Insurance comparison
Compare insurance options side by side
The cheapest quote is only a good deal if it covers what you need. Use this page to see how each type of insurance works, what moves the price, and how to shop for it.
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Insurance types at a glance
| Type | What it pays for | Main price factors | Watch for | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto | Damage and injuries you cause to others (liability), plus your own car if you add collision and comprehensive. | Driving record, vehicle, location, coverage limits, deductible, and in many states credit-based insurance score. | Liability limits set at the state minimum can leave you paying out of pocket after a serious accident. | Read the guide |
| Home | Damage to your home and belongings from covered events, plus liability if someone is hurt on your property. | Rebuild cost, location and weather risk, age of roof and systems, claims history, deductible. | Flood and earthquake damage are usually excluded and need separate policies. | Read the guide |
| Life | A lump sum to your beneficiaries if you die while the policy is in force. | Age, health, tobacco use, coverage amount, term length or permanent coverage. | Term policies end at the end of the term. Permanent policies cost much more per dollar of coverage. | Read the guide |
| Final expense | A smaller whole life policy meant for funeral costs, medical bills and other end-of-life expenses. | Age, health answers, coverage amount, and whether the policy asks health questions. | No-health-question policies often have a waiting period before the full benefit is paid. | Read the guide |
| Pet | Part of your vet bills for covered accidents and illnesses, after a deductible. Wellness add-ons cover routine care. | Species, breed, age, location, deductible, reimbursement rate, annual limit. | Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded, and most plans have waiting periods. | Read the guide |
Ways to shop for a policy
There is no single best route. What matters is how many insurers you get to compare and how much help you want.
| Route | How it works | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy direct from an insurer | You get a quote from one company online or by phone. | People who already know what coverage they want. | You see one company's price at a time, so comparing takes several quotes. |
| Captive agent | A licensed agent who sells for one insurance company. | People who want a local contact and are happy with that company. | They can only quote their own company's products. |
| Independent agent or broker | A licensed agent appointed with several insurers who can quote more than one. | Comparing a few insurers with one person's help. | Which insurers they can quote depends on their appointments. |
| Comparison or referral service | A service that connects you with agents or insurers, by form or phone. | Getting connected quickly, especially if you prefer to talk it through. | The service is usually paid by the agent or insurer for the referral. Ask who you are speaking with. |
Before you compare quotes
Match the coverage
Compare the same limits, deductibles and add-ons across quotes, or the cheaper one may simply cover less.
Read the exclusions
What a policy does not cover matters as much as what it does. Ask for the exclusions in writing.
Check the insurer
Your state's department of insurance can confirm a company and an agent are licensed and show complaint records.
Avoid a gap
When switching, start the new policy before cancelling the old one so you are never uninsured.
Common questions
Does getting a quote affect my credit score?
Insurers in many states use a credit-based insurance score, but checking it for a quote is typically a soft inquiry that does not affect your credit score. Ask the insurer if you are unsure.
How often should I compare insurance?
A common habit is to review your coverage at each renewal and after life changes such as moving, buying a car or home, getting married, or adding a driver.
Is CompareAxis an insurance company?
No. CompareAxis is an information and comparison service. We do not sell insurance or give advice on a specific policy. See our licensing page for more.