Affordable car insurance doesn’t imply compromised coverage. We have researched rates from 97 car insurance companies to assist you in discovering the most budget-friendly options.
Essential Points to Note
To save on your car insurance, assess your coverage needs beforehand, conduct regular reviews of your policies, compare different providers, enhance your credit score, and take advantage of available discounts.
The least expensive coverage may not always suit your needs, so thorough research is key.
Top Affordable Car Insurance Companies
Our analysis of over 8 million auto insurance quotes reveals that USAA, West Bend Mutual, Auto-Owners, and Erie often offer the most affordable insurance rates for both full and minimum coverage policies. Below is a complete list of the ten most cost-effective national and regional insurers.
USAA** | $38 | $135
West Bend Mutual | $40 | $151
Auto-Owners | $41 | $167
Erie | $44 | $168
Geico | $44 | $165
Shelter Insurance | $49 | $184
Travelers | $55 | $161
State Farm | $59 | $220
Progressive | $61 | $211
Country Financial | $62 | $182
**USAA limits car insurance coverage to military members, veterans, and their families.
Coverage requirements often vary by state, but generally, liability coverage for property damage and bodily injury is mandatory. A full-coverage auto policy typically includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.
Affordable Car Insurance by Coverage Type
The level of coverage significantly influences car insurance rates, with liability-only policies usually being more economical than full-coverage insurance.
Most Affordable Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: USAA
National Average for Minimum-Liability: $60 monthly
Among national insurers, USAA provides the lowest minimum-liability insurance at 36% below the average; however, eligibility is restricted to military personnel and their families. If you don’t qualify, West Bend Mutual Insurance is the next most cost-effective choice. Costs are typically for a 35-year-old driver with good credit and no violations.
USAA | $38 | $22
West Bend Mutual | $40 | $20
Auto-Owners | $41 | $19
Erie | $44 | $16
Geico | $44 | $16
*All figures are calculated for a 35-year-old driver with good credit and no traffic violations.
Most Affordable Full-Coverage Car Insurance: USAA
National Average for Full-Coverage: $199 monthly
USAA holds the title for the cheapest full-coverage car insurance, being 32% less than the national average. If you are not eligible for USAA’s coverage, West Bend Mutual Insurance remains the most economical alternative.
USAA | $135 | $64
West Bend Mutual | $151 | $48
Travelers | $161 | $38
Geico | $165 | $34
Auto-Owners | $167 | $32
*All figures are calculated for a 35-year-old driver with good credit and no traffic violations.
Cheap Car Insurance by Age Group
Generally, drivers under 25 and those over 55 tend to pay higher premiums, as insurance companies view these demographics as higher risk due to increased accident rates.
Below, you’ll find the most affordable car insurance options for various driver profiles: teens (ages 16-19), young adults (ages 21-25), adults (ages 35-55), and seniors (ages 65-75). The rates provided are averages for each respective group.
Statistics You Should Know
As per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2021, drivers aged 20 and under comprised 5.1% of licensed drivers in the U.S., yet accounted for 12.6% of all fatal crashes.
Affordable Car Insurance for Teens: Erie
National Average Minimum-Coverage Rate for Teens: $235 monthly
National Average Full-Coverage Rate for Teens: $474 monthly
For 16-year-olds seeking minimum coverage, Erie offers the most affordable premiums. In terms of full coverage, Farmers presents the lowest monthly rates.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage for Teens
Cheapest Minimum Coverage for Teens
Cheapest Full Coverage for Teens
Cheapest Minimum Coverage for Teens
Cheapest Full Coverage for Teens
Erie | $118
Auto-Owners | $151
West Bend Mutual | $160
Shelter Insurance | $173
Geico | $184
Farmers | $326
West Bend Mutual | $424
Erie | $441
Auto-Owners | $442
Geico | $463
Affordable Car Insurance for Young Adults: USAA
National Average Minimum-Coverage Rate for Young Adults: $73 monthly
National Average Full-Coverage Rate for Young Adults: $229 monthly
If you are 25 years old and either enlisted, a veteran, or a family member of a military service member, USAA offers the best car insurance rates. If you don’t qualify, West Bend Mutual Insurance remains the most affordable national provider.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage for Young Adults
Cheapest Minimum Coverage for Young Adults
Cheapest Full Coverage for Young Adults
Cheapest Minimum Coverage for Young Adults
Cheapest Full Coverage for Young Adults
USAA | $44
West Bend Mutual | $49
Geico | $50
Erie | $55
Travelers | $57
USAA | $153
West Bend Mutual | $158
Travelers | $170
Geico | $178
Erie | $209
Affordable Car Insurance for Adults: USAA
National Average Minimum-Coverage Rate for Adults: $60 monthly
National Average Full-Coverage Rate for Adults: $199 monthly
For 35-year-old drivers, USAA provides the cheapest car insurance for military individuals, while West Bend Mutual is a competitive option for non-military members.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage for Adults
Cheapest Minimum Coverage for Adults
Cheapest Full Coverage for Adults
Cheapest Minimum Coverage for Adults
Cheapest Full Coverage for Adults
USAA | $38
West Bend Mutual | $40
Auto-Owners | $41
Erie | $44
Geico | $44
USAA | $135
West Bend Mutual | $151
Travelers | $161
Geico | $165
Auto-Owners | $167
Affordable Car Insurance for Seniors: Shelter Insurance
National Average Minimum-Coverage Rate for Seniors: $73 monthly
National Average Full-Coverage Rate for Seniors: $207 monthly
For those aged 75, Shelter Insurance offers the most affordable minimum-coverage rates. For full coverage, USAA is the most economical choice, while Travelers also offers competitive coverage for those without military ties.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage for Seniors
Cheapest Minimum Coverage for Seniors
Cheapest Full Coverage for Seniors
Cheapest Minimum Coverage for Seniors
Cheapest Full Coverage for Seniors
Shelter Insurance | $48
USAA | $48
Erie | $50
Auto-Owners | $54
Geico | $54
USAA | $141
Travelers | $160
West Bend Mutual | $167
Shelter Insurance | $170
Geico | $176
Cheapest Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers
High-risk drivers often face elevated premium costs. In this section, we will pinpoint the most affordable car insurance options for those with poor credit, a DUI, an accident, or a speeding ticket.
Did You Know?
Most driving infractions remain on your record for up to five years, although this duration can depend on the insurer. Severe violations like DUIs can impact your rates for as long as ten years.
Affordable Car Insurance With Bad Credit: USAA
National Average Minimum-Coverage Rate for Bad Credit: $117 monthly
National Average Full-Coverage Rate for Bad Credit: $293 monthly. USAA and West Bend Mutual are the top providers for individuals with bad credit, defined as credit scores ranging between 300 and 579.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage With Bad Credit
Cheapest Minimum Coverage With Bad Credit
Cheapest Full Coverage With Bad Credit
Cheapest Minimum Coverage With Bad Credit
Cheapest Full Coverage With Bad Credit
USAA | $66
West Bend Mutual | $66
Geico | $72
Erie | $89
Travelers | $104
*Rates provided are for a 35-year-old driver with no violations, insuring a 2023 Toyota Camry.
West Bend Mutual | $218
USAA | $237
Geico | $238
Travelers | $255
Country Financial | $278
Affordable Car Insurance With a Recent DUI: USAA
National Average Minimum-Coverage Rate With a DUI: $105 monthly
National Average Full-Coverage Rate With a DUI: $285 monthly
USAA offers the most affordable minimum-coverage rates for military-affiliated drivers with a recent DUI; for everyone else, Progressive typically has the best rates. Travelers presents the most competitive full coverage for individuals with a DUI.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage With DUI
Cheapest Minimum Coverage With DUI
Cheapest Full Coverage With DUI
Cheapest Minimum Coverage With DUI
Cheapest Full Coverage With DUI
USAA | $75
Progressive | $77
Shelter Insurance | $82
State Farm | $84
West Bend Mutual | $84
*Rates provided are for a 35-year-old driver with good credit, insuring a 2023 Toyota Camry.
Travelers | $208
State Farm | $238
American Family | $257
Country Financial | $261
USAA | $262
Affordable Car Insurance With an Accident: West Bend
National Average Minimum-Coverage Rate With an Accident: $91 monthly
National Average Full-Coverage Rate With an Accident: $273 monthly
If you’ve been in an accident within the last three years, West Bend Mutual is likely your most cost-effective choice for minimum coverage. For those seeking full coverage with military affiliations, USAA provides competitive rates, while Travelers offers affordable options for those who do not qualify for USAA coverage. To guard against future rate hikes after an accident, consider selecting a policy with accident forgiveness.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage With Accident
Cheapest Minimum Coverage With Accident
Cheapest Full Coverage With Accident
Cheapest Minimum Coverage With Accident
Cheapest Full Coverage With Accident
West Bend Mutual | $56
USAA | $57
Auto-Owners | $62
Erie | $67
Shelter Insurance | $69
*Rates provided are for a 35-year-old driver with good credit, insuring a 2023 Toyota Camry.
USAA | $196
Travelers | $219
West Bend Mutual | $220
American Family | $229
Shelter Insurance | $230
Affordable Car Insurance With a Speeding Ticket: USAA
National Average Minimum-Coverage Rate With a Speeding Ticket: $76 monthly
National Average Full-Coverage Rate With a Speeding Ticket: $242 monthly. For drivers with speeding tickets, USAA offers the best rates if you qualify based on military affiliation; otherwise, Erie provides the most affordable option.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage With Speeding Ticket
Cheapest Minimum Coverage With Speeding Ticket
Cheapest Full Coverage With Speeding Ticket
Cheapest Minimum Coverage With Speeding Ticket
Cheapest Full Coverage With Speeding Ticket
USAA | $46
Erie | $48
West Bend Mutual | $52
Shelter Insurance | $56
Auto-Owners | $59
*Rates provided are for a 35-year-old driver with good credit, insuring a 2023 Toyota Camry.
USAA | $164
Erie | $187
West Bend Mutual | $198
Shelter Insurance | $203
Travelers | $205
Affordable Car Insurance by State
Below is a table highlighting the lowest car insurance premiums by state, irrespective of the selected coverage level. Rates are averaged based on a 35-year-old driver with good credit and no violations, insuring a 2023 Toyota Camry.
Alabama | $53 | $179 | Geico
Alaska | $37 | $164 | USAA
Arizona | $69 | $210 | Geico
Arkansas | $47 | $199 | USAA
California | $60 | $248 | Geico
Colorado | $47 | $237 | American National Insurance
Connecticut | $99 | $214 | Geico
Delaware | $101 | $215 | Travelers
District of Columbia | $89 | $257 | Chubb
Florida | $127 | $290 | Geico
Georgia | $76 | $215 | Auto-Owners
Hawaii | $37 | $131 | Geico
Idaho | $36 | $139 | Geico
Illinois | $53 | $174 | Erie
Indiana | $41 | $157 | USAA
Iowa | $28 | $169 | Farmers
Kansas | $45 | $188 | USAA
Kentucky | $68 | $217 | Farm Bureau
Louisiana | $90 | $301 | Farm Bureau
Maine | $37 | $128 | USAA
Maryland | $80 | $186 | USAA
Massachusetts | $52 | $157 | State Farm
Michigan | $77 | $227 | Travelers
Minnesota | $49 | $197 | Auto-Owners
Mississippi | $43 | $173 | National General
Missouri | $55 | $210 | USAA
Montana | $43 | $205 | USAA
Nebraska | $33 | $190 | Farmers
Nevada | $118 | $264 | USAA
New Hampshire | $42 | $134 | Hanover Insurance
New Jersey | $115 | $232 | Geico
New Mexico | $45 | $186 | Central Insurance
New York | $93 | $202 | NYC
North Carolina | $57 | $195 | State Farm
North Dakota | $39 | $186 | USAA
Ohio | $39 | $138 | Erie
Oklahoma | $47 | $217 | USAA
Oregon | $83 | $188 | USAA
Pennsylvania | $43 | $210 | Westfield Insurance
Rhode Island | $82 | $217 | USAA
South Carolina | $60 | $182 | American National Insurance
South Dakota | $37 | $208 | Farmers
Tennessee | $45 | $174 | USAA
Texas | $65 | $236 | State Farm
Utah | $78 | $205 | USAA
Vermont | $33 | $122 | USAA
Virginia | $54 | $152 | Farm Bureau
Washington | $49 | $173 | PEMCO Insurance
West Virginia | $53 | $202 | Westfield Insurance
Wisconsin | $38 | $167 | Erie
Wyoming | $24 | $140 | Geico
Estimate Your Car Insurance Costs
Understand your potential expenses for car insurance before seeking quotes from providers. This will help ensure that you select the most affordable policy tailored to your needs.
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Tips for Securing Affordable Car Insurance Rates
We’ve compiled some straightforward strategies to help you save when shopping for car insurance.
Assess Your Coverage Needs Prior to Purchase
Understanding your required coverage is crucial to avoid unnecessary overcharges. While the decision is ultimately based on your risk tolerance, it typically boils down to considerations like:
- Location: If you frequent high-traffic areas, consider opting for collision coverage and higher liability limits for better financial protection in case of an accident.
- Financial Situation: Should you feel capable of covering damages to your vehicle out of pocket, liability coverage might suffice.
- Your Vehicle: If your car is over ten years old, full coverage may not be necessary given its lower value.
Regularly Review Your Coverage
As indicated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, motor vehicle insurance costs have increased significantly over recent years. It’s advisable to appraise your policy against new options at the time of renewal or during major life changes (like marriage) to minimize rising expenses. Engage in comparative quote assessments among different insurers.
Enhance Your Credit Score
In states where credit impacts premiums, a poor credit score can double your costs. Enhancing your creditworthiness can lead to lower rates in the long run.
Utilize Discounts and Incentives
Many car insurance companies provide discounts that can lead to substantial savings, such as bundles for home and auto insurance, multi-car insurance, and programs that track your driving habits.
Potential Risks of Choosing Low-Cost Car Insurance
While opting for the lowest-priced policy from the most economical provider can result in immediate savings, it might also come with a set of risks:
- Minimum Coverage Can Be Costly: Avoiding higher coverage limits might be dangerous if you can’t afford expenses post-accident, especially for those who drive frequently. Lower limits may fail to cover damages to your vehicle or injured parties, making you financially liable in case of lawsuits.
- Subpar Customer Service and Transparency: While a reputable insurer may cost a bit more, budget providers might lack the customer service and expertise that esteemed companies offer.
- Prolonged Claims Processing: Expect potential delays in claims processing with some companies, which could leave you without a vehicle for an extended period, presenting more challenges than the savings are worth.
- Limited Resources and Tools: Larger insurance firms offer mobile apps and online services that enhance convenience, while budget providers might not provide such resources.
- Fewer Coverage Options: Some budget-focused companies may not offer conveniences like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement. Greater coverage options allow you more choice in securing the protection you require.
“Key aspects drivers should consider when comparing car insurance quotes include types of coverage — such as liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage — policy limits, deductibles, the insurer’s financial stability, and the reputation of their claims service.”
FAQs Regarding Affordable Car Insurance
We address some common queries about low-cost car insurance:
Who typically has the cheapest car insurance?
USAA and West Bend Mutual generally provide the most economical options for minimum-coverage and full-coverage auto insurance. However, the best fit for your needs will depend on various factors, including your age, state, and risk factors.
What type of car insurance is the cheapest?
Minimum-coverage policies that fulfill state requirements are generally the least expensive, yet they provide significantly less financial protection compared to full-coverage or policies with higher liability limits.
Which age group has the cheapest car insurance?
Individuals aged 55 typically enjoy the lowest insurance premiums—averaging $59 monthly for minimum coverage or $179 monthly for full coverage, regardless of driver profile.
Is Geico more affordable than Progressive?
In general, Geico tends to offer lower rates than Progressive for most drivers. Nevertheless, Progressive may provide competitive rates for drivers categorized as high-risk, such as those with recent DUIs, accidents, or poor credit, depending on the state.
Which is the most popular auto insurance in the U.S.?
Our Evaluation Process: Ranking U.S. Car Insurance Providers
Our comprehensive rating system evaluates the best car insurance companies based on objective and accurate data. We collected extensive information on various auto insurance providers and assigned scores for a range of ranking factors, leading to an overall rating for each insurer.
Here’s a breakdown of the factors that contribute to our scoring:
- Coverage (30% of total score): Insurance companies that provide diverse coverage options are more likely to meet consumer demands.
- Cost and Discounts (25% of total score): Our evaluation incorporates statistics on auto insurance rates from Quadrant Information Services alongside potential discounts.
- Industry Standing (20% of total score): We consider market share, expert ratings, and years in business for each insurer in this category.
- Customer Experience (15% of total score): This score assesses complaint volumes reported by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power, as well as our own shopper analysis on response times and support quality.
- Availability (10% of total score): Insurers with a broader state presence and few eligibility restrictions score better in this category.
Our approach is backed by:
- Over 800 hours of research
- 130+ companies reviewed
- 8,500+ consumer surveys conducted
How We Determined the Most Affordable Car Insurance Providers
Our national rankings are based on average car insurance costs for a typical 35-year-old driver with good credit and a clean record, analyzing both minimum and full coverage policies. Liability estimates align with each state’s minimum requirements, while full-coverage estimates are based on a policy covering:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person
- $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $50,000 for property damage per accident
- $500 deductible
As part of our commitment to quality control, we filtered out providers that do not meet our high standards for our readers. Each company featured in this article has undergone thorough analysis, evaluation, and approval from our insurance research team.
*Data is accurate as of the publication date.
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