How Often Should You Shop for New Car Insurance Quotes? (2026)

You should shop for car insurance quotes at least once a year — ideally 30 to 45 days before your renewal — plus immediately after any major life event. Despite the clear financial incentive (92% of drivers who switch save money), three out of four drivers don't shop for auto insurance annually. For the full savings playbook, see our how to lower your premium pillar guide.

The savings case for shopping regularly

Events that should trigger an off-cycle quote check

Beyond the annual review, shop immediately after any of these — each one changes your risk profile enough that your current insurer's pricing may no longer be competitive:

• Moving to a new address, even within the same state (see our moving states guide if you're crossing state lines specifically)
• Buying a new or different vehicle
• Getting married (many insurers offer a marriage discount)
• Adding or removing a driver from your household
• A significant change in annual mileage (remote work, retirement)
• Your credit tier improving meaningfully (see our credit score guide)

Why insurers count on you not shopping

Insurance pricing isn't static — carriers regularly adjust their underwriting models, and "loyalty" typically doesn't earn a discount the way it might with other services. Some insurers' pricing models specifically assume a certain percentage of customers won't re-shop and price renewals accordingly, which is part of why switching produces such consistent savings for the drivers who actually do it.

The switching process is faster than most people expect

Getting new quotes and switching takes under an hour: gather your current policy details, get quotes from 3+ carriers, buy the new policy, then cancel the old one and notify your lender if you have a loan or lease. You can switch at any point in your policy term — most carriers don't charge a penalty for switching mid-term, and you get a refund for any unused premium on the canceled policy.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I shop for car insurance quotes?+

At least once a year, ideally 30 to 45 days before your policy renews, plus immediately after any major life event like moving, buying a car, or a significant change in your credit tier.

Do I lose money by switching car insurance mid-term?+

Generally no — most carriers don't charge a penalty for switching before your policy term ends, and you receive a refund for any unused premium on the canceled policy. The new policy simply starts on whatever date you choose.

What percentage of people who switch car insurance actually save money?+

92% of drivers who switch save money, according to 2026 industry data, with 26% saving 10% or more and 29% saving 15% or more on their new policy.

Why don't more people shop for car insurance if switching usually saves money?+

Survey data shows three out of four drivers don't shop for auto insurance annually, likely due to a combination of inertia, the perceived hassle of comparing quotes, and not realizing how much the potential savings actually are — the switching process itself typically takes under an hour.