What Clearcover is and how it differs from traditional insurers
Clearcover is a car insurance company that sells policies online and through its mobile app, with no physical offices or phone agents. You get a quote, buy a policy, and manage your account entirely through digital tools. The company is licensed to sell insurance in most states and is backed by reinsurance from larger carriers, which means your claims are ultimately paid by established insurance companies even though you buy from Clearcover.
The main difference from traditional insurers like State Farm or Geico is how you interact with them. Clearcover has no call centers — if you need to file a claim or change your policy, you do it through the app or website. Some people prefer this because there's no waiting on hold; others find it frustrating if they want to talk to a person. Clearcover also tends to quote lower rates than some competitors, though the actual price you see depends on your driving record, location, and the coverage you choose.
Clearcover is not a discount brand like some online-only insurers. It's a full-service insurer that handles its own underwriting and claims, which is why it can offer the same types of coverage as any other car insurance company.
Key Takeaways
- Clearcover sells car insurance entirely online and through its app, with no phone support or local agents.
- The company offers standard coverage types — liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist — at rates that vary based on your driving history and location.
- You file claims and manage your policy through the Clearcover app or website, not by calling an agent.
- Clearcover is licensed in most states but not all, so you should check whether it operates in your state before getting a quote.
The types of coverage Clearcover offers
Clearcover sells the same basic coverage types as any other car insurer. Liability coverage pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else — this is required by law in every state, though the minimum amount varies. Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your car if you hit another vehicle or object. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage from theft, weather, vandalism, or hitting an animal. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if someone without insurance hits you.
When you get a quote from Clearcover, you choose your deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in) and your coverage limits (the maximum the insurer will pay). Higher deductibles lower your monthly payment but mean you pay more if you have a claim. Higher limits cost more per month but protect you better if you cause serious damage.
Clearcover also offers add-ons like roadside information and rental car reimbursement, though these vary by state. The company does not offer bundling discounts with home or renters insurance the way some larger insurers do, since it only sells car insurance.
How to get a quote and what information you'll need
Getting a Clearcover quote takes about five minutes on their website or app. You'll need your driver's license, vehicle identification number (VIN), and current insurance information if you have it. The quote is based on your driving record, age, location, and the car you drive — not on a hard credit check, so it won't affect your credit score.
Clearcover pulls your driving record from your state's motor vehicle department, which is why you need an accurate license number. If you've had accidents or traffic violations, they will show up and affect your rate. The company also asks about your annual mileage and how you use the car (commuting, pleasure driving, business), because higher mileage and business use typically cost more.
Once you've entered your information, Clearcover shows you a quote for different coverage levels. You can adjust your deductible and limits right there to see how the price changes. If you want to buy, you can complete the purchase online and your policy starts the same day or the next day, depending on the time you buy.
Filing a claim through the Clearcover app
When you have an accident or damage, you start a claim through the Clearcover app or website. You'll take photos of the damage, describe what happened, and provide details about the other driver if there was one. Clearcover will ask for your police report number if the accident was reported to police.
After you submit the claim, Clearcover assigns an adjuster who reviews the photos and damage description. For minor claims, the company may approve payment based on the photos alone. For larger claims or disputes, an adjuster may ask to inspect the car in person or get a repair estimate from a shop.
Clearcover does not have a network of preferred repair shops — you can take your car to any mechanic or dealership you choose. The insurer will pay the repair bill directly to the shop if you authorize it, or reimburse you if you pay out of pocket. The timeline from filing to payment typically takes one to three weeks, though complex claims can take longer.
Discounts and ways to lower your rate
Clearcover offers several discounts that can reduce your monthly payment. A safe driving discount applies if you have no accidents or violations in the past three to five years. Some states allow a low-mileage discount if you drive fewer than a certain number of miles per year — Clearcover offers this in some states but not all. Bundling discounts are not available since Clearcover only sells car insurance.
The company also offers usage-based insurance through its mobile app, which tracks your driving habits and can lower your rate if you drive safely. This is optional — you don't have to use it to get a quote or buy a policy. If you do opt in, the app monitors hard braking, speeding, and phone use while driving, and you can earn discounts based on your score.
Your rate can also change if you improve your driving record over time. If you had an accident or ticket that raised your rate, it will eventually age off your record (usually after three to five years, depending on your state), and your rate will drop.
States where Clearcover operates and limitations
Clearcover is licensed to sell insurance in most states, but not all. The company does not currently operate in every state, so you should check the Clearcover website to see if it's available where you live before spending time on a quote. If Clearcover doesn't operate in your state, you won't be able to buy a policy, though you can still explore other online insurers.
Even in states where Clearcover operates, there may be limitations. Some states have specific insurance rules that affect what coverage Clearcover can offer or what discounts are allowed. For example, some states don't allow usage-based discounts, so that option won't be available to you there.
Clearcover is regulated by your state's insurance commissioner, which means your policy is protected by state insurance laws. If Clearcover fails to pay a claim, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance department, and they will investigate.
How Clearcover compares to other online insurers
Clearcover competes with other digital-first insurers like Lemonade, Root, and Metromile, as well as with traditional online insurers like Geico and Progressive. The main trade-off is convenience versus personal service. Clearcover is faster and often cheaper if you're comfortable managing everything through an app, but it's not the right fit if you prefer talking to an agent or want bundling discounts.
Clearcover's rates are competitive but not always the lowest — the actual price depends on your specific situation. A 25-year-old with a clean driving record in a major city might get a better rate from Clearcover than from a traditional insurer, while a 45-year-old with one accident might find a better price elsewhere. The only way to know is to get quotes from multiple companies.
One advantage Clearcover has over some competitors is that it's a full insurance company, not a broker or marketplace. This means it handles claims itself rather than routing them to another insurer, which can sometimes speed up the process. It also means you're dealing with one company from quote to claim, not multiple parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clearcover a legitimate insurance company?
Yes. Clearcover is licensed by state insurance regulators and is backed by reinsurance from established carriers. Your policy is protected by state insurance laws, and claims are paid by licensed insurance companies. You can verify Clearcover's license status through your state's insurance commissioner's website.
What happens if I need to cancel my policy?
You can cancel anytime through the Clearcover app or website. Most states allow you to cancel with no penalty, and Clearcover will refund any unused portion of your premium on a prorated basis. Some states have specific cancellation rules, so check your policy documents for details.
Does Clearcover offer roadside information?
Clearcover offers roadside information in most states as an add-on you can purchase when you buy your policy or anytime after. It covers towing, lockouts, jump starts, and fuel delivery. The cost and coverage details vary by state.
Can I switch to Clearcover mid-policy if I have another insurer?
Yes. You can buy a Clearcover policy and start it on any date you choose, including before your current policy ends. Many people overlap their policies by a day or two to avoid a gap in coverage. Your current insurer will refund the unused portion of your premium when you cancel.
What if I have a poor driving record?
Clearcover will still quote you, but your rate will be higher because of accidents or violations on your record. Some insurers won't quote drivers with recent serious violations, but Clearcover generally quotes anyone with a valid license. Your rate will improve as violations age off your record.