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Who Has the Best Car Insurance Rates?
Nationwide has the cheapest auto insurance rates for full coverage in the United States. However, the provider has limited availability across the country, so we recommend comparing multiple companies for vehicle coverage. For minimum coverage, Geico offers the cheapest car insurance rates.
Cheapest Car Insurance Rates
Because insurance premiums are based on personalized criteria like your location and driving history, the cheapest rate for you will vary. To help you find which provider is the most affordable for you, we’ve summarized the lowest-cost companies by coverage and driving profile:
| Cheap Car Insurance Category | Cheapest Car Insurance Company (Among National Insurers) | Cheapest Car Insurance Rate |
| Minimum Liability | Geico | $38 monthly |
| Full Coverage | Nationwide | $119 monthly |
| After a Speeding Ticket | State Farm | $156 monthly |
| After an Accident | State Farm | $163 monthly |
| After a DUI | State Farm | $183 monthly |
| Poor Credit | Nationwide | $173 monthly |
| Teens | Nationwide* | $403 monthly |
| Young Adults | Nationwide | $139 monthly |
| Senior Drivers | Geico | $112 monthly |
| Military Members | USAA | $126 monthly |
Note: The premium averages cited above include full coverage rate estimates based on a 2022 Toyota Camry driven by a single 35-year-old with a good credit history and clean driving record, unless otherwise stated.
Top 10 Cheapest Car Insurance Companies
The top 10 cheapest car insurance companies in the United States are:
- Nationwide: $982 yearly
- Geico: $1,029 yearly
- State Farm: $1,091 yearly
- Travelers: $1,122 yearly
- Progressive: $1,364 yearly
- AAA: $1,690 yearly
- Allstate: $1,726 yearly
- Chubb: $2,092 yearly
- Farmers: $2,161 yearly
- *USAA: $950 yearly
This list represents the most affordable large providers, and you may find cheaper rates elsewhere with smaller companies. To determine our rankings, we used overall annual average car insurance costs across both minimum and full coverage auto insurance policies gathered by Quadrant Information Services.
Note: *While USAA car insurance is the cheapest overall, it is limited to active-duty military members, veterans and their families.
Cheapest Large Insurance Companies
According to J.D. Power, large insurers are ones that have written $4.5 billion or more in direct premiums for personal auto.
The cheapest large car insurance companies are Nationwide, Geico, State Farm, Travelers and Progressive.
| Cheap Major Car Insurance Company | Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance Rates (Monthly Average) | Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance Rates (Monthly Average) | Number of Available Car Insurance Discounts | Visit Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44 | $119 | 10 | Learn More | |
| $38 | $133 | 12 | Learn More | |
| $44 | $138 | 16 | Learn More | |
| $54 | $133 | 12 | Learn More | |
| $58 | $169 | 13 | Learn More | |
| $32 | $136 | 9 | Learn More |
| Cheap Major Car Insurance Company | Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance Rates (Monthly Average) | Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance Rates (Monthly Average) | Number of Available Car Insurance Discounts | Visit Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44 | $119 | 10 | Learn More | |
| $38 | $133 | 12 | Learn More | |
| $44 | $138 | 16 | Learn More | |
| $54 | $133 | 12 | Learn More | |
| $58 | $169 | 13 | Learn More | |
| $32 | $136 | 9 | Learn More |
Note: The rate estimates above are based on a 2022 Toyota Camry driven by a single 35-year-old with a good credit history and clean driving record.
Read More: Largest Car Insurance Companies
Cheapest Midsize Car Insurance Companies
J.D. Power defines midsize insurers as those that have written between $1 and $4.499 billion in direct premiums for personal auto.
The cheapest midsize car insurance companies include Central Insurance, Country Financial, Erie, Auto-Owners and Shelter.
| Cheap Major Car Insurance Company | Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance Rates (Monthly Average) | Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance Rates (Monthly Average) | Number of Available Car Insurance Discounts | Policy Availability | Visit Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20 | $113 | 11 | Available in 24 states | ||
| $30 | $118 | 11 | Available in 19 states | ||
| $33 | $122 | 11 | Available in 12 states | Learn More | |
| $30 | $135 | 12 | Available in 26 states | Learn More | |
| $51 | $171 | 17 | Available in 15 states |
| Cheap Major Car Insurance Company | Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance Rates (Monthly Average) | Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance Rates (Monthly Average) | Number of Available Car Insurance Discounts | Policy Availability | Visit Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20 | $113 | 11 | Available in 24 states | ||
| $30 | $118 | 11 | Available in 19 states | ||
| $33 | $122 | 11 | Available in 12 states | Learn More | |
| $30 | $135 | 12 | Available in 26 states | Learn More | |
| $51 | $171 | 17 | Available in 15 states |
Cheapest Car Insurance Coverage
Below, we’ll highlight the cheapest average car insurance rates for both minimum and full coverage insurance.
Cheapest Liability Car Insurance
The cheapest minimum-liability car insurance rates are offered by Geico at an average of $38 monthly or $461 yearly.
| Cheap Car Insurance Company | Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance Rates (Monthly Average) | Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance Rates(Annual Average) |
| 1. Geico | $38 | $461 |
| 2. State Farm | $44 | $523 |
| 3. Nationwide | $44 | $531 |
| 4. Travelers | $54 | $648 |
| 5. Progressive | $58 | $697 |
| USAA** | $32 | $387 |
**USAA car insurance is limited to active-duty military members, veterans and their families.
Read more: Cheapest Liability-Only Car Insurance
Cheapest Full-Coverage Car Insurance
Nationwide offers the cheapest full-coverage car insurance in the United States with average rates of $119 monthly or $1,433 yearly.
| Cheap Car Insurance Company | Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance Rates (Monthly Average) | Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance Rates(Annual Average) |
| 1. Nationwide | $119 | $1,433 |
| 2. Travelers | $133 | $1,595 |
| 3. Geico | $133 | $1,596 |
| 4. State Farm | $138 | $1,657 |
| 5. Progressive | $169 | $2,030 |
| USAA** | $126 | $1,512 |
**USAA car insurance is limited to active-duty military members, veterans and their families.
Read more: Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance
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Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers
Geico has the cheapest car insurance for most young drivers. However, it has limited availability, and you may be able to find cheaper coverage elsewhere. Keep reading for the cheapest auto insurance rates for teens and the lowest car insurance rates for young adults.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 16-Year-Olds
Nationwide offers the cheapest full-coverage car insurance for 16-year-olds at rates of $403 per month or $4,835 per year.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Rate Average | Annual Rate Average |
| 1. Nationwide | $403 | $4,835 |
| 2. Geico | $442 | $5,307 |
| 3. Travelers | $453 | $5,436 |
| 4. State Farm | $460 | $5,514 |
| 5. Chubb | $694 | $8,333 |
| USAA** | $536 | $6,431 |
Read more: Cheap Car Insurance For 16-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds
You can find the cheapest full coverage car insurance for 17-year-olds with Geico with average rates of $304 per month.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Rate Average | Annual Rate Average |
| 1. Geico | $304 | $3,646 |
| 2. State Farm | $310 | $3,714 |
| 3. Nationwide | $361 | $4,238 |
| 4. Travelers | $440 | $5,277 |
| 5. Allstate | $567 | $6,804 |
| USAA** | $283 | $3,398 |
**While USAA car insurance was the cheapest in this category, it is limited to active-duty military members, veterans and their families.
Read more: Cheap Car Insurance For 17-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds
At average rates of $3,161 per year for full coverage, Geico offers the cheapest car insurance for 18-year-olds.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Rate Average | Annual Rate Average |
| 1. Geico | $263 | $3,161 |
| 2. State Farm | $278 | $3,340 |
| 3. Nationwide | $344 | $4,132 |
| 4. Travelers | $369 | $4,429 |
| 5. Allstate | $494 | $5,925 |
| USAA** | $241 | $2,897 |
**While USAA car insurance was the cheapest in this category, it is limited to active-duty military members, veterans and their families.
Read more: Cheap Car Insurance For 18-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds
For 19-year-olds, Geico offers the cheapest average full coverage rates of $207 per month and $2,485 per year.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Rate Average | Annual Rate Average |
| 1. Geico | $207 | $2,485 |
| 2. State Farm | $244 | $2,924 |
| 3. Nationwide | $296 | $3,552 |
| 4. Travelers | $298 | $3,570 |
| 5. Allstate | $349 | $4,188 |
| USAA** | $188 | $2,261 |
**While USAA car insurance was the cheapest in this category, it is limited to active-duty military members, veterans and their families.
Read more: Cheap Car Insurance For 19-Year-Old
Cheapest Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds
Geico provides the cheapest full coverage car insurance for 21-year-olds at an average yearly rate of $1,844.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Rate Average | Annual Rate Average |
| 1. Geico | $154 | $1,844 |
| 2. Nationwide | $179 | $2,147 |
| 3. State Farm | $194 | $2,322 |
| 4. Travelers | $209 | $2,513 |
| 5. Progressive | $239 | $2,872 |
| USAA** | $134 | $1,609 |
**While USAA car insurance was the cheapest in this category, it is limited to active-duty military members, veterans and their families.
Read more: Cheap Auto Insurance For 21-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance for 25-Year-Olds
Nationwide offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance for 25-year-olds at rates of $139 per month or $1,663 annually.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Rate Average | Annual Rate Average |
| 1. Nationwide | $139 | $1,663 |
| 2. Travelers | $141 | $1,694 |
| 3. Geico | $151 | $1,807 |
| 4. State Farm | $163 | $1,952 |
| 5. Progressive | $187 | $2,243 |
| USAA** | $152 | $1,825 |
Read more: Cheap Auto Insurance For 25-Year-Olds
Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors
Overall, Geico offers the cheapest car insurance for senior drivers, but if you’re a military member or family of a military member, USAA is cheaper. Below, we’ve broken down the cheapest car insurance for older drivers aged 65 and 75.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 65-Year-Olds
For 65-year-old drivers, Geico offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance at an average monthly rate of $102.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Rate Average | Annual Rate Average |
| 1. Geico | $102 | $1,227 |
| 2. Nationwide | $105 | $1,263 |
| 3. State Farm | $113 | $1,353 |
| 4. Travelers | $122 | $1,465 |
| 5. Progressive | $131 | $1,566 |
| USAA** | $88 | $1,057 |
**While USAA car insurance was the cheapest in this category, it is limited to active-duty military members, veterans and their families.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 75-Year-Olds
For full coverage car insurance for 75-year-olds, Geico offers the cheapest average rates of $1,238 per year or $103 per month.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Rate Average | Annual Rate Average |
| 1. Geico | $121 | $1,457 |
| 2. Nationwide | $123 | $1,479 |
| 3. State Farm | $127 | $1,520 |
| 4. Travelers | $146 | $1,754 |
| 5. Progressive | $156 | $1,872 |
| USAA** | $105 | $1,260 |
**USAA car insurance is limited to active-duty military members, veterans and their families.
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Cheapest Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers
Overall, State Farm has the cheapest car insurance for high-risk drivers, such as those with a DUI, accident, bad credit, or speeding ticket, among large insurers. Below, we’ll break down the cheapest rates within high-risk driver profiles to help you find the lowest rate policy for you.
Read More: Best Car Insurance For High-Risk Drivers
Cheapest Car Insurance With a DUI
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance for those with a DUI or DWI at average full coverage rates of $183 per month.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Rate Average | Annual Rate Average |
| 1. State Farm | $183 | $2,194 |
| 2. Travelers | $185 | $2,218 |
| 3. Progressive | $212 | $2,548 |
| 4. Nationwide | $274 | $3,288 |
| 5. Geico | $303 | $3,641 |
| USAA** | $227 | $2,721 |
Cheapest Car Insurance After An Accident
The cheapest car insurance for those with an accident within the last 3 years is State Farm with average rates of $1,953 per year for full coverage.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Rate Average | Annual Rate Average |
| 1. State Farm | $163 | $1,953 |
| 2. Travelers | $176 | $2,110 |
| 3. Nationwide | $197 | $2,368 |
| 4. Geico | $224 | $2,694 |
| 5. Progressive | $254 | $3,052 |
| USAA** | $182 | $2,187 |
Read More: What Is Accident Forgiveness Coverage?
Cheapest Car Insurance For Bad Credit
At average rates of $173 per month or $2,072 per year for full coverage car insurance, Nationwide offers the cheapest rates available for those with bad credit.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Rate Average | Annual Rate Average |
| 1. Nationwide | $173 | $2,072 |
| 2. Geico | $216 | $2,592 |
| 3. Travelers | $252 | $3,019 |
| 4. Chubb | $311 | $3,726 |
| 5. Progressive | $331 | $3,977 |
| USAA** | $228 | $2,737 |
Read More: Best Auto Insurance For Bad Credit
Cheapest Car Insurance With a Speeding Ticket
State Farm offers the cheapest auto insurance for those with speeding tickets at average annual rates of $1,872.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Rate Average | Annual Rate Average |
| 1. State Farm | $156 | $1,872 |
| 2. Nationwide | $157 | $1,878 |
| 3. Travelers | $164 | $1,970 |
| 4. Geico | $178 | $2,137 |
| 5. Progressive | $212 | $2,541 |
| USAA** | $152 | $1,828 |
Read More: Best Speeding Ticket Car Insurance
Cheapest Car Insurance By State
Depending on the state you live in, the cheapest car insurance rates and their providers vary widely. To help you find the cheapest coverage, we’ll highlight the providers offering the cheapest car insurance rates in each state for minimum and full coverage.
Read More: Car Insurance Rates By State
Cheapest Minimum-Liability Insurance by State
The table below highlights the cheapest annual minimum liability insurance in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
| State | Cheapest Car Insurance Company* | Cheapest Annual Minimum Liability Rate |
| Alabama | State Farm | $344 |
| Alaska | Geico | $323 |
| Arizona | Auto-Owners | $356 |
| Arkansas | State Farm | $293 |
| California | Geico | $373 |
| Colorado | Southern Farm Bureau | $275 |
| Connecticut | Geico | $445 |
| Delaware | Travelers | $614 |
| Florida | State Farm | $650 |
| Georgia | Country Financial | $373 |
| Hawaii | Geico | $287 |
| Idaho | Geico | $209 |
| Illinois | Pekin Insurance | $268 |
| Indiana | Auto-Owners | $290 |
| Iowa | State Farm | $149 |
| Kansas | Geico | $258 |
| Kentucky | Geico | $429 |
| Louisiana | Southern Farm Bureau | $492 |
| Maine | Auto-Owners | $268 |
| Maryland | Geico | $508 |
| Massachusetts | The Hanover | $424 |
| Michigan | Auto-Owners | $500 |
| Minnesota | State Farm | $351 |
| Mississippi | National General | $304 |
| Missouri | Missouri Farm Bureau | $284 |
| Montana | QBE Insurance | $217 |
| Nebraska | Auto-Owners | $247 |
| Nevada | State Farm | $513 |
| New Hampshire | The Hanover | $220 |
| New Jersey | Geico | $633 |
| New Mexico | Central Insurance | $236 |
| New York | NYCM Insurance | $513 |
| North Carolina | Erie | $307 |
| North Dakota | North Star | $261 |
| Ohio | Erie | $327 |
| Oklahoma | State Farm | $273 |
| Oregon | State Farm | $557 |
| Pennsylvania | Travelers | $249 |
| Rhode Island | Travelers | $593 |
| South Carolina | American National | $225 |
| South Dakota | Farmers Mutual of Nebraska | $216 |
| Tennessee | Auto-Owners | $232 |
| Texas | State Farm | $325 |
| Utah | Geico | $482 |
| Vermont | Union Mutual | $180 |
| Virginia | State Farm | $330 |
| Washington | Pemco Mutual | $283 |
| Washington, D.C. | Chubb Limited | $359 |
| West Virginia | State Farm | $325 |
| Wisconsin | State Farm | $242 |
| Wyoming | Geico | $174 |
**USAA offered the cheapest rates across many states, but since coverage is only available to military members and their families, its cost data is not provided in this table.
Cheapest Full-Coverage Insurance by State
Below are the cheapest full-coverage auto insurance rates in each state and Washington, D.C.
| State | Cheapest Car Insurance Company* | Cheapest Full-Coverage Rate (Annual Average) |
| Alabama | Travelers | $1,332 |
| Alaska | Geico | $1,020 |
| Arizona | Geico | $1,173 |
| Arkansas | State Farm | $1,346 |
| California | Mercury Insurance | $1,748 |
| Colorado | Geico | $1,306 |
| Connecticut | Geico | $995 |
| Delaware | Travelers | $1,554 |
| Florida | State Farm | $1,813 |
| Georgia | Auto-Owners | $1,544 |
| Hawaii | Geico | $1,162 |
| Idaho | State Farm | $881 |
| Illinois | Pekin Insurance | $792 |
| Indiana | State Farm | $881 |
| Iowa | Pekin Insurance | $816 |
| Kansas | Geico | $1,263 |
| Kentucky | Geico | $1,583 |
| Louisiana | Southern Farm Bureau | $1,926 |
| Maine | Auto-Owners | $758 |
| Maryland | Geico | $1,245 |
| Massachusetts | Progressive | $1,776 |
| Michigan | Progressive | $2,209 |
| Minnesota | State Farm | $1,340 |
| Mississippi | Progressive | $1,212 |
| Missouri | Travelers | $1,477 |
| Montana | Progressive | $972 |
| Nebraska | Nationwide | $1,332 |
| Nevada | State Farm | $1,376 |
| New Hampshire | Auto-Owners | $833 |
| New Jersey | Geico | $1,472 |
| New Mexico | Central Insurance | $1,358 |
| New York | Progressive | $1,302 |
| North Carolina | Erie | $1,043 |
| North Dakota | American Family | $1,401 |
| Ohio | Nationwide | $825 |
| Oklahoma | State Farm | $1,502 |
| Oregon | State Farm | $1,210 |
| Pennsylvania | Travelers | $907 |
| Rhode Island | Travelers | $1,806 |
| South Carolina | American National | $783 |
| South Dakota | Farmers Mutual of Nebraska | $1,657 |
| Tennessee | State Farm | $1,223 |
| Texas | Texas Farm Bureau | $1,205 |
| Utah | Geico | $1,129 |
| Vermont | Union Mutual | $708 |
| Virginia | State Farm | $1,185 |
| Washington | Geico | $1,304 |
| Washington, D.C. | Geico | $1,579 |
| West Virginia | Nationwide | $1,242 |
| Wisconsin | Geico | $1,059 |
| Wyoming | American National | $918 |
**USAA offered the cheapest rates across many states, but since coverage is only available to members of the military community, its cost data is not provided in this table.
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Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies
Below are thorough reviews of our top recommendations for the best cheap car insurance companies among large and midsize insurers. These rankings are based on average overall rates and our company rankings in our study of 130 providers.
#1 Erie Insurance: Best for Basic Insurance Coverage
9.4/10
Why We Chose Erie Insurance
While only available in 12 states, Erie has cheap overall rates, great customer service and several discount opportunities. It also provides a large selection of add-on coverage options and perks.
Erie Car Insurance Cost
Erie full coverage car insurance costs $1,458 per year or $122 per month, which is 27% cheaper than the national average of $2,008 per year or $167 per month. For minimum liability coverage policies, Erie is $390 per year or $33 per month, which is about 38% cheaper than the national average of $627 per year or $52 per month.
Best Erie Car Insurance Discounts
Below are some of Erie’s car insurance discounts:
- Multi-policy: Bundle multiple policies with Erie and you can save.
- Vehicle storage: If your vehicle is in storage and is unused, you’ll get lower premiums.
- Youthful driver: If you’re under 21 and live with your parents, you qualify.
- Drivers training course: Take a defensive drivers training course in your state to get a discount.
- College student: If you’re away at school and not using a vehicle under a policy, you can save.
Erie Car Insurance Coverage and Availability
In addition to standard car insurance options, Erie has a variety of add-on coverages and benefits available:
- Roadside assistance: Get coverage for towing, fuel delivery and lockouts.
- Pet coverage: You’ll get $500 of coverage per pet with a total limit of $1,000 for vet costs after an accident.
- Erie Auto Plus: This package includes a diminishing deductible, a $10,000 death benefit and increased limits for transportation expenses.
- Erie Rate Lock: This feature helps you avoid car insurance rate increases.
- Accident forgiveness: Those who’ve been with Erie for at least three years have no surcharge the first time they’re at fault in an accident.
- Diminishing deductible: Your deductible can be reduced by $100 for each consecutive policy year that you don’t file a claim, up to a maximum of $500.
- Rental car coverage: Rental vehicle coverages are included in comprehensive policies and can be added to collision coverage for a fee.
- New car replacement: This option replaces your totaled car with a new model if your car was under two years old at the time of the accident.
- Better car replacement: This add-on plan replaces your totaled car with a model two years old or newer.
Erie car insurance is available in these states:
| Illinois | Indiana | Kentucky |
| Maryland | New York | North Carolina |
| Ohio | Pennsylvania | Tennessee |
| Virginia | West Virginia | Wisconsin |
Erie Insurance Ratings and Reviews
See how Erie Insurance rates in terms of customer satisfaction, claims satisfaction, complaint index and financial strength:
- J.D. Power customer satisfaction: The 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance StudySM polled 41,437 policyholders on their overall satisfaction with their providers. The study is broken up by region. In the regions it serves, Erie scored in the top two for customer satisfaction:
- First place — 863/1,000 — in the Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia)
- First place — 844/1,000 — in the north central region (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin)
- Second place — 859/1,000 — in the southeast (Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee)
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: The 2023 J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction StudySM polled 9,659 policyholders on their satisfaction with claim outcomes. Erie scored second place, with a score of 902/1,000. The national average score was 878.
- NAIC Complaint Index: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) reports the index of complaints a provider gets relative to its market share. The national average index is 1.0, and Erie’s complaint index is 0.84.
- A.M. Best financial strength: The insurer holds an A+ rating from AM Best, which is the largest credit rating agency in the world that specializes in insurance.
- BBB Rating: The company earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for transparent business practices and responsiveness to customers.
#2 USAA: Best for Military Members
9.2/10
Why We Chose USAA
Military members and their families can find some of the cheapest rates with USAA. It offers great customer service, plenty of coverage options and a good amount of discounts.
USAA Car Insurance Cost
USAA offers full coverage for an average of $1,512 per year or $126 per month, which is 25% lower than the national average. For minimum liability policies, it’s 39% cheaper than average at rates of $383 per year or $32 a month.
Best USAA Car Insurance Discounts
Some of USAA’s car insurance discounts include:
- Military deployment: If you’re away from your vehicle on deployment and store your vehicle, you can get a sizable discount of up to 60%.
- Safe driving: If you practice safe driving habits, you can get lower premiums.
- Good student: Maintaining a B average or higher gives you a discount on premiums.
- USAA Safepilot: Save 10% on signup and up to 30% for safe driving with this usage-based program.
- Multi-vehicle coverage: If you have multiple vehicles on your policy, you can save.
USAA Car Insurance Coverage and Availability
While USAA is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., only veterans, active-duty military members, reservists and their immediate families are eligible for coverage. USAA has standard policies and these add-ons:
- Roadside assistance
- Rental vehicle reimbursem*nt
- Classic car coverage
- Car replacement assistance
- Rideshare insurance
- Accident forgiveness
USAA Insurance Ratings and Reviews
Below you can review ratings for USAA from reputable agencies:
- J.D. Power customer satisfaction: While the provider wasn’t officially ranked due to its eligibility restrictions, USAA earned the highest customer satisfaction score across every region in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: USAA tied for third with a score of 900/1,000 in the J.D. Power 2023 Auto Claims Satisfaction study.
- NAIC Complaints Index: Customer complaints are well over the average of 1.0 with a score of 1.87.
- A.M. Best financial strength: USAA earned an A++ financial strength rating from AM Best, indicating the insurer has a superior ability to pay customer claims
#3 Nationwide: Best for Usage-Based Insurance
8.7/10
Why We Chose Nationwide
Nationwide is one of the cheapest large car insurance providers on the market. The company ranked as the fifth best overall out of the 130 providers we studied. It offers multiple ways to save money on policies with usage-based programs and discount incentives.
Nationwide Car Insurance Cost
For minimum coverage policies, Nationwide has an average cost of $531 per year or $44 per month, which is 15% cheaper than the national average. Full coverage plans from Nationwide cost an average of $1,433 per year or $119 per month which is 29% cheaper than the national average.
Best Nationwide Car Insurance Discounts
Below are some Nationwide car insurance discounts:
- Multi-policy: In 2020, customers reported saving $646 per year when bundling policies, according to Nationwide’s website.
- SmartRide®: This usage-based program gives the highest discount out of all providers at 40%.
- Accident-free: If you’ve had no accidents or violations in the last 3 years, you can save on your premium.
- Good student: Students between 16 and 24 can save if they have a B average or higher.
Nationwide Car Insurance Coverage and Availability
Nationwide car insurance coverage is available in every state except Alaska, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Louisiana. Standard coverage options are available in addition to these add-ons:
- Roadside assistance
- Rental reimbursem*nt coverage
- Gap coverage
- Accident forgiveness
- Vanishing deductible
- Total loss deductible waiver
Nationwide Insurance Ratings and Reviews
Below you can review ratings from reputable organizations of Nationwide:
- J.D. Power customer satisfaction: Nationwide ranked in the top ten providers for overall customer satisfaction in the 2023 J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study for the Mid-Atlantic, southeast and the state of New York.
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: Nationwide scored just below the national average of 878/1,000 with a score of 875 out of 1000.
- NAIC Complaints Index: Complaints with Nationwide are higher than the average of 1.0 with a score of 1.76.
- A.M. Best financial strength: Nationwide earned A financial rating from AM Best for its ability to pay out claims.
- BBB Rating: The company earned an A+ rating from the BBB for superior responsiveness to customers and overall business practices.
#4 Geico: Best for Budget-Conscious Drivers
9.1/10
Why We Chose Geico
Geico is one of the cheapest and most widely available car insurance companies, with plenty of benefits for young drivers. It also offers one of the best assortments of discounts on the market.
Geico Car Insurance Cost
Geico full coverage car insurance costs $1,596 per year or $133 per month on average, standing at 21% cheaper than the national average. Minimum coverage rates on average are $38 per month or $461 per year which is 26% lower than the national average.
Best Geico Car Insurance Discounts
Geico’s car insurance discounts include but aren’t limited to:
- Geico DriveEasy: Save by participating in this usage-based program.
- Defensive driving: Take a defensive driving course in your state and get a discount.
- Anti-theft: Save up to 23% for having select safety devices in your car.
- Emergency deployment: If you’re deployed as part of the military you can save up to 25% while you’re away from your vehicle.
- Military: If you’re a member of the military, active or retired, get up to a 15% discount for your service.
Geico Car Insurance Coverage and Availability
Drivers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. are able to get car insurance coverage from Geico. In addition to all the standard types of car insurance, Geico has these add-on options:
- Emergency roadside assistance
- Rental car insurance
- Mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI)
Geico Insurance Ratings and Reviews
Below, we’ve summarize ratings for Geico from reputable organizations:
- J.D. Power customer satisfaction: Geico ranks within the top 10 in most regions, and ranks first in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhose Island and Vermont) for customer satisfaction with a score of 836/1,000.
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: Geico ranked seven points below the national average with a score of 871/1,000.
- NAIC Complaint Index: Geico’s complaint index is 1.35, which is 0.35 points above average.
- A.M. Best financial strength: The company earned the highest possible rating of A++ financial strength.
- BBB Rating: Geico earned A+ rating from the BBB for good service practices.
#5 Auto-Owners: Best for Young Drivers
8.8/10
Why We Chose Auto-Owners
In this article, Auto-Owners regularly ranked in our top five for the most affordable car insurance, regardless of driver profile. Among midsize insurers, it’s especially affordable for those under 25. It also has the cheapest minimum liability coverage on this list for the states it services.
Auto-Owners Car Insurance Cost
Full coverage from Auto-Owners costs an average of $1,619 yearly or $135 monthly and for minimum liability coverage it is $358 yearly or $30 monthly. These averages are 19% and 43% cheaper than the national average, respectively.
Best Auto-Owners Car Insurance Discounts
Here are some Auto-Owners car insurance discounts:
- Good student: Save up to 20% if you have a B average or higher.
- Green discount: Enroll in paperless billing and receive a premium reduction.
- Life Multi-policy: If you bundle auto and life insurance policies, you can get significant savings.
- Consistent payment: If you pay on time for 36 months, you’ll receive a loyalty discount.
- Online quote: If you get a quote online, you can receive a discount on your policy.
Auto-Owners Car Insurance Coverage and Availability
You can find Auto-Owners policies in 26 states around the United States including:
| Alabama | Arizona | Arkansas | Colorado | Florida |
| Georgia | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa |
| Kansas | Kentucky | Michigan | Minnesota | Missouri |
| Nebraska | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Pennsylvania |
| South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Utah | Virginia |
| Wisconsin |
The company offers standard coverage policies along with these add-ons:
- Road trouble service: This provides you with roadside assistance benefits.
- Additional expense coverage: This coverage gives you travel reimbursem*nt for rental cars or other expenses due to breakdown.
- At-fault accident forgiveness: If you’ve had no accidents in the last 3 years, you’ll have no premium increases with this coverage.
- Diminished value coverage: This pays for the loss in value that may occur after your vehicle is involved in an accident.
- Loan/lease gap coverage: This is Auto-Owners’ name for gap insurance coverage, which pays for what regular insurance policies won’t cover when your vehicle is totaled during the term of a loan or lease.
- Personal Automobile Plus package: Offers 10 additional coverages such as cell phone replacement and specific valuables coverage.
Auto-Owners Insurance Ratings and Reviews
Below you can compare ratings for reputable companies on Auto-Owners:
- J.D. Power customer satisfaction: Auto-Owners does not rank in the top companies for customer satisfaction, except for the North Central region, where it ranks fifth overall with a score of 833/1,000.
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: Auto-Owners ranked seventh overall in claims satisfaction with a score of 888/1,000 — 10 points above the national average.
- NAIC Complaint Index: Auto-Owners complaints are below average with a score of 0.73.
- A.M. Best Financial Strength: Auto-Owners sports the highest financial strength rating of A++.
- BBB Rating: Auto-Owners has an A+ from the BBB for its overall business practices.
Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes
Auto insurance companies take several factors into account when determining your rate. To get the best deal on auto insurance, we recommend comparing quotes online and searching for companies offering discounts that you’re eligible for.
Get Affordable Car Insurance
There are three methods for buying car insurance: contacting a local agent, purchasing through an independent broker or getting quotes from an online portal. In most cases, the process will end with talking to an agent to finalize the deal. You’ll need personal information like your address, a vehicle description (make, model and year) and your desired coverage level in mind.
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Cheapest Car Insurance Deals
Most companies provide an array of car insurance discounts for drivers. The table below shows which car insurance discounts some of the top-rated insurers offer, which we’ll explain in further detail below:
| Car Insurance Discount | Erie Insurance | USAA | Nationwide | Geico | Auto-Owners |
| Multi-policy | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-vehicle | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Good driver | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Student | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Teen driver | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Defensive driving | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Driver training | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| New vehicle | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Car safety equipment | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Loyalty | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Military | ✔ | ✔ |
Cheap Discount Auto Insurance
Below is a further breakdown of the most common car insurance discounts:
- Military: Applies whether you’re active military or a veteran
- Senior: Usually for policyholders who are 55 and older
- Homeowners: If you’re paying a mortgage, you could qualify for this discount
- Good student: Typically for college and high school students under 25 who maintain a B average in their courses
- Good driver: Applies to drivers with a clean driving record (no speeding tickets, DUIs or at-fault accidents in the last three years)
- Defensive driving: Take a defensive driving course to qualify for this discount
- Driver training: Get a discount by taking a driver training course
- New car: Given to drivers who have purchased a new vehicle, typically three model years or newer
- Safe car: If your vehicle has safety features like automatic braking or anti-theft technology, you may qualify for this
- Multi-policy: Bundling two or more insurance policies, such as adding a homeowners, life insurance or renters policy to your auto coverage
- Multi-vehicle: Insuring multiple vehicles on the same policy or combining auto policies with your roommates or family members
- Paperless: Get a discount by opting to receive your documents via email
- Pay-in-full: Save on your premium by paying your policy in full up front
- Sign online: Earn a discount by signing documents online
Ways To Get Cheap Car Insurance
There are many things to consider when looking for the cheapest car insurance:
- Use a car insurance calculator: Many companies offer an auto insurance calculator to help estimate the rates you’ll receive. They also can recommend the types of car insurance coverage you need for your situation.
- Compare local providers: Local agents and smaller providers can typically offer lower rates, as large insurers may not always be your cheapest options.
- Get a quote after improving your driving record and credit: If you have a bad driving record or credit history, improving on it before getting a quote will lower rates drastically.
- Include pay-per-mile insurance as an option: If you’re not driving your vehicle a lot, mileage-based auto insurance can be a low-cost option. Companies like Metromile and Nationwide offer this option.
- Consider telematics car insurance: Some companies offer telematics car insurance which determines your rates solely from your driving, which can give you lower rates than traditional policies.
- Look for companies with discounts you qualify for: One of the best ways to find a cheaper provider is to see if it has discounts you can benefit from.
Read More: How To Save On Car Insurance
How To Lower Your Car Insurance Rate
Though switching car insurance companies is a good way to find cheaper car insurance, it’s not always the most convenient. Below, we detail ways you can lower your car insurance rate with your current company when searching for a new policy:
| Way Lower Auto Insurance | How it Helps You Get Cheaper Coverage |
| 1. Try usage-based programs | Usage-based programs track your mileage and/or safe driving habits through an app, plug-in device or Bluetooth beacon. They can offer sign-up discounts and deductions for good driving up to 40%. Bad driving typically doesn’t raise auto insurance premiums. |
| 2. Pay your premium annually or biannually | Most providers offer annual, biannual or monthly payment options. In addition, some providers give discounts for paying in full for the entire year or every six months. |
| 3. Review your coverage regularly | When it’s time to renew, review your policy to find areas where you can adjust your coverage to better fit your needs. You can also compare quotes to ensure you’re getting a good rate. |
| 4. Capitalize on major life changes | You may find different rates if you get married, send a student off to college, buy a home or have another major life change. |
| 5. Improve your driver profile | Good drivers are less likely to file claims, and insurance companies reward safe drivers with clean records by offering them lower rates. You can improve your driver profile by taking a driver safety course. |
| 6. Improve your credit score | Since most states allow credit-based insurance scoring, you can lower your rates over time if you improve your credit score. |
| 7. Drive a vehicle that costs less to insure | Some models are more expensive to insure than others, so when shopping for a car, take into account how much it will cost to insure the vehicles you’re interested in. |
| 8. Increase your deductible | Choosing a higher car insurance deductible for a policy can help you save money on your policy. Determine if you can afford out-of-pocket costs if an accident happens before making this call. |
| 9. Opt for less coverage | While there is more risk in choosing less coverage, buying a lower-level policy can help you save. We recommend you review your driving habits, state requirements and financial situation before downgrading your desired coverage. |
Read More: Cheapest Cars To Insure, Most Expensive Cars To Insure
Why is Car Insurance So Expensive?
When a lender is determining your rates, they consider a large range of factors. Below, we go over how each factor affects your rates so you can see where your quote may stand and where you need to improve to get cheaper rates
These are the factors that affect car insurance costs. Keep in mind that factors may vary by state:
- Age: People generally have fewer accidents as they age and gain driving experience. Teen drivers tend to pay the most, followed by drivers under the age of 25.
- Coverage level: The higher your limits are for coverage, the more you’ll pay.
- Driving experience: Because providers view drivers without a short driving history as more risky to cover, it’s usually more difficult and expensive to get car insurance for new drivers.
- Gender: Women pay slightly less than men on average according to the Insurance Information Institute.
- Marital status: Married drivers tend to have fewer accidents, so they pay less for car insurance.
- Car make and model: Cars that cost more to repair also cost more to insure. This applies to collision and comprehensive insurance, which cover your car.
- Annual mileage: People who commute long distances and put many miles on their cars pay higher insurance prices.
- Driving record: Good drivers with no accidents or violations pay the least for car insurance.
- Credit history: Having poor credit can increase rates almost as much (and sometimes more than) being convicted of a DUI, but not all states allow this to be used as a factor.
- ZIP code: Urban areas typically have higher rates of theft, accidents and vandalism, so drivers in cities pay the highest rates. Parking in a garage can sometimes reduce your rate.
- Deductible: The higher your deductible is, the lower your premiums will be, and vice versa.
Risks Of Getting Cheap Car Insurance
While cheap car insurance seems attractive, there are risks to choosing low-cost policies. Below, we’ve summarized key considerations as you shop around for affordable auto insurance policies:
| Risk To Getting Cheap Car Insurance | Risk Details |
| Cheap policies often come with higher deductibles | While monthly premiums have low costs, you may not be able to pay the deductible if an accident does occur. |
| Cheaper policies may have less protection | The cheapest policies typically only come with liability protections. If other damages and repairs are needed to be paid, you may not be able to pay out of pocket. |
| Customer service quality may be lower | If policies are abnormally cheap, typically, a company cuts costs elsewhere. This may mean weaker customer service, which slows response times, claims processes and more. |
| A company may not be able to pay out claims | Especially with smaller companies, make sure your insurer is financially able to pay out claims. While its rates may be low, this may mean is isn’t covering costs. |
| Cheaper policies may leave you underinsured | Depending on your state, you may be underinsured depending on the policy you choose. Make sure the plan you choose covers you up to state requirements. |
Cheapest Auto Insurance: The Bottom Line
In this article, we reviewed the cheapest car insurance rates, companies and quotes based on a variety of determining price factors. Since prices depend on so many factors, keep in mind that cheap auto insurance looks different for each driver.
As a reminder, here are our top 10 choices for cheap auto insurance companies:
- Nationwide: $82 monthly
- Geico: $86 monthly
- State Farm: $91 monthly
- Travelers: $94 monthly
- Progressive: $114 monthly
- AAA: $141 monthly
- Allstate: $144 monthly
- Chubb: $174 monthly
- Farmers: $180 monthly
- USAA: $79 monthly*
All rates are averages derived from both full coverage and minimum liability cost quotes from Quadrant Information Services to get an overall company cost estimate.
Note: *While USAA car insurance is the cheapest overall, it is limited to active-duty military members, veterans and their families.
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Cheap Car Insurance: FAQ
Below are commonly asked questions about the cheapest car insurance companies, coverage policies, rates and quotes:
Based on our cost estimates, Nationwide has the cheapest car insurance overall with rates of $119 per month for full coverage. For minimum coverage, its average rates are $44 per month.
Our cost analysis shows the cheapest midsize company for full-coverage vehicle insurance is Central Insurance at rates of $1,358 per year. Among large insurers, Nationwide offers the cheapest full coverage at $1,433 per year.
Among midsize insurers, Central Insurance is the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance company with average rates of $236 per year. For those eligible, USAA offers the cheapest minimum coverage among large insurers at a yearly average premium of $387. For most drivers, Geico is cheapest, at $461 a year on average.
The cheapest overall full coverage car insurance rates for teens starts at an average of $3,180 a year from Central Insurance. If the company is not available in your state, Nationwide offers the lowest rates of $4,836 per year.
Nationwide offers the lowest full coverage car insurance rates among larger insurers for young adults and costs $139 a month on average. For mid-size insurers, Central Insurance offers the lowest rates of $131 per month on average.
Geico and Acuity have the cheapest full-coverage car insurance for Seniors. Acuity has the lowest average rate of $107 per month, but if it isn’t in your area, Geico has a rate of $112 per month on average.
Country Financial has average rates of $1,980 per year for high-risk drivers, making it the cheapest car insurance for this group among midsize insurers. Among more widely available companies, State Farm is the cheapest overall, with rates averaging $2,631 per year.
USAA offers the lowest overall rates for military members at an average rate of $126 per month for full coverage. If you have availability in your area, Central insurance offers cheaper rates of $113 per month on average.
State minimum car insurance coverage is generally the cheapest plan for car insurance. However, it only covers other people, their passengers and their property in an accident. This means that if you’re injured in an accident that you cause, your medical bills and vehicle damage aren’t covered. If you want more protection on the road, consider purchasing a full-coverage plan, which includes comprehensive, collision and liability car insurance.
You don’t have to be concerned about your credit score when getting cheap car insurance quotes. In states where credit is a factor in determining rates, car insurance companies check your credit with a soft inquiry, which doesn’t affect your score. This is different from a hard inquiry that a bank or lender would do if you were applying for a loan.
Auto insurers use more than a dozen individual rating factors to price your policy, so there are a variety of ways to lower the cost of car insurance. Compare quotes and discounts from at least three different companies and research what the right amount of coverage is for your needs. You can also try usage-based insurance options if you’re a good driver who doesn’t put many miles on your vehicle.
With cheap car insurance (such as a liability-only policy) you can still use whatever standard services the company offers, such as mobile ID cards and digital apps. However, you’ll be taking on more risk if you don’t have collision or comprehensive insurance to pay for damage to your car when you cause an accident. Some companies also require you to have full coverage to qualify for special programs like accident forgiveness or roadside assistance.
We recommend having full-coverage car insurance. Full coverage includes comprehensive coverage and collision coverage, which cover repairs to your car if you cause an accident or crash into an object. If you don’t drive very often, having a pay-per-mile plan may be your cheapest option. Talk to an agent or review plans online to ensure you’re getting what’s best for you.
Minimum liability car insurance policies cover medical bills and property damage for other people in accidents you cause, but they can leave you financially vulnerable to an at-fault accident. Full-coverage car insurance includes collision coverage, which repairs damage to your car when you cause an accident or strike a stationary object. Comprehensive insurance covers damages from theft, vandalism, fire, severe weather or other non-collision incidents such as a cracked windshield.
You need car insurance to drive a car off the lot after purchase. Reputable dealers won’t allow you to leave until you provide proof of insurance. If you have a current policy, you’ll be protected for a brief period until you can provide your agent or insurer with your new vehicle information.
If you don’t have insurance, you’ll need to secure a policy before you complete the vehicle purchase transaction. You can get an endorsem*nt from a major provider within hours of applying for coverage. Make sure you know what you need to have to be driving legally. Ask an insurance agent or search online to get the information you need.
Insurance usually follows the car, so the insurance of the car you’re driving would be used in the event of an accident. If the insurance on your car has better coverage than the car you’re borrowing, then it would cover any gaps in coverage. Compare coverage before borrowing a friend’s or loved one’s car. If you’re renting a car, your insurance coverage will usually cover that vehicle, as well.
Other Best and Cheap Insurance Company Guides
If you’re looking for other insurance coverage, we’ve provided our reviews of our top picks along with supporting cost information to assist your search:
How We Rated The Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies
Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best car insurance companies. We collected data on dozens of auto insurance providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the insurers that scored the most points topping the list.
Here are the factors our ratings take into account:
- Cost: Auto insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services and discount opportunities were both taken into consideration.
- Coverage: Companies that offer a variety of choices for insurance coverage are more likely to meet consumer needs.
- Reputation and experience: Our research team considered market share, ratings from industry experts and years in business when giving this score.
- Availability: Auto insurance companies with greater state availability and few eligibility requirements scored highest in this category.
- Customer experience: This score is based on volume of complaints reported by the NAIC and customer satisfaction ratings reported by J.D. Power. We also considered the responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness of each insurance company’s customer service team based on our own shopper analysis.
Our credentials:
- 800 hours researched
- 45 companies reviewed
- 8,500+ consumers surveyed
*Data accurate at time of publication.
