{"id":352642,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/lemon-law\/checklist-obtaining-car-insurance.html"},"modified":"2025-12-09T17:25:00","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T22:25:00","slug":"checklist-obtaining-car-insurance","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/checklist-obtaining-car-insurance.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Choose Car Insurance: Checklist and Resources"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Choose Car Insurance: Checklist and Resources<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
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Choosing car insurance requires gathering personal, vehicle, and coverage details to streamline the process. Compare quotes carefully, balancing affordability with protection, and use tools or agents to shop around. Ask about discounts and consider higher coverage limits if you want stronger protection.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Buying a used or new car means buying auto insurance. Selecting the right\u00a0insurance coverage<\/a>\u00a0for your vehicle can be confusing. But there are ways you can simplify the process and secure adequate, affordable insurance.<\/p>\n

Every state legally requires drivers to\u00a0carry car insurance<\/a>\u00a0on their vehicles. Driving without the minimum required insurance can result in fines,\u00a0driver’s license suspension<\/a>, and even jail time.<\/p>\n

Proper insurance coverage is important for several reasons. It can protect you from the costs of an accident, like property damage and medical bills. Some insurance also covers incidents like theft, natural disasters, and damage caused by uninsured drivers. Liability coverage (mandatory\u00a0in most states<\/a>) protects your assets if you are at fault in an accident.<\/p>\n

This article shares resources and tips for purchasing auto insurance. It also includes a checklist of information to prepare before you request quotes or talk to an agent.<\/p>\n

Checklist of Information for Choosing Car Insurance<\/h2>\n

You’ll have to answer many questions when buying insurance. Doing your research and gathering information and documentation ahead of time will streamline the process. It will also help ensure you get the right vehicle insurance coverage and type.<\/p>\n

Use the bulleted checklist below to gather the information before you meet with your insurance provider or agent.<\/p>\n

Information About You and Other Insureds<\/h3>\n