Using data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the Insurance Information Institute (iii) found that 78% of drivers purchase comprehensive insurance in addition to the more limited option of liability insurance.
The average cost of full coverage car insurance is $1,738 per year, but drivers could pay less, depending on which provider they choose. Many of the best car insurance providers are also some of the cheapest options for full coverage auto insurance, but options and coverage will vary.
Cheap full coverage car insurance
The cost of car insurance varies considerably from company to company. There are many different types of coverage available for purchase, with policies tailored to the specific type of vehicle, where it is located and how much it is used.
When it comes to coverage, affordability and customer satisfaction, some companies perform better than others.
| Insurance Company | Average Annual Cost for Full Coverage |
| Erie | $1,207 |
| USAA | $1,251 |
| Amica | $1,317 |
| Geico | $1,324 |
| Auto Owners | $1,374 |
| Progressive | $1,419 |
| State Farm | $1,421 |
Erie
Erie insurance is only available within Washington, D.C. and 12 states, but it offers great service and support for those within its service area.
Policies include a wide variety of coverage options, with added perks like accident forgiveness and pet injury coverage. There are also other benefits like glass repair, locksmith service and personal item coverage with collision insurance. Discounts are plentiful, with savings available for multiple vehicles, multi-policy, safety features and upfront premiums. Those who bundle Erie insurance with other coverage types, such as home and renters insurance, can save an additional 25% off their premium.
USAA
USAA limits its services to military members and their families but remains one of the most top-ranked insurance providers. USAA insurance consistently outperforms its competitors with flexible and affordable auto insurance. Customers save an average of $707 when moving to USAA for their auto insurance.
Comprehensive coverage comes with vehicle and collision coverage, but drivers can add on services like roadside assistance and rental reimbursement. Opportunities to save are abundant and include accident forgiveness, defensive driving courses and military-specific considerations.
Amica
Amica ranks high amongst J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction ratings for its customer service and policies. The family-oriented company offers a legacy discount to young drivers whose parents have been long-time customers, with many other ways to save.
There are excellent options for coverage, including add-on protections for roadside assistance and glass coverage. For those interested in the full package, Amica offers its Platinum Choice Auto policy that comes fully stocked with features like identity fraud monitoring and no deductibles for full glass coverage. Drivers can also benefit from lower rates with the successful completion of SafetyServe defensive driving courses.
Geico
GEICO insurance is a great pick for multi-faceted nationwide coverage. From cars and trucks to RVs and even ATVs, GEICO delivers consistent coverage with affordable rates. Since GEICO was originally formed to serve federal and military customers, those discounts are still available, along with many others.
GEICO is also easily accessible, with policies available in Washington, D.C. and all 50 states. Its customer service is highly rated by J.D. Power, and its mobile tools shine with a convenient app to help policyholders manage their plans and file and track claims.
Auto Owners
Auto Owners is not as widely available as Geico, serving about half of the country with availability in 26 states. Its insurance products are sold via independent agents, allowing customers to customize and fine-tune their coverage. Basic coverage is standard, but there are great add-on options, like gap coverage, diminished value coverage and coverage for additional expenses like food and lodging if the vehicle breaks down. There are also exclusive protections rarely found elsewhere, such as rental car insurance, common loss deductible and collision coverage.
Progressive
Progressive has made a name for itself with its Name Your Price tool that allows customers to custom-build their auto policies with the added benefit of options like gap insurance and custom parts coverage. It makes obtaining affordable car insurance easier with the option to customize coverage. It also has many other great tools, like its Snapshot program, which tracks and rewards safe driving habits. However, its highest customer service ratings aren’t the highest, so this may be a better pick for the more autonomous customer that isn’t reliant on customer support.
State Farm
State Farm is a great choice for multiple insurance products because there is coverage available for auto, life, health and property insurance, in addition to banking and investment products. Customers can save big with multi-policy discounts and incentives and get in-person support from one of the many local agents. It also gets high ratings for claims and customer satisfaction from J.D. Power, but rates run about average.
How to find cheap full coverage insurance
When shopping for a cheap full coverage insurance policy, the NAIC offers the following guidance:
- Research state requirements. Every state has mandates on the minimum insurance required. In most states, drivers are required to purchase liability insurance with specific levels of bodily injury and property damage.
- Consider customer reviews. Bankrate car insurance reviews are an excellent place to start. With the most current rates, details and reviews, drivers can learn more about insurance carriers and the types of car insurance offered.
- Shop around for quotes. Coverage and rates vary widely from provider to provider, so it’s important to consider details like coverage, deductibles, fees and discounts. It’s also a good idea to check with your state’s licensing department to ensure that the provider you choose is fully licensed in that region.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of car insurance?
The average cost of car insurance is $1,738 per year for full coverage car insurance. The exact rate for car insurance will vary from driver to driver and depends on the type of car, where it is located and how often it is driven.
What are the best car insurance companies?
The best car insurance companies consistently provide superior service with widespread coverage, affordable pricing and reliable customer service. The NAIC suggests always shopping multiple vendors before selecting an insurance provider.
What is full coverage car insurance?
Full coverage car insurance includes multi-faceted coverage, such as bodily injury liability coverage, property damage liability, collision coverage and comprehensive coverage.
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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