The Difference Between Car Insurance Calculators and Quotes


Car insurance calculators can be an excellent starting point when it comes to estimating how much car coverage and its associated costs you need, but there are a number of variables that could sway the results, such as factors affecting premium costs that don’t appear in calculators. To get an accurate idea of your potential rates, it is wiser to compare quotes from multiple insurers – either online, over the phone, or through an agent.

Calculators are tools designed to estimate how much car insurance will cost based on certain personal factors, like your age and driving history. Car insurance calculators allow users to figure out their monthly liability, collision and comprehensive premiums as well as potential savings from increasing or decreasing coverage levels.

An Estimate vs a Quote Car insurance calculators offer general estimates on how much a policy will cost and can help you assess what coverage options and amounts may be necessary. By contrast, quotes from insurers provide specific prices tailored specifically for your coverage options and driving history – and often come both online and over the phone from various insurers; you may even get quotes through independent comparison websites as well.

When receiving a quote, more information than when using an insurance calculator will be required of you. You will need to provide your full name, address, driver’s license number and the names of everyone covered on your policy. Once they receive this data from you, the company can use their pricing models to customize and determine an exact rate or premium cost.

Outside of providing personal information, there are other factors which could have an effect on your auto insurance rates. One major consideration is your type of car; certain models cost more to repair or are more prone to theft than others. Your location, driving history and claims history as well as any prior traffic violations also play a part.

One major factor that can have an effect on car insurance rates is your credit history. While most states have laws regulating how credit should be considered when providing you with estimates, carriers still use various criteria when providing estimates – with positive changes made to your credit that could ultimately result in lower car insurance premiums.

While car insurance calculators can give an estimate of your premium costs, it’s advisable to compare quotes in order to ensure you are getting the best rates possible. Even with an impeccable driving record and policy renewal approaching quickly, car insurance rates could still rise over time due to increasing premium costs.