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Insurance Basics

How to read an insurance quote

How to read an insurance quote

A quote is more than a monthly number — knowing what to check first will keep you from comparing apples to oranges.

Start with the coverage types, not the price

Before comparing the monthly number, check which coverage types are included — liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist — and at what limits. Two quotes with wildly different prices are often just covering different amounts of risk.

Check the deductible on every quote

A lower price paired with a higher deductible isn’t necessarily a better deal. Line up the deductibles side by side so you’re comparing what you’d actually pay after a claim, not just what you pay every month.

Ask for the same limits from every insurer

The fastest way to get an honest comparison is to request identical coverage types and limits from each company you quote. Once the inputs match, the price difference reflects the insurer, not the policy.

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