Samantha Allen

Lead Assigning Editor

Samantha Allen leads the insurance team at NerdWallet. Previously, she was the digital managing editor for the publications Financial Planning and On Wall Street. She attended Northwestern University's certified financial planner program and has been covering personal finance and wealth management for more than 10 years. She is based in Chicago.

Education: B.A. in economics from Barnard College
Previous experience: Financial Planning, On Wall Street

Samantha's picks

What Does Car Insurance Cover?

Car insurance typically pays for injuries and property damage you cause, but additional coverage options may be available.

How Much Home Insurance Do You Need?

by Sarah Schlichter

Checking your policy limits on a regular basis can ensure that your coverage doesn’t fall short.

5 Reasons to Get Life Insurance

The latest from Samantha

Is Your Car Loan Upside-Down? How to Handle Negative Equity

VW Aims to Plug Into Nostalgia With Electric Microbus

The carmaker's prototype brings the VW bus, an old classic, into the future, aiming for the 2022 model year.

Smog Tests: What They Are and How to Get Ready for One

If you live in a place that requires emissions tests, here’s what to expect.

Is Spot Delivery a Convenience or a Car Dealer Scam?

How to Cancel an Extended Car Warranty — and Why You Might Want To

5 Reasons to Line Up a Loan Before Visiting a Car Dealer

5 Things Not to Say When You’re Buying a Car

Time to negotiate for a new car? Keep preferences like your favorite color close to the vest for maximum leverage.

Avoid Costly Mistakes With this Car Buying Checklist

Avoiding mistakes in the car buying process comes down to research and dealmaking.

Think Twice Before Paying for Accident Forgiveness

While it may be helpful in certain circumstances, accident forgiveness may cost you more in the long run.

Don’t Be Afraid to Test-Drive Your Car Salesperson

Plug Into Your Car’s Computer to Save Money, Drive Safer

How to Read Tire Sizes

The numbers on the side of your tires refer to various measurements, while the letters describe tire types and ratings.

How to Choose the Best Tires for Your Car

If you don't want to stick with the type of tires that came with your car, look for the right size and the characteristics you want — and get started early.

Buying Tires Online Can Save You Money

Shoppers can find cheap tires online that a local store might price match. Don't worry about delivery — tires ship directly to an installer.

Why Synthetic Oil Is Worth the Extra Cost

Synthetic oil is more expensive than conventional oil but offers superior protection for your car’s engine.