Auto insurance pays for injuries and damage after a crash. Every state we serve requires liability coverage; collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist and medical coverages are optional add-ons that protect you and your own vehicle. The fastest way to lower your premium is to compare quotes, bundle policies and claim every discount you qualify for.
- Required everywhere we serve
- Liability coverage (limits vary by state)
- Protects your own car
- Collision and comprehensive (optional unless your lender requires them)
- Protects you from others
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Quote time
- About 2 minutes online; soft credit check only
- States served
- FL, GA, AL, SC, NC, TN, KY, AR, IL and OH
What car insurance covers
Liability pays for other people's injuries and property damage when you cause a crash. It's required in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Illinois and Ohio, though each state sets different minimums.
Collision repairs or replaces your own vehicle after a crash, regardless of fault. Comprehensive covers theft, vandalism, hail, flood, fire, falling objects and animal strikes. Together they're what most people mean by "full coverage."
Uninsured / underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) steps in when the driver who hit you has no insurance or not enough. It's required in South Carolina and North Carolina and strongly recommended in Florida, Georgia and Alabama.
Medical payments or PIP covers your own medical bills. Florida requires $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection.
Optional extras include roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, mechanical breakdown coverage and rideshare coverage.
How to get the lowest rate
Compare. Rates for the same driver can differ by hundreds of dollars a year between companies. Getting a quote takes about two minutes.
Bundle. Pairing auto with renters, home or condo coverage usually earns a multi-policy discount.
Choose the right deductible. Raising collision and comprehensive deductibles from $500 to $1,000 lowers the premium; just make sure you could pay it tomorrow.
Claim discounts. Good driver, good student, multi-vehicle, defensive driving course, federal employee, military, anti-theft devices and paying in full can all reduce your bill.
Keep coverage continuous. A lapse makes you look riskier and usually raises your next quote.
Available in these states
Auto Insurance FAQ
How much car insurance do I need?
At least your state's minimum, but most drivers should carry 100/300/100 liability or higher plus UM/UIM. If you have a loan or lease, your lender will also require collision and comprehensive.
What is full coverage car insurance?
There's no legal definition, but it usually means liability plus collision and comprehensive. It protects both other people and your own vehicle.
How fast can I get covered?
Most policies can start the same day. Enter your ZIP code, complete the quote, and you can buy online or finish by phone.
Will getting a quote affect my credit?
No. Insurance quotes use a soft inquiry that does not affect your credit score.
What information do I need to get a car insurance quote?
Your ZIP code, the year, make and model of each vehicle (or the VIN), the names and birthdates of the drivers in your household, driver license numbers, and a rough idea of how many miles you drive per year. If you have insurance now, your current policy helps us match or improve coverage.
Can I buy car insurance online and drive the same day?
Yes. After you quote, you can buy the GEICO policy online or by phone, choose today's date as the start date, and download digital ID cards immediately. Most states we serve accept electronic proof of insurance at traffic stops and the DMV.
What is the cheapest car insurance I can legally buy?
A state-minimum liability policy is the cheapest legal option, but it only pays for damage you cause to others and leaves your own car and medical bills uncovered. For most drivers the better value is liability limits above the minimum plus uninsured motorist coverage, with collision and comprehensive on any vehicle worth more than a few thousand dollars.