If you’re like me and hate having to wait in lines or being told to “come back later”, then you definitely hate the time it takes to get an insurance quote the old fashioned way.

Having to get an agent, stop at a bunch of insurance companies (or just call), talk to their staff, and then weigh your options sounds like a lot of work for something I still have to pay for.

Luckily, you can get a quote right from the comfort of your couch. And in a short time too. But the process can get. a little confusing, so here’s a guide for you that I’m sure you’re going to appreciate.

Get ready to find the best deals from a list of providers for your vehicle in just a couple of hours without even leaving your bedroom.

There's a couple documents you need to have before you even start trying to get an instant car insurance quote. Insurance companies ask for them so they can provide you with an accurate quote. Here's what you need:

The Process of Getting an Instant Car Insurance Quote

You should know this process isn’t complicated at all, so here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through it:

Gather Your Information

There’s a couple documents you need to have before you even start trying to get an instant car insurance quote. Insurance companies ask for them so they can provide you with an accurate quote. Here’s what you need:

Your driver’s license details
Your vehicle’s year, make, and model
Your current address (and previous address if you’ve moved recently)
A record of any tickets, claims or accidents from the past five years
The coverage limits and deductibles that you desire

Choose Your Approach

Now, with the details you’ve gathered, you have several options to choose from for obtaining quotes:

Visit insurance company websites directly
Use online comparison tools
Consult with an agent online or in person

Each method has its advantages, so choose what works best for you.

Fill in Your Details

Whichever approach you’ve chosen, you’ll have to fill in your details. Whether it’s on the website or online comparison tools. Be thorough in your input and cross check for any inaccuracies so you can get the most precise quote possible.

Review Your Options

You have to look past just the first option that appears when evaluating your options. Taking the first offer presented to you would be insane. Some factors to consider include:

Check if the insurer has a good network of garages. If they do, that means they’ve got easier access to cashless claims for repairs which will save you a lot on upfront payments
A higher CSR means better reliability when it’s time for the insurer to settle your claim
Prioritize plans that offer a wide range of add-ons
Check out customer ratings for difference insurance plans and avoid deals with lots of negative reviews because that could mean potential issues
Look for good premiums. Don’t settle for the cheapest just because. Check that the plans meet your criteria and offer good value

Complete the Purchase

Found a policy that suits your needs? The next step is to complete the purchase, though not every company allows completing a purchase online, so you have to check with them first.

Tips for a Smoother Quote Process

To make your experience as seamless as possible, keep these tips in mind:

Be Honest and Accurate: Trying to be sneaky with information can backfire. Stick to providing the truth because insurance companies have ways to verify your history and if they find out, you could have higher premiums.
Understand The Coverage You Need: There’s so many coverage options available that you’d be lost trying to pick just one. So, before you start, have a clear idea of what level of coverage you’re looking for based on your driving habits, vehicle type, and budget. It’ll help you avoid over- or under-insuring your vehicle.
Shop Around: The method of calculating risk isn’t the same across insurance companies. So get quotes from multiple sources so you’re not caught off guard.
Consult an Agent If You’re Still Confused: Still finding the process challenging, or perhaps you’re in some unique circumstances? Get yourself an independent agent.
Look for Discounts: There’s opportunities to reduce your insurance costs (marriage, stable job, homeownership etc). So don’t hesitate to ask about available savings opportunities.

Conclusion

The whole point of trying to get a car insurance fast online is to dodge the hurdles involved in the traditional process. If both processes are time-consuming, that’d be terrible.

With some preparation and the right approach, you can get the right coverage for your situation efficiently. And the right approach is already highlighted in this article.