Best Cheap Auto Insurance: How To Get Covered

The cost of car insurance varies depending on several factors, including age, location, driving record, and credit score. When looking for the best and cheapest auto insurance, it is important to shop around and compare quotes from multiple providers. While the cheapest option may be tempting, it is essential to consider the risks associated with low-cost insurance, such as lack of coverage options, high deductible payments, and poor customer service.

Some of the cheapest car insurance companies in the US include USAA, Erie, State Farm, and Geico. The cost of their policies varies depending on the state, coverage level, and driver profile. For example, in Virginia, Erie offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance at $91 per month, while State Farm offers the cheapest liability insurance at $38 per month. For young drivers, Erie also has competitive rates, with minimum coverage costing around $84 per month for an 18-year-old driver.

To get the best deal, it is recommended to review your coverage regularly, gather quotes from multiple providers, improve your credit score, and take advantage of discounts and incentives offered by insurance companies.

Cheapest car insurance for young drivers

Young drivers are often charged higher insurance rates due to their lack of driving experience and the increased risk of accidents. However, there are several ways to find cheaper insurance options. Here are some tips for young drivers to get the cheapest car insurance:

Compare Quotes from Multiple Providers

It's important to shop around and get quotes from multiple insurance companies. Rates can vary significantly between providers, so comparing options can help you find the most affordable coverage.

Join a Parent's or Guardian's Policy

The cheapest option for young drivers is usually to be added to a parent's or guardian's existing policy. This can result in significant savings compared to purchasing a separate policy.

Look for Discounts

Many insurance companies offer discounts tailored towards young drivers. These may include good student discounts, defensive driving discounts, student away-at-school discounts, and more. Be sure to ask about any available discounts when shopping for insurance.

Choose a Higher Deductible

Opting for a higher deductible can lower your insurance premiums. However, keep in mind that a higher deductible means you'll pay more out of pocket if you need to file a claim.

Consider the Type of Car

The make and model of your car can impact your insurance rates. Certain vehicles, such as high-performance or luxury cars, may be more expensive to insure. Consider comparing insurance quotes for different vehicles before making a purchase.

Maintain a Clean Driving Record

Insurance rates are often based on driving history. By practising safe driving habits and avoiding accidents or violations, young drivers can help keep their insurance costs down.

Bundle Policies

Combining your car insurance with other types of insurance, such as renters or homeowners insurance, from the same company can often lead to discounts.

Usage-Based Insurance

Some insurance companies offer usage-based insurance programs that track your driving behaviour through a mobile app or device. These programs may offer discounts for safe driving habits or reduced mileage.

Compare Rates Regularly

Insurance rates can change over time, so it's a good idea to compare rates from different providers periodically. This will help ensure that you're getting the best deal and allow you to take advantage of any new discounts or promotions.

Recommended Insurance Companies for Young Drivers

While rates can vary based on individual factors, the following insurance companies are often recommended for young drivers due to their competitive rates and discounts:

• USAA
• Geico
• State Farm
• Liberty Mutual
• Erie Insurance
• Nationwide
• Auto-Owners

Cheapest car insurance for seniors

Car insurance rates for seniors tend to be more expensive than for middle-aged people, and coverage becomes pricier after age 80. This is because seniors are more likely to be involved in accidents and suffer severe injuries. However, there are still ways for seniors to find cheap car insurance.

Best Car Insurance Companies for Seniors

• Nationwide has the lowest average rates for older drivers and is the best car insurance company for seniors in 2024. Its rates, low number of complaints, and coverage options, like usage-based and pay-per-mile insurance, also earn it the title of best car insurance of 2024.
• USAA has the second-lowest car insurance rate for senior drivers and is the best car insurance for seniors in the military community. USAA was founded to support military members, and its auto insurance is available only to active military members, veterans, and their eligible family members.
• Travelers has the third-lowest rates for senior drivers and is the best car insurance for seniors with a new vehicle. It has low gap insurance rates and a robust new car replacement coverage feature that lasts five years, longer than provided by other car insurance companies.
• Auto-Owners has below-average senior car insurance rates and the lowest customer complaint ratio among the top-scoring car insurance companies. It received above-average scores on the J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study and the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card.
• Erie is the best car insurance company if you prioritize a strong collision repair experience. It has the best CRASH Network grade among the senior car insurance companies analyzed and the second-highest score on the J.D. Power Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.
• Geico has a below-average rate for senior drivers and, next to USAA, the lowest average rate for drivers with poor credit. It offers coverage in all 50 states but does not provide rideshare insurance, gap insurance, new car replacement, or vanishing deductibles.
• Progressive has the lowest average rates for drivers with a DUI on their record and below-average rates for senior drivers. It offers coverage in all 50 states but does not provide new car replacement coverage.

Tips for Seniors to Get Cheap Car Insurance

• Shop around for a better policy.
• Take a defensive driving course.
• Ask about car insurance discounts for seniors.
• Consider usage-based insurance.

Cheapest car insurance with a recent DUI

A DUI conviction will cause your insurance rates to skyrocket, and you will be considered a high-risk driver. The best way to find affordable insurance is to shop around and compare rates from different companies.

USAA offers the cheapest DUI insurance for both minimum coverage ($674 per year) and full coverage policies ($1,231 per year). However, USAA insurance is only available to military personnel, veterans, and their families.

The second-cheapest option for full coverage is Progressive, with an average rate of $1,448 per year. Progressive also offers SR-22 insurance filings, which are essential for DUI drivers.

State Farm is another affordable option, with an average rate of $1,760 per year for full coverage. They also offer SR-22 insurance filings and have a low level of complaints.

Other affordable options for full coverage include:

• American Family ($1,050 per year)
• Auto-Owners Insurance ($1,919 per year)
• Erie ($1,661 per year)

If you only need minimum coverage, State Farm is the cheapest option, with an average rate of $842 per year. Progressive is also affordable, with an average rate of $679 per year.

Tips for Finding Cheap Car Insurance with a DUI

• Shop around and compare rates from multiple companies.
• Look for companies that offer discounts for bundling policies or insuring multiple vehicles.
• Choose a higher deductible to lower your premium.
• Improve your credit score, as this can impact your insurance rates.
• Take steps to improve your driving record, such as completing a defensive driving course.

Cheapest car insurance with an accident

The cost of car insurance depends on a number of factors, including age, location, and driving record. An at-fault accident will stay on your record and increase your premiums for three to five years.

State Farm is the cheapest company for drivers with an accident or speeding ticket on their records, which quoted a full coverage rate 40% to 43% cheaper than the average across major insurance companies. Progressive has the cheapest rates for DUIs at 28% less than the average.

The Zebra offers the cheapest car insurance in Virginia, with an average cost of $1,067 per year or $89 per month. The cheapest major car insurance company in Virginia is USAA.

In Texas, the cheapest full coverage in Texas is offered by Texas Farm Bureau, with an average rate of $1,268 per year. The average cost of full coverage car insurance in Texas is $2,567 per year, or $214 per month.

The cheapest car insurance in the United States is offered by Geico, with an average rate of $351 a year.

Cheapest car insurance with a ticket

The best and cheapest car insurance for you will depend on your age, driving history, location, and vehicle.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers with a Ticket

State Farm has the cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket. A full coverage policy from State Farm costs $135 per month after a single ticket. That's $67 per month less than the national average.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers

If you’re 25 years old or under and are enlisted, a veteran or a family member of someone who served, you can expect to get the best car insurance rates from USAA. If not, Travelers is the cheapest national provider.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors

If you are aged 65 to 75 and are affiliated with the military, you can expect the best car insurance rates with USAA among national insurers. Travelers has the lowest prices for those who don’t have military affiliation.

Cheapest Car Insurance With Bad Credit

Geico has the cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit, offering rates that are 55% cheaper than the national average.

Cheapest Car Insurance With a Recent DUI

At 39% cheaper than the national average, Travelers offers the most affordable car insurance if you’ve had a recent DUI.

Frequently asked questions