December 9, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 Car insurance for a 16-year-old is expensive—often the most expensive of any age group. The biggest reason is simple: new drivers have the least experience, and insurers price policies based on risk and claim history. Below are the latest nationwide averages for 16-year-old car insurance costs, a full state-by-state […]
December 9, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 Canada is an easy road trip from many parts of the U.S. — but before you cross the border, it’s smart to double-check how your auto insurance works outside the country. The good news: most standard U.S. personal auto policies cover short trips in Canada with the same coverages […]
December 7, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 Living in your car can be a temporary necessity, a budget reset, or a lifestyle choice (vanlife, road-tripping, seasonal work, etc.). Whatever the reason, it changes your risk: your car isn’t just transportation anymore — it’s also where you keep your valuables, sleep, and spend a lot of time […]
December 7, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 Auto insurance is meant for everyday driving—not competition. If your car gets damaged while racing (or doing many types of track events), your insurer will usually deny the claim. Below is how “racing” is defined in most policies, why claims get denied, and what to do if you want […]
December 5, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 The Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA) is Texas’ “last-resort” option for drivers who can’t get auto liability insurance in the regular market. It helps eligible high-risk drivers buy the minimum coverage needed to legally drive. So, is TAIPA cheap? In most cases, no. TAIPA is designed for people […]
December 4, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 Car insurance is a must-have expense for most drivers — and it can be especially tough to afford on a tight budget. The short answer: there’s no nationwide “welfare car insurance” program, but some public benefits can be used to pay your premium (if they’re paid as cash), and […]
December 3, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 In most cases, yes — you can pay your car insurance deductible with a credit card. The catch is that you usually don’t pay the deductible to your insurer. You typically pay it to the body shop, glass shop, or tow/repair provider handling the work. This guide breaks down […]
December 3, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 Sometimes, yes — but it’s not guaranteed. Costco doesn’t sell or underwrite auto insurance directly. Instead, eligible Costco members can quote and buy auto (and home) coverage through Costco’s insurance program, which is administered by an agency and underwritten by American Family companies (the program was historically branded as […]
December 2, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 Most teens can get a driver’s license around age 16. But when it comes to buying car insurance, the real issue usually isn’t your age—it’s whether you can legally sign the contract and whether the car is titled/registered in your name. Here’s how old you typically need to be […]
November 30, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 Car insurance is expensive at 18 — and for good reason: insurers price teen drivers higher because they have less experience behind the wheel and tend to file more claims. If you’re an 18-year-old shopping for coverage (or a parent adding a teen driver), it helps to know what […]
November 30, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 Having a car at college is a huge convenience—but it can also make insurance more complicated (and pricey) when you’re young. The “best” way to insure a car at school usually comes down to three things: who owns the vehicle, where it’s parked most of the year (your “garaging […]
November 28, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 If you have significant assets, you have a bigger financial target on your back after a serious car accident — not because you did anything wrong, but because high-limit lawsuits tend to follow the money. That’s why many high-net-worth drivers add a personal umbrella policy on top of their […]
November 27, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 Car insurance usually jumps the moment a teen starts driving — and for good reason. New drivers have less experience behind the wheel, and crash risk is highest in the teen years. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) notes the fatal crash rate per mile for 16–17-year-old drivers […]
November 27, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 Most car insurance companies sell the same core coverages (because your state sets the minimums), but they don’t all sell the same policy. The fine print, optional add-ons, exclusions, deductibles, claims experience, and pricing can vary a lot from insurer to insurer. Below is what’s standardized, what changes by […]
November 26, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 A CLUE report (short for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) is one of the main tools insurers use to review your past auto and property insurance claims. If you’re shopping for a new policy (or even renewing), it’s smart to pull your own report so you can confirm what insurers […]
November 25, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 Getting your license is a big step—and so is making sure you’re properly insured. If you’re a teen living independently (or your parents aren’t involved), you might wonder whether you can buy car insurance without their permission. The answer depends mostly on your age, who owns the car, and […]
November 23, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 Buying a home is a big milestone — and it can also unlock extra ways to save on car insurance. But “homeowner discounts” can mean two different things, and the savings vary a lot by insurer and state. Below is a clear breakdown of the two main discounts homeowners […]
November 15, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 Yes — firefighters can sometimes qualify for car insurance discounts. Many insurers offer an occupation or first responder discount for firefighters (and often EMTs and law enforcement, too). The catch is that these discounts are not universal, they aren’t available in every state, and the savings can be modest […]
November 14, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 Farmers and State Farm are two leading insurance companies with nationwide name recognition, lots of policy options, and local agent support. If you’re comparing them, you’re already looking at two reputable insurers—so the “better” choice usually comes down to pricing in your ZIP code, how you prefer to manage […]
November 13, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 Yes—police officers can often get car insurance discounts, but it depends on the insurer, your state, and sometimes your specific employer or professional association. Some companies offer an occupation-based “first responder” discount, while others offer group/affinity discounts through organizations. If you’re shopping for a policy, start with the basics: […]
November 13, 2019
Last Updated on January 6, 2026 If you’re shopping for auto insurance, you’ve probably noticed one frustrating truth: the “best” company depends on your driving history, your state, and how you want to buy coverage. Kemper is a national insurance group that sells personal auto insurance through multiple brands and channels, and it often appeals […]
November 12, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 Farmers and GEICO are both well-known auto insurers, but they’re built for different kinds of customers. Farmers is an agent-forward company with lots of coverage customization, while GEICO is best known for a digital-first experience and often-competitive pricing. The “better” choice usually comes down to how you like to […]
November 11, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 Putting the wrong fuel in your tank (often called misfueling) is one of those mistakes that can happen fast—especially on road trips, when you’re exhausted, or when you switch between gas and diesel vehicles. The good news: if you catch it early, it’s often a “tow + drain + […]
November 9, 2019
Last Updated on February 5, 2026 Hard braking can affect your auto insurance rate—but usually not directly unless your insurer has a way to measure it. In a traditional policy, your company doesn’t see every stop you make. Instead, rates typically change after things insurers can verify, like tickets, accidents, and insurance claims. That’s where […]
November 7, 2019
Last Updated on January 6, 2026 American Family’s KnowYourDrive® is a usage-based discount program that uses a smartphone app to track a few key driving behaviors and reward safer habits with savings. If you’re already insured with American Family, enrolling can be an easy way to lower your premium—especially if you’re a calm, distraction-free driver. […]