Rate Checklist

Your checklist

Check each item once you have it in hand. If an item does not apply to you, such as lender details for a car you own outright, check it off anyway.

Drivers

• Names and dates of birthFor every licensed driver in your household and anyone else who regularly drives your cars. Ask whether a teen with a learner's permit should be listed, since insurers handle permits differently.
• Driver's license numbersThe number and issuing state for each driver. Insurers typically use them to check driving records.
• When each driver was first licensedYears of driving experience often affects the price, especially for newer drivers.

Vehicles

• Year, make, model and trimThe trim matters because safety features and repair costs can differ between versions of the same model.
• VIN for each vehicleThe 17-character vehicle identification number, found on the dashboard near the base of the windshield on the driver's side, on the driver's door jamb and on your registration.
• Ownership and lender detailsWhether each car is owned, financed or leased, plus the lender's or leasing company's name and address, which usually must be listed on the policy.
• Safety and anti-theft featuresAnti-theft devices and driver-assistance features may qualify for discounts with some insurers.

Current policy

• Current declarations pageThe summary page of your policy. It lists drivers, vehicles, coverages, limits, deductibles and the premium, so it is the easiest way to ask for quotes on the same coverage.
• Renewal or end dateKnowing when your current policy ends lets you start a new one on the same day, with no gap in coverage.
• How long you have been insuredMany insurers ask about prior coverage. A lapse, even a short one, may affect your rate.

Driving history

• AccidentsDates and a short description of recent accidents for every driver, including who was at fault. How far back insurers look varies by insurer and state.
• Tickets and violationsDates and types of moving violations, such as speeding. If you are unsure, your state motor vehicle agency can usually provide a copy of your driving record.
• Claims you have filedIncluding comprehensive claims such as glass, hail or theft, not only accidents.
• Required filingsIf a court or your state requires an SR-22 or a similar filing, have the details and deadlines ready. Rules vary by state.

Where and how you drive

• Garaging addressWhere each car is parked overnight, if it is different from your mailing address. Location is one of the factors insurers commonly use.
• Yearly mileageAn estimate of the miles each car is driven in a year and its current odometer reading. Service or inspection records can help.
• How each car is usedCommuting, pleasure, business, or driving for a rideshare or delivery app. Personal policies often limit coverage for app-based driving.

Coverage you want

• Liability limits to priceYour current limits, plus one or two higher levels so you can see what more protection costs.
• Collision and comprehensive deductiblesAn amount you could pay from savings after a claim without borrowing.
• Other coveragesUninsured motorist, medical payments or personal injury protection, rental reimbursement, roadside assistance and gap coverage, as they apply to you.
• Start dateThe day you want the new policy to begin, usually the day your current policy ends.

Discounts and payment

• Proof for possible discountsA recent report card for a student driver, or a certificate from a driver training or defensive driving course. What qualifies varies by insurer and state.
• Other policies and membershipsHomeowners, renters or other policies you might combine, and employer, alumni or professional groups some insurers offer discounts through.
• How you plan to payIn full or in installments, and whether you would use paperless billing or automatic payments, which some insurers discount.