| Scenario | Driver | Vehicle | Coverage | Typical annual range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low risk | Age 45, clean record, 8k miles | Sedan, $18k, 7 years | Standard liability, $1k deductible | $720–$1,120 |
| Average | Age 32, clean record, 12k miles | SUV, $22k, 4 years | Standard liability, $500 deductible | $1,050–$1,780 |
| Higher risk | Age 22, ticket, 16k miles | Sports, $30k, 2 years | Enhanced liability, $500 deductible | $2,100–$3,900 |
This calculator estimates annual premium by building coverage cost, applying risk multipliers, then applying insurer pricing style, fees, and capped discounts.
- CoverageSubtotal = Base + VehicleComponent + Liability + Collision + Comprehensive + AddOns
- RiskMultiplier = Age × Record × Claims × Mileage × Location × Usage × Credit × Experience × Safety × VehicleType
- PreDiscount = (CoverageSubtotal × RiskMultiplier × InsurerMultiplier) + Fees
- FinalPremium = PreDiscount × (1 − EffectiveDiscount) (discount capped per insurer)
- Monthly = FinalPremium ÷ 12
- Enter driver, vehicle, and location risk details.
- Choose liability limits and deductible levels.
- Select collision/comprehensive and any add-ons you want.
- Mark eligible discount programs, if applicable.
- Select at least two insurers, then click Compare quotes.
- Review results above the form and download CSV/PDF.
What drives the estimated annual premium
The estimate starts with a base cost of 260 and adds a vehicle component near 1.25% of stated value. Liability uses a tier factor from 0.90 (state minimum) to 1.25 (premium). That subtotal is multiplied by driver, vehicle, and area risk factors, so the same coverage can price very differently.
Claims matter too: the model adds 8% for one recent claim and 18% for two or more. Younger drivers and major violations can push the combined multiplier above 2.0, while a clean, low‑mileage profile may sit near 0.9. Optional add‑ons are priced as flat yearly amounts—roadside 18, rental 26, GAP 34, and glass 14—so you can see the incremental cost of convenience coverage. Use these levers to hold coverage constant and compare price fairly.
Coverage choices and deductible trade-offs
Collision and comprehensive are modeled as about 0.68% and 0.34% of vehicle value each year, adjusted for vehicle age. The deductible factor is 1.20 at $250, 1.00 at $500, 0.85 at $1,000, 0.77 at $1,500, and 0.72 at $2,000. Higher deductibles reduce premium but increase out‑of‑pocket exposure.
Mileage, usage, and location impacts
Annual miles below 8,000 use a 0.95 factor; 8,000–12,000 uses 1.00; 12,001–15,000 uses 1.07; and above 15,000 uses 1.15. Usage factors are 1.00 personal, 1.08 commute, 1.15 business, and 1.25 rideshare. Location risk ranges from 0.90 (low) to 1.30 (very high).
Discount stacking and insurer limits
Eligible discounts apply sequentially: anti‑theft 4%, telematics 7%, pay‑in‑full 3%, paperless 1%, defensive driving 3%, good student 5%, and multi‑policy 6%. After stacking, each insurer caps the effective reduction, typically 25%–35%. This keeps comparisons realistic when many programs are selected.
Interpreting value score and next steps
The value score combines price, coverage strength, and selected features into a 0–100 scale, then converts that score into a 1–5 star rating with a small quality adjustment. Use the table and charts to shortlist two or three options, then request official quotes with identical limits and deductibles for final verification.
1) Why do estimates differ from real quotes?
Real quotes use insurer filings, local rating territory, VIN details, and underwriting rules. This tool standardizes assumptions to compare relative price changes, not final premiums.
2) How do I pick the right deductible?
Start with $500 as a balanced baseline. Raise it if you have cash reserves and want lower premiums, or lower it if you prefer predictable out‑of‑pocket costs after a claim.
3) Should I keep coverages identical when comparing?
Yes. Change only one lever at a time—limits, deductible, or add‑ons—so the price differences reflect insurer pricing, not a coverage mismatch.
4) Which discounts move the estimate most?
In this model, telematics is 7%, multi‑policy 6%, and good student 5%, applied sequentially. Actual eligibility varies, and each insurer caps the final discount.
5) What does the value score represent?
It blends price, selected features, and liability strength into a 0–100 indicator, then maps to 1–5 stars. Use it to shortlist options, then validate with official quotes.
6) Can I use this for financed or leased cars?
Yes. If a lender requires collision and comprehensive, keep both selected and compare deductibles that meet lender rules. Add GAP if you want coverage for negative equity.