Shopping for car insurance doesn't have to be complicated. A free car insurance quote can help you understand your coverage options and what you may pay before you decide on a policy.

 

How to Get a Free Car Insurance Quote

Oct 06, 2026

Shopping for car insurance doesn't have to be complicated. A free car insurance quote can help you understand your coverage options and what you may pay before you decide on a policy.

Having some basic information about yourself, your vehicle, and your driving history ready can make the process even easier. And if you aren't sure what you need, United Auto Insurance is here to help. You can start your free quote online or talk with a local insurance agent who can walk you through your options.

What Is a Car Insurance Quote?

A car insurance quote is an estimate of what you may pay for an auto insurance policy based on the information you provide and the coverage you select.

Getting a quote gives you an opportunity to review your coverage options and estimated premium before purchasing an auto insurance policy. You can also use quotes to compare coverage from different insurance providers.

Keep in mind that a free car insurance quote doesn't mean the insurance itself is free. Requesting a quote is simply a way to find out what coverage may be available and what it may cost. You aren't obligated to purchase a policy just because you requested a quote.

What Do You Need to Get Car Insurance?

Getting your information together before requesting a quote can make the process faster and easier. You'll typically want to have information about yourself, your vehicle, and your driving and insurance history available.

If you don't have everything ready, that's okay. A United Auto Insurance agent can help you understand what information you still need. Call us at 773-202-5000 for assistance.

Personal and Driver Information

Start with basic information about you and anyone else who will be insured on the policy. This may include:

  • Your driver's license number
  • Your address and ZIP code
  • Driver information for anyone else who will be insured

Providing accurate information helps your insurance agent understand who needs coverage and prepare your quote.

Vehicle Information

You'll also need information about the vehicle you want to insure. Have the following available:

  • Vehicle year
  • Make
  • Model
  • OR. . .Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Your VIN is a unique 17-character number that identifies your vehicle. You can commonly find it on your vehicle registration, insurance documents, or on the driver's side of the dashboard near the windshield.

Driving and Insurance Information

Your driving and insurance history can also be part of the quoting process. Be prepared to provide information about:

  • Your driving history
  • Recent accidents
  • Tickets or traffic violations
  • Your current auto insurance, if you're switching providers
  • The type of coverage you're looking for

Don't worry if you aren't sure which coverage you need yet. That's something a United Auto Insurance agent can help you understand as you work through your quote.

How to Get a Free Car Insurance Quote

Once you have your information ready, getting a free quote for car insurance can be straightforward. Here's what you can expect.

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Have your driver's license, vehicle information, driving history, and current insurance information available.

Getting everything together ahead of time can make it easier to answer questions and move through the quote process.

Step 2: Request Your Free Quote

You can start a free car insurance quote online from the convenience of your home. You'll provide information about yourself and your vehicle so your coverage options can be reviewed.

If you'd rather talk with someone, you can also call a local United Auto Insurance agent. An agent can answer your questions and help guide you through the quote process.

Step 3: Choose Your Coverage

The next step is deciding what type of car insurance coverage fits your needs.

Depending on your situation, your options may include:

  • Liability coverage to help cover injuries or property damage when you're responsible for a covered accident.
  • Collision coverage to help pay for damage to your vehicle following a covered collision.
  • Comprehensive coverage to help protect your vehicle against covered events such as theft, vandalism, hail, or falling objects.
  • Full coverage that combines liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage for broader protection.

Not sure what you need? A United Auto Insurance agent can explain your options and help you understand the differences so you can make an informed decision.

Step 4: Review Your Quote

Before choosing a policy, take time to review what's included in your quote.

Look at the types of coverage you're receiving, your coverage limits, applicable deductibles, and your estimated premium. If you're unsure about a term or don't understand what a particular coverage includes, ask before making your decision.

Step 5: Purchase Your Policy When You're Ready

Once you've reviewed your quote and are comfortable with your coverage, you can decide whether you're ready to purchase your policy.

Getting a free car insurance quote doesn't obligate you to buy coverage. Take the time you need to understand your options and make a decision that works for you.

How to Compare Car Insurance Quotes

Price matters when you're shopping for car insurance, but the lowest premium doesn't always mean you're comparing the same coverage.

When reviewing multiple quotes, compare:

  • Types of coverage
  • Coverage limits
  • Deductibles
  • Premiums

For example, one quote may have a lower premium but also have different coverage limits or a higher deductible. Looking at the complete quote can help you better understand what you're getting for your money.

How to Get a Free Car Insurance Quote If You Need an SR-22

If you've been told you need an SR-22, let United Auto Insurance know when you request your car insurance quote.

An SR-22 isn't a separate type of car insurance. It's a certificate that shows you meet your state's required financial responsibility requirements. Some drivers may need an SR-22 following certain driving violations or a driver's license suspension.

United Auto Insurance can help you understand what coverage you need and guide you through the SR-22 process. For Illinois drivers, after you purchase qualifying coverage, UAI can electronically submit the required SR-22 certificate to the Illinois Secretary of State on your behalf.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Car Insurance Quote?

Having your driver, vehicle, and insurance information ready can help make getting a car insurance quote faster and easier.

If you need to get insured quickly, United Auto Insurance offers same-day coverage options. You can start your free quote online or call a local insurance agent for help getting your quote and coverage in place.

The exact timing can depend on your situation and the information needed, so contact UAI if you need coverage right away.

Get a Free Car Insurance Quote From United Auto Insurance

Getting car insurance doesn't have to mean figuring everything out on your own.

United Auto Insurance has been helping drivers find affordable coverage since 1979. Whether you're buying your first policy, switching insurance companies, looking for more affordable coverage, or need help with an SR-22, our team is here to help you understand your options.

You can start your free car insurance quote online or contact a local United Auto Insurance agent for personalized assistance. Our team can help you review your coverage options, answer your questions, and find coverage that fits your needs and budget.

With convenient quotes, flexible coverage and payment options, same-day coverage availability, SR-22 assistance, and English- and Spanish-speaking support, getting started is simple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Free to Get a Car Insurance Quote?

Yes. You can request a free car insurance quote without being obligated to purchase a policy. Remember that the quote itself is free, but you will need to pay for your insurance coverage if you decide to purchase a policy.

What Information Is Needed for a Car Insurance Quote?

You'll typically need your driver's license number, address, vehicle year, make, model and/or your VIN, driving history, and information about your current insurance if you're switching providers. You may also need information about other drivers who will be insured on the policy.

Can I Get a Free Car Insurance Quote Online?

Yes. You can start a free car insurance quote online with United Auto Insurance. If you have questions or would rather speak with someone, you can also contact a local United Auto Insurance agent for personalized assistance.

Do I Need a VIN to Get a Car Insurance Quote?

It’s not necessary to get a quote, but if you want to purchase the policy you will need your VIN.  It’s easier and faster to have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) available when requesting your quote. Your VIN helps identify the specific vehicle you want to insure and can be found on documents such as your vehicle registration or on the driver's side of your dashboard near the windshield.

Can I Get a Car Insurance Quote If I Need an SR-22?

Yes. Let United Auto Insurance know that you need an SR-22 when requesting coverage. Our team can help you understand the insurance requirements and assist with the SR-22 filing process. For qualifying Illinois policies, UAI can electronically submit the required SR-22 certificate to the Illinois Secretary of State on your behalf.