Discounts are a great way to save money on your car insurance. Some are easy to get and require almost no effort. Others, however, require you to take some steps before you see lower rates.
One example of the latter is the early quote discount or, as some providers call it, the early bird discount. Depending on your insurance company, you get rewarded when you switch to them before your policy ends with your previous provider. In other words, you must switch to a competing insurer to earn this benefit.
In this article, you’ll learn more about the early quote insurance discount. We’ll talk about how it works, how to qualify, and how it differs from similar discounts. Then, we’ll explain which companies offer it before answering some frequently asked questions.
How the Early Quote Discount Works
The early quote discount is a way for auto insurance companies to encourage potential customers to switch to them. To qualify you must get quotes from competing insurers and establish new coverage with one before your current policy expires. For many, changing providers could seem like a big leap of faith. This is especially true if you’ve been with the same carrier for many years.
However, the early quote discount is a win-win situation for both you and your new insurer. By switching in advance, you show them that you’re ready to do business and are enthusiastic about getting a new policy. And by offering you a reward, your new insurance company sweetens the deal and lifts a little of the stress of changing providers off your shoulders.
Another reason insurers offer the early quote discount is that it means you’ll have a new policy before your current one ends. You won’t have to worry about having a lapse in coverage, which occurs when you don’t have car insurance for a certain amount of time. This can make companies see you as high-risk and could also significantly raise your rates. Switching before your policy expires ensures you always have coverage.
How to Qualify
The early quote discount has two major requirements:
- You must have an active auto insurance policy when you request quotes from providers.
- You must switch to one of these companies before your coverage expires.
Many insurance providers also require that you sign with them at least seven days before your current policy period ends before you can qualify. It probably goes without saying that your new insurer must offer the early quote discount to receive the savings. Check below for a list of carriers listing this reward on their websites.
It’s smart to check if an insurer you’re interested in also offers an early bird discount. It’s always nice to know you can save money immediately upon switching to a new insurance provider.
Early Quote Discount vs. Early Signing
When looking to see if companies offer an advance quoting perk, you may also see something called the early signing discount. Despite the similar name, the two are far from the same.
An early quote discount is for people who get an insurance pricing estimate in advance and switch to another insurer. The signing version is a perk for people who sign their policy before it ends and stay with the same company. It’s a way for insurance providers to incentivize your loyalty.
The best way to remember the difference between them that the early quote discount is for people who switch companies and early signing is for people who stay with the same insurer.
Insurance Companies Offering the Early Quote Discount
A few major car insurance companies offer an early quote discount. But be aware that not all of them have the same requirements and rules. This offer may also not be available in some states.
Below are major providers that offer early quote discounts:
American Family
American Family offers an early bird discount to new customers who switch to them. To qualify, you must currently have an active car insurance policy with another provider and change providers seven days before the new policy would begin. The insurer doesn’t say exactly how much you’ll save. It’s a good idea to contact an AmFam agent to learn more.
Progressive
Progressive offers an incentive for switching from another insurer called the continuous insurance discount. This perk considers the amount of time you’ve been with your previous provider. So, if you’ve been with another company for a long time and switch to Progressive, you can see a good percentage lowered off your premium costs. Not available in California.
Travelers
Travelers offers an early quote discount to entice people to switch to them before their current insurance policy expires. How much this reward saves you depends on how far in advance you change providers. You receive a 3% rate reduction for requesting one three days early. The savings increase to 10% when switch to Travelers 15 days before policy expiration. California prohibits insurers from offering this to customers.
Early Quote Discount by Insurance Company
| Insurance Company | Max Savings |
|---|---|
| American Family | Varies |
| Progressive | Varies |
| Travelers | 3-10% |
More Ways to Save
Besides the early quote discount, insurance companies offer customers many more ways lower rates to entice new business. They also help keep existing policyholders loyal. There are so many different ways to save that we couldn’t possibly list them all here. Some of the categories include car safety, user behavior, those related to your account, and good driver discounts. A few specific examples include:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an early quote discount?
This discount is for people who get quotes early and switch to a new company before their current policy with their previous insurer ends. Auto insurance providers offer this for two main reasons. The first is that it helps potential customers get excited about both making the switch and saving money on their rates immediately. The second is that it helps ensure that people don’t have a costly lapse in coverage.
What is the difference between an early signing and early quote discount?
While both have a similar name, they’re not the same. Early signing refers to when you stay with the same company and sign your policy before it ends. On the other hand, the early quote discount is when you switch companies before your auto insurance policy with your previous provider expires.
What is a lapse in car insurance?
A lapse occurs whenever you go a time without car coverage. If this happens, you’ll face higher rates when you shop for a new policy. Insurers see a lapse as a sign that you may have been driving without coverage and, therefore, will view you as a high-risk driver.
When should I switch car insurance companies?
Switching from one insurer to another is a big life decision. While it can be daunting, specifically for those who’ve spent years with one insurance provider, it can pay off significantly.
The best time to switch insurers is when you feel dissatisfied with your previous carrier. For example, you may feel like you’re paying too much. Or maybe you’re not happy with the customer service. In this case, consider comparing several companies before switching. You should also look for an insurance company with an early quote discount
