Toolkit: Car insurance for first-time buyers
Buying auto insurance can feel overwhelming. We created a car insurance toolkit to help you with everything you need to know before you buy a policy.
Get the toolkit
Who should use this car insurance toolkit?
If you're getting car insurance for the first time and you don't know what you don't know, this guide is for you.
Progressive has been protecting drivers for over 85 years. Today, more than 37 million drivers trust us for auto insurance. So we know what matters when you're new to auto insurance.
Key takeaways
- Buying car insurance is easier when you know the basic coverages and you quote with a trusted insurance company
- Auto insurance can be more expensive for newer drivers, but discounts can lower the cost
- "Full coverage" usually means what your auto lender typically requires: liability coverage, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage
What first-time car insurance buyers need to know
The most important thing to understand is that a minimum amount of liability coverage is required in nearly every state.
Consider your situation
Selecting coverages depends on many factors, such as:
- Your state’s laws
- Your loan or lease terms
- Where you live
- Your vehicle's value
- Your medical coverage needs
- Your personal assets
- Other drivers in your household
Use our car insurance calculator to estimate the right level of coverage for you and your ride.
What’s inside the toolkit?
Our toolkit covers the basics of car insurance, including:
- How to choose a deductible
- How your rate is calculated
- Discounts and other ways to save
- How to file a claim
- Common car insurance FAQs
Check out some additional information and tips you can expect from the toolkit:
Why is auto insurance important?
Auto insurance is required in virtually every state, but it can also provide essential financial protection.
If you cause an accident that results in damaged property and/or injuries to others, your auto liability coverage can help pay for repairs and medical bills.
It can also protect your own vehicle against damage, theft, or vandalism, and can cover injuries caused by uninsured drivers.
Confused about coverage?
Download our car insurance toolkit to get coverage knowledge, savings tips, and answers to common questions for first-time auto insurance buyers.
Is car insurance expensive for new drivers?
While age certainly impacts the cost of car insurance, younger drivers don't have to break the bank to afford an auto policy. Progressive offers plenty of car insurance discounts and perks for all ages, especially students.
For example:
- Single teens 18 years or younger listed on a parent’s policy receive an automatic discount*
- Full-time students with a “B” average or better get an extra discount**
Find out more ways to score cheap auto insurance.
What do you need to get a quote?
You don’t need a long driving history to get started. Just be ready to disclose the following:
- Any auto accidents you've been involved in (even if you weren't at-fault in the accident)
- Traffic violations you've received in the past few years
- Your car's make and model
You can get an auto insurance quote without you car's vehicle identification number (VIN) but it is needed to start a policy.
Do you need “full coverage”?
“Full coverage” auto insurance isn't a standard term, but lenders often use it to mean:
- At least state-minimum liability coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Collision coverage
The right amount of coverage depends on your car, location, and situation. With Progressive, you can personalize an auto policy to match your unique needs and budget.
Ready to get started?
Get a quick crash course with our car insurance toolkit.
