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Cheapest car insurance in October 2024

Updated Oct 02, 2024
Bankrate’s analysis found Auto-Owners, USAA and Geico are among the cheapest insurers in the U.S.
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The cheapest car insurance companies

The national average for a full coverage car insurance policy is $2,388 per year, and minimum coverage averages $664 per year. However, depending on your rating factors, you could pay more or less than that.

If you’re specifically shopping for the cheapest car insurance company, your quoted rate can seem like the most important factor. While price is largely front of mind when shopping around, it’s only one part of choosing the right insurance for your budget. The vehicle you drive, your driving record, available coverage options and discount selections can all influence which cheap car insurance provider stands apart from the rest as the best insurer for you. 

Key takeaways from Bankrate’s cheap car insurance analysis:

  • The national average cost of full coverage car insurance is $2,388 per year or $199 per month, while minimum coverage costs an average of $664 per year or $55 per month. 
  • Florida has the highest average cost of full coverage car insurance in the country at $3,594 per year, which breaks down to monthly payments of $300.
  • Drivers in Vermont pay $1,396 per year for full coverage car insurance — 41 percent less than the national average. 
  • Shopping with different insurance providers, inquiring about discounts and paring back on non-essential coverage can be a good place to start when seeking cheaper car insurance.

The cheapest car insurance company by driving record: Auto-Owners

Based on our research, Auto-Owners offers the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance rates for high-risk drivers who have one speeding ticket conviction. For full coverage premiums, our proprietary data shows that USAA may offer low average rates for drivers with a DUI. Keep in mind that actual rates from every company will vary for each driver, and not every company will insure someone who has a DUI conviction. If you have a DUI or several moving violations, contact an agent for help.

$453
$533
$642
$1,115
$558
$669
$818
$1,034
$548
$687
$798
$1,337
$738
$903
$895
$2,039
$835
$1,019
$1,155
$1,718
$1,739
$2,037
$2,322
$3,742
$1,992
$2,291
$2,761
$3,528
$2,028
$2,489
$2,871
$4,612
$2,894
$3,594
$3,481
$8,390
$2,634
$3,175
$3,518
$4,978
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Bankrate’s take: Depending on your state, you might be able to get license points associated with a speeding conviction removed from your driving record by completing a driver safety course. In most cases there will be a fee to take the class, but if you can remove the violation from your driving record, your policy is less likely to be surcharged. Ask your insurer if this option is available to you.

Related content on cheap car insurance:

The cheapest car insurance from smaller companies: Union Mutual

When it comes to car insurance, big-name companies with catchy jingles and comedic mascots dominate the conversation. However, regional companies with smaller market shares often offer cheaper rates for the same coverage options you’ll find with a national provider. In your search for cheap car insurance quotes, a smaller insurer may also help you find affordable car insurance, offer high customer satisfaction ratings and provide more personalized service. Plus, if you choose to work with a regional insurer, it may be able to provide boots-on-the-ground insight into different coverage types you should consider based on the risk factors common to your location. These regional carriers offer the cheapest average minimum and full coverage car insurance, according to Bankrate’s analysis.

Union Mutual
$161
$13
PEMCO
$167
$14
Integrity Insurance
$187
$16
Southern Farm Bureau Casualty
$233
$19
Rural Mutual
$243
$20
Union Mutual
$705
$59
Hastings Mutual
$1,043
$87
American National
$1,058
$88
Capital
$1,082
$90
Oregon Mutual
$1,089
$91
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Bankrate’s take: When considering a smaller insurance company you aren't familiar with, you may want to check its financial stability ratings issued by AM Best, S&P or Moody's before you make the switch. Smaller companies aren't inherently less stable than larger ones, but this may be a friction point for some.

The cheapest car insurance company for poor credit: Geico

The table below reflects that Geico offers the cheapest average annual rates for drivers with poor credit histories, while USAA offers the lowest average annual rates for drivers with average credit. Keep in mind that not all states allow credit-based insurance scores to be used as a rating factor. California, Hawaii and Massachusetts ban the practice entirely, while other states put some limits on the use of credit in insurance underwriting. Check your state’s laws or speak with an insurance agent to determine how your credit history might affect your car insurance premium.

$1,876
$849
$738
$538
$1,187
$547
$453
$324
$1,558
$866
$679
$558
$832
$595
$548
$504
$945
$600
$558
$503
$7,752
$3,393
$2,894
$2,090
$4,717
$2,076
$1,739
$1,241
$4,284
$2,332
$1,974
$1,526
$2,954
$2,153
$2,028
$1,819
$3,525
$2,064
$1,992
$1,696
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Bankrate’s take: Our proprietary data shows that drivers with poor credit may pay similar premiums to those with a DUI conviction. If you have significantly improved your credit score, you may want to contact your insurance provider and ask them to re-evaluate your policy — you may find substantial savings.

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Car insurance rates by credit score

In most states, drivers with credit in good standing generally pay much less for car insurance than drivers with a poor credit history. 

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The cheapest car insurance company for new drivers: Geico

Age plays a major role when it comes to car insurance rates (except in Hawaii and Massachusetts, where age is not a permitted rating factor). Young drivers pay some of the highest average premiums due to their inexperience, but some companies offer cheaper car insurance for young drivers than others. For minimum coverage, Geico might be a good cheap option.

Insurance company Cheapest company Average annual rate Average monthly rate
Geico $1,318 $110
Geico $1,190 $99
Auto-Owners $1,471 $123
Auto-Owners $1,192 $99
Auto-Owners $1,041 $87
Geico $875 $73
Geico $875 $65
Geico $729 $61
Geico $698 $58
Geico $643 $54

*Rates reflect 16- and 17-year-old drivers added to their parents’ policy with the driver’s training and good student discounts applied. 

Insurance company Cheapest company Average annual rate Average monthly rate
Nationwide $3,725 $310
Nationwide $3,367 $281
Erie $4,425 $369
Erie $3,920 $327
Erie $3,603 $300
Erie $3,405 $284
Geico $2,829 $236
Geico $2,639 $220
Erie $2,587 $216
Geico $2,327 $194

*Rates reflect 16- and 17-year-old drivers added to their parents’ policy with the driver’s training and good student discounts applied. 

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Bankrate’s take: Our data from Quadrant Information Services indicates that an 18-year-old with their own full coverage car insurance policy pays an average of 59 percent more than an 18-year-old who remains on their parents’ insurance. If your teen or young adult still lives at home, consider keeping everyone together on a family policy to help them save money.

Related content:

The cheapest car insurance company for senior drivers: Auto-Owners

Rates can begin to creep upward as you age, especially when you reach your 70s. That’s because some age-related health issues, like poor eyesight and delayed reaction time, can increase the risk of accidents and lead to more serious injuries. Don’t worry, though; average rates for senior drivers with clean driving records are still far lower than they are for teen drivers. Based on our research, Auto-Owners offers some of the cheapest car insurance for senior drivers.

Insurance company Cheapest company Average annual rate Average monthly rate
Auto-Owners $439 $37
Auto-Owners $440 $37
Auto-Owners $538 $45
Insurance company Cheapest company Average annual rate Average monthly rate
Auto-Owners $1,600 $133
Nationwide $1,652 $138
Auto-Owners $1,763 $147
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Bankrate’s take: Many insurance companies offer a senior defensive driver discount for drivers 55 and over if they complete an approved defensive driving course online or in person. Availability and percentage saved from this discount varies between states and carriers.

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Cheap car insurance for seniors

Signing up for a defensive driving course could be a great way to help lower your auto insurance rate.

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What are the best cheap car insurance companies?

We know drivers looking for the cheapest car insurance policy often opt for minimum coverage, so we kept low average minimum coverage rates at the forefront of our reviews. However, our insurance editorial team took care to avoid sacrificing quality. Although the companies below offer some of the cheapest minimum coverage premiums, they also stand out for their customer service, digital tools and discount opportunities, qualifying them for Bankrate’s list of the best cheap car insurance companies.

The top 5 cheap car insurance companies in 2024

Cheapest car insurance company overall

Bankrate Score

Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3

Avg. monthly premium

$38

Min. coverage

Avg. annual premium

$455

Min. coverage

Avg. annual savings

-$209

Auto-Owners

Why Auto-Owners made our list: Auto-Owners has one of the lowest average minimum coverage premiums on our list and also offers numerous add-on options to help you personalize your coverage. Its high J.D. Power score suggests quality service, and its AM Best rating indicates a strong ability to pay out customer claims. If you live in one of the 26 states where Auto-Owners writes car insurance policies, it may be worth getting a quote.

Why Auto-Owners may be the cheapest overall: Based on our analysis, Auto-Owners has the cheapest average minimum coverage premium for drivers with clean driving records and good credit. This regional carrier also offers cheap average rates across a variety of other driving profiles. Auto-Owners also tied with Geico in the 2024 Bankrate Awards for Best Budget Auto Insurance Company. 
Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 4.3
J.D. Power 865/1,000
AM Best Rating A++
States covered 26 states
Quoted rates are for minimum coverage policies
Read full review
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Cheapest car insurance company for military-focused coverage

Bankrate Score

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2

Avg. monthly premium

$47

Min. coverage

Avg. annual premium

$565

Min. coverage

Avg. annual savings

-$99

USAA

Why USAA made our list: In addition to its low average minimum coverage rate, USAA consistently receives high customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power (although the company isn’t eligible for official ranking due to only insuring military members, veterans and qualifying family members). USAA also offers a healthy selection of discounts to help eligible drivers save even more. For example, with the SafePilot telematics program, qualifying drivers could save up to 30 percent. 
 
Why USAA may be cheapest for military-focused coverage: USAA offers military-specific discounts that can help active military personnel, veterans and qualifying family members save on their car insurance policies. This includes a unique on-base discount that provides up to 15 percent off your car insurance premium if your vehicle is garaged on base. If your parents are also USAA members, you could receive an additional 10 percent discount.
Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 4.2
J.D. Power 890/1,000
AM Best Rating A++
States covered All 50 states, plus Washington, D.C.
Quoted rates are for minimum coverage policies
Read full review
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Cheapest car insurance company for poor credit scores

Bankrate Score

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Avg. monthly premium

$46

Min. coverage

Avg. annual premium

$555

Min. coverage

Avg. annual savings

-$109

Geico

Why Geico made our list: With nationwide availability, low average rates and a wide variety of discounts, Geico, the second-largest U.S. auto insurer by market share, might help you save money no matter where you live. Geico swept multiple categories in the 2024 Bankrate Awards, winning an award for Best Auto Insurance Company Overall (tied with Amica), Best Budget Auto Insurance Company (tied with Auto-Owners) and Best for Young Drivers. 

Why Geico may be cheapest for poor credit scores: Drivers with poor credit scores tend to receive less favorable auto insurance rates, but Geico may be able to help. According to our research and rate data from Quadrant Information Services, Geico’s average annual minimum coverage premium for drivers with poor credit is over $100 cheaper than the next cheapest company we analyzed.

Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 4.4
J.D. Power 874/1,000
AM Best Rating A++
States covered All 50 states, plus Washington, D.C.
Quoted rates are for minimum coverage policies
Read full review
Plus Icon Collapse Icon
Cheapest car insurance company for stellar service

Bankrate Score

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6

Avg. monthly premium

$61

Min. coverage

Avg. annual premium

$738

Min. coverage

Avg. annual savings

+$74

Amica

Why Amica made our list: With a low average minimum coverage premium and high claims and customer satisfaction scores, Amica could be a great option for those looking for cheap automobile insurance and solid service. Amica took home 2024 Bankrate Awards for Best Auto Insurance Company Overall (tie) and Best for Customer Experience. 

Why Amica may be cheapest for stellar service: Amica is rated near the top of J.D. Power’s claims satisfaction study and also offers low average rates across a variety of profiles. Auto claims can be filed in numerous ways, including through an online account, via Amica’s online chat feature, by phone or on the Amica mobile app. You can learn more about Amica by calling 1-800-242-6422 or visiting www.amica.com.
Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 4.6
J.D. Power 909/1,000
AM Best Rating A+
States covered All 50 states except for Hawaii
Quoted rates are for minimum coverage policies
Read full review
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Cheapest car insurance company for local offices

Bankrate Score

Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3

Avg. monthly premium

$73

Min. coverage

Avg. annual premium

$874

Min. coverage

Avg. annual savings

+$210

State Farm

Why State Farm made our list: State Farm (the largest insurance company in the U.S. by market share) does business through an extensive, nationwide network of brick-and-mortar agencies. For tech-savvy drivers, the company offers a highly-rated mobile app and online portal; no matter your preference, there are multiple ways to handle your State Farm policy. Additionally, State Farm offers cheap average rates among the companies we studied, and the company’s many discount opportunities might help you save even more.

Why State Farm may be cheapest for local offices: State Farm has a network of over 19,000 agents located in all 50 states and Washington, D.C, and according to our research of average premiums provided by Quadrant Information Services, the company consistently offers some of the lowest rates for many types of drivers. In fact, these factors helped State Farm earn the 2023 Bankrate Award for best auto insurance company for high-risk drivers.

Scores and Ratings
Bankrate Score 4.3
J.D. Power 882/1,000
AM Best Rating A++
States covered All 50 states except for Hawaii
Quoted rates are for minimum coverage policies
Read full review
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Why you can trust Bankrate's picks for cheapest insurers

Read our full methodology

There’s a lot of information out there, and unless you’re already versed in the subject, it can be difficult to decipher what information available online is reliable when researching insurance. After all, your policy is full of contractual language and stipulations, and every company and policy is different. Bankrate can help. Our insurance team includes licensed agents, and we have decades of combined real-world industry experience helping policyholders make wise decisions about their coverage. We know that while it’s sometimes overlooked or misunderstood, insurance is essential in providing peace of mind and financial protection. We also understand the importance of making every dollar count, especially in today’s market of record-high inflation.

46

years of industry expertise

122

carriers reviewed

34.5K

ZIP codes examined

1.2M

quotes analyzed

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The cheapest car insurance companies by state

The cheapest car insurance depends on your individual circumstances, and each state has different insurance regulations. Your state’s minimum required levels of coverage are all you need to drive legally, but most insurance experts recommend opting for additional coverage to offer more financial protection in case of an accident. 

Additionally, if you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, you will most likely be required to carry full coverage as a condition of your finance or lease agreement. Determining how much coverage you need involves a review of your broader financial picture. However, the following rate information may be useful for the sake of comparison.

Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$323
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$248
Cheapest company
Mercury
Avg. annual premium*
$452
Cheapest company
The Hanover
Avg. annual premium*
$242
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$430
Cheapest company
Southern Farm Bureau Casualty
Avg. annual premium*
$233
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$512
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$493
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$931
Cheapest company
Auto-Owners
Avg. annual premium*
$592
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$259
Cheapest company
American National
Avg. annual premium*
$193
Cheapest company
Mercury
Avg. annual premium*
$327
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$266
Cheapest company
Grange Insurance
Avg. annual premium*
$187
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$344
Cheapest company
Kentucky Farm Bureau
Avg. annual premium*
$426
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$503
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$266
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$691
Cheapest company
State Farm
Avg. annual premium*
$224
Cheapest company
Wolverine Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$273
Cheapest company
North Star Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$399
Cheapest company
State Farm
Avg. annual premium*
$362
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$343
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$215
Cheapest company
North Star Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$339
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$348
Cheapest company
The Hanover
Avg. annual premium*
$239
Cheapest company
Selective
Avg. annual premium*
$420
Cheapest company
Central Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$235
Cheapest company
Main Street America
Avg. annual premium*
$546
Cheapest company
State Farm
Avg. annual premium*
$425
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$226
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$277
Cheapest company
Mercury
Avg. annual premium*
$297
Cheapest company
Oregon Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$496
Cheapest company
Erie
Avg. annual premium*
$325
Cheapest company
State Farm
Avg. annual premium*
$470
Cheapest company
American National
Avg. annual premium*
$279
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$224
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$289
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$474
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$410
Cheapest company
Union Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$161
Cheapest company
Mercury
Avg. annual premium*
$370
Cheapest company
PEMCO
Avg. annual premium*
$167
Cheapest company
Westfield
Avg. annual premium*
$320
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$225
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$169
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$391
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$259
Cheapest company
American National
Avg. annual premium*
$193
Cheapest company
Mercury
Avg. annual premium*
$327
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$266
Cheapest company
Grange Insurance
Avg. annual premium*
$187
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$344
Cheapest company
Kentucky Farm Bureau
Avg. annual premium*
$426
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$503
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$266
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$691
Cheapest company
State Farm
Avg. annual premium*
$224
Cheapest company
Wolverine Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$273
Cheapest company
North Star Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$399
Cheapest company
State Farm
Avg. annual premium*
$362
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$343
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$215
Cheapest company
North Star Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$339
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$348
Cheapest company
The Hanover
Avg. annual premium*
$239
Cheapest company
Selective
Avg. annual premium*
$420
Cheapest company
Central Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$235
Cheapest company
Main Street America
Avg. annual premium*
$546
Cheapest company
State Farm
Avg. annual premium*
$425
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$226
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$277
Cheapest company
Mercury
Avg. annual premium*
$297
Cheapest company
Oregon Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$496
Cheapest company
Erie
Avg. annual premium*
$325
Cheapest company
State Farm
Avg. annual premium*
$470
Cheapest company
American National
Avg. annual premium*
$279
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$224
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$289
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$474
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$410
Cheapest company
Union Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$161
Cheapest company
Mercury
Avg. annual premium*
$370
Cheapest company
PEMCO
Avg. annual premium*
$167
Cheapest company
Westfield
Avg. annual premium*
$320
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$225
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$169
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$391
Cheapest company
Travelers
Avg. annual premium*
$1,276
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$1,457
Cheapest company
Travelers
Avg. annual premium*
$1,375
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$1,593
Cheapest company
Progressive
Avg. annual premium*
$1,843
Cheapest company
American National
Avg. annual premium*
$1,378
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$1,631
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$1,536
Cheapest company
Progressive
Avg. annual premium*
$2,501
Cheapest company
Esurance
Avg. annual premium*
$1,758
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$1,129
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$791
Cheapest company
Secura
Avg. annual premium*
$1,010
Cheapest company
Hastings Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$795
Cheapest company
Hastings Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$779
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$1,624
Cheapest company
Kentucky Farm Bureau
Avg. annual premium*
$1,329
Cheapest company
Southern Farm Bureau
Avg. annual premium*
$2,722
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$930
Cheapest company
Nationwide
Avg. annual premium*
$1,350
Cheapest company
State Farm
Avg. annual premium*
$738
Cheapest company
Hastings Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$1,424
Cheapest company
Allied
Avg. annual premium*
$1,451
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$1,718
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$1,595
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$1,265
Cheapest company
Auto-Owners
Avg. annual premium*
$1,442
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$1,420
Cheapest company
Nationwide
Avg. annual premium*
$1,031
Cheapest company
Travelers
Avg. annual premium*
$1,482
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$1,403
Cheapest company
Main Street America
Avg. annual premium*
$1,427
Cheapest company
Progressive
Avg. annual premium*
$1,216
Cheapest company
Allied
Avg. annual premium*
$969
Cheapest company
Hastings Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$825
Cheapest company
American Farmers & Ranchers Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$1,709
Cheapest company
Oregon Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$1,039
Cheapest company
Allied
Avg. annual premium*
$1,279
Cheapest company
State Farm
Avg. annual premium*
$1,595
Cheapest company
American National
Avg. annual premium*
$757
Cheapest company
Allstate
Avg. annual premium*
$1,791
Cheapest company
Travelers
Avg. annual premium*
$1,176
Cheapest company
Republic Lloyds
Avg. annual premium*
$1,830
Cheapest company
Nationwide
Avg. annual premium*
$1,146
Cheapest company
Union Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$705
Cheapest company
Nationwide
Avg. annual premium*
$981
Cheapest company
Capital
Avg. annual premium*
$981
Cheapest company
Encompass
Avg. annual premium*
$1,384
Cheapest company
Travelers
Avg. annual premium*
$927
Cheapest company
State Farm
Avg. annual premium*
$1,315
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$1,107
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$1,129
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$791
Cheapest company
Secura
Avg. annual premium*
$1,010
Cheapest company
Hastings Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$795
Cheapest company
Hastings Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$779
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$1,624
Cheapest company
Kentucky Farm Bureau
Avg. annual premium*
$1,329
Cheapest company
Southern Farm Bureau
Avg. annual premium*
$2,722
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$930
Cheapest company
Nationwide
Avg. annual premium*
$1,350
Cheapest company
State Farm
Avg. annual premium*
$738
Cheapest company
Hastings Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$1,424
Cheapest company
Allied
Avg. annual premium*
$1,451
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$1,718
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$1,595
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$1,265
Cheapest company
Auto-Owners
Avg. annual premium*
$1,442
Cheapest company
Geico
Avg. annual premium*
$1,420
Cheapest company
Nationwide
Avg. annual premium*
$1,031
Cheapest company
Travelers
Avg. annual premium*
$1,482
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$1,403
Cheapest company
Main Street America
Avg. annual premium*
$1,427
Cheapest company
Progressive
Avg. annual premium*
$1,216
Cheapest company
Allied
Avg. annual premium*
$969
Cheapest company
Hastings Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$825
Cheapest company
American Farmers & Ranchers Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$1,709
Cheapest company
Oregon Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$1,039
Cheapest company
Allied
Avg. annual premium*
$1,279
Cheapest company
State Farm
Avg. annual premium*
$1,595
Cheapest company
American National
Avg. annual premium*
$757
Cheapest company
Allstate
Avg. annual premium*
$1,791
Cheapest company
Travelers
Avg. annual premium*
$1,176
Cheapest company
Republic Lloyds
Avg. annual premium*
$1,830
Cheapest company
Nationwide
Avg. annual premium*
$1,146
Cheapest company
Union Mutual
Avg. annual premium*
$705
Cheapest company
Nationwide
Avg. annual premium*
$981
Cheapest company
Capital
Avg. annual premium*
$981
Cheapest company
Encompass
Avg. annual premium*
$1,384
Cheapest company
Travelers
Avg. annual premium*
$927
Cheapest company
State Farm
Avg. annual premium*
$1,315
Cheapest company
USAA
Avg. annual premium*
$1,107
*Based on full coverage policies for 2022.

How to get cheap car insurance

Shopping for auto insurance can feel like a chore, so you might be tempted to opt for the lowest coverage option available to you and take the first quote that fits your budget. But there’s more you can do to reduce your car insurance costs while still ensuring that you have the financial protections you need. Researching companies, talking to an agent about your coverage needs and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your individual risk profile can help you lock in an affordable policy that balances cost and coverage. Here are a few steps to take when shopping for cheap auto coverage:

  1. Define your priorities: Before you begin gathering quotes, take a moment to identify your insurance priorities. Some drivers may need a company that offers lower rates for poor credit scores, while others are willing to pay a little more for top-notch customer service and added perks. Some drivers may prefer to manage their policy in person, while others prefer a robust app or website. Knowing what you need ahead of time can help streamline the quoting process. 
  2. Research companies: Once you pinpoint the primary things you need in an insurance company, you can use Bankrate’s list of cheapest providers to seek out the best cheap car insurance companies known to offer competitive rates for your specific situation. 
  3. Compare identical quotes: Always request quotes from multiple companies — and be sure that you’re getting quotes for the same coverage. If you have an existing policy, you can use your current declarations page to guide your coverage selections for a direct rate comparison
  4. Ask about discounts: Discount opportunities vary between insurance companies, and some have more stringent eligibility requirements than others. It may be a good idea to ask the company to do a full discount review to ensure you take advantage of all possible savings.
  5. Avoid a lapse in coverage: Make sure your new policy is scheduled to start before your existing coverage expires. Insurance companies view drivers with gaps in coverage as less financially stable and more likely to file claims. That financial risk comes with higher premiums — and driving during a coverage lapse is illegal in nearly every state, exposing you to legal perils as well as financial losses. Setting up autopay or paying your premium in full could help you prevent a coverage lapse.

Save on cheap car insurance with discounts

If you want to qualify for more car insurance discounts, you can start by looking at precisely which discounts your provider offers and determine which ones you may have missed out on when signing up for your policy. For example, if you did not disclose that you were a military member when you opened your policy, you may have missed out on a military discount. 

Payment-related discounts are another common offering that you may have missed when signing up for your policy. Opting for paperless billing or paying your premium in full might also help you save some money. Once you have a better idea of how many discounts your current provider offers, you can see which ones you can take actionable steps to qualify for. Below are some options to consider.

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How much car insurance do you need?

Bankrate’s insurance editorial team, which includes licensed insurance agents, knows that balancing affordability and coverage is key.

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To offset the high premiums typically assigned to high-risk teen and young adult drivers, many insurance companies offer special savings options for young drivers who maintain good grades, complete driving courses or enroll in safe driving programs. Ask your insurer about good student, distant student or teen driver discounts along with safe driving discounts.
You could potentially get a car insurance discount if you are a member of an affiliated group, like a credit union or professional organization. It is common for insurers to extend this discount to those who work in engineering, education, medical and first-response fields.
Some car insurance companies offer discounts to active duty or retired military members, with some discounts extending to family members. In some cases, military discounts could apply to your whole policy, while other discounts, such as storage discounts during a deployment, may only apply to some coverage.
These types of discounts could be earned based on your driving record or mileage. For example, you could earn a low-mileage discount if you drive infrequently or a good driver discount if you haven’t been involved in an at-fault accident or received a moving violation.
Most major insurers offer telematics discounts, which use GPS technology to track driving behavior in real time, typically using a mobile app. Drivers with good driving habits, like those who maintain the speed limit and avoid harsh braking and rapid acceleration, may be rewarded with a discount on their premium if they agree to share driving data with their insurer.
Bundling discounts are not exclusively for homeowners. Although home and auto is a popular insurance bundle, many insurers offer bundling discounts if you purchase other insurance lines like motorcycle, life, umbrella or renters.
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Best car insurance discounts

Bankrate’s insurance editorial team, which includes licensed insurance agents, knows that taking advantage of discounts can help keep more of your money where it belongs — in your pocket.

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Risks of getting cheap car insurance

Since car insurance rates are at an all-time high, many drivers are seeking ways to secure a more affordable car insurance policy. Price matters, but there are risks associated with purchasing bare-bones coverage. 

Before reducing your policy to state minimum liability coverage, take stock of your financial situation. Consider the amount of money you have in savings, your other assets and your ability to pay high out-of-pocket expenses should an accident occur. While removing optional coverage like roadside assistance and rental reimbursement could be a lower-risk way to save money on premiums, removing collision and comprehensive coverage (aka full coverage) might be more of a gamble. Can you afford to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged, totaled or stolen? If the answer is no and you rely on your vehicle for work or family obligations, then you may need full coverage more than you think. 

Also, keep in mind that quality customer service and an experienced agent can make a difference. An insurance company with cheap policies but poor claims payment history may not be in your best interest. Checking company reviews online and doing some consumer research  — like reading about the companies named The Best in Car Insurance in the 2024 Bankrate Awards — can help you find a balance of cheap premiums and quality coverage.

To learn more, Bankrate’s car insurance guide details these coverage types in detail.

Our industry experts weigh in

To help you pinpoint some extra savings, Bankrate spoke to a few industry experts. We asked them to share one thing they wish more people knew that would help them save money on car insurance.

What is one thing you wish more people knew that would help them save money on car insurance?


Chloe Moore, CFP

Founder, Financial Staples

“In general, a lot of people don’t have enough car insurance coverage. When reviewing car insurance policies for clients, I often see where they have the state minimum coverage and I recommend increasing their coverage limits. In addition to the common ways to save (shopping around, increasing their deductibles and taking advantage of multi-policy discounts), another way to save on car insurance is to reconsider filing small claims. For example, let’s say your deductible is $500 and you have $900 of damage to your vehicle. Or maybe a rock hit your windshield and it needs to be replaced. Consider if it’s worth filing a claim for a few hundred dollars, which can also result in your car insurance increasing for the next two to three years. Thinking about how a claim affects you long-term can prevent unnecessary increases at a time when the cost of car insurance is already going up.”

Kenneth Chavis IV

Senior Wealth Manager, LourdMurray

“There are a myriad of discount options available at most insurers. Some of these discounts include bundling, safe driving, renewal discounts, automatic pay discounts and even alumni or organization discounts — or good student discounts for those in school.”

Frequently asked questions

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze October 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates for our base profile are based on the following characteristics and coverage levels:

User Icon
40 year old
Single male and female driver
Logo for Brand name
2022 Toyota Camry
Primary vehicle
Credit Good Icon
Good credit score
Auto Insurance Guide Icon
Clean driving record
Briefcase Icon
Commutes 5 days

Bodily injury liability

$100,000 per person
$300,000 per accident

Property damage liability

$50,000 per accident

Personal injury protection

$100,000 per accident

Uninsured motorist bodily injury

$100,000 per person
$300,000 per accident

Collision deductible

$500

Comprehensive deductible

$500

Other profiles

These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes. 

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46
years of industry expertise
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122
carriers reviewed
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34.5K
ZIP codes examined
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1.2M
quotes analyzed

Bankrate Scores

Our 2024 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.

Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlighting where they fall short.

5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Overall Score
  • Cost & ratings 50%
  • Coverage & savings 30%
  • Support 20%
  • Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the NAIC, were analyzed.
  • Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
  • Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.
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Written by
Natalie Todoroff
Writer, Insurance
Natalie Todoroff is an insurance writer and industry analyst for Bankrate. She is based in San Francisco and holds a personal lines insurance license.
Edited by Editor, Insurance
Reviewed by Director of corporate communications, Insurance Information Institute