Car insurance quotes full coverage

Car Insurance Quotes for Full Coverage: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

When shopping for auto insurance, one of the most common and essential types of policies people inquire about is full coverage car insurance. It’s a term often mentioned in quotes and comparisons, but many drivers aren’t entirely clear on what “full coverage” really means—or how to get the best quote for it.

In this guide, we’ll break down what full coverage includes, what factors affect your quote, how to find the best rates, and how to avoid overpaying for coverage you might not need. Whether you’re buying a new car, comparing policies, or just trying to protect your investment, understanding full coverage insurance quotes is key to making an informed decision.

What Does “Full Coverage” Mean?

The term “full coverage” doesn’t refer to a specific policy sold by insurance companies. Instead, it’s a combination of coverage types that go beyond the state-required minimum liability insurance.

A typical full coverage policy includes:

1. Liability Insurance

Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in an accident. This is required in most states.

2. Collision Insurance

Pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged in a collision—regardless of who’s at fault.

3. Comprehensive Insurance

Covers non-collision-related damage to your car (e.g., theft, fire, vandalism, hail, falling trees).

Some policies may also include or allow add-ons like:

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)
Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Rental car reimbursement
Roadside assistance

Key point: “Full coverage” does not mean “everything is covered in all situations.” You still have deductibles, limits, and exclusions.

Why Choose Full Coverage?

While minimum liability insurance satisfies legal requirements, it doesn’t protect your own vehicle. That’s where full coverage comes in. Here’s why many drivers opt for it:

New or financed car: Lenders usually require full coverage to protect their investment.
High-value vehicles: To avoid out-of-pocket costs after an accident or theft.
Peace of mind: You’re covered regardless of who’s at fault or what kind of damage occurs.

Factors That Affect a Full Coverage Quote

The cost of a full coverage quote varies widely based on several factors. Here’s what insurers look at when calculating your premium:

1. Your Driving Record

Accidents, tickets, and DUI convictions will increase your premium significantly. A clean record earns better rates and more discounts.

2. Age and Gender

Young drivers (especially under 25) typically pay more due to less driving experience. Statistically, male drivers also face higher premiums in some age groups.

3. Vehicle Type

Luxury cars, sports cars, and newer vehicles cost more to repair or replace—resulting in higher premiums.

4. Location

Where you live affects your quote due to traffic volume, theft rates, weather risks, and state insurance laws.

5. Credit Score

In many states, insurers use credit-based insurance scores. A higher score often results in lower rates.

6. Annual Mileage

The more you drive, the more likely you are to be involved in an accident, which raises your risk—and your quote.

7. Coverage Limits and Deductibles

Higher liability limits and lower deductibles provide more protection but also raise your premium.

How Much Does Full Coverage Cost?

On average, full coverage car insurance costs:

Nationwide average: ~~$1,700 per year (~~$140/month)
Minimum coverage: ~$600 per year
Cost difference: Full coverage is typically 2 to 3 times more expensive than minimum liability.

However, these are averages. Your individual quote could be higher or lower based on the factors above.

How to Get Accurate Full Coverage Quotes

1. Have Your Information Ready

When requesting quotes, you’ll need:

Personal details (name, age, address)
Driving history
Vehicle details (year, make, model, VIN)
Desired coverage types and limits
Any safety or anti-theft features on your car

2. Use Trusted Comparison Tools

Websites like:

The Zebra
Compare.com
NerdWallet
Policygenius
Bankrate

…let you compare quotes from multiple top-rated insurers in one place.

3. Check Direct Insurance Websites

Major companies like GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, State Farm, and USAA offer online quoting tools. You can often customize your full coverage policy in real time.

4. Consult Independent Agents

An agent who works with multiple insurers can help you navigate the options and find the best value for your needs.

What to Look For in a Full Coverage Quote

When comparing full coverage quotes, pay attention to more than just the price:

Feature	What to Check
Liability Limits	Are they sufficient to protect your assets? ($100,000/$300,000 is a common recommendation)
Deductibles	Choose deductibles you can afford in an emergency ($500–$1,000 is typical)
Collision/Comprehensive Premiums	Are they reasonable compared to your car’s value?
Discounts Applied	Make sure all eligible discounts are included
Company Ratings	Check AM Best, J.D. Power, and BBB for service and financial strength
Policy Flexibility	Can you change coverage mid-term? Are there penalty fees?

Common Discounts for Full Coverage Policies

To reduce your full coverage premium, look for these popular discounts:

Safe Driver (accident-free for 3–5 years)
Bundling (auto + home or renters insurance)
Good Student (for drivers under 25)
Low Mileage (drive less than average annually)
Defensive Driving Course
Multi-Vehicle
Telematics Programs (apps that track safe driving behavior)
Pay-in-Full or Paperless Billing

Each insurer offers different discounts, so be sure to compare.

Pros and Cons of Full Coverage Insurance

✅ Pros

Protects your own car, not just others
Covers a wide range of risks (weather, theft, vandalism)
May be required by lenders or leasing companies
Reduces out-of-pocket costs after an accident

❌ Cons

More expensive than minimum liability
Deductibles still apply for claims
May not be cost-effective for older or low-value cars
Not all damage types are covered (e.g., engine failure due to wear and tear)

Is Full Coverage Worth It?

That depends on your specific situation. Ask yourself:

How much is my car worth? If it’s under $3,000, it may not be worth insuring with comprehensive and collision.
Can I afford to repair or replace my car out-of-pocket? If not, full coverage is wise.
Do I lease or finance my vehicle? If yes, full coverage is often required.
How much do I drive, and where? More miles and high-risk areas increase the need for protection.

When Should You Drop Full Coverage?

You might consider dropping full coverage if:

Your vehicle is old or has a low market value
The cost of coverage exceeds 10% of the car’s value annually
You have significant savings and can self-insure the risk
You’ve paid off your vehicle loan and want to cut costs

Always get new quotes before making changes—you may still find affordable options with the right deductible and discounts.

How to Save on Full Coverage Insurance

Here are some smart tips to reduce your full coverage premiums:

Increase Your Deductible: Moving from a $500 to a $1,000 deductible can reduce premiums by 10–20%.
Bundle Policies: Combine auto and home or renters insurance for a multi-policy discount.
Use Telematics: Apps or devices that track safe driving can lead to substantial discounts.
Shop Around Annually: Rates change. Comparing quotes yearly can reveal better deals.
Drop Unneeded Add-Ons: Carefully evaluate if you need extras like rental car coverage or roadside assistance.
Maintain Good Credit: A higher credit score can lower your premium in most states.

Final Thoughts

Getting car insurance quotes for full coverage is an important step in protecting your vehicle and your financial future. While full coverage costs more than basic liability insurance, it also offers broader protection—especially if you drive a newer, financed, or high-value vehicle.

The key is to understand what you’re buying, compare quotes from top-rated insurers, and look for every available discount. Don’t just go with the cheapest policy—go with the one that offers the best value, the right amount of protection, and strong support when you need it most.

Quick Recap: How to Get the Best Full Coverage Quote

✅ Gather your personal and vehicle information
✅ Understand what “full coverage” includes
✅ Compare at least 3–5 reputable insurance providers
✅ Customize your policy with appropriate limits and deductibles
✅ Apply all relevant discounts
✅ Review and update your coverage annually