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How to get a car insurance quote online

Whatever the reason, when you get an online insurance quote from Nationwide, you can tailor and purchase a car insurance policy instantly, and even print out your proof of insurance card. Here’s how it works:

1. Gather the information you will need about your cars and drivers

To speed up purchasing instant auto insurance online, have this basic information ready for each driver on your policy:

  • Social Security number (optional)
  • Driver’s license number
  • Driving distance to work
  • Driving violations, accidents or claims in the last five years (approximate dates and details)
  • Make, model and year of your vehicle(s)

If you own a collectible car, you can also use the above information to get classic car insurance. Find out if you qualify today.

2. Get an insurance quote online

Nationwide's auto insurance quote tool is your fastest path to a quick car insurance quote. Enter your ZIP Code and click Get a Quote. Then answer some questions about yourself, the car you want to insure and the people who will be driving the vehicle.

You can also get fast car insurance quotes by calling 1-877-669-6877. And if you prefer working with a local agent, use our agent locator to find an agent near you.

3. How to compare car insurance

Once you have your car insurance quote, you may want to shop around to see who has the best options available for what kind of coverage or policy you need. When comparing, you’ll want to keep in mind:

  • Coverages that are offered
  • Discounts available
  • Deductibles and liability limits
  • Additional customizable features

4. Find Nationwide car insurance discounts

As you get your instant auto insurance quote, Nationwide will help identify discounts on car insurance that might apply to your policy to and save you money by lowering your premium in a big way.

  • Multi-policy discounts: Depending on where you live, you may qualify for lower rates when you have multiple Nationwide insurance policies.
  • Safe driver discount: You may also be able to lower your car insurance rate by avoiding speeding tickets, reckless driving, or having an accident-free record.
  • Anti-theft discount: If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device or passenger restraint system, you may save even more.
  • Nationwide SmartRide: You may also earn a discount through the SmartRide program which is a usage-based program that gives members feedback to help encourage safe driving.1

5. Understand your coverage options

With Nationwide, you have a number of car insurance coverage options to choose from that can help fit your needs. Common coverage options include:

  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Gap coverage
  • Uninsured motorist
  • Bodily injury liability
  • Roadside Assistance

Find out more about Nationwide’s auto insurance coverage options.

6. Liability car insurance

Liability insurance is considered the most basic, minimum auto insurance you can buy – and it's required in most states. Essentially, if you want to get behind the wheel, you need to have it.

If you're thinking about requesting a quote for just liability auto insurance, make sure you know what the quoted policies do and do not cover. The most basic policy may keep you legal, but fall short of the coverage you need if you're in a serious accident or your car is damaged in some other way. For a slightly higher price, you may avoid big expenses down the road.

7. Customize your policy with additional options:

Our most popular, affordable upgrades include:

8. Select the auto insurance policy that’s right for you

When you receive your instant car insurance quote from Nationwide, you will get several options to choose from, making it easy to select a policy that’s right for you and your budget. You can also change coverages to create a more personalized policy.

9. Choose a payment method and buy your insurance instantly

Once you’ve picked a policy, simply choose a payment option to complete the transaction. After that, you can download your proof of insurance card and print it out. You can also save your auto ID card to your phone's wallet through our mobile app.3
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Insurance terms, definitions and explanations are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in individual insurance contracts, policies or declaration pages, which control coverage determinations. Such terms may vary by state, and exclusions may apply. Discounts may not be applied to all policy coverages.

[1] Availability varies. Discounts are approximations and do not apply to all coverage elements; actual savings vary by state, coverage selections, rating factors and policy changes. Enrollment discount applies during data collection; final discount is calculated on driving behavior and could be zero. Final discount applies at the next policy renewal, and remains until drivers or vehicles on the policy change.

[2] Vanishing Deductible is an optional feature. Annual credits subject to eligibility requirements. Maximum credit: $500. Details and availability vary by state. Insurance terms, definitions and explanations are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in individual insurance contracts, policies or declaration pages, which control coverage determinations. Such terms may vary by state, and exclusions may apply. Discounts may not be applied to all policy coverages.

[3] Currently only available for iPhone® users through Apple Wallet®. Please keep in mind that state insurance requirements may vary. Always review applicable laws to confirm whether a digital ID card can be considered proof of insurance.
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