Frequently Asked Questions

Jerry is a legit insurance broker that is free to use for all customers to shop and compare policies through. We earn a commission from insurance carriers when you purchase a policy through us, the same way a traditional insurance agent would. This doesn’t affect the price you pay, and your quote won’t be any higher due to the fee that carriers pay to Jerry. With select carriers in certain states, customers may incur an initial broker or origination fee.

No. The quotes Jerry shows you are real rates from actual insurance carriers based on your personal profile — they are not advertisements or sponsored placements. Carriers don’t pay to appear in your results or to rank higher. Jerry earns a commission only if you purchase a policy, which means we’re incentivized to find you the best match, not the highest-paying one.

No, Jerry only uses a soft credit inquiry when generating your quotes with certain carriers (and only in states where this is allowed), so there’s no impact to your credit score when browsing and comparing quotes. If you decide to move forward with purchasing a policy, select carriers may request a hard inquiry on their end, but this is limited.

Jerry protects your data. Our DataLock™ Guarantee ensures that when you shop for insurance with Jerry, you won’t be contacted by anyone but us — we never sell your information to telemarketers or third parties for marketing purposes, and we won’t spam or call you either. Your information is used solely to generate insurance quotes on your behalf. For full details, see our Privacy Policy.

Jerry keeps an eye on market rates and lets you know when it’s time to reshop, whether that’s at renewal or after a violation falls off your record. And when that happens, switching your car insurance is simple. Once you find a better quote through Jerry and decide to make the move, we’ll help you purchase (bind) your new policy and cancel the old one, making sure there’s no gap in your coverage along the way.

Here’s what that looks like:

• You pick the policy you want from your Jerry quotes.
• Jerry helps you buy and activate your new policy.
• We reach out to your current carrier to cancel your old policy on your behalf.
• You get confirmation once everything is wrapped up — with no lapse in coverage.

Try restarting the app, checking for updates in the App Store or Google Play, or restarting your device. If problems continue, contact us with a description of the issue — we value your feedback and will do our absolute best to fix it!

Payment and document links can expire. If one of your links expires, contact us through the app or by phone to speak with a human agent. We’ll help by either sending you a fresh link (when we can) or contacting the carrier directly to ask them to send you a new one.

Insurers weigh many factors when calculating your rate, including your driving record (tickets, accidents, DUIs, etc.), your age and years of experience, your location, your credit score (in most states), your coverage levels and deductibles, your prior insurance history (lapses can raise rates) and the number of drivers on your policy. The make, model and year of your vehicle also matter, as does where the car is garaged.

Insurance quotes go through several stages of verification before a final price is set, and the number can shift up or down at each step. Insurers use what’s called RC1 rating, meaning initial quotes are based on limited information. As more details are confirmed, the rate gets refined.

Here’s how it works:

• Initial estimate: Your first quote is based on the basic info you provide, like your age, address, vehicle and desired coverage. Think of it as a starting point.
• Claims history and credit check: The insurer pulls your claims history and (in some cases) a credit-based insurance score to refine your quote. This number may be higher or lower than your initial estimate.
• Motor vehicle report (MVR): Insurers in some states will pull your driving record directly from the state DMV as part of this process, which is the single biggest factor that can change your price. If your record is clean and your credit is solid, your rate might drop. If there’s something like a fresh violation or lapse in coverage, it could go up.

Once these steps are complete, you’ll get your final “bind price.” This process is standard across all insurance carriers and comparison platforms, but Jerry is actively working to narrow the gap between initial quote and final price to save you time and hassle.

If your quote feels steep, you’re not alone. Car insurance rates have risen nearly 50% nationwide since January 2022, driven by a combination of factors.

What’s driving rates up industry-wide:

• Rising repair costs. Auto repair costs are up 43%+ since 2019, fueled by labor shortages and the growing complexity of modern vehicles — cameras, sensors and ADAS systems mean even minor collisions are expensive to fix.
• More accidents and higher claims. Americans are driving more post-COVID, leading to more accidents, higher medical costs and more total loss claims.
• Weather and catastrophic losses. Carriers are still absorbing years of costly weather-related claims.
• Insurers catching up. After years of underpricing, carriers have been aggressively adjusting rates. Average insurance rates rose 5.9% year-over-year as of February 2026, according to Jerry data, still well above overall inflation of 2.4%.

Beyond those industry factors, some things that affect your specific quote include your driving record, location, vehicle type and age, coverage level, credit history (in most states) and prior coverage history.

The good news: different carriers price the same driver very differently, which is exactly why comparison shopping through Jerry often unlocks real savings. You can also adjust your coverage levels to find a price that works for your budget.

Most initial quotes are valid for 30 days, though this varies by carrier. If your quote expires, Jerry can quickly pull a fresh one since your information is already saved. Also note that your final bind price can change after each carrier’s verification process is complete.

Jerry searches 100+ insurers based on your profile and personal data, but eligibility will vary by driving history, location and prior coverage lapses. If you’re seeing limited quotes, contact one of our real human agents — we can explain why you’re seeing limited results and offer some suggestions.

Carriers decline applicants for several reasons: a high-risk driving record, certain vehicle types (salvage or rebuilt titles), a lapse in prior coverage or license issues. If you were declined elsewhere, Jerry can help identify carriers that specialize in offering non-standard coverage for your situation and needs.

Yes. Jerry works with carriers that file SR-22 certificates for drivers who need them. Whether you need an owner or non-owner SR-22 policy, let us know in the app and we’ll find quotes for your situation.

Yes, non-owner insurance covers you when driving vehicles you don’t own, such as rentals or borrowed cars. Jerry can pull non-owner policy quotes and help you compare coverage.

Yes, Jerry can help you find quotes for renters and home insurance in addition to auto and motorcycle. Bundling auto and home insurance often qualifies you for a multi-policy discount, which saves Jerry customers up to 40%.

Coverage for salvage or rebuilt title vehicles varies by carrier — some will insure them with limitations, while others won’t. Jerry can help you search for carriers that work with your vehicle. When requesting a new quote, just be sure to provide your VIN and title status to see your personalized options.

Liability-only car insurance covers bodily injuries and property damage you cause to others. Full coverage adds comprehensive and collision, which cover damage to your own vehicle from accidents, theft, weather and more. Full coverage is typically required if your car is financed or leased.

Learn More: Liability-Only vs. Full Coverage Car Insurance: Which Do You Need?

Comprehensive covers non-collision damages to your vehicle such as theft, vandalism, hitting an animal, weather events, falling trees or even a cracked windshield from a rock. It’s often paired with collision coverage to best protect you and your car.

Collision covers damage to your vehicle in an accident — regardless of who is at-fault — whether you hit another car, a guardrail or another object.

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. It’s required in some states and optional in others. Given that roughly 1 in 8 drivers on U.S. roads is uninsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), it’s often worth adding to your policy.

Gap insurance covers the difference between what you owe on a car loan and what the car is actually worth if it’s totaled. It’s most useful when you owe more than the vehicle’s market value, which is common with new cars or long loan terms.

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance steps in to cover a claim. A higher deductible (e.g., $1,000 or higher) typically lowers your monthly premium while a lower deductible (e.g., $250 to $500) raises it; the majority of Jerry drivers (71%) pick a deductible between $501 and $1,000. Choose an amount you could comfortably pay if you had to file a claim tomorrow.

Bodily injury liability (BI) pays for injuries to other people when you’re at fault in an accident, including medical bills, lost wages and legal fees. Most states require a minimum BI limit.

Medical payments (MedPay) coverage pays for medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. It’s optional in most states and typically offers modest coverage limits.

State minimum is the lowest legally required coverage in your state, and typically only includes liability (bodily injury and property damage). It does not include comprehensive, collision or other optional protections like gap coverage. Whether it’s “enough” depends on your vehicle value, assets and budget, but most drivers choose higher limits for better protection.

Generally, car insurance follows the car, not the driver. If you lend your car to someone and they have an accident, your policy is typically the primary coverage. If you borrow someone else’s car, their policy steps in first. Your own policy may provide secondary coverage in some cases, so be sure to read your policy details or contact us through the app to confirm how your specific coverage applies.

If your car is declared a total loss — meaning its repair costs exceed its actual cash value — your insurance carrier will pay you the vehicle’s market value at the time of the loss minus your deductible. If you owe more on your loan than the payout, gap insurance (if you have it) covers that difference. The carrier then takes ownership of the totaled vehicle once the claim is settled.

You can contact Jerry as soon as you purchase a vehicle to start the process and buy coverage, even as quickly as the same day. Most carriers have a short grace period (often 7 to 30 days) to add a new car to an existing policy. If you don’t yet have insurance, Jerry can get you a new quote and bind coverage before you drive the car off the lot. We can also help you compare coverage while you’re still shopping around, before you even buy a vehicle.

Some carriers offer a “vanishing deductible” program where your deductible decreases over time as a reward for safe driving. This is separate from a telematics discount, which uses cell phone data to track driving habits, mileage and more. Not all Jerry carriers offer either discount, so be sure to check your quotes to see what’s available.

Your declarations page (often called a “dec page”) is a summary of your policy. It lists your name, policy number, coverage types and limits, deductible amounts, covered vehicles and policy effective dates. Landlords, lenders and lienholders often request this page as proof of insurance. You can find your dec page in the Jerry app or through your carrier’s available platform(s).

Your insurance ID cards are typically available in the Jerry app under your policy details; if available, you can download, screenshot or share them directly from there. While ID cards are often issued in minutes, they may take up to 24 hours to appear for some new policies. Some policies may require you to also download your carrier’s mobile app if you want digital ID card access.

After signing your documents, policies typically activate within a few hours. However, if your carrier requires additional document verification (driver’s license, vehicle photo, etc.), activation may be delayed until those items are reviewed and accepted. If you sign up for Jerry app push notifications, we will ping you with updates and any additional steps that might be needed.

Required documents vary by carrier and situation, but commonly include a driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of prior insurance. The app will show you specifically what’s outstanding for your policy, and Jerry will also send app reminder alerts (if you opt in).

Documents may be declined if they’re unclear, expired, don’t show your current address or don’t meet carrier requirements. We will usually send reminders if there’s something that needs to be corrected or resubmitted, as long as you’ve opted into Jerry app push alerts.

Many carriers electronically report active policies to the DMV database or a state coverage verification platform, but the process and timing varies. If you’ve received a letter from your DMV saying you’re uninsured, contact us through the mobile app or by phone. We can reach out to confirm whether your carrier has filed your information and help with any next steps.

An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that some states require after certain violations (like a DUI, driving uninsured, reckless driving, etc.). Even though it’s often referred to as SR-22 insurance, it’s actually not a unique type of insurance coverage. Jerry works with many carriers who file SR-22s, and your carrier will file the SR-22 with the state on your behalf. Just let us know if you need an SR-22 added or removed when requesting new quotes.

You can update your lienholder information in the Jerry app or by contacting us. Your carrier can then update your policy documents and notify your new lienholder.

Vehicle changes can be requested through the Jerry app or by contacting us. Adding a vehicle may result in a new premium, and removing one could trigger a refund of unused premium.

Address changes can be made in the Jerry app under settings. Note that adding a new address can affect your rate, as insurance pricing is largely location-based.

Your renewal date is in the Jerry app and in your policy documents. Prices can change at renewal based on your driving record, claims history, carrier rate adjustments, or changes in your location or vehicle. Jerry automatically looks for better rates at renewal and alerts you if you can save by shopping around.

Payments can be made through the Jerry app or via the payment link sent to you by text or email. You can pay by debit card, credit card or bank account, depending on your carrier. Jerry does not store any of your payment information.

Some carriers allow for payment extensions. If it’s available for your policy, you should see a “Push” or “Postpone” option on your payment screen within the Jerry app.

Most carriers offer a grace period (commonly 10 to 14 days) after your due date before your policy is cancelled for non-payment. This period varies by carrier and state, though, so check your policy documents to confirm yours.

Payment increases happen when your policy renews, if a discount was removed, if you added a driver or vehicle, or if your carrier re-rated your policy. Contact us by phone or through the mobile app for a full breakdown of what changed.

Autopay settings can be managed in the Jerry app. Note that some carrier discounts require you to keep autopay active, so turning it off may affect your rate. Contact us through the app or by phone if you need help!

Most carriers offer a paid-in-full option, which can come with added discounts. This is typically only available at the start of a policy term or at renewal.

Contact us right away through the app or by phone with the dates and charge amounts if you think you’ve been double-charged. We’ll investigate, reach out to your carrier and help initiate a refund if one is owed.

If your cancellation date was set for a future date, a scheduled payment may have processed before cancellation took effect. Contact us through the Jerry app or by phone with your cancellation date and charge details, and we’ll help determine if a refund is owed.

Refunds for unused premium are typically issued by a carrier within 7 to 21 business days after policy cancellation. If you haven’t received yours in that timeframe, reach out and we’ll follow up with your carrier.

Claims are filed directly with your insurance carrier, not through Jerry. Your carrier’s claims number is on your insurance ID card and in your policy documents. You can find all of this information in the Jerry app, but you can also contact us and our agents can help you locate that information.

If you’ve been involved in an accident:

• 1. Make sure everyone is safe, and call 911 if there are injuries.
• 2. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver.
• 3. Document the scene with photos.
• 4. Report the accident to your carrier directly to begin the claims process.
• 5. Contact Jerry if you need help locating your policy info or contacting your carrier.

If repair costs exceed your car’s actual cash value, your carrier will declare it a total loss. They’ll pay you the vehicle’s market value at the time of the loss, minus your deductible. When you owe more on your loan than the payout, gap insurance covers that difference (if you have this coverage). Your carrier will take ownership of the totaled vehicle after the claim is settled.

It depends. If repair costs are close to or less than your deductible, paying out of pocket usually makes more sense — filing a claim can raise your rates at renewal even for small incidents. For larger damage, filing a claim is generally worth it. When in doubt, get a repair estimate first before deciding.

Claim status is managed by your carrier. Contact them directly using the number on your insurance card, log into their customer portal or use their mobile app to check your claim progress. If you’re having trouble reaching your carrier, Jerry can help connect you.

It can, depending on your carrier, the type of claim and whether you were at fault. At-fault accidents tend to have the most impact on your rate at renewal. Not-at-fault claims and comprehensive claims (like theft or weather damage) may have a small effect with many carriers, though this also varies.

As a general rule, if the damage is minor and close to your deductible, paying out of pocket can sometimes be the better financial move. But for significant damage or injuries, filing a claim is usually worth it.

Jerry’s role is to help you shop, buy and manage your policy, but we’re not part of the claims process and we can’t override carrier decisions. That said, if you’re hitting a wall with your carrier, reach out and we can help you locate the right contact, escalate to a supervisor or point you toward your state’s department of insurance.

It depends on your carrier and program. Some programs only offer discounts (meaning your rate can go down but never up) while others use your score as a rating factor at renewal (which means unsafe driving habits could result in a higher rate). We can help you determine which type of program applies to your policy before enrolling. If you enroll in Jerry DriveShield, your safe habits can also help you earn discounts on your premium, but only if you give us permission to share this data.

Most programs monitor hard braking, rapid acceleration, speeding, phone use while driving, and the time of day you drive (late-night driving typically scores lower). Some also track total mileage, which matters if you drive less than average, as low-mileage discounts are common.

Most telematics programs use GPS to log trip routes, but carriers handle location data differently. Some store it, some only use it to verify trip context and some don’t retain it after scoring. Check your carrier’s telematics terms for specifics, or contact us and we can help clarify.

DriveShield is Jerry’s free safe driving program. It uses your phone’s sensors to monitor your driving habits, give you a driving score and reward you with discounts. You can also use it to review past trips, share your location with family and automatically save your parking spot.

Yes. DriveShield runs independently within the Jerry app and doesn’t interfere with your carrier’s telematics program. You can run both simultaneously — they use separate systems and your data isn’t shared between them unless you explicitly choose to share your DriveShield data with an insurer.

Most carrier programs have an initial monitoring period (typically 90 days) after which your discount or adjusted rate is applied. Some programs monitor continuously and reassess your driving results at each renewal.

Jerry works with many carriers that offer telematics programs, which track your driving and reward safe habits with discounts. Whether it’s a plug-in device, a carrier app or Jerry’s own DriveShield, availability depends on your specific carrier and state. Ask support or check your policy details to see what’s available for you.

Tracking settings can be managed in the Jerry app. Note that some carrier discounts require active tracking, and disabling this feature could affect your rate.

DriveShield uses motion and location sensors in your phone to monitor driving behaviors like acceleration, speed and braking. Based on those habits, you receive a score from 0 to 100 that reflects how safely you drive relative to other drivers on the road.

Yes. Jerry’s DataLock Guarantee means your driving data stays private unless you choose otherwise. If you ever want to use your driving data to shop for lower insurance rates, we’ll ask for your explicit permission before sharing anything with insurers.

No. DriveShield is completely free to use.

DriveShield is available through the Jerry app. Phone sensors are required, so it can only be enrolled via mobile. Yes, you can opt out at any time through the app.

DriveShield is designed to detect whether you’re driving or riding as a passenger. If it scores a trip where you were a passenger, you can mark it as such in the app. This helps the system become more accurate over time.

Potentially, yes. If you choose to share your driving data with insurers, a strong DriveShield score can support a case for a lower rate. Jerry will always ask your permission before sharing any data; it’s your choice, not automatic.

If you need to cancel a policy, we recommend requesting it through the Jerry app or by contacting us directly. We’ll help you choose a cancellation date, switch coverage (if needed) and initiate any refund of premium you’re due (if applicable). Note that mid-term cancellations may include a short-rate fee depending on your carrier.

Policies are most commonly cancelled for non-payment, failure to provide required documents or a misrepresentation on the application. Your carrier should have sent a notice with the reason, but you can also contact us and we’ll help you understand what happened.

In some cases, yes — especially for non-payment cancellations if the balance is paid quickly. Contact us as soon as possible, since reinstatement eligibility has a time window and varies by carrier.

Even a brief lapse can raise your future premiums, as many carriers treat it as a risk factor. If your policy lapsed, contact us to get new coverage as quickly as possible.