Getting an insurance quote: what to have ready.

Describe the change you are making.

Are you buying a vehicle, moving, purchasing a home or reviewing a renewal? Note the state, the property or vehicle involved and your desired start date. A lender, lease or closing may introduce requirements that need a closer look.

Keep your existing declarations page available if you have one. It summarizes important policy details and makes it easier to discuss current limits and deductibles. It is a starting point for review, not a substitute for all the policy terms.

For a vehicle quote, describe the vehicle and its use.

Have the vehicle’s year, make, model and VIN available for the insurer’s application. Be ready to discuss where it is kept, who drives it, its use and whether it is financed or leased. Accurate information helps avoid comparing an estimate based on one situation with a final quote based on another.

Use the auto insurance page to start an auto quote. Our existing switching guide explains how to line up coverage limits and deductibles; this checklist focuses on getting the information ready.

For a property quote, start with the building and occupancy.

Gather the address, approximate size, construction information, roof age and known updates. Explain whether the property is your home, a rental or another type of occupancy. If buying a home, keep the expected closing date and lender instructions handy.

For renters, begin with the address, belongings you want protected and any lease requirements. For jewelry or other specialized products, start with the item or responsibility involved and ask which supporting records the insurer needs.

Save the same comparison details for each option.

Ask for a written summary and keep assumptions consistent. A lower payment may reflect different protection or a different payment schedule.

• Coverage types, limits, deductibles and major exclusions.
• Policy term, total premium and any payment-plan charges.
• Effective date and information still needed.
• Discounts applied and the conditions for keeping them.

Use the right channel for private details.

Our website inquiry needs your contact information and a brief question. Keep license numbers, Social Security numbers, payment details and private documents out of its message box and ordinary email. The team can explain the appropriate application process.

A request or estimate does not activate insurance. Confirm acceptance, required payment and the effective date before relying on coverage. If you need help finishing, use Quote Help; if your question is about changing insurers, use our existing switching guide.

Keep exploring

Sources and coverage details

• GEICO: Auto coverage and quote preparation
• Progressive: How to shop for car insurance
• Progressive: Insurance declarations pages
• NAIC: Information an agent will need from you

Sources checked October 17, 2026. These educational resources explain general insurance concepts; another insurer’s features are not a promise of coverage available through this agency. Coverage, eligibility, limits, deductibles and exclusions depend on the policy, insurer and state. An inquiry does not start or change coverage.