.

Here are some of the best insurance companies for senior drivers.

• How we picked these insurers
• FAQs about car insurance for older drivers

How we picked these insurers

To arrive at our ratings, we considered availability, policy options and discounts, looking at large and midsize insurance providers. We also looked at J.D Power studies covering auto claims satisfaction and overall customer satisfaction regarding the purchase experience. Finally, we factored in NAIC data that compared each company’s total complaints against a national index.

FAQs about car insurance for older drivers