The horse capital of the world, Kentucky, isn’t just known for bluegrass. With 3.5 million licensed drivers, Kentucky is also famous for one of the highest crash death rates in the US, with drunk driving and inclement weather among the most common reasons for traffic fatality.
Regardless of your driving habits, it isn’t unusual to be in a traffic accident in Kentucky. Therefore, having sufficient insurance coverage is not only a necessity but also more expensive than most other places in the country.
Price should not get in the way of protecting yourself and your vehicle. Getting affordable car insurance in Kentucky is not impossible, and to help you with the right choice, we reviewed some of the biggest providers to find the best coverage at the cheapest premiums.
The cheapest car insurance in Kentucky
The national average rate for full coverage car insurance is $1,674, but this price might vary from one person to another. In comparison, Kentucky motorists pay an average of $2,201 for full coverage insurance. Affordable auto insurance is everyone’s dream, but cheap should not mean compromising on quality.
Some of the best providers also have the cheapest insurance in Kentucky, and the following five companies stand out based on average rates, coverage options, third-party ratings, financial strength, discounts and customer service.
| Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium for Minimum Coverage | Average Annual Premium for Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | $446 | $1,567 |
| USAA | $376 | $1,466 |
| Kentucky Farm Bureau | $397 | $1,754 |
| Westfield | $361 | $1,724 |
| Motorists (Encova) | $443 | $1,914 |
Geico
The average full coverage rate offered by Geico in Kentucky is $1,567, significantly lower than most other providers. On the downside, its coverage options are relatively basic compared to its competitors.
If it’s affordable auto insurance you’re after rather than unique coverage options, Geico is an easy choice, with several discounts to help you save. For instance, being accident-free makes you eligible for the good driver discount, cutting your premium by 25 percent. Purchasing a new vehicle could get you a 15 percent discount while having multiple cars insured could take a few more dollars off your bill. Geico also consistently ranks well for claims satisfaction and customer service.
USAA
The United States Automobile Association (USAA) has been providing military families with affordable insurance since 1922. If you are part of the armed forces or have an immediate family member in the military, you could become a member of USAA for an annual fee and get cheap full coverage in Kentucky for an average of $1,466. Not only does this organization rank at the top for financial strength, customer service and value for money, but it also offers several car insurance discounts to eligible members.
Some of the discounts on offer in Kentucky are safe driver, new vehicle, annual mileage, family discount, length of membership, military installation and policy bundling. Besides the basic coverage, USAA also has personal injury protection, roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, accident forgiveness and extended benefits coverage.
Kentucky Farm Bureau
If you want the cheapest minimum coverage in Kentucky, look no farther than the Farm Bureau, with annual premiums starting at only $397 and inexpensive full coverage comparatively at $1,754. This local insurance provider started by selling policies to farmers, but today, anyone can be a member for a $35 fee and enjoy the benefits and discounts. Every policyholder is assigned an agent they can directly work with, making the service personalized.
Kentucky Farm Bureau offers discounts such as accident-free, good student, defensive driving course, anti-theft devices, driver training and policy bundling. Farm Bureau is also a good choice for drivers with accidents and speeding tickets on their record.
Westfield
Westfield is a smaller regional provider that packs a punch with its coverage. Kentucky car insurance policies include the standard coverages of liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments and personal injury protection with available roadside assistance. You can also sign up with Westfield for motorcycle insurance and RV and camper insurance. The Wespak policy bundles your home and car insurance policies with additional protections like gap insurance, trip protection insurance and replacement cost coverage.
Motorists
Motorists Insurance, now Encova, specializes in a wide variety of insurance solutions, including commercial, life insurance and workers’ compensation options. Towing and labor coverage comes standard with your auto insurance policy, with additional coverage options for identity theft insurance, homeowners insurance, umbrella insurance and RV insurance. Be sure to inquire about the many discount options, including savings for married professionals, empty nesters and loyalty.
Affordable coverage for Kentucky drivers
Car insurance is mandatory in Kentucky and every motorist must have the basic coverage to be able 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
- $10,000 personal injury protection
This is also a no-fault state, which means the insurer will pay your claim in case of a crash or collision regardless of which party was at fault. Because this increases the risk for insurance companies, they charge higher premiums in no-fault states.
Not being insured can result in fines and license suspension, but despite the presence of laws, uninsured drivers account for 11.5% of motorists in Kentucky. Between 2015 and 2019, there has been a sharp rise in vehicle theft, while rain and storms also cause considerable vehicular damage every year. The bare minimum insurance will not protect you against these factors, calling for additional coverage.
How to get cheap car insurance in Kentucky
Because insurance is state-regulated, the cost varies depending on ZIP code, population density and risk of road accidents. Some cities in Kentucky are cheaper to insure compared to others, but the following steps could help you lower your insurance rates significantly irrespective of your location:
- Have a clean record: Being a safe driver is always rewarded by insurance companies. Because safe driving and good driver discounts are common across several insurers, having a clean record without accidents or claims is one of the easiest ways to reduce your premium rate even in the expensive state of Kentucky.
- Secure your car: Having various safety devices installed in your vehicle often gets drivers auto insurance discounts. Airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, adaptive headlights and car alarms are some of the safety equipment that can fetch you discounts from certain insurers.
- Shop smart: When shopping for auto insurance in Kentucky, make sure to compare quotes from multiple providers. Don’t forget to keep the coverage options the same to be able to get the best price.
- Pay in full: If affordable, pay the annual premium in full instead of paying each month. Many insurers offer a price cut when the premium is paid in full.
- Find a balance: Raising the deductible often reduces the premium. But striking a balance between the two is key to lowering your annual insurance cost while making sure you don’t drain your bank account if you need to file a claim.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best car insurance in Kentucky?
The best car insurance companies in Kentucky will vary for everyone. It’s a good idea to research all available providers, then compare quotes and available discounts. If in doubt, speak with a licensed insurance agent.
What is the cheapest car insurance in Kentucky?
There are several insurance companies in Kentucky offering competitive rates and a variety of discounts. However, insurance is subjective, and coverage needs differ from one person to another. Compare options to determine the cheapest Kentucky auto insurance for you with the coverage you need.
What is the average cost of car insurance in the U.S.?
The average cost of car insurance in the U.S. is $1,674 per year. Kentucky is one of the more expensive states in the country, costing $2,201 for full coverage or $761 if you opt for minimum coverage.
Do I need full coverage in Kentucky?
A full coverage insurance policy isn’t mandatory in Kentucky but is highly recommended if your car is new, you are still paying off the loan or you own a luxury vehicle. The only time you could skip the full coverage is if your car is old or paid in full and doesn’t require the protection it once did.
How do I get the best insurance rate in Kentucky?
Collecting quotes from multiple providers is one of the easiest ways to get the best rates on auto insurance. When looking for the lowest rate, make sure you are not sacrificing the coverage you require by going for the cheapest cost.
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a cleaning 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 coverages that meet each state’s requirements. Our sample drivers own a 2018 Honda Accord, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes may be different.
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