by Candace Baker, Car Insurance Writer Mar 26, 2024
Geico, USAA and Progressiveare the cheapest car insurance companies, based on a comparison of auto insurance quotes for drivers across all 50 states. The best way to get cheap car insurance is to compare quotes from several inexpensive insurers, as you will be able to select the lowest price for the coverage you need. You can start your search with WalletHub’s picks for the cheapest car insurance overall and by category, which you can find below.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies
| Insurer | Cost | User Rating on WalletHub |
| Geico | $50 per month | 2.3/5 |
| USAA | $51 per month | 2.6/5 |
| Progressive | $61 per month | 2.5/5 |
| Nationwide | $68 per month | 3.3/5 |
| National General | $72 per month | 3.7/5 |
Read on for the full results of WalletHub’s car insurance comparison, along with a detailed description of our methodology and additional insight from a panel of experts.
Table of Contents
- Cheapest Car Insurance Companies by Category
- Cheapest States for Car Insurance
- How to Get Cheap Car Insurance
- Methodology
- Ask the Experts
- Cheap Car Insurance FAQ
Cheapest Car Insurance Companiesby Category
- Cheapest for Full Coverage
- Cheapest for After a Ticket
- Cheapest for One At-Fault Accident
- Cheapest forDUI
- Cheapest for Poor Credit
- Cheapest for Young Drivers
- Cheapest for Old Drivers
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Full Coverage
 Geico:$162 per month |
 USAA:$168 per month |
 State Farm:$192 per month |
Progressive:$200 per month |
Nationwide:$210 per month |
Full coverage refers to a policy that goes beyond the minimum state requirements and includes both collision and comprehensive coverage. Because full coverage protects you in more situations, it costs more than the minimum required coverage.
Learn more about the cheapest full coverage companies.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies After a Ticket
USAA:$58 per month |
Geico:$72 per month |
National General:$78 per month |
Progressive:$83 per month |
State Farm:$90 per month |
After a speeding ticket, most drivers will see their insurance rates go up for 3-5 years. The extent to which premiums rise after a ticket can vary significantly by insurance company, however.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies For Drivers with One At-Fault Accident
USAA:$76 per month |
Geico:$79 per month |
State Farm:$99 per month |
Progressive:$105 per month |
Nationwide:$107 per month |
One at-fault accident will increase the average driver’s car insurance premium by around 50% for 3-5 years. The penalty is more severe with some insurance companies than others, though.
Learn about what an at-fault accident is and how to deal with one.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies After a DUI
National General:$79 per month |
Progressive:$84 per month |
USAA:$97 per month |
Geico: $124 per month |
State Farm:$132 per month |
Insurers always charge drivers more for coverage after a DUI conviction, given what such an infraction indicates about the driver’s risk profile.
Learn more about the cheapest car insurance after a DUI.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Drivers with Poor Credit
National General:$78 per month |
Nationwide:$84 per month |
USAA:$88 per month |
Geico:$108 per month |
Chubb:$123 per month |
Less-than-good credit can lead to higher car insurance premiums, but there are two ways to avoid paying more than necessary as a result of a poor credit score. One is to work on improving your credit, which WalletHub’s personalized advice can be a big help with. The other is to comparison shop for car insurance.
Learn about no credit check car insurance companies.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Young Drivers
Geico:$107 per month |
USAA: $124 per month |
Farmers:$154 per month |
State Farm:$160 per month |
Progressive:$161 per month |
Since young drivers have less experience behind the wheel, insurers tend to charge them higher rates than more mature drivers. On average, most drivers will see their rates drop as they get older, with a considerable decrease once they turn 25 years old.
Learn more about the cheapest car insurance for young drivers.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Older Drivers
Geico:$52 per month |
USAA:$53 per month |
Progressive: $61 per month |
Nationwide:$64 per month |
State Farm:$68 per month |
Although mature drivers pay less for car insurance than teens, older drivers start to see their rates go up as they enter their senior years. By simply comparing quotes, older drivers can save hundreds of dollars per year.
Learn more about the best car insurance for seniors.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Other Categories
- Cheapest Car Insurance for First-Time Drivers: Travelers
- Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers Needing SR-22: Geico
- Cheapest Car Insurance for Teens: Travelers
- Cheapest for Liability-only Car Insurance: Geico
Cheapest States for Car Insurance
| Rank | State | Average Premium |
| 1 | Wyoming | $24 per month |
| 2 | Iowa | $25 per month |
| 3 | South Dakota | $25 per month |
| 4 | Vermont | $27 per month |
| 5 | Idaho | $31 per month |
| 6 | North Dakota | $32 per month |
| 7 | Ohio | $33 per month |
| 8 | Wisconsin | $34 per month |
| 9 | Indiana | $35 per month |
| 10 | Montana | $35 per month |
| 11 | Maine | $36 per month |
| 12 | Hawaii | $36 per month |
| 13 | Nebraska | $36 per month |
| 14 | Tennessee | $39 per month |
| 15 | Alaska | $39 per month |
| 16 | New Mexico | $41 per month |
| 17 | New Hampshire | $42 per month |
| 18 | Mississippi | $42 per month |
| 19 | Oklahoma | $43 per month |
| 20 | North Carolina | $43 per month |
| 21 | West Virginia | $44 per month |
| 22 | Kansas | $47 per month |
| 23 | Alabama | $48 per month |
| 24 | Arkansas | $49 per month |
| 25 | Illinois | $49 per month |
| 26 | Virginia | $50 per month |
| 27 | Colorado | $42 per month |
| 28 | Pennsylvania | $51 per month |
| 29 | Massachusetts | $54 per month |
| 30 | Missouri | $54 per month |
| 31 | Minnesota | $58 per month |
| 32 | Washington | $58 per month |
| 33 | California | $60 per month |
| 34 | Arizona | $60 per month |
| 35 | Utah | $64 per month |
| 36 | Texas | $64 per month |
| 37 | South Carolina | $67 per month |
| 38 | Oregon | $67 per month |
| 39 | Kentucky | $69 per month |
| 40 | Nevada | $73 per month |
| 41 | Georgia | $73 per month |
| 42 | Delaware | $77 per month |
| 43 | Rhode Island | $79 per month |
| 44 | Maryland | $87 per month |
| 45 | Connecticut | $90 per month |
| 46 | Louisiana | $98 per month |
| 47 | Florida | $103 per month |
| 48 | New Jersey | $107 per month |
| 49 | Michigan | $108 per month |
| 50 | New York | $143 per month |
8 Tips for How to Get Cheap Car Insurance
1. Get a car that’s cheap to cover.
Certain car models cost more to insure than others. Cars that are safer and cost less, like minivans and SUVs, are cheaper to insure than expensive, fast sports cars.
2. Be on your best behavior.
Safe drivers with no history of accidents, tickets or arrests can look forward to cheaper rates than people who haven’t been as responsible. Convicted felons will also often have to pay more, even if their record isn’t related to driving.
3. Take advantage of discounts.
You may be able to get discountsif you are a veteran, get paperless statements, have a good driving record, bundle policies, are a student or have an anti-theft system, to name a few.
4. Build good credit.
Your credit score will often factor into your auto insurance rates – people with no credit pay 67% more than people with excellent credit on average. Insurers know that financial responsibility often correlates with responsibility in other areas of life. People with poor credit are more likely to file an insurance claim. To boost your credit score, always pay you credit bills on time and try to use less than 30% of your available credit.
5. Look locally.
There are several big-name nationwide auto insurers with lots of satisfied customers, but you don’t necessarily have to get coverage from a company that takes clients from all across the country. Plenty of car insurance companies only cater to customers in certain regions or states. These local insurers may provide lower rates but are often overlooked. Make sure to include them in your comparison, at least.
6. Choose a higher deductible.
An insurer may lower your monthly rates in return for a higher deductible - the amount you personally have to pay when you make a claim. That can save you money if you never have an accident. This approach makes the most sense for people who are very infrequent drivers.
7. Select less comprehensive coverage.
There are many types of car insurance. You will usually need liability coverage, to pay for the other person’s damages if you’re at fault in an accident. But you may not need collision coverage (pays for your repairs) or comprehensive coverage (pays for non-accident-related damages). Both pay out based on your car’s current value. If your car is older and will cost more to fix than to buy a new vehicle, it may not be worth it.
8. Consider pay-per-mile plans.
You don’t always have to pay a set amount per month. There are also plans based on how much you drive. If you have a car but rarely use it or only drive very locally, a pay-per-mile plan may be best for you. The insurance company will place a device in your car that tracks your mileage. It may also track things like your speed and braking, which could affect your rates positively if you’re a safe driver and negatively if not.
Methodology for Selecting the Cheapest Car Insurance Companies
WalletHub’s analysis of cheap car insurance companies is based on data from the state DMVs and Quadrant Information Services. Together with that data, WalletHub used the characteristics listed below to create a driver profile designed to identify the cheapest car insurance companies nationally. Given that prices and data availability vary widely across the country, WalletHub compared the cost of major car insurance companies by averaging each insurer's premiums across the three largest states.
In the table below, you can see all of the profile characteristics that were used in WalletHub’s analysis.
| Category | All Profile Characteristics | Good Driver Profile |
| Gender | Male, Female | Male |
| Age | 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65 | 45 |
| Marital Status | Single, Married | Single |
| Teenage Driver Included on Policy | No, Yes | No |
| Driving Record | Clean, One Speeding Ticket, One At-Fault Accident, One DUI, Suspended License, Open Container, Red Light Infraction, Reckless Driving, One Not At-Fault Accident | Clean |
| Miles Driven Per Year | 7,500 Miles, 15,000 Miles, 20,000 Miles | 15,000 Miles |
| Coverage Level | Minimum, Standard, Full | Minimum |
| Discounts | None, Multi-Policy, Homeowner, Student | None |
| Credit Level | Poor, Good | Good |
| Filings | None, SR22, FR44 | None |
| Car | Sedan, Minivan, SUV, Coupe, Truck | Sedan |
Below are additional details regarding the terminology and specific characteristics of the variables in the above table:
- Minimum Coverage: State minimum coverage requirements.
- Standard Coverage: Coverage levels of 50k/100k/25k of liability coverage and 50k/100k/25k of uninsured motorist coverage.
- Full Coverage: Coverage levels of 100k/300k/50k of liability coverage, 100k/300k/50k of uninsured motorist coverage, and collision and comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible.
- Sedan: 2018 Toyota Camry.
- Minivan: 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan.
- SUV: 2018 Toyota RAV4.
- Coupe: 2018 Ford Mustang.
- Truck: 2018 Ford F-150.
Where driver profiles are not specified, WalletHub used the good driver profile, using the above variables. Quote information is from Quadrant Information Services and is representative only. Individual rates will be different.
Video: Cheapest Car Insurance Companies
Questions & Answers
Most Popular
Which type of car insurance is cheapest?
10
Upvotes
Reply
10
WalletHub
@WalletHub
The cheapest type of car insurance is state-minimum liability coverage. Liability car insurance costs $716 per year on average, and it is cheaper than a full coverage car insurance policy since it does not include comprehensive and collision coverage. Also known as third-party insurance, liability insurance pays for other drivers' expenses when the policyholder causes an accident.
Liability insurance tends to be the cheapest type of insurance because it offers the most minimal coverage. Other types...
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance
18
Upvotes
18
Lilah Butler, Car Insurance Writer
@lilah_c
The cheapest full coverage car insurance companies are USAA, Esurance, and Auto-Owners, according to WalletHub's analysis. Full coverage car insurance costs an average of $4,211 per year, which is more than three times the average cost for state-minimum coverage, so it's important to find a cheap provider.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance
- USAA
- Esurance
- Auto-Owners
- Geico
- Mercury
- 21st Century
- Progressive
- Allstate
- Travelers
- State Farm
Is it illegal to drive around with no insurance?
19
Upvotes
Reply
19
Delaney Simchuk, Car Insurance Writer
@delaney_simchuk
Yes, it is illegal to drive around without insurance, or without proving financial responsibility, if you are driving your own vehicle. You can face serious penalties for driving without insurance or proof of financial responsibility, such as having your license suspended, large fines, or even jail time. However, if you are borrowing a vehicle, you will typically be covered under the owner's auto policy and do not need insurance of your own.
More specifically,...
What is the cheapest car insurance for a 17-year-old?
18
Upvotes
Reply
18
Lilah Butler, Car Insurance Writer
@lilah_c
The cheapest car insurance for a 17-year-old is from Travelers, USAA, and Geico. These companies charge the average 17-year-old driver as little as $1,325 per year, while the average car insurance company charges 17-year-olds around $2,339 per year.
Cheapest Car Insurance for a 17-Year-Old
- Travelers: $1,325 per year
- USAA: $1,384 per year
- Geico: $1,484 per year
- State Farm: $1,573 per year
- Mercury: $1,648 per year (not available in every state)
The above rates reflect for a 17-year-old driver with a clean record in California, which is the most populous state and has middle-of-the road car insurance rates.
In addition, individual rates vary by driver and company, so the best way to find cheap coverage for a 17-year-old is to compare quotes from multiple insurers. You can also take advantage of discounts, such as a good student or a driver's education discount.
To learn more, check out WalletHub's complete guide to cheap car insurance.
What is the cheapest car insurance for a 45-year-old?
17
Upvotes
Lilah Butler, Car Insurance Writer
@lilah_c
The cheapest car insurance for a 45-year-old is from Geico, USAA, and AAA. These companies charge the average 45-year-old driver as little as $462 per year, while the average car insurance company charges 45-year-olds around $717 per year.
Cheapest Car Insurance for a 45-Year-Old
- Geico: $462 per year
- USAA: $487 per year
- AAA: $529 per year
- Progressive: $549 per year
- Grange: $566 per year (not available in every state)
The above rates reflect for a 45-year-old driver with a clean record in California, which is the most populous state and has middle-of-the road car insurance rates.
In addition, individual rates vary by driver and company, so the best way to find cheap coverage for a 45-year-old is to compare quotes from multiple insurers. You can also take advantage of discounts, such as a paperless or a multi-policy discount.
To learn more, check out WalletHub's complete guide to cheap car insurance.
What is the cheapest car insurance for a 65-year-old?
21
Upvotes
Reply
21
Lilah Butler, Car Insurance Writer
@lilah_c
The cheapest car insurance for a 65-year-old is from Geico, USAA, and Grange. These companies charge the average 65-year-old driver as little as $461 per year, while the average car insurance company charges 65-year-olds around $732 per year.
Cheapest Car Insurance for a 65-Year-Old
- Geico: $461 per year
- USAA: $500 per year
- Grange: $539 per year (not available in every state)
- State Farm: $559 per year
- AAA: $579 per year
The above rates reflect for a 65-year-old driver with a clean record in California, which is the most populous state and has middle-of-the road car insurance rates.
In addition, individual rates vary by driver and company, so the best way to find cheap coverage for a 65-year-old is to compare quotes from multiple insurers. You can also take advantage of discounts, such as a defensive driving or a multi-policy discount.
To learn more, check out WalletHub's complete guide to cheap car insurance.
What insurance is cheaper than Geico?
1
Upvote
Reply
1
Leif Olson, Car Insurance Writer
@leif_olson_1
Travelers is cheaper than Geico for teen drivers, and USAA is cheaper than Geico for drivers with a speeding ticket. Overall, Geico is the cheapest major car insurance company based on average annual premiums, charging $796 per year for minimum coverage compared to the national average cost for minimum coverage of $1,407 per year.
How Geico Compares to Other Popular Insurers
What are the cheapest cars to insure for teenage drivers?
17
Upvotes
Reply
17
Lilah Butler, Car Insurance Writer
@lilah_c
The cheapest cars to insure for teenage drivers (and for drivers of all ages) are the Subaru Forester, Dodge Grand Caravan, and the Honda Odyssey. Knowing what vehicles are less expensive to insure can make a big difference on your premiums since the difference between the cheapest and most expensive cars can be as much as $1,500 per year.
Average Car Insurance Premiums for Teens:
Age | Average Premium |
...
1
View more answers
Is $200 a month for car insurance expensive?
23
Upvotes
Reply
23
Leif Olson, Car Insurance Writer
@leif_olson_1
Yes, $200 a month for car insurance is fairly expensive, especially for minimum coverage. The average cost of car insurance ranges from about $60 per month for state-minimum coverage to $166 per month for full coverage. Individual car insurance rates also vary based on factors such as your driving record, age, and location.
Average Cost of Car Insurance by Company
Company | Cost for Minimum Coverage ... | Cost for Full Coverage |
How do I get car insurance online?
16
Upvotes
Reply
16
John S Kiernan, Managing Editor
@John
To get car insurance online, you need to find an insurance company that lets you buy a policy without having to talk to an agent on the phone or in person. Companies like Geico, Progressive, Nationwide, and Esurance are known for streamlining online purchases. Other companies prefer to emphasize agent/customer relationships and strongly encourage (or require) purchasing a policy with the help of an agent – State Farm, USAA, American Family, and Allstate, for example.
...
