If you're looking for cheap auto insurance in Birmingham, Alabama, there are a few things you should know. The cost of car insurance in the city can vary depending on factors such as your age, driving history, and the level of coverage you choose.
On average, residents of Birmingham pay $359.78 per month or $4,317.41 annually for auto insurance, which is higher than the state average. However, there are ways to find more affordable options.
One way to get cheaper auto insurance is to compare quotes from multiple companies. By shopping around, you can find the best rate for your specific needs. Some of the companies offering cheap auto insurance in Birmingham include USAA, Geico, and State Farm. These companies offer rates as low as $140 per month, $180 per month, and $43 per month, respectively.
Another factor that affects your auto insurance rates is your driving record. Maintaining a clean driving record can help you get lower premiums. Additionally, consider the level of coverage you need. Liability-only insurance, which covers the other driver's property damage and injury expenses in an at-fault accident, tends to be cheaper than full-coverage insurance.
To drive legally in Alabama, you must have a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability coverage, and $25,000 per accident for property damage liability coverage. However, it is recommended to get additional coverage if you can afford it to ensure you are adequately protected in the event of an accident.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Average cost of car insurance in Birmingham, AL | $360/mo |
Cheapest car insurance in Birmingham, AL | USAA, Geico, Auto-Owners |
Average cost of car insurance in Alabama | $1,354 annually |
Cheapest car insurance in Alabama | Progressive |
Average cost of full coverage car insurance in Alabama | $1,433 annually |
Cheapest full coverage car insurance in Alabama | Progressive |
Average cost of liability-only car insurance in Birmingham, AL | $69/mo |
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Birmingham, AL | Auto-Owners |
Average cost of full coverage car insurance in Birmingham, AL | $185/mo |
Cheapest full coverage car insurance in Birmingham, AL | Auto-Owners |
What You'll Learn
Cheapest car insurance for young drivers
Young drivers often face high insurance premiums because they are considered to be more likely to be involved in accidents. However, there are ways to find cheaper car insurance for young drivers.
Shop Around
It's important to compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best rate for your coverage needs. Some companies that offer cheap car insurance for young drivers include:
- Progressive
- Geico
- USAA
- Nationwide
- Allstate
- Travelers
- State Farm
- Cincinnati Insurance
- Auto-Owners Insurance
Choose the Right Type of Insurance
There are different types of insurance available, each offering different levels of cover. Comprehensive insurance covers you, any other parties involved, and the cost of your car repairs or replacement. Third-party insurance only covers the third party if you're in an accident, and third-party fire and theft cover also include protection if your car is stolen.
Black Box Insurance
Black box insurance can help young drivers save money by allowing them to prove they are safe drivers. The technology tracks driving behaviour, so insurers can price the premium more accurately based on individual risk.
Pay-as-You-Go Insurance
If you're not driving regularly, pay-as-you-go insurance can be a cheaper option. This type of insurance allows you to pay only for the miles you drive.
Named Driver Insurance
If you're driving your parents' car, named driver insurance can be a cheaper option than having your own policy. This type of insurance covers you to drive your parents' car without affecting their No Claims Discount.
Short-Term Learner Insurance
If you're still learning to drive, short-term learner insurance can be a cost-effective option. This type of insurance provides temporary coverage while you practice in a parent's or friend's car.
Car-Sharing Insurance
Car-sharing insurance allows young drivers to get behind the wheel without needing to invest in their own car. These standalone policies sit alongside the main insurance policy, covering the young driver when they drive without affecting the car owner's No Claims Discount.
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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket
If you have a speeding ticket on your record, you can still find affordable car insurance in Birmingham, Alabama. Here are some of the cheapest insurance companies for drivers with speeding tickets:
- State Farm
- Progressive
- Auto-Owners Insurance
- Cincinnati Insurance
- USAA
- Nationwide
- GEICO
The average monthly insurance rate in Birmingham is $185 for full coverage and $69 for liability-only. For drivers with speeding tickets, the average rates are $295 for full coverage and $110 for liability-only.
The cheapest option for drivers with speeding tickets is State Farm, with an average rate of $110 for liability-only coverage.
Tips for Getting Cheap Car Insurance in Birmingham, Alabama
- Shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies.
- Ask about discounts, such as the anti-theft device discount or loyalty discount.
- Bundle your auto insurance with other types of insurance policies, such as homeowners or renters insurance.
- Choose a higher deductible to lower your premiums.
- Improve your credit score, as insurance companies often use this information to assess driver risk and determine premiums.
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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident
If you're looking for cheap car insurance in Birmingham, Alabama, you'll find that rates vary depending on factors such as age, gender, coverage level, driving record, and more. Here are some tips and insights to help you find the cheapest car insurance, specifically for drivers with an at-fault accident:
Understanding Insurance Rates in Birmingham
Birmingham residents pay an average of $359.78 per month or $4,317.41 annually for car insurance, which is higher than the average rate in Alabama. Various factors contribute to Birmingham's higher insurance rates, including road conditions, crime rates, and individual demographics.
Cheapest Insurance Companies in Birmingham
To find the cheapest car insurance in Birmingham, it's essential to compare rates from different companies. Here are some of the companies known for offering competitive rates:
- USAA: USAA is known for having very competitive rates, but their services are only available to active or retired military personnel and their families.
- Geico: Geico is another company that offers low-cost insurance, with rates as low as $140 per month.
- Travelers: Travelers is a good option for drivers aged 25 and older, as they offer some of the best rates for this age group.
- Nationwide: If you have teenage drivers on your policy, Nationwide may be a more affordable choice.
- Cincinnati Insurance: This company offers the cheapest minimum coverage in Birmingham, with an annual rate of $285.
Cheapest Insurance for Drivers with an At-Fault Accident
Now, let's focus specifically on drivers with an at-fault accident on their record. Here are some tips and recommendations:
- Expect Rate Increases: Insurance companies typically view drivers with accidents as higher-risk, so you can expect your insurance rates to increase after an at-fault accident. This increase can last for up to five years.
- Compare Quotes: Don't hesitate to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance providers. Each company uses its own pricing model, and you may find significant variations in rates.
- Consider State Farm: State Farm is consistently mentioned as one of the most affordable options for drivers with accidents. They offer cheap rates for drivers of all ages with accidents and have a strong national presence.
- Look for Discounts: Even with an accident on your record, you may still qualify for various discounts. Ask about discounts for paying your policy in full, adding safety features to your vehicle, or participating in safe driving programs.
- Improve Your Driving Habits: Maintaining a clean driving record after an accident can help mitigate the impact on your insurance rates over time. Consider taking a defensive driving course to demonstrate your commitment to safe driving.
- Review Your Policy: Regularly review your insurance policy to ensure you're not paying for more coverage than you need. Adjusting your coverage levels or increasing your deductible can help lower your premiums.
- Switch Insurance Companies: If your current insurer significantly increases your rates, consider switching to a different company. Different insurers have different pricing models, and some may be more forgiving of accidents.
By following these tips and comparing rates from the recommended insurance companies, you can find the cheapest car insurance in Birmingham, Alabama, even with an at-fault accident on your record. Remember to shop around and take advantage of available discounts to get the best deal.
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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI
Getting convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) will likely increase your auto insurance rates. The severity of the offence, previous driving history, age, gender, and location are some factors that determine how much your insurance rates will increase.
According to MoneyGeek, State Farm offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance for drivers with a DUI, at an average of $1,231 per year. Progressive is another good option, with full coverage costing $212 per month, or $2,544 per year. Progressive also offers small accident forgiveness for most drivers, which could be useful if you cause a small crash while under the influence.
For military drivers, USAA is the cheapest option, with full coverage costing $188 per month, or $2,256 per year.
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Cheapest car insurance for seniors
Senior drivers are often faced with higher insurance premiums than younger adults. This is because, statistically, seniors tend to be involved in more accidents than younger drivers (excluding teens). Seniors also tend to suffer from age-related hearing or vision loss, slower reflexes, and other health issues that can make driving more difficult. As a result, insurance companies view senior drivers as high-risk and charge them higher rates.
However, there are ways for seniors to find cheap car insurance. Here are some of the cheapest car insurance companies for seniors:
- Travelers: Offers the cheapest full-coverage insurance for seniors, with an average rate of $1,753 per year or $146 per month.
- USAA: Offers affordable full-coverage insurance for military-affiliated seniors, with rates of $1,840 per year or $153 per month.
- Nationwide: Offers usage-based insurance, which can save seniors money if they don't drive much. Their rates are around $156 per month.
- Geico: Consistently offers some of the cheapest rates in the country for seniors, with an average monthly rate of $176.
- Progressive: Offers affordable rates and a wide range of coverage options, with an average monthly rate of $192 for seniors.
To get the cheapest car insurance, seniors can also take a defensive driving course, change their driver status if they've retired, or consider usage-based insurance. Shopping around and comparing rates from different providers can also help seniors find the best deal.
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Frequently asked questions
Auto-Owners is the cheapest insurer in Birmingham. Its minimum-coverage policies start at $43 per month.
Birmingham drivers can also find affordable coverage through the city's second- and third-cheapest companies, State Farm and USAA, which have liability-only rates of $43 and $43, respectively.
Some of the best car insurance companies in Birmingham are Auto-Owners and USAA. These companies have solid AM Best financial strength ratings and high Insurify Quality (IQ) Scores. However, if you’re a high-risk driver, you might consider AssuranceAmerica for its digital policy management and coverage for people with spotty driving histories.
Alabama requires 25/50/25 minimum liability coverage. This translates to $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability coverage and $25,000 per accident for property damage liability.
Birmingham drivers can find almost any type of insurance coverage available in the city. Many of the best auto insurers offer comprehensive, collision, rental reimbursement, uninsured/underinsured motorist, medical payments, personal injury protection, and gap coverage.