By Drew Gula | NerdWallet Shopping for cheap car insurance can feel like hunting for Black Friday deals. You know what you want, but you have to compare different prices from different companies. And with each insurer using a unique pricing model, how can you really know when you’ve found the best deal? Car insurance costs continue going up year after year, so you may be looking for ways to find cheaper coverage.

A 2024 J.D. Power study revealed that nearly half of American car insurance customers have shopped for a new policy within the past year.

But while rates may be at an all-time high, it’s still possible to get cheaper car insurance if you consider these steps. The best way to get cheap car insurance is to compare insurance quotes from several insurers at least once a year, but this process can be time consuming. An independent agent can shop from multiple insurers for you, including smaller, regional insurers that may offer cheaper coverage than the large companies advertised on TV.

An agent can also identify available discounts and help you choose appropriate coverage limits. You can find an independent agent by asking friends or family for a referral, searching online and checking on insurer websites or a national network of independent agents. Don’t assume you’re getting every discount you qualify for.

Ask your insurer or agent about potential discounts to be sure you’re maximizing your savings. You may not qualify for every discount offered by your insur.