Best cheap car insurance of November 2023
“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.
“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.
BLUEPRINT
Updated 10:45 a.m. UTC Nov. 16, 2023
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The best cheap car insurance companies are USAA, Auto-Owners and Nationwide, based on our analysis of cost and coverage options.
Best cheap car insurance companies
Why trust our car insurance experts
Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of insurance products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
- 10,325 rates reviewed
- 156 coverage details evaluated
- 5 levels of fact-checking
Cheapest car insurance quotes of 2023
Cheapest car insurance in 2023
USAA
Auto-Owners
Nationwide
Geico
Westfield
Travelers
Cheapest car insurance comparison
| Company | Our rating | Average annual rate for a good driver | Level of complaints | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | 5.0 stars | $1,412 | Average | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Auto-Owners | 5.0 stars | $1,628 | Low | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Geico | 4.5 stars | $1,716 | Average | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Westfield | 4.5 stars | $1,759 | Very low | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Travelers | 4.5 stars | $1,852 | Very low | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Nationwide | 5.0 stars | $2,041 | Very low | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners |
Methodology
Our car insurance experts evaluated major car insurance companies to determine those that offer the best coverage based on average rates, coverage features, collision claims process and consumer complaints.
From the top-scoring car insurance companies, we selected those with an average annual rate for good drivers that falls below the national average. These insurers made our list of the best cheap car insurance companies.
We also analyzed average rates for various driver profiles, including:
- Drivers an accident, speeding ticket or DUI on their record.
- Drivers with poor credit.
- Drivers with a gap in coverage.
- Senior drivers.
- Young adult drivers.
- Teen drivers added to a parent’s policy.
In some cases, an insurer that didn’t make our overall best cheap car insurance companies list did offer the best cheap car insurance for a specific driver profile. When applicable, those companies were included in the list of insurers for the relevant driver profile category.
Factors used to identify the cheapest car insurance companies
Each car insurance company was eligible for up to 100 points, based on its performance in the following key categories:
Cost (50 points): We analyzed rates from Quadrant Information Services based on seven driver profiles for a policy with 100/300/100 in liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage and comprehensive and collision coverage.
We awarded up to 50 points based on insurers’ average rates for:
- Drivers in various age groups.
- Drivers with bad credit.
- Good drivers.
- Drivers with infractions, such as speeding tickets, an accident or a DUI on their record.
Consumer complaints (30 points): We collected complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, which shows the volume of car insurance consumer complaints against each company. When a consumer lodges a complaint to their state’s department of insurance — often about an insurance company’s claims process, delays, denials or settlements — these complaints are logged and tracked.
Car insurance coverage features (15 points): Car insurance policy features can help make coverage more affordable both before and after an accident or covered incident.
We evaluated car insurance policies offered by each insurer and awarded points to insurers that offered these valuable benefits:
- Accident forgiveness (5 points).
- New car replacement (5 points).
- Vanishing deductible (5 points).
SR-22 availability (5 points): After a major traffic violation, some drivers must provide proof that they have the type and amount of coverage required by their state. Proof of coverage is obtained through an SR-22 filing, but not all insurers offer SR-22.
Insurance companies that offer SR-22s were awarded five points.
Why some companies didn’t make the cut
Insurance companies with rates significantly higher than the national average, or with a substantial number of customer complaints, did not make our list of the best car insurance companies.
Car insurance companies with a lack of policy options, such as new car replacement or accident forgiveness, may also have been excluded, depending on how well they scored in other categories.
Cheapest car insurance for good drivers
| Company | Average annual rate | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,412 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Auto-Owners | $1,628 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Geico | $1,716 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Westfield | $1,759 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners |
USAA has the cheapest car insurance for good drivers, though only members of the military community and eligible family members will qualify for coverage.
Drivers not eligible for coverage with USAA should check with Auto-Owners, Geico and Westfield, which also offer some of the most affordable car insurance rates for good drivers when compared to the national average.
Cheap car insurance after an accident with injuries
| Company | Annual rate | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $2,093 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Auto-Owners | $2,145 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Westfield | $2,458 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Geico | $2,487 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners |
For drivers who have caused a collision that resulted in injuries, USAA is the cheapest car insurance company, again, though it only has a slight advantage over Auto-Owners.
Westfield and Geico also offer lower-than-average rates. Drivers at fault for an accident with injuries can see a substantial rate increase, so if that applies to you, be sure to get car insurance quotes from these insurers.
Cheap car insurance after an accident with property damage
| Company | Average annual rate | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $2,079 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Auto-Owners | $2,145 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Geico | $2,451 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Westfield | $2,458 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners |
For drivers who caused a crash resulting in property damage, Auto-Owners is a great choice if USAA membership is not an option. Geico and Westfield also offer decent rates for this group, with considerable savings compared to the national average. Our analysis shows rates tend to increase steeply from here.
Cheap car insurance for drivers with a DUI
| Company | Average annual rate | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $2,751 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Progressive | $2,776 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| American Family | $2,983 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| State Farm | $3,235 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners |
If you have a DUI on your record, you’ll likely see a steep rate increase, but there are several insurers that offer rates below the national average. USAA again offers the most affordable car insurance after a DUI, but Progressive trails closely behind.
Cheap car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket
| Company | Annual rate | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,709 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Westfield | $2,001 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Geico | $2,098 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Auto-Owners | $2,250 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners |
A speeding ticket will raise your car insurance rate, but if you shop around, the financial hit might not be as bad as you think. USAA’s rates for this group are great, but eligibility is limited. If you don’t qualify for USAA, you still have a number of other options for companies that tend to charge below the national average for this group of drivers.
Cheap car insurance for 16-year-old driver on a parent policy
| Company | Annual rate | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erie | $1,594 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Nationwide | $1,774 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Geico | $1,952 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| USAA | $2,036 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners |
Teen drivers are notoriously expensive to insure, so if you plan to add a teen to your policy, it will be a relief to learn that there are several affordable car insurance options. Erie offers the cheapest average rates for adding a 16-year-old driver to a parent’s policy. If you’re not in Erie’s coverage area, consider Nationwide, which has the second lowest rates.
Cheapest car insurance for young drivers, 18 to 25
| Company | Annual rate | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $2,774 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Geico | $3,332 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Auto-Owners | $3,382 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| State Farm | $3,795 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners |
Young drivers on their own policy are faced with some of the highest rates among the driver profiles we analyzed. If you or your child is between the ages of 18 and 25, consider USAA, Geico or Auto-Owners for coverage. And, though State Farm didn’t make our list of the best car insurance companies, it has competitive rates for this particular group of drivers.
Cheap car insurance for seniors
| Company | Annual rate | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,554 | Compare Rates | Compare quotes offered by participating partners | |
| Auto-Owners | $1,768 | Compare Rates | Compare quotes offered by participating partners | |
| Geico | $1,936 | Compare Rates | Compare quotes offered by participating partners | |
| Westfield | $1,939 | Compare Rates | Compare quotes offered by participating partners |
Like teen drivers, senior drivers may also have higher than average rates, so shopping around is crucial. Next to USAA, Auto-Owners has the cheapest average annual rate for senior drivers. Drivers in their 60s, 70s and 80s may also want to inquire about discounts for defensive driving courses, which can also lead to lower rates.
Cheap car insurance for drivers with poor credit
| Company | Average annual rate | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | $2,426 | Compare Rates | Compare quotes offered by participating partners | |
| USAA | $2,594 | Compare Rates | Compare quotes offered by participating partners | |
| Nationwide | $2,771 | Compare Rates | Compare quotes offered by participating partners | |
| Westfield | $2,964 | Compare Rates | Compare quotes offered by participating partners |
The national average for drivers with poor credit is among the highest in our analysis, with the exception of young drivers on their own policy. This is one example where USAA doesn’t offer the cheapest rates. Instead, that award goes to Geico. USAA’s average rate is only slightly higher than Geico’s, making it worth considering if it’s available to you.
Cheapest liability car insurance
| Company | Average annual rate | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $404 | Compare Rates | Compare quotes offered by participating partners | |
| USAA | $466 | Compare Rates | Compare quotes offered by participating partners | |
| Westfield | $507 | Compare Rates | Compare quotes offered by participating partners | |
| Geico | $510 | Compare Rates | Compare quotes offered by participating partners |
Almost all states require liability insurance for car owners, and it’s an expensive portion of a car insurance policy. If you’re looking for the cheapest liability insurance, consider Auto-Owners or USAA, both of which offer average rates that are well below the national average of $697 per year.
Find cheap car insurance
States with the cheapest car insurance
Where you live plays a major role in how much you pay for car insurance as does the car insurance company you choose. The table below provides the cheapest car insurance companies for good drivers by state.
Note that in some states USAA has the cheapest coverage, but since eligibility is limited to the members of the military community, we’ve included the next cheapest insurer. If you are eligible for coverage through USAA, it’s a good idea to get a quote to determine if it’s the cheapest option for you.
*Based on the average annual rate from large insurers in each state. Rates are for 100/300/100 in liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage and comprehensive and collision coverage for a 45-year-old female insuring a 2022 Toyota RAV4. In some cases USAA is the cheapest company, but membership is limited to the military community. Source: Quadrant Information Services.
How much is car insurance?
The average cost of car insurance for a good driver is $2,067, based on our analysis. However, the cost of car insurance varies based on a number of factors. That’s why it’s a good idea to get and compare at least three car insurance quotes while shopping for the cheapest car insurance.
How much you pay for car insurance will depend on the type and amount of coverage you choose. For instance, a liability-only car insurance policy that meets your state minimum requirements will likely be cheaper than a full-coverage policy that includes liability insurance as well as collision and comprehensive coverage.
Other factors that will determine how much you will pay for coverage include:
- Age.
- Gender (except in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania).
- Location.
- Insurance deductible, when applicable.
- Driving history.
- Credit history (except in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan).
- Claims history.
- Vehicle make, model and year.
- Special vehicle equipment or features.
How to find the cheapest car insurance
Looking for the cheapest car insurance? These steps can help you find a policy that meets your needs and a rate that fits your budget.
Shop around
Always get quotes from at least three car insurance companies before you purchase a policy. Doing so can help you determine your average car insurance costs and which insurer has the cheapest coverage.
Check for discounts
Discounts are a great way to get more affordable car insurance. You may be able to unlock a discount for buying your home and auto insurance from the same company or putting all household vehicles on the same policy. When getting quotes, ask about any other discounts the drivers in your household may qualify for, such as a good student discount or vehicle safety feature discount.
Only buy what you need
Figure out which types of car insurance and how much coverage you need before you start getting quotes. Purchasing coverage you don’t need will lead to unnecessarily high rates.
Note that this doesn’t necessarily mean you should only buy the minimum insurance required in your state. Additional coverages like new car replacement might be smart if you own an expensive new car, for example. Similarly, adding gap insurance to your policy may be smart if you loan or lease your vehicle.
Cheapest cars to insure
Some cars are more affordable to insure than others. If your car is equipped with more advanced safety features, you may see cheaper car insurance rates. On the other hand, if your car contains rare or expensive parts that are more costly to replace, you’ll likely see higher car insurance rates. Here are the five cheapest cars to insure.
How much car insurance do you need?
You should buy at least enough car insurance to meet your state’s minimum car insurance requirements.
Most states require, at a minimum, bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage. These coverage types provide financial compensation to others for injuries, death or physical damage you cause. Liability insurance also pays for your legal defense if you are sued because of an accident, as well as for any settlements or judgments up to your policy limits.
Depending on where you live, you may also be required to carry:
- Uninsured (and sometimes underinsured) motorist coverage.
- Personal injury protection (PIP).
- Medical payments (MedPay) coverage.
Check with your state’s department of motor vehicles to see the required minimum limits for these types of coverage. An insurer licensed in your state will also be able to provide this information.
If your car is leased or you have an outstanding loan, your lender may also require additional coverage, such as collision and comprehensive coverage as well as gap coverage.
After you meet any state or lender insurance requirements, the next thing to consider is your assets. You should carry enough car insurance to protect your assets, or what you could lose in a lawsuit.
You know you need car insurance, but why? Learn how car insurance works.
USAA has the cheapest car insurance, according to our analysis, but USAA membership and insurance products are only available to members of the military community and eligible family members.
Auto-Owners and Geico both offer generally competitive rates for those not eligible for a USAA policy.
Expensive car insurance rates can be driven by a variety of factors, including:
- Age.
- Location.
- Driving history.
- Claims history.
- Car insurance history.
If you have multiple traffic violations, are a young or senior driver or have filed multiple claims in the last five years, you’re likely going to see more expensive car insurance rates.
Make sure you get multiple quotes from different car insurance companies and ask if you’re eligible for any car insurance discounts to lower your rates.
The best way to find cheap car insurance for teens is to compare rates, being sure to get a quote from your existing car insurance company in addition to other companies.
It’s typically cheapest to add a teen to a parent’s insurance policy, so make sure you’ve already found the best rates for your household.
While comparing rates, check for discounts that typically often to teen drivers, such as good student and driver education discounts.
Finally, keep in mind that the make, model and year of a vehicle can also impact your rates. If you’re still shopping for a vehicle for your teen, consider getting quotes for different types of vehicles before you purchase one.
The best way to get cheap car insurance is to figure out what type and amount of coverage you need and then compare quotes from a variety of insurers.
Check your state’s laws and your car loan/lease paperwork (if applicable) to figure out the minimum amount of car insurance you need to buy, and don’t skimp on additional coverage if it is beneficial for your situation.
Maintaining a clean driving record and good credit history can also help you to get the lowest car insurance rates.
Auto insurance rates typically start decreasing at age 19, provided the driver maintains a clean record through their teen years. Rates continue to decrease until about age 34, at which point rates tend to stay stable until the senior years.
Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
