Cheapest car insurance in Kentucky for 2023

The cheapest car insurance companies in Kentucky

Bankrate’s insurance editorial team searched for the cheapest car insurance companies in Kentucky by obtaining average rate data from Quadrant Information Services. While price is often one of the most important factors for drivers looking for cheap coverage, other factors, like customer service and discount opportunities, can also play a role in choosing a car insurance policy. As such, our insurance editorial team also weighed other factors, like coverage offerings, discounts, policy features and third-party ratings from AM Best and scores from J.D. Power, to determine which companies offered the best cheap car insurance options in Kentucky.

Cheapest company for minimum coverage

Cheapest company for full coverage

Cheapest company for adding a teen driver

Cheapest company for getting a speeding ticket

Cheapest company for being in an at-fault accident

Cheapest company after a high-risk incident

The cheapest car insurance companies in Kentucky by coverage level

Minimum coverage car insurance essentially means that you are purchasing a policy with the state-required liability limits necessary to drive legally, and this type of policy only covers the damages you cause to other people’s property in an at-fault accident. While this type of policy could result in cheaper Kentucky car insurance rates, it could also leave you financially vulnerable if you cause an accident with costs that exceed your coverage limits. That’s why many insurance professionals recommend considering a policy with higher limits or full coverage for more financial protection. Full coverage car insurance includes collision and comprehensive coverage, which offers protection for your vehicle as well in covered incidents. If you have a lease or loan, your lender is likely to require full coverage car insurance. The table below outlines the average cost of car insurance for the cheapest car insurance companies in Kentucky, but your rates will likely differ based on your driver profile and other factors.

Cheapest cities in Kentucky for car insurance

Your location is one of the factors insurers take into account when determining premiums. If you live in a large city, for example, the high level of traffic may mean a higher incidence of accidents—that's likely to increase your rate to account for the higher risk the insurer is assuming. Here are some of the cities that are known for cheap auto insurance in Kentucky.

Getting a speeding ticket

Getting into an at-fault accident

Being deemed a high-risk driver

Minimum coverage requirements for Kentucky drivers

Kentucky car insurance laws require that drivers must carry at least a minimum amount of liability car insurance to drive legally. The mandatory minimum car insurance requirements in Kentucky are: 

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability per accident

Kentucky car insurance companies must also offer each driver uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, but these options can be declined in writing.Personal injury protection (PIP) must also be offered but can be declined. However, if you decline PIP, guest personal injury protection still applies to your policy.  Kentucky is also a no-fault state. 

Driving without insurance can result in fines and license suspension, but it could also result in significant out-of-pocket expenses to cover unexpected accidents. But while you must carry at least the minimum car insurance required by the state in Kentucky, most insurance professionals recommend that you buy higher limits than the state minimums or even full coverage to get more financial protection. Remember, if you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, full coverage will likely be required. Without full coverage, you could be faced with significant expenses for damages to your car in an accident.

Here is how to get the cheapest car insurance in Kentucky

If you're wondering how to save on car insurance in Kentucky, you're not alone. Finding a cheap insurance provider is important to many drivers. With dozens of carriers on the market, you can take some steps to find the lowest-priced policy for your situation. Once you’ve found the cheapest car insurance policy, you may also need to take some additional steps to maintain your low rates.

Know your coverage needs

Each driver has unique coverage needs and should be aware of the coverage types that would benefit them and which might not. Paying for coverage that you don’t need can increase your insurance costs. For instance, if you have access to another car, you might not need to pay for rental reimbursement on your policy.

Shop around at renewal time

When your policy comes up for renewal, consider getting multiple quotes to compare to your current carrier. This is one of the easiest ways to verify you are paying the most affordable rates in your Kentucky city based on your driving record and household profile.

Consider safe driving programs

Many insurers offer telematics programs that monitor your driving skills in real time. If you prove to be a safe and careful driver, you may be able to save up to 30 percent or more with some companies. You may also be able to save money on your premium by signing up for a defensive driving course.

Car insurance discounts in Kentucky

Almost every insurer offers at least a few discounts, and they are often easy to earn. Consider some of the following discounts available to Kentucky drivers. Ask your insurance agent if you are receiving all the discounts that you are entitled to when you purchase a policy, and review your policy annually in case you qualify for new ones.

• Young driver discounts: There are several discounts that may be available to young drivers. Some insurers offer a discount if the young driver earns a "B" average or higher in high school or college, others will lower the rate if the teen driver attends college more than 100 miles from where the car is garaged.
• Safe driver discounts: Drivers who take a defensive driving course may earn five percent or more off their premium. They may also see savings if they file no claims for a certain number of years, usually three to five.
• Vehicle discounts: Common safety features such as airbags and anti-lock brakes may earn you some savings, as well as anti-theft devices and security systems that make it unlikely you'll be filing a claim for a stolen car.
• Bundling discount: If you have more than one policy with a single company, you are likely to save money. Most commonly, this will mean homeowners and auto, but it could apply if you have a renters, life or another policy in addition to car insurance.
• Professional discounts: You may earn a discount if you work in a profession such as teaching or as a first responder. Many insurers also offer generous discounts to members of the military and veterans. 

Frequently asked questions

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 rates for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Kentucky, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $50,000 property damage liability per accident
• $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
• $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
• $500 collision deductible
• $500 comprehensive deductible

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2021 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually. 

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

Bankrate Scores 

Our 2023 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. 

Like our previous Bankrate Scores, 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. This year, our 2023 scoring model provides a more comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and better highlighting where they fall short.

• Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, 2023 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 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.