Cheap Auto Insurance (2024)

Most states require a minimum amount of coverage before you can drive. Finding cheap auto insurance is a priority for most drivers, especially if you’re on a budget, but how do you find the cheapest coverage possible?

Although prices are increasing throughout the country, there are plenty of ways to find cheap auto insurance rates. From taking advantage of auto insurance discounts to comparing quotes from the most affordable companies, finding a reasonably priced policy is usually easy.

However, there are several factors that affect your car insurance rates, which might make your search for cheap car insurance more complicated. Learn everything you need to know about finding cheap auto insurance quotes below, then make sure to compare prices with multiple companies to find the right policy for your car.

Finding The Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates for You 

Most drivers believe they’re overpaying for car insurance. A Forbes Advisor study found that 58% of drivers think they overpay for auto insurance, and the same percentage switched car insurance companies to save money.

However, when it comes to saving money on car insurance, every driver is different in terms of their driving profile. So a company cheapest for your friend may not be your cheapest auto insurance company.

Get quotes from auto insurance companies to find the cheapest car insurance for you. Rates depend on various factors — location, driving history, credit score, and more — so some insurance companies may be cheaper for certain drivers than others.

Should I get the cheapest car insurance? If you’re looking for the cheapest companies that offer affordability, great customer service, and expansive coverage options, compare the best auto insurance companies to be certain you aren’t sacrificing quality for a lower price.

We’ve grouped auto insurance companies by which is cheapest for various categories, so you can easily find which company is cheapest for your own needs and profile.

• State Farm Auto Insurance: Cheapest overall
• Erie Auto Insurance: Cheapest with tickets
• Geico Auto Insurance: Cheapest after discounts
• Auto-Owners Auto Insurance: Cheapest for families
• Metromile Auto Insurance: Cheapest for low-mileage drivers
• Farm Bureau Auto Insurance: Cheapest for poor credit
• USAA Auto Insurance: Cheapest for military families

Below, we’ll detail each category so you can learn more about why each company is the cheapest for certain drivers.

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Cheapest Auto Insurance Company Overall 

The cheapest car insurance company overall is State Farm. It is the country’s largest auto insurance company and has the cheapest available rates. 

State Farm also has a vast network of local agents across the country, meaning you can easily find a State Farm agent in your area to help you with rates and coverage.

For most drivers, State Farm will be the cheapest option. USAA is only for active military and veterans, including their spouses and children, so it isn’t available for all drivers. Other companies like Farm Bureau and Auto-Owners become expensive when you add more insurance coverages.

Like the other companies, State Farm also has few complaints about its services. Look at the customer satisfaction and complaint rates from J.D. Power below.

J.D. Power Ratings and Complaint Ratios

A company with multiple filed complaints is worth researching, as it could mean the company denies claims or gives low payouts.

Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies by State

Auto insurance rates vary widely between states. Look at the table below to see which states have the cheapest auto insurance.

Cheapest Auto Insurance Providers by State

If you move to one of the above states, you can expect your rates to be slightly higher than your previous state, even if you purchase insurance from a cheap company. In contrast, the states with the lowest average monthly auto insurance rates are listed below.

5 States with the Lowest Average Monthly Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates

A company may be the most expensive in one state and one of the cheapest in another. Sometimes, a small local company may offer the cheapest rates compared to well-known names like Geico or Nationwide. Below is a list of average monthly full-coverage auto insurance rates by state.

Average Monthly Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates by State
Average auto insurance rates are based on 45-year-old drivers with clean driving records.

One of the most expensive states for car insurance is Florida due to a variety of factors.

Factors Affecting Cheap Auto Insurance Rates 

While rates differ by company, all insurers will look at the same basic factors to calculate your auto insurance rates. The main factors affecting your auto insurance rates are as follows:

• Age. Age is a factor regarding auto insurance rates. When it comes to average auto insurance rates by age, young drivers are more likely to get into accidents, and older drivers face age-related issues like decreased reaction time.
• Claims history. If you’ve filed multiple claims, you’ll have higher insurance rates. 
• Credit score. Drivers with lower credit scores are more likely to file claims or miss payments. So, they’ll pay higher rates. However, California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan insurance companies can’t use credit scores as a factor. 
• Driving history. Traffic tickets, accidents, DUIs, and other similar charges will raise rates. Auto insurance companies check your driving record to determine rates.
• Gender. Auto insurance rates are different for men and women drivers. When it comes to male vs. female auto insurance, men tend to pay higher rates than females, as statistics show men get into more accidents. However, insurers can’t consider gender in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
• Vehicle model and make. When setting rates, insurance companies consider safety ratings, crash statistics, and the vehicle’s overall expense.
• ZIP code. Where you live impacts your rates based on weather, crime rates, living costs, and similar factors. The exception is California and Michigan, where using ZIP codes to calculate rates is prohibited.

Read more: Best Auto Insurance Companies for Bad Credit

While you don’t have much control over many of the factors affecting your rates, you can work to reduce your rates by keeping a clean driving record and shopping around.

Another factor affecting your rates is your auto insurance company. Rates vary drastically by company, so shopping around and comparing rates can significantly reduce your costs. You should also know your coverage needs, as you may not need all the insurance extras or low deductibles.

Available auto insurance discounts also affect your insurance rates. You may be able to reduce your rates by bundling auto insurance with other coverages and discounts. If you find that your rates are increasing or there’s a significant lifestyle change, shop around for new quotes to ensure you’re getting the best deal. 

Cheap Auto Insurance Companies by Selected Cities 

Just as car insurance rates vary by state, they also vary by city.

If you’re moving to a new city, shop around for quotes from local providers. Cities with high traffic, crime, and collision rates will have higher rates than other cities.

Cheap Auto Insurance Companies for Full Coverage 

Full coverage auto insurance — which includes comprehensive, collision, and liability insurance — is cheapest at State Farm. The average monthly cost for a State Farm full coverage policy is only $109 a month.

Once again, while USAA is a few dollars cheaper on average than State Farm, the military membership restrictions cancel it out as the overall cheapest. Also, most drivers can’t purchase a policy from USAA, whereas State Farm is widely available to all, regardless of military or non-military status.

Cheap Auto Insurance Companies for Minimum Liability Coverage 

If you’re looking for a liability auto insurance coverage policy without collision, comprehensive, and other optional add-on coverages, the cheapest company is Geico.

Liability Auto Insurance Average Rates From Top Providers

Remember that minimum liability coverage pays for property damages and injuries to others if you cause the accident. However, you’ll have to pay your own repair and injury costs out of pocket. 

While it’s cheaper to purchase minimum liability coverage, the costs you’ll pay out of pocket can be extremely high if you cause an accident.

Therefore, we don’t recommend dropping collision and comprehensive coverage unless you have to, or unless your car is old and insurance costs add up to more than your car’s value over a few years. 

Cheap Auto Insurance Companies After Discounts 

Most of the larger auto insurance companies offer auto insurance discounts that can help reduce your rates. Discounts are available based on many factors including age, driving history, occupation, and more. Available discounts vary by insurance company so check with your agent to see what discount you may qualify for.

Common Auto Insurance Discounts

Vehicle Discounts	Driver/Customer Discounts	Personal Discounts
Active Disabling Device	Claim Free	Emergency Deployment
Adaptive Cruise Control	Continuous Coverage	Family Legacy
Adaptive Headlights	Defensive Driver	Family Plan
Anti-Lock Brakes	Driver's Education	Federal Employee
Audible Alarm	Driving Device/App	Further Education
Automatic Braking	Early Signing	Good Student
Blind Spot Warning	Full Payment	Homeowner
Daytime Running Lights	Good Credit	Life Insurance
Economy Vehicle	Loyalty	Married
Electronic Stability Control	Multiple Policies	Membership/Group
Farm/Ranch Vehicle	Multiple Vehicles	Military
Forward Collision Warning	New Customer/New Plan	New Address
Garaging/Storing	Occasional Operator	New Graduate
Green/Hybrid Vehicle	Online Shopper	Non-Smoker/Non-Drinker
Lane Departure Warning	On-Time Payments	Occupation
Newer Vehicle	Paperless/Auto Billing	Recent Retirees
Passive Restraint	Paperless Documents	Stable Residence
Utility Vehicle	Roadside Assistance	Student Away
Vehicle Recovery	Safe Driver	Student or Alumni
VIN Etching	Seat Belt Use	Volunteer

Geico is another large insurance company, second only to State Farm. Depending on your driving history and area, Geico may be cheaper in some states than State Farm.

There are also numerous Geico auto insurance discounts, making overall rates cheaper than State Farm’s after discounts, even if State Farm is initially cheaper.

Geico Auto Insurance Discounts

Some of Geico’s best discounts include a safe driver discount to save drivers up to 23% and an anti-theft discount. Other smaller discounts — such as auto-pay or paperless discounts — can also save drivers money.

Cheap Auto Insurance Companies for Good Drivers 

Geico is the cheapest car insurance company for non-military drivers with a clean driving record. The average annual rate for car insurance at Geico is $1,148, which is $295 less than the national average car insurance rate.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates Based on Driving Record

Insurance Company	Rates with a Ticket	Rates with a Clean Record	Rates with a DUI	Rates with an Accident
Allstate	$195	$166	$303	$237
American Family	$131	$116	$177	$167
Farmers	$176	$140	$191	$199
Liberty Mutual	$217	$177	$325	$237
Nationwide	$145	$120	$252	$165
Progressive	$143	$109	$147	$190
State Farm	$102	$91	$124	$107
Travelers	$148	$107	$230	$157
Average	$152	$123	$218	$177

Geico also has good customer reviews. Most drivers are satisfied with the coverage and customer service. However, any accidents, speeding tickets, or similar traffic violations will raise your rates at Geico.

Cheap Auto Insurance Companies for Poor Drivers 

Drivers with a bad driving record may find it harder to find cheap auto insurance. However, if you have a ticket or accident on your record, the cheapest car insurance company will likely be Erie Insurance.

Erie increases rates the least after a driving incident. So, for example, if you get a traffic ticket, Erie will raise your rates an average of 7%, significantly less than the average 22% increase from most insurers.

Similarly, Erie only raises rates by 25% for an at-fault accident, compared to 44% at most companies. However, if you have a DUI, Erie raises rates an average of 64%. While this may seem high, other companies usually double rates for DUI offenders. 

However, the catch is that Erie is only available in certain states. The states it sells insurance in include:

• District of Columbia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Maryland
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

Since Erie is only available in a few states, we’ve collected other auto insurance companies’ cheapest for poor drivers based on the driving offense to give you more options across the U.S.

Cheap Auto Insurance Companies After a DUI 

A DUI on a record automatically means higher insurance rates. However, there are still options to find cheaper auto insurance coverage. Usually, regional insurance companies compete with each other to offer affordable auto insurance rates for drivers with a DUI.

Generally, these regional companies have lower overhead costs than big insurance companies and can help their customers save. Compare multiple quotes from companies to find the most affordable auto insurance.

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Driving Record

Insurance Company	One Accident	One DUI	One Ticket	Clean Record
AAA	$220	$240	$220	$180
Allstate	$225	$225	$195	$166
American Family	$176	$176	$131	$116
Farmers	$198	$198	$176	$140
Geico	$132	$132	$125	$95
Hartford	$230	$250	$215	$175
Liberty Mutual	$234	$234	$217	$177
Nationwide	$161	$161	$175	$140
Progressive	$186	$186	$160	$120
State Farm	$150	$102	$138	$105
Travelers	$200	$139	$205	$160
U.S. Average	$172	$173	$152	$123

The best auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers may offer discounts for completing an approved defensive driving program. You may also want to consider raising your deductible to lower your premium.

Cheap Auto Insurance Companies After a Driving Incident 

Your rates will increase if you get a ticket, DUI, or accident on your driving record. Erie is one of the best insurance companies for driving incidents, but other companies are also cheap. Take a look at the other insurance companies with reasonable rates below. 

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates: One Ticket vs. Clean Record

Eligible Erie customers can participate in the company’s Rate Lock program, which helps drivers avoid premium increases over the years. The only time rates will increase through this program is if you move to a different area, change where you usually park, modify the listed drivers, or add or remove a car. 

So your Erie insurance rates won’t go up after a ticket or claim for an accident. Erie also has the same auto insurance discounts as other larger insurance companies, like bundling discounts, safe driving discounts, and so on. 

However, if Erie isn’t available in your state, the other insurance companies covered on our list above are also reasonable options for drivers with poor driving records.

Cheap Auto Insurance Companies for Teens and Parents 

How do you get the cheapest teen auto insurance? For most teen drivers, the cheapest option for insurance is for the teen to stay on their parents’ auto insurance policy. The insurance company Auto-Owners has some of the cheapest rates for teenagers on their parent’s policy.

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates for Teens by Gender

Unfortunately, Auto-Owners is only available in 26 states. It’s also agent-based, so you’ll have to contact an agent to get an insurance quote. However, Auto-Owners has good customer service. Young drivers can also file claims, contact Auto-Owners through the mobile app, or speak to a representative online.

Auto Insurance Average Rates for Parent and Teen Drivers by Provider

Statistically, teenage males are more likely to get into crashes and file claims. They’re also more likely to participate in risk-taking behaviors like speeding or not wearing a seat belt.

In states where insurers can consider gender when setting rates, teenage males have higher rates than teenage female drivers. However, teenage males can reduce their rates by keeping a clean driving record and participating in safe driving programs.

Cheap Auto Insurance Companies for Seniors 

Senior drivers may see their rates slowly increase as they age since insurance companies view them as higher risk due to age-related factors like slowing reflexes and declining eyesight.

However, comparing rates can help find savings on auto insurance for seniors. The cheapest car insurance company for senior drivers is Geico.

Senior drivers can also participate in driving safety courses to earn a safe driving discount if it’s available from their insurance provider. Maintaining a good driving record and shopping around will also go a long way to finding car insurance that fits a senior driver’s needs and budget.

Senior male drivers pay slightly more than female senior drivers for car insurance. However, in states where basing rates on gender is banned, rates will be the same for male and female senior drivers with the same driving record and demographic information.

Read more: Best Auto Insurance for Seniors

Cheap Auto Insurance Companies for Safe and Low Mileage Drivers 

The cheapest car insurance company for safe and auto insurance for low-mileage drivers is Metromile. If you drive less than 10,000 miles a year, are a safe driver, and want a usage-based or pay-per-mile policy, Metromile is generally the cheapest company.

Usage-based auto insurance is a great option for safe drivers who struggle to find cheap rates because of their age, credit score, location, and other factors. In addition, since usage-based insurance looks at how often and well you drive, it’s easier for high-risk drivers to find cheap rates. 

Metromile is also a good option for people who work from home, young students who live on campus, or retired drivers.

However, Metromile is only available in eight states, meaning it’s not widely available to drivers. Suppose you’re a low-mileage driver and don’t have Metromile in your state. In that case, you can look into other telematics programs that base rates on how often and safely you drive, like Nationwide, State Farm, or Liberty Mutual.

Cheap Auto Insurance Companies for Drivers With Poor Credit 

While not every state allows car insurance companies to base rates on poor credit, for the most part, a poor credit score can affect your auto insurance rates. 

The cheapest company for drivers with poor credit scores is Geico.

Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates by Credit Rating

Farm Bureau is similar to AAA since you’ll need to become a member and pay an annual membership fee to get car insurance through your state’s local chapter. Annual membership includes discounts and perks, such as discounts on travel and rental cars.

Cheap Auto Insurance Companies for Military and Veterans 

What is the cheapest auto insurance for military and veterans? USAA is the cheapest company for military and veterans. The company beats out one of the cheapest insurance companies, State Farm, by a considerable amount.

Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates for Military Personnel and Veterans

USAA is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Active military members, veterans, and their families are eligible for USAA auto insurance.

In addition to great rates, USAA has a reputation for great customer service. It has some of the highest ratings on J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance Claims Satisfaction studies and a low complaint rate on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Cheap Auto Insurance Companies by Age

Insurance rates vary significantly by age, but some auto insurance companies offer cheaper rates than others for certain age groups.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Age and Gender

Driver	Allstate	American Family	Farmers	Geico	Liberty Mutual	Nationwide	Progressive	State Farm
30-Year-Old Male	$177	$137	$160	$87	$200	$136	$136	$103
30-Year-Old Female	$168	$116	$154	$90	$174	$124	$131	$94
45-Year-Old Male	$160	$117	$133	$80	$174	$115	$105	$86
45-Year-Old Female	$162	$115	$134	$80	$171	$113	$112	$86
55-Year-Old Male	$152	$111	$126	$76	$165	$109	$100	$82
55-Year-Old Female	$153	$109	$127	$76	$162	$107	$106	$82

The cheapest car insurance company varies between Geico and Nationwide for each age group. As shown in the chart above, rates get cheaper around age 25 for drivers. After that, rates continue to decrease as drivers age unless they’re at fault for an accident, get a DUI, or have other driving offenses on their record.

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Drivers That Can Get the Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates

Several personal factors affect insurance rates, from age to credit score. Look at the table below to see which drivers get the cheapest rates.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates Based on Driving Record

Drivers with accidents on their record will have much higher rates than safe drivers. Young drivers will also face higher rates than older, more experienced drivers. However, senior drivers will see their rates slowly increase as they age. 

Factors Affecting Your Auto Insurance Rates 

While rates differ by company, all insurers will look at the same basic factors to calculate your auto insurance rates. The main factors affecting your auto insurance rates are as follows:

• Age. Your age matters to car insurance companies. Young drivers are more likely to get into accidents, and older drivers face age-related issues like decreased reaction time.
• Claims history. If you’ve filed multiple claims, you’ll have higher insurance rates. 
• Credit score. Drivers with lower credit scores are more likely to file claims or miss payments. However, California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan insurance companies can’t use credit scores as a factor.
• Driving history. Traffic tickets, accidents, DUIs, and other similar charges will raise rates.
• Gender. Men tend to pay higher rates than females, as statistics show men get into more accidents. However, insurers can’t consider gender in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
• Vehicle model and make. Insurance companies consider safety ratings, crash statistics, and the vehicle’s overall expense when setting rates.
• ZIP code. Where you live impacts your rates based on weather, crime rates, living costs, and similar factors. The exception is California and Michigan, where using ZIP codes to calculate rates is prohibited.

While you don’t have much control over many of the factors affecting your rates, you can work to reduce your rates by keeping a clean driving record and shopping around.

Another factor affecting your rates is your auto insurance company. Rates vary drastically by company, so shopping around and comparing rates can significantly reduce your costs. You should also know your coverage needs, as you may not need all the insurance extras or low deductibles.

Available discounts also affect your insurance rates. You may be able to reduce your rates by bundling auto insurance with other coverages and discounts. If you find that your rates are increasing or there’s a significant lifestyle change, shop around for new quotes to ensure you’re getting the best deal. 

How to Find the Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates for You 

It’s important to shop around, take advantage of multiple discounts, shop for the right car insurance coverage, and find the best cheap car insurance for your personal needs. 

How much auto insurance you need depends on your state’s legal requirements and how protected you wish to be. Cutting unnecessary coverage will help reduce your costs. Look at the different types of auto insurance coverages below.

Types of Auto Insurance Coverage

If you can afford a higher liability coverage level, we recommend you purchase the higher amount. If you cause an accident, the higher liability limit will help prevent financial hardship from paying other drivers for damages or injuries.

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What’s the cheapest car insurance type?

The cheapest type of car insurance is the state minimum liability coverage. Generally, you can save hundreds of dollars by keeping a minimum liability auto insurance policy.

However, you should get a full coverage policy if the following is true: 

• Your car is still worth money. If your car is expensive and fairly new, you could face a huge loss after an accident.
• You have a lease or loan on your car. Most lease and loan agreements require you to carry comprehensive and collision insurance on your vehicle until you pay off your loan or lease.

Generally, you shouldn’t drop the optional coverages that protect your asset if you’d lose a lot of money after your car gets totaled or damaged. On the other hand, if your car gets paid off and is old enough not to be worth much after a collision, it can be beneficial to carry the bare minimum on your car to save money.

If the payments for extra coverages are worth at least 10% of your car’s total value, you can consider dropping them because, in a year or so, you’ll have paid your car’s entire value in add-on coverages.

Read more: Types of Car Insurance Coverage

How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance Rates With Discounts 

One of the best ways to save on car insurance — in addition to shopping around and getting quotes — is through discounts. The following discounts are generally available with most insurance providers:

• Safe driving discounts. Insurers offer discounts for clean records, taking defensive driving courses, or participating in an insurance company’s safe driving program.
• Driver profile discounts. Insurance companies may offer discounts for students, military members, etc.
• Policy discounts. Insurance companies may offer discounts for bundling policies, signing up for auto-pay, paying in full, and similar policy changes.
• Vehicle discounts. Insurance companies may offer discounts for safety features, such as automatic braking or alarm systems.

Generally, you can discover eligible discounts at an insurance company when getting a quote. However, other discounts, such as a safe driving program discount, may not appear in your quoted price. Taking advantage of these discounts after signing up with a company can help reduce your rates down the road.

Things to Consider When Buying the Cheapest Auto Insurance 

It’s not always in your best interest to pick the cheapest car insurance company or coverage. Sometimes, you may be sacrificing quality and putting yourself at risk of financial losses.

If you drop coverages or raise your deductible, consider the expenses you might have to pay after an accident. If paying a $1,000 deductible or replacing your car would be financially difficult, it’s better to deal with the higher monthly payments than risk being without a driveable car.

You may also need to be protected under the possible damages that an optional coverage covers. For example, you should pay for comprehensive coverage if you live in an area prone to fires, hail, or other severe weather. Comprehensive coverage also ensures you don’t suffer financial loss if your car gets burned or a hurricane damages it. 

Before signing up for its cheaper auto insurance policy, consider a company’s reputation. The company’s reputation for poor customer service may make the claim filing process a hassle.  

In addition, consider the factors the insurance company uses. If the company considers your credit score and yours is less than 700, you may see a higher rate than quoted once the company checks your credit report.

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