The parts of a typical quote
Most quotes list coverages in a similar order. Here's what each line means and how it's usually shown:
| Coverage | What it pays for | How it's shown |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | Injuries you cause to others, plus your legal defense | Per person / per accident, such as 100/300 |
| Property damage liability | Damage you cause to other people's cars and property | Per accident, such as 100 (meaning $100,000) |
| Uninsured / underinsured motorist | Your injuries (and sometimes car damage) caused by a driver with no or too little insurance | Per person / per accident |
| Personal injury protection or medical payments | Medical bills for you and passengers regardless of fault; PIP may add lost wages | A per-person limit |
| Collision | Damage to your car from a crash | Deductible, such as $500 |
| Comprehensive | Theft, weather, fire, vandalism, animals, glass | Deductible |
| Rental reimbursement | A rental car while yours is repaired after a covered claim | Daily limit / maximum per claim |
| Roadside assistance | Towing, jump-starts, lockouts | Included or not; sometimes a per-use limit |
How to read split limits like 100/300/100
Liability limits are usually written as three numbers in thousands of dollars:
- First number: the most the policy pays for injuries to any one person.
- Second number: the most it pays for all injuries in one accident.
- Third number: the most it pays for property damage in one accident.
So 100/300/100 means $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident for injuries, and $100,000 for property damage. Some quotes show a single number instead, called a combined single limit, which is one pot of money for all injuries and property damage from a crash.
If a quote only shows your state's minimum, check what that minimum is with the coverage checker. Minimum limits are often far lower than the cost of a serious crash.
How to compare quotes apples to apples
- Start from your declarations page. It shows your current limits, deductibles and endorsements, so you can request the same setup from every insurer.
- Use identical inputs. Same drivers, same vehicles, same garaging address, same annual mileage and the same use (commute, pleasure or business).
- Match every coverage. If one quote includes rental reimbursement or uninsured motorist property damage and another doesn't, add or remove it so they line up.
- Match the policy term. Double a six-month premium before comparing it with a 12-month one. See six-month vs. annual policies.
- Compare the total cost, not the monthly payment. Include installment fees, policy fees and any paid-in-full discount.
NAIC's consumer shopping tool suggests making a simple comparison sheet for this. The table below works as a template.
| Item | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liability limits | |||
| UM / UIM limits | |||
| Collision / comprehensive deductibles | |||
| Optional coverages included | |||
| Term length and total cost | |||
| Fees and discounts assumed |
Why a quote can change after you apply
A quote is based on the information you provide. Before the policy is final, insurers typically check your motor vehicle record, claims history and, in states that allow it, your credit-based insurance score. NAIC notes that insurers typically review about three years of driving history for all named drivers. If they find a ticket, accident or other detail that wasn't in the quote, the price can change.
Give complete, accurate answers. Leaving out a driver or a violation might produce a lower quote, but it can lead to a price change, a canceled policy or a denied claim later.
Questions to ask before you buy
- Is this price final, or will it change after you check my records?
- Which discounts are included, and what do I need to do to keep each one?
- Are there installment fees, policy fees or a discount for paying in full?
- Are all drivers in my household listed? Is anyone excluded?
- What happens to my premium after an at-fault accident? Is there accident forgiveness?
- Do you use original manufacturer parts for repairs?
- How do I file a claim, and is there a preferred repair shop network?
- Is your company licensed in my state? You can verify with your state Department of Insurance or the NAIC's consumer insurance search.
Red flags when comparing quotes
- A quote far below all the others with no clear reason, which may mean missing coverage or drivers.
- Liability limits that silently dropped to the state minimum.
- A household driver missing from the driver list or marked as excluded without your request.
- Pressure to buy immediately or to pay in an unusual way, such as a gift card or wire transfer.
- A seller who can't give you the insurance company's full legal name so you can check its license.
Choosing limits and deductibles before you compare
Decide on your coverage before you collect quotes, so price doesn't pull you toward too little protection. Many people set liability limits to protect their savings and income, match uninsured motorist limits to their liability limits, and choose a collision and comprehensive deductible they could pay without borrowing. The deductible vs. premium calculator shows the trade-off, and the premium estimator gives a rough baseline to judge whether quotes look reasonable. Our guide to uninsured motorist coverage explains that line of the quote in more depth.
Frequently asked questions
What does 100/300/100 mean on a car insurance quote?
It means $100,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $300,000 per accident for all injuries, and $100,000 of property damage coverage per accident.
Why are my car insurance quotes so different?
Each insurer uses its own rating formula and weighs factors like location, record, vehicle and credit differently. Quotes also differ if coverage, deductibles or assumed discounts don't match.
What is a declarations page?
It's the summary page of your policy listing the named insured, drivers, vehicles, coverages, limits, deductibles, endorsements and premium. It's the best starting point for comparing quotes.
Is the cheapest car insurance quote the best one?
Not necessarily. Make sure limits, deductibles, optional coverages and fees match before comparing prices, and consider how the company handles claims.
Can a car insurance quote change after I buy?
Yes. If the insurer's check of your driving, claims or other records turns up information that differs from what you entered, the final premium can change.
Related guides
- Six-Month vs. Annual Car Insurance: Terms, Payments and Refunds
- Car Insurance Discounts: Common Types, Who Qualifies and What to Ask
- Minimum Car Insurance Requirements: What "30/60/25" Means and Why It's Rarely Enough
- How to Switch Car Insurance Without a Gap in Coverage
- Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: How UM/UIM and Stacking Work
How we estimate this
This guide explains general rules and practices. Insurance terms vary by state, insurer and policy — check your policy documents and your state insurance department for the rules that apply to you. For cost estimates, try our calculators. Read the full methodology.