Getting an Insurance Quote: What You’ll Need for Auto, Home, and More

By the Mercury Team

Let’s be honest: Getting car and home insurance quotes can be overwhelming, especially if you’re asked for a long list of details just to get the coverage you need. There is good news, however: Most of the information required for an insurance quote is easy to gather, and being prepared can help you get more accurate pricing upfront. Here’s how to get car insurance and homeowners insurance quotes — and everything you need to do so.

Why Insurance Quotes Ask for Certain Information

Insurance quotes are based on risk. Insurers use your information to estimate how likely you are to file a claim — and how costly that claim might be. The more accurate the information you provide, the more reliable your quote.

They’ll ask for details like your driving history and your home’s age and square footage, all of which can help insurers calculate premiums, apply discounts, and determine your eligibility.

What You Need to Get a Car Insurance Quote

Buying car insurance for the first time? Auto insurance quotes usually rely on information that revolves around you, what you drive, and how you drive. Information needed for a car insurance quote includes:

Driver details

You’ll be asked to provide:

• Your full name and date of birth
• Driver’s license number and state of issuance
• Address and length of time at your residence

Vehicle information

The type of vehicle you drive affects repair costs, safety ratings, and theft risk — all key pricing factors. An insurer will ask for:

• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Make, model, and year
• Current mileage and primary use

Driving history and coverage preferences

Insurers will also look at your recent driving history to assess risk. They’ll likely want to know about:

• Accidents or claims within the past three to five years
• Traffic violations, such as speeding tickets or DUIs

You’ll also choose coverage options, such as liability limits, comprehensive and collision coverage, deductibles, and optional add-ons like roadside assistance. Each selection directly influences your final quote.

What Information Is Needed for a Home Insurance Quote?

Homeowners insurance quotes focus on the property itself, how it’s built, and how much coverage you need.

Property details and construction

To better assess risk, an insurer will likely want the following details:

• Home address and year built
• Square footage and number of stories
• Construction materials (roof type, exterior walls, foundation)
• Whether the home is owner-occupied, rented, or vacant
• Upgrades such as new roofs, updated electrical systems, or storm-resistant features, which may qualify you for lower rates

Coverage limits and deductibles

You’ll also need to decide how much coverage you want, including:

• Dwelling coverage
• Personal property coverage for belongings
• Liability coverage
• Deductible amounts

Keep in mind when choosing a policy that choosing higher deductibles can lower your premium, while higher coverage limits provide more financial protection after a loss.

Getting Car and Home Insurance Quotes Together

Many insurers allow you to request auto and home insurance quotes at the same time, which can simplify the process and potentially lower your overall cost.

How bundling works

Bundling means purchasing more than one policy — usually auto and home — from the same insurance company. This will likely add a multi-policy discount to one or both policies. In many cases, the information you need for auto and homeowners insurance overlaps, so quoting both together also saves time.

When bundling can lower your rate

Bundling home and auto is a good idea if:

• You have a clean driving record
• Your home meets underwriting guidelines
• You’re planning to switch insurers anyway

However, bundling may not always be the cheapest option, so compare standalone quotes as well to ensure you’re getting the best overall value.

Tips to Make the Quote Process Faster and Easier

A little prep work can go a long way in making the quote process less painful. You can use online quote tools to get quick estimates in minutes, or you can have an insurance agent help explain options and fine-tune a quote. To expedite the process:

• Gather documents in advance, such as your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and prior insurance policies.
• Be accurate and honest. Incorrect information can lead to higher premiums later.
• Compare apples to apples by keeping coverage limits and deductibles consistent across quotes.
• Ask about discounts, including bundling, safety features, and loyalty programs.

Ready to Get Your Insurance Quote?

Whether you’re insuring a new car, buying a home, or reevaluating your current coverage, knowing what information you need puts you in control of the process. Mercury can help with fast, free quotes on home, auto, and more. Contact us today!