Full Coverage Auto Insurance: Cheap And Comprehensive

Cheap full-coverage car insurance is an affordable way to protect yourself and your vehicle in the event of an accident or damage. While the definition of full coverage can vary, it typically includes liability, comprehensive, and collision insurance, covering repairs to your vehicle and the cost of damage or injury to others if you're at fault. The cost of full coverage depends on factors such as age, location, and driving history, but it can provide peace of mind and ensure you're prepared for unexpected expenses. It's important to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best rate and coverage for your needs.

Full coverage insurance defined

Full coverage car insurance is a combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. While the specific definition of full coverage may vary by state, it generally includes liability protection and comprehensive and collision coverage.

Liability coverage protects you against the cost of property damage or injury to others if you are at fault in an accident. Comprehensive and collision coverage insures you against the cost of repairs to your vehicle, whether it is damaged on or off the road, in a collision with another vehicle or object, or as a result of fire, weather-related incidents, vandalism, or theft.

Full coverage car insurance also typically includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which protects you if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or does not have sufficient insurance to cover the costs of the accident.

In addition to these standard components, full coverage car insurance can also include optional add-ons, such as personal injury protection, guaranteed asset protection insurance, and roadside assistance. These optional coverages provide additional protection and can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

Full coverage car insurance is typically required if you have an auto loan or lease a vehicle. This is to protect the lender's investment in the event of an accident or damage to the vehicle. However, if you own your car outright, full coverage is usually not required by law, but it is highly recommended to provide financial protection and peace of mind.

Cost of full coverage

The cost of full coverage auto insurance varies depending on the insurance company, the driver's age, driving history, credit history, location, and the kind of car being insured. The average cost of full coverage car insurance in the US is $1,895 per year, or $158 per month, based on 100/300/100 liability limits with $500 deductibles. However, the price can range from $1,175 per year in Maine to $2,883 per year in Louisiana.

When it comes to insurance companies, Nationwide is often cited as the cheapest option for full coverage, with an average annual rate of $1,548. Other cheap options include Travelers ($1,681 per year), USAA ($1,364 per year), Erie ($1,248 per year), and State Farm ($1,488 per year). It is worth noting that USAA insurance is only available to military members, veterans, and their families.

Full coverage auto insurance is typically a combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. Collision insurance covers damages to your vehicle in a collision, regardless of who is at fault. Comprehensive insurance covers damages resulting from events other than collisions, such as weather, vandalism, or animal collisions.

To get the cheapest full coverage auto insurance, it is recommended to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies. Other ways to lower your insurance cost include raising your deductible, bundling your coverage (e.g., combining car and home insurance), and asking about discounts (e.g., good student, senior, or military discounts).

Discounts

Good/Safe Driver Discount

Safe driving pays off. One of the most common discounts rewards drivers with a good driving record, typically defined as a specified period without accidents, speeding tickets, or other violations. Some insurers also offer discounts for those who complete a defensive driving course or use a driving app that tracks metrics like speed and braking.

Student Discount

Students enrolled in high school or college who maintain good grades (usually a B average or better) can often get a discount. This is sometimes extended to students who are away at school but only use the family car during vacations and holidays.

Anti-Theft Device Discount

Having security devices such as an alarm or tracking device installed in your vehicle can help lower your insurance costs. Anti-theft systems reduce the risk of theft and can lead to better driving habits, making them attractive to insurers.

Paperless Discount

Insurers often offer a small discount if you opt to receive policy documents electronically rather than through the mail.

Military Discount

Active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and retired military members are often eligible for discounts on their auto insurance. This is a way for insurers to honor those who serve.

Automatic/Recurring Payments Discount

Setting up automatic premium payments through electronic funds transfer, debit card, or credit card can result in a discount. This reduces the risk of late or missed payments for insurers.

Loyalty Discount

Some insurers offer a discount for renewing your policy or for having multiple types of insurance policies with them (e.g., bundling auto, home, and life insurance).

Low-Mileage Discount

Insurers may offer lower rates tailored to your driving habits, including the number of miles you drive. This usually involves tracking your mileage through an app or device.

In addition to these common discounts, there are other ways to save. You can save money by paying your policy in full, choosing a vehicle with good safety ratings and lower repair costs, or adding multiple cars to your policy. Discounts are also often available for seniors, members of certain professions or organizations, and new drivers or teens who complete driver training programs.

Add-ons

When it comes to auto insurance, it's important to remember that "cheap" doesn't just mean low cost; it can also mean low quality. While you may be looking for affordable options, it's crucial to choose a reputable company that offers good coverage and customer service.

Now, let's talk about add-ons, which are optional coverages that you can include in your auto insurance policy. These add-ons provide extra protection and can be tailored to your specific needs. Here are some common add-ons that you may consider:

• Roadside Assistance: This add-on covers emergency services such as towing, battery jump-start, flat tire change, and lockout services. It gives you peace of mind knowing that help is just a phone call away if your vehicle breaks down or you're stranded on the road.
• Rental Car Reimbursement: If your car is involved in a covered accident and needs to be repaired, this add-on will reimburse you for the cost of renting a car while your vehicle is in the shop. This can be a lifesaver if you rely on your car for daily activities or work.
• Gap Insurance: If your car is totaled or stolen, gap insurance covers the "gap" between what you owe on your car loan or lease and the current value of your vehicle. This is especially useful if you have a new car that depreciates quickly or if you owe more than the car's worth.
• Accident Forgiveness: This add-on helps you avoid an increase in your insurance rates after your first at-fault accident. It's a way for insurance companies to reward safe drivers with a good driving record by not increasing their premiums due to one mistake.
• Custom Parts and Equipment Value: If you've added custom parts or equipment to your vehicle, such as a sound system, custom wheels, or a lift kit, this add-on will cover the cost of repairing or replacing those items if they're damaged or stolen.
• Pet Injury Coverage: This add-on covers veterinary bills if your pet is injured in a car accident while riding with you. It's a way to ensure that your furry friend receives the medical attention they need without you having to worry about the financial burden.

Remember that the availability and cost of these add-ons may vary depending on your insurance provider and location. It's always a good idea to review your policy and discuss your specific needs with your insurance agent to determine which add-ons are right for you.

Customer service

GEICO

GEICO stands out for its commitment to providing affordable rates without sacrificing the quality of customer service. They offer 24/7 customer support and a seamless claims process, ensuring that their policyholders can easily reach them whenever needed. GEICO also provides various discounts and coverage options to cater to diverse customer needs. Their website and mobile app further enhance the customer experience by offering convenient access to policy management and claims filing.

State Farm

State Farm is renowned for its reliable and helpful customer service. According to J.D. Power, State Farm customers tend to have fewer complaints and express satisfaction with the claims process. The company typically offers cheaper quotes than most other large companies and many regional competitors. State Farm is the largest car insurance company in the United States, and its extensive network provides peace of mind to its customers.

USAA

USAA is consistently ranked as one of the best companies for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power. Their auto insurance is available only to military members, veterans, and their families, but they offer exceptionally cheap rates and superior customer service within this demographic. USAA also provides a range of military-specific discounts, making their plans even more affordable for those who serve.

Erie Insurance

Erie Insurance excels in customer service, earning second place on J.D. Power's claims satisfaction survey. They have an excellent reputation for quickly getting customers' cars fixed after a crash. However, it's important to note that Erie is only available in 12 states and Washington, D.C., so their services are limited geographically.

Auto-Owners

Auto-Owners Insurance provides dependable customer service and is known for its range of coverage add-ons, giving customers various options to personalize their policies. They are highly regarded for their cheap rates and numerous discounts, especially for families with teen drivers. However, Auto-Owners is only available in 26 states, so their reach is limited.

When considering cheap full-coverage auto insurance, it's essential to weigh both the cost and the quality of customer service. While some companies may offer low rates, they might fall short in providing timely and responsive support when you need it most. Be sure to research customer reviews and ratings to make an informed decision.

Frequently asked questions