Purchasing auto insurance might seem daunting, but with the convenience of online platforms, securing the right coverage is now easier than ever. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to switch providers, getting an online auto insurance quote and even buying a policy instantly is entirely possible. This guide will walk you through the steps to Buy Auto Insurance Online efficiently.
1. Prepare Essential Information for a Smooth Process
To expedite your online auto insurance purchase, gather all necessary details beforehand for every driver you wish to include on your policy. Having this information ready will make the online quoting and buying process much faster:
- Social Security number (optional, but may be needed for certain checks)
- Driver’s license number for each driver
- Commuting distance to work
- History of driving violations, accidents, or insurance claims within the last five years (including approximate dates and details)
- Vehicle information: make, model, and year for each vehicle you want to insure
If you own a classic or collectible vehicle, the same information applies when seeking classic car insurance. Check if your vehicle qualifies for specialized coverage.
2. Obtain an Instant Auto Insurance Quote Online
The quickest way to start buying auto insurance online is by using an online quote tool. Nationwide’s auto insurance quote tool offers a fast path to obtaining a quote. Simply enter your ZIP code and click “Get a Quote.” You’ll then be guided through a series of questions about yourself, the vehicle you intend to insure, and the individuals who will be driving it.
For those who prefer a more personal touch, you can also get quick car insurance quotes by calling 1-877-669-6877. Alternatively, if you prefer working with a local agent to buy your auto insurance, utilize the agent locator to find a Nationwide agent in your vicinity.
3. Compare Car Insurance Options to Make an Informed Decision
Once you’ve received your initial auto insurance quote, it’s wise to compare options from different providers. Shopping around ensures you find the best coverage and policy to suit your specific needs. When comparing policies, consider these key factors:
- Coverage Options: Evaluate the types of coverages offered, ensuring they align with your protection needs.
- Available Discounts: Investigate potential discounts to reduce your premium and make your online insurance purchase more affordable.
- Deductibles and Liability Limits: Understand the deductible amounts and liability limits to balance cost and coverage effectively.
- Customizable Features: Check for additional features that can personalize your policy to better fit your requirements.
4. Maximize Savings with Car Insurance Discounts
As you navigate the process to buy auto insurance online and get your instant quote, be sure to explore available discounts. Nationwide assists in identifying car insurance discounts that you might qualify for. These discounts can significantly lower your premium, leading to substantial savings when you buy your policy.
5. Understand Your Car Insurance Coverage Choices
When you buy auto insurance online with Nationwide, you have access to a variety of car insurance coverage options designed to meet diverse needs. Common coverage types include:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Protects your vehicle from damages not caused by collisions, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
- Collision Coverage: Covers damages to your car resulting from accidents involving other vehicles or objects.
- Gap Coverage: Helpful for leased or financed cars, covering the “gap” between what you owe on the vehicle and its actual cash value if it’s totaled.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if you’re in an accident caused by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage.
- Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: Covers costs related to injuries you cause to others in an accident.
- Roadside Assistance: Provides help if you experience breakdowns, need towing, or other on-road emergencies.
6. Liability Car Insurance: Meeting Minimum Requirements
Liability insurance is often considered the most basic and minimum auto insurance you can buy, and it’s legally required in most states. If you plan to drive, having liability coverage is essential.
When considering a quote for liability auto insurance while aiming to buy online, be fully aware of what these basic policies cover and, more importantly, what they don’t. While a minimal policy keeps you legally compliant, it might not provide sufficient financial protection if you’re involved in a serious accident or if your vehicle sustains significant damage in other incidents. Investing in slightly broader coverage can prevent substantial out-of-pocket expenses in the future.
7. Customize Your Policy for Enhanced Protection
Consider affordable upgrades to customize your auto insurance policy when you buy online to gain extra peace of mind. These popular options can enhance your protection:
- Accident Forgiveness: Prevents your premium from increasing after your first at-fault accident.
- Towing and Labor Coverage: Expands roadside assistance to cover towing and labor costs associated with breakdowns.
- Rental Car Reimbursement: Helps cover rental car expenses while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident.
8. Select the Auto Insurance Policy That Fits Your Needs
Upon receiving your instant car insurance quote from Nationwide, you’ll be presented with various policy options. This makes it straightforward to choose a policy that aligns perfectly with your individual needs and budget when you buy online. Remember, you can always adjust coverages to create a more personalized policy to ensure it’s exactly right for you.
9. Finalize Your Purchase and Obtain Instant Proof of Insurance
Once you’ve selected the ideal policy to buy auto insurance online, the final step is to choose your preferred payment method to complete the transaction. After purchasing, you can immediately download your proof of insurance card and print it. For added convenience, you can also save your auto ID card directly to your smartphone’s digital wallet through the mobile app. This ensures you have immediate proof of insurance, right after you buy auto insurance online.
