Looking for cheap auto insurance? You’ve come to the right place. Nerd Wallet analyzed auto insurance rates from companies nationwide to find the cheapest car insurance for a variety of drivers:
The cheapest car insurance company overall: Geico
The cheapest after an accident: Geico
The cheapest after a DUI: American Family
The cheapest for poor credit: Geico
If you want the best of the cheapest, check out Nerd Wallet’s roundup of the best cheap car insurance companies.
Why you can trust Nerd Wallet: Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our writing and data analyses. You can trust the prices we show you because our data analysts take rigorous measures to eliminate outliers and inaccuracies in pricing data, which include rates from every ZIP code in the country where coverage is offered and data is available. When comparing rates for different coverage amounts, ages, and backgrounds, we change only one variable at a time, so you can easily see how each factor affects pricing. Read our methodology.
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Cheap car insurance
The cheapest option will likely be your state’s minimum car insurance requirements, so we focused our analysis on those minimums. In many states, this is liability-only auto insurance, which pays for property damage and others’ medical bills from accidents you cause.
The cheapest car insurance company overall: Geico
Geico is the cheapest major auto insurance company in the nation, according to NerdWallet’s most recent analysis of minimum coverage rates. Geico’s average annual rate was $354, or about $29 per month. The company also earned a 4.5-star rating from NerdWallet, and you can read our Geico auto insurance review to learn why.
Cheap auto insurance from the largest companies Company
Average annual rate
Average monthly rate
1. Geico
$354
$29
2. State Farm
$452
$38
3. Progressive
$619
$52
4. Farmers
$620
$52
5. Allstate
$666
$55
USAA*
$356
$30
*USAA auto insurance is available only to military, veterans, and their families.
The best cheap car insurance
Cheap auto insurance from smaller companies
Finding affordable car insurance doesn’t mean you have to stick with large insurance companies. Central Insurance, MMG, and Secura, smaller insurers that offer coverage in multiple states, have even cheaper car insurance rates than Geico.
While availability can be limited, regional and small insurers may beat the cheapest auto insurance prices from larger carriers. Plus, they often have great customer service.
Company
Average annual rate
Average monthly rate
1. Central Insurance
$257
$21
2. MMG
$287
$24
3. Secura
$319
$27
4. Hastings Mutual
$428
$36
5. Mutual of Enumclaw
$499
$42
We chose these companies because of their low rates and availability in multiple states. But there may be more affordable auto insurance options where you live. For example, many Farm Bureau insurance companies are available only in a single state, but they were often among the cheapest in our analysis.
How we found the cheapest companies
NerdWallet’s editorial team analyzed minimum coverage car insurance rates from pricing analytics company Quadrant Information Services. Our analysis looked at 40-year-old drivers in all ZIP codes across the 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., with a variety of driving and credit histories. All drivers had a 2019 Toyota Camry L.
Another alternative is full coverage, but it can cost over $1,000 more a year on average than an annual minimum policy. That’s because it comes with additional coverage like uninsured/underinsured motorist protection and comprehensive and collision insurance.
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Nerdy Tip
If you have a car loan or lease, your lender will likely require you to buy comprehensive and collision coverage. These coverage types pay out if your car is stolen or damaged in an accident you cause, among other scenarios.
» MORE: The cheapest full coverage car insurance
Cheap car insurance by state
What counts as cheap auto insurance will be different depending on where you live, as rates vary widely from state to state.
For the sake of comparison, we found the cheapest car insurance company on average in each state and Washington, D.C.
State
Cheapest company
Average annual rate
Alabama
Geico
$261
Alaska
Geico
$274
Arizona
Geico
$272
Arkansas
Southern Farm Bureau Insurance
$261
California
Geico
$374
Colorado
American National
$192
Connecticut
Geico
$421
Delaware
Geico
$568
Florida
Geico
$704
Georgia
Auto-Owners
$314
Hawaii
Geico
$285
Idaho
American National
$135
Illinois
Pekin
$234
Indiana
Pekin
$195
Iowa
Western National
$164
Kansas
State Farm
$322
Kentucky
Kentucky Farm Bureau
$389
Louisiana
Geico
$443
Maine
Geico
$176
Maryland
Geico
$559
Massachusetts
State Farm
$209
Michigan
Travelers
$106
Minnesota
North Star
$259
Mississippi
State Farm
$337
Missouri
Columbia
$289
Montana
State Farm
$213
Nebraska
EMC
$181
Nevada
Geico
$329
New Hampshire
MMG
$209
New Jersey
Amica
$539
New Mexico
Central Insurance
$224
New York
Main Street America
$572
North Carolina
Geico
$278
North Dakota
Nodak
$174
Ohio
Erie
$211
Oklahoma
Geico
$247
Oregon
State Farm
$443
Pennsylvania
Geico
$181
Rhode Island
State Farm
$310
South Carolina
American National
$217
South Dakota
Farmers Mutual of Nebraska
$172
Tennessee
Grange Insurance Company
$193
Texas
Geico
$377
Utah
Geico
$305
Vermont
Union Mutual
$182
Virginia
Geico
$305
Washington
Grange Insurance Association
$327
Washington, D.C.
Geico
$374
West Virginia
Erie
$298
Wisconsin
Geico
$203
Wyoming
Geico
$170
But state averages can tell you only so much. Even within a state, car insurance rates for minimum coverage can differ. That’s why NerdWallet analyzed rates for some of the largest cities in the U.S.
Take a look at the cheapest car insurance options by clicking on your city in the table below.
Cheap car insurance analysis by city
Albuquerque
Louisville
Atlanta
Memphis
Austin
Miami
Boston
Nashville
Charlotte
New York City
Chicago
Oklahoma City
Colorado Springs
Omaha
Columbus
Philadelphia
Dallas
Phoenix
Denver
Portland
Detroit
Raleigh
El Paso
Sacramento
Fort Worth
San Antonio
Fresno
San Diego
Houston
San Francisco
Indianapolis
San Jose
Jacksonville
Seattle
Kansas City
Tampa
Las Vegas
Tucson
Los Angeles
Tulsa
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Cheap auto insurance after an accident or DUI
Depending on your driving record, the most affordable car insurance company varies. The tables below show average auto insurance rates from the largest companies for drivers after an accident or DUI.
We found that Geico has the lowest average rate for drivers with one at-fault accident. American Family is cheapest, on average, for drivers with a DUI.
Cheapest car insurance after an accident: Geico
Company
Average annual rate after one at-fault accident
1. Geico
$577
2. State Farm
$618
3. Travelers
$634
4. American Family
$651
5. Nationwide
$901
USAA*
$535
*USAA auto insurance is available only to military, veterans, and their families.
» MORE: How much car insurance rates go up after an accident
Cheapest car insurance after a DUI: American Family
Company
Average annual rate after one DUI
1. American Family
$716
2. Travelers
$754
3. Progressive
$755
4. State Farm
$839
5. Farmers
$905
USAA*
$621
*USAA auto insurance is available only to military, veterans, and their families.
» MORE: Find the cheapest car insurance after a DUI
Looking for even cheaper auto insurance? Try a smaller insurer. Drivers with one at-fault accident or a recent DUI can find the most affordable auto insurance rates with MMG and other regional insurers.
Rates vary depending on many personal factors. Be sure to compare car insurance quotes from at least three insurers to find the cheapest auto insurance for you.
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Cheapest auto insurance for poor credit: Geico
Your driving record isn’t the only factor that can increase your rates. Many insurers also use credit-based insurance scores to help calculate car insurance rates. This can make it harder to get cheap car insurance with poor credit in many states.
A credit-based score includes the same factors as a regular credit score, such as debt and payment history, but weighs them differently. California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan don’t allow insurers to use credit when determining car insurance rates.
What to know about a credit-based insurance score
Credit can have a shocking impact on auto insurance costs. Drivers with poor credit may pay over $400 more a year on average than those with good credit.
If you’re looking for affordable car insurance from a large company, Geico might be a good place to start. Based on our analysis of large insurers, the company has the lowest average rates for good drivers with poor credit.
Still, you should always shop around to get the best car insurance rates, no matter your credit history.
Company
Average annual rate for drivers with poor credit
1. Geico
$501
2. Nationwide
$775
3. Travelers
$803
4. Allstate
$916
5. American Family
$952
USAA*
$626
*USAA auto insurance is available only to military, veterans, and their families.
» MORE: The best high-risk auto insurance companies
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How to find cheap car insurance for new drivers
If you’re a new driver, you may have difficulty getting cheap car insurance. That’s because auto insurers view drivers without a recent driving history as riskier to insure. This group includes those with a new license, drivers with a lapse in car insurance, immigrants, and visitors to the U.S.
To get the cheapest car insurance, you’ll want to shop around and compare policies from a variety of companies each year. If you live with your family, it may be the cheapest to stay on their policy until your driving history is more robust.
Getting cheap car insurance for new drivers
How to get cheaper car insurance
If you’re looking to save money with the cheapest possible car insurance, it’s essential to compare quotes from multiple insurers. You can use NerdWallet’s car insurance comparison tool to easily shop for cheap auto insurance online. You may find that you already have the most affordable insurance; but prices can change, so check roughly once a year.
How to save on car insurance: Smart ways to lower your rate
These tips could help you get cheap auto insurance rates:
Ask for discounts. There could be savings from car insurance discounts you’re not taking advantage of. For instance, maybe you now work from home and are driving less frequently than when you bought your policy. Mention that and you might get a low-mileage discount.
Rethink your deductible. A higher collision and comprehensive deductible might make sense if you rarely drive or are comfortable with the financial risk. Raising your deductible means you’d owe more out of pocket if you had to file a comprehensive or collision claim. But it’s a surefire way to get cheaper car insurance.
Know when to cut coverage. Don’t strip away coverage just for the sake of cheap auto insurance. But if you drive an older car, you can probably drop comprehensive and collision coverage. These coverage types pay out only up to your car’s current value, minus the deductible.
Cash in on major life changes. Certain life events could translate to cheaper car insurance, so shop for quotes whenever something major changes in your life. For instance, many companies offer a lower rate for married couples or domestic partners. Or perhaps you moved to a suburb with lower accident and crime rates. Even if you moved to a more expensive area for car insurance, shopping around can help you get cheaper coverage.
Revisit quotes after your driving record improves. Shop for cheap car insurance quotes online three to five years after any accidents, tickets, or moving violations. They may have dropped off your driving record.
8 ways to get the cheapest car insurance rates possible
Frequently asked questions
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About the author: Kayda Norman is a NerdWallet authority on auto insurance. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and USA Today. Apple iPhone 14 Release Dates & Colors
METHODOLOGY
NerdWallet averaged rates based on public filings obtained by pricing analytics company Quadrant Information Services. We examined rates for 40-year-old men and women for all ZIP codes in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Although it’s one of the largest insurers in the country, Liberty Mutual has not included it in our rates analysis due to a lack of publicly available information. Mortgage, Wells Fargo Mortgage Rates, Bank Of America Mortgage Rates
In our analysis, “good drivers” had no moving violations on record; a “good driving” discount was included for this profile. Our “good” and “poor” credit rates are based on credit score approximations and do not account for proprietary scoring criteria used by insurance providers. These are average rates, and your rate will vary based on your personal details, state, and insurance provider. Gotham Knights Free For Download PC/Mobile & iPhone
Sample drivers had the minimum required coverage by law in each state. Some policies include additional coverage at the insurer’s discretion.
We used a 2019 Toyota Camry L for all drivers and assumed 12,000 annual miles driven.
We used the same assumptions for all other driver profiles, with the following exceptions:
Last Word:
We changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor” as reported to the insurer to see rates for drivers with poor credit. GTA 5 Free Download For Android iPhone MacBook or Computer – Grand Theft Auto VI
For drivers with one at-fault crash, we added a single at-fault crash that happened six months ago, resulting in $10,000 in property damage and no bodily injury claim.
For drivers with a DUI, we added a single drunken driving violation that happened six months ago
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