
Yes, you can absolutely get an auto insurance quote without currently owning a car. This is a common practice, especially for people who are car shopping and want to understand the total cost of ownership before making a purchase. The process involves providing the insurance company with your personal driver information and the details of the vehicle you are considering instead of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from a car you already own.
When you request a quote for a car you don't own, you'll be asked for the vehicle's make, model, trim level, and model year. This allows the insurer to assess the risk associated with that specific car. They will also run a standard check on your driving history, credit-based insurance score (where permitted by state law), and other personal factors to calculate a preliminary premium. It's important to understand that this quote is an estimate. The final premium may be adjusted once you have the exact VIN, which provides precise details about the car's features and history.
There are two primary scenarios for getting a quote without a car:
| Scenario | How to Get a Quote | Key Coverage Details | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car Shopping | Provide vehicle make/model/year and your driver info. | Quote is for a standard policy; binding requires VIN. | Buyers comparing total costs of different models. |
| Non-Owner Policy | Request a "non-owner" policy quote with your driver info. | Covers liability only; no comprehensive/collision. | Frequent renters, those using car-sharing services. |
| Gap Between Cars | Quote for a specific car you plan to buy soon. | Ensures continuous coverage history. | Individuals who sold a car and are buying another. |
| New Driver | Quote for a common family vehicle (e.g., Honda CR-V). | Provides a cost expectation for a new driver. | Teens or new residents understanding insurance costs. |
To get the most accurate quote, have your driver's license number and the specific details of the car you're interested in ready. Be prepared for the quote to be finalized only after the insurer verifies the VIN.

Sure thing. I just went through this myself when I was test-driving trucks. I'd call up Geico or go online, tell them I was looking at a Ford F-150 XLT, and they'd run my info. It gave me a solid ballpark figure. The key is you need to have a specific car in mind—just saying "a sedan" won't cut it. Once I bought the truck, the final price was pretty close to the quote.


