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To ensure you’re getting the right coverage and best price, shop for car insurance with a quote tool to compare rates from multiple companies side by side.
Discover if you are overpaying for car insurance below.
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Key Takeaways:
In this article, we at the MarketWatch Guides team explain how insurance rates can change based on personal factors and why it’s a good idea to compare multiple car insurance quotes at once. We also cover how to shop for car insurance before sharing a few affordable coverage options from the best car insurance companies. Our team got answers to some of the most frequently-asked questions about shopping for car insurance from some of the country’s premier experts. You can find those answers in our FAQ section at the bottom of the page.
Jump ahead: Answers to FAQs From Auto Insurance Experts
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Shopping for car insurance coverage from different providers is the easiest way to find the best rates. Once you know what you’re looking for and have an idea of what your premium should be, check which companies offer the types of car insurance coverage you need. To help you start out, we’ll explain all you need to know about car insurance quotes, along with average annual rates for both minimum-coverage and full-coverage car insurance for multiple driver scenarios. This way, you’ll have a better idea of the shopping process and what you’ll likely pay for coverage.
A car insurance quote is a cost estimate of what you’ll pay for coverage. Because providers use unique formulas to calculate car insurance premiums, quotes can differ significantly between companies. Even with much of the same information, no two quotes from Progressive, Geico or Allstate will be the same.
A rate comparison can help you determine whether a specific car insurance quote is actually a good deal. If you get a quote from just one company, you risk overpaying. The only way to make sure you’re paying the right amount is to compare car insurance rates from multiple providers. Since each company has a different formula to assess your risk level, you may find lower rates elsewhere, even after being quoted a high rate by one company.
Getting car insurance quotes from multiple providers has no impact on your credit score. When an auto insurance company puts together a quote, it runs a soft credit check which doesn’t affect your credit score. Our team recommends getting quotes from different car insurance companies to get the lowest rate.
Travelers, State Farm, USAA and Nationwide offer some of the nation’s best car insurance quotes and are our top picks overall. The comparison table below highlights our cost ratings for some of the best providers to consider when comparing quotes.
| Cost Rank | Car Insurance Companies | Cost Rating |
| 1 | Erie | 9.9 |
| 2 | Travelers | 9.8 |
| 3 | Nationwide | 9.7 |
| 4 | Country Financial | 9.7 |
| 5 | Pemco | 9.7 |
| 6 | American Family | 9.5 |
| 7 | State Farm | 9.3 |
| 8 | Geico | 9.1 |
| 9 | Amica | 9 |
| 10 | Direct Auto | 9 |
| 11 | USAA* | 9.7 |
The auto insurance rate you’ll pay depends on several factors unique to each individual. To help you shop for the best coverage for your specific situation, we’ve compared rates for common coverage types.
We also provided price comparisons for drivers who fall into certain categories that can significantly impact rates. These monthly and annual price estimates gathered from Quadrant Information Services are from top providers and apply to 35-year-old drivers with strong credit and good driving records.
Auto insurance quotes often break down pricing for different coverage levels so you can compare rates for minimum-liability and full-coverage policies. The average cost of car insurance in the United States is $627 per year ($52 per month) for minimum-liability coverage and $2,008 per year ($167 per month) for full-coverage policies.
Below, we compare rate estimates from top providers for both coverage levels. We also provide a look into the cheapest car insurance providers by state for minimum liability and full coverage.
The table below contains national rate estimates from the top 10 cheapest liability car insurance providers on average:
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Rate Estimate | Average Annual Rate Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Pemco | $24 | $283 |
| Country Financial | $30 | $356 |
| Auto Owners | $30 | $358 |
| Erie | $33 | $390 |
| Geico | $38 | $461 |
| State Farm | $44 | $523 |
| Nationwide | $44 | $531 |
| Travelers | $54 | $648 |
| Progressive | $58 | $697 |
| American Family | $67 | $810 |
| Allstate | $71 | $854 |
| USAA* | $32 | $387 |
*USAA car insurance is limited to military members, veterans and their families.
Car insurance quotes are highly individualized, which means that the above providers may not provide the best liability car insurance quotes for your situation. One of the main reasons to compare car insurance rates is that your location significantly impacts how much you’ll pay.
The table below includes the cheapest liability car insurance rates by state to provide insight into what you might pay for coverage where you live.
| State | Cheapest Car Insurance Company* | Minimum-Liability Rate (Annual Average) |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | State Farm | $344 |
| Alaska | Geico | $323 |
| Arizona | Auto-Owners | $356 |
| Arkansas | State Farm | $293 |
| California | Geico | $373 |
| Colorado | Colorado Farm Bureau | $275 |
| Connecticut | Geico | $445 |
| Delaware | Travelers | $614 |
| Washington D.C. | Chubb | $359 |
| Florida | State Farm | $650 |
| Georgia | Country Financial | $373 |
| Hawaii | Geico | $287 |
| Idaho | Geico | $209 |
| Illinois | Pekin | $268 |
| Indiana | Auto-Owners | $290 |
| Iowa | State Farm | $149 |
| Kansas | Geico | $258 |
| Kentucky | Geico | $429 |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Farm Bureau | $492 |
| Maine | Auto-Owners | $268 |
| Maryland | Geico | $508 |
| Massachusetts | The Hanover | $424 |
| Michigan | Auto-Owners | $500 |
| Minnesota | State Farm | $351 |
| Mississippi | National General | $304 |
| Missouri | Missouri Farm Bureau | $284 |
| Montana | QBE Insurance | $217 |
| Nebraska | Auto-Owners | $247 |
| Nevada | State Farm | $513 |
| New Hampshire | The Hanover | $220 |
| New Jersey | Geico | $633 |
| New Mexico | Central Insurance | $236 |
| New York | New York Central Mutual | $513 |
| North Carolina | Erie Insurance | $307 |
| North Dakota | North Star Mutual | $261 |
| Ohio | Erie Insurance | $237 |
| Oklahoma | State Farm | $273 |
| Oregon | State Farm | $557 |
| Pennsylvania | Travelers | $249 |
| Rhode Island | Travelers | $593 |
| South Carolina | American National | $225 |
| South Dakota | Farmers Mutual of Nebraska | $216 |
| Tennessee | Auto-Owners | $232 |
| Texas | State Farm | $325 |
| Utah | Geico | $482 |
| Vermont | Union Mutual | $180 |
| Virginia | State Farm | $330 |
| Washington | Pemco | $283 |
| West Virginia | State Farm | $325 |
| Wisconsin | State Farm | $242 |
| Wyoming | Geico | $174 |
*USAA offered the cheapest rates across many states, but since coverage is only available to military members and their families, its cost data is not provided in this table.
Full-coverage auto insurance includes property damage liability coverage, bodily injury liability insurance, collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. Below, you can compare car insurance quotes for 10 popular providers with full-coverage policies.
| Car Insurance Company | Average Monthly Cost Estimate | Average Annual Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | $119 | $1,433 |
| Erie Insurance | $122 | $1,458 |
| USAA* | $126 | $1,512 |
| Travelers | $133 | $1,595 |
| Geico | $133 | $1,596 |
| Auto-Owners | $135 | $1,619 |
| State Farm | $138 | $1,657 |
| American Family | $154 | $1,851 |
| Progressive | $169 | $2,030 |
| Allstate | $216 | $2,598 |
| Farmers | $264 | $3,169 |
*USAA car insurance is limited to military members, veterans and their families.
Full-coverage rates tend to be more expensive than minimum-liability coverage because these policies provide protection for both you and your passengers after an accident. The table below looks at full-coverage car insurance quotes by state.
| State | Car Insurance Company | Full-Coverage Rate (Annual Average) |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Travelers | $1,332 |
| Alaska | Geico | $1,020 |
| Arizona | Geico | $1,173 |
| Arkansas | State Farm | $1,346 |
| California | Mercury | $1,748 |
| Colorado | Geico | $1,306 |
| Connecticut | Geico | $995 |
| Delaware | Travelers | $1,554 |
| Washington D.C. | Geico | $1,579 |
| Florida | State Farm | $1,813 |
| Georgia | Auto-Owners | $1,544 |
| Hawaii | Geico | $1,162 |
| Idaho | State Farm | $881 |
| Illinois | Pekin | $792 |
| Indiana | Geico | $1,176 |
| Iowa | Pekin | $816 |
| Kansas | Geico | $1,263 |
| Kentucky | Geico | $1,583 |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Farm Bureau | $1,926 |
| Maine | Auto-Owners | $758 |
| Maryland | Geico | $1,245 |
| Massachusetts | Progressive | $1,776 |
| Michigan | Progressive | $2,209 |
| Minnesota | State Farm | $1,340 |
| Mississippi | Progressive | $1,212 |
| Missouri | Travelers | $1,477 |
| Montana | Progressive | $972 |
| Nebraska | Nationwide | $1,332 |
| Nevada | State Farm | $1,376 |
| New Hampshire | Auto-Owners | $833 |
| New Jersey | Geico | $1,472 |
| New Mexico | Central Mutual | $1,358 |
| New York | Progressive | $1,302 |
| North Carolina | Erie Insurance | $1,043 |
| North Dakota | American Family Insurance | $1,401 |
| Ohio | Nationwide | $825 |
| Oklahoma | State Farm | $1,502 |
| Oregon | State Farm | $1,210 |
| Pennsylvania | Travelers | $907 |
| Rhode Island | Travelers | $1,806 |
| South Carolina | American National | $783 |
| South Dakota | Farmers Mutual of Nebraska | $1,657 |
| Tennessee | State Farm | $1,223 |
| Texas | Texas Farm Bureau | $1,205 |
| Utah | Geico | $1,129 |
| Vermont | Union Mutual | $708 |
| Virginia | State Farm | $1,185 |
| Washington | Geico | $1,304 |
| West Virginia | Nationwide | $1,242 |
| Wisconsin | Geico | $1,059 |
| Wyoming | American National | $918 |
Below are our rate estimates broken down by state and age. These estimates are based on full-coverage rates for 25-year-old and 35-year-old drivers with good credit scores and clean driving records.
| State | 25-Year-Old Annual Cost Estimate | 35-Year-Old Annual Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,085 | $1,775 |
| Alaska | $1,949 | $1,685 |
| Arizona | $2,332 | $2,008 |
| Arkansas | $2,377 | $2,038 |
| California | $2,767 | $2,313 |
| Colorado | $2,535 | $2,173 |
| Connecticut | $2,301 | $1,919 |
| Delaware | $3,280 | $2,881 |
| Washington D.C. | $2,605 | $2,218 |
| Florida | $3,624 | $3,244 |
| Georgia | $2,368 | $1,973 |
| Hawaii | $1,656 | $1,656 |
| Idaho | $1,679 | $1,402 |
| Illinois | $1,799 | $1,541 |
| Indiana | $1,877 | $1,587 |
| Iowa | $1,845 | $1,563 |
| Kansas | $2,190 | $1,918 |
| Kentucky | $2,964 | $2,522 |
| Louisiana | $3,496 | $3,040 |
| Maine | $1,475 | $1,238 |
| Maryland | $2,108 | $1,833 |
| Massachusetts | $2,725 | $2,430 |
| Michigan | $4,230 | $3,643 |
| Minnesota | $2,050 | $1,766 |
| Mississippi | $2,015 | $1,658 |
| Missouri | $2,529 | $2,104 |
| Montana | $2,258 | $1,979 |
| Nebraska | $2,174 | $1,871 |
| Nevada | $3,081 | $2,788 |
| New Hampshire | $1,681 | $1,362 |
| New Jersey | $2,827 | $2,513 |
| New Mexico | $2,159 | $1,943 |
| New York | $2,398 | $2,088 |
| North Carolina | $1,728 | $1,627 |
| North Dakota | $2,168 | $1,916 |
| Ohio | $1,933 | $1,599 |
| Oklahoma | $2,624 | $2,278 |
| Oregon | $2,141 | $1,925 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,350 | $1,981 |
| Rhode Island | $2,805 | $2,357 |
| South Carolina | $2,197 | $1,845 |
| South Dakota | $2,562 | $2,291 |
| Tennessee | $1,780 | $1,524 |
| Texas | $2,602 | $2,205 |
| Utah | $2,173 | $1,928 |
| Vermont | $1,437 | $1,199 |
| Virginia | $2,117 | $1,781 |
| Washington | $1,813 | $1,616 |
| West Virginia | $2,593 | $2,177 |
| Wisconsin | $1,954 | $1,694 |
| Wyoming | $1,912 | $1,702 |
*California, Hawaii and Massachusetts don’t allow companies to set rates based on age.
Being a young driver will increase your rates significantly. However, the good news for adults who are closer to 25 years old is that rates typically decrease in your mid-20s. On average, drivers around the age of 55 pay the lowest rates for auto insurance.
Below, we’ll compare the average full-coverage car insurance rates by age.
| Age | Average Monthly Rate Estimate | Average Annual Rate Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $632 | $7,581 |
| 17* | $468 | $5,612 |
| 18* | $413 | $4,958 |
| 19* | $309 | $3,708 |
| 21* | $232 | $2,786 |
| 25 | $195 | $2,336 |
| 30* | $153 | $1,831 |
| 35 | $167 | $2,008 |
| 40* | $146 | $1,755 |
| 45 | $160 | $1,923 |
| 50* | $138 | $1,658 |
| 55 | $147 | $1,767 |
| 65* | $137 | $1,648 |
| 75* | $159 | $1,912 |
*Data was taken from 2022 Quadrant information
As mentioned above, drivers in their teens pay the highest car insurance costs of any age group. If you’re shopping for coverage and plan on adding a teen driver to your policy soon, focus on auto insurance companies with good discounts for teens and students. Below are auto insurance rate comparisons for multiple ages in the young driver category.
Below are the estimated car insurance costs that 16-year-old drivers can expect to pay. They may often find affordable quotes from Country Financial, Erie Insurance, Auto-Owners and Nationwide.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Cost Estimate | Annual Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Country Financial | $283 | $3,399 |
| Erie Insurance | $355 | $4,259 |
| Auto-Owners | $372 | $4,459 |
| Nationwide | $403 | $4,835 |
| Geico | $442 | $5,307 |
| State Farm | $460 | $5,514 |
Here, we compare cost estimates for car insurance policies offered to 18-year-olds. They typically find the best quotes through Erie Insurance and Auto-Owners.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Cost Estimate | Annual Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Erie Insurance | $241 | $2,888 |
| Auto-Owners | $244 | $2,923 |
| Geico | $263 | $3,161 |
| State Farm | $278 | $3,340 |
| Nationwide | $344 | $4,132 |
| USAA* | $241 | $2,897 |
*USAA car insurance is limited to military members, veterans and their families.
**Data taken from 2022 information
The comparison chart below has rate estimates for 21-year-old drivers. When you compare car insurance quotes for 21-year-olds, you’ll likely find that Geico and Auto-Owners provide the best rates on average.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Cost Estimate | Annual Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | $154 | $1,844 |
| Auto-Owners | $173 | $2,074 |
| Erie Insurance | $175 | $2,103 |
| Nationwide | $179 | $2,147 |
| State Farm | $194 | $2,322 |
| USAA* | $134 | $1,609 |
*USAA car insurance is limited to military members, veterans and their families.
**Data taken from 2022 information
Below are auto insurance rate estimates for 25-year-old drivers, who tend to find affordable full-coverage car insurance through Nationwide and Travelers.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Cost Estimate | Annual Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | $139 | $1,663 |
| Travelers | $141 | $1,694 |
| Country Financial | $146 | $1,754 |
| Erie Insurance | $150 | $1,796 |
| Geico | $151 | $1,807 |
| USAA* | $152 | $1,825 |
*USAA car insurance is limited to military members, veterans and their families.
Since driving profiles are used as a factor for calculating premiums, motorists in high-risk categories can pay significantly higher rates. Below are rate comparisons that break down the average prices that drivers in each high-risk category pay for auto insurance from the best high-risk car insurance companies.
The table below compares estimated rates for drivers with a speeding ticket who were traveling 16 to 20 mph over the speed limit. If you have a speeding violation on your record and are shopping for quotes, you may find affordable rates from Erie Insurance and State Farm.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Cost Estimate | Annual Cost Estimate |
| Erie Insurance | $141 | $1,690 |
| State Farm | $156 | $1,872 |
| Nationwide | $157 | $1,878 |
| Travelers | $164 | $1,970 |
| Geico | $178 | $2,137 |
| Auto-Owners | $180 | $2,159 |
| American Family Insurance | $194 | $2,333 |
| Progressive | $212 | $2,541 |
| Allstate | $251 | $3,012 |
| USAA* | $152 | $1,828 |
*USAA car insurance is limited to military members, veterans and their families.
Below we compare car insurance costs by state for drivers with a good driving history versus those with speeding tickets.
| State | Annual Cost of Car Insurance for Good Driver | Annual Cost of Car Insurance for Driver With Speeding Ticket | Premium Increase |
| Alabama | $1,775 | $2,096 | 18% |
| Alaska | $1,685 | $1,971 | 17% |
| Arizona | $2,008 | $2,669 | 33% |
| Arkansas | $2,038 | $2,593 | 27% |
| California | $2,313 | $3,298 | 43% |
| Colorado | $2,173 | $2,601 | 20% |
| Connecticut | $1,919 | $2,293 | 19% |
| Delaware | $2,881 | $3,344 | 16% |
| Washington D.C. | $2,218 | $2,626 | 18% |
| Florida | $3,244 | $4,043 | 25% |
| Georgia | $1,973 | $2,344 | 19% |
| Hawaii | $1,656 | $1,942 | 17% |
| Idaho | $1,402 | $1,773 | 26% |
| Illinois | $1,541 | $1,908 | 24% |
| Indiana | $1,587 | $2,097 | 32% |
| Iowa | $1,563 | $1,888 | 21% |
| Kansas | $1,918 | $2,324 | 21% |
| Kentucky | $2,522 | $2,973 | 18% |
| Louisiana | $3,040 | $3,712 | 22% |
| Maine | $1,238 | $1,609 | 30% |
| Maryland | $1,833 | $2,265 | 24% |
| Massachusetts | $2,430 | $3,052 | 26% |
| Michigan | $3,643 | $5,606 | 54% |
| Minnesota | $1,766 | $2,272 | 29% |
| Mississippi | $1,658 | $2,093 | 26% |
| Missouri | $2,104 | $2,490 | 18% |
| Montana | $1,979 | $2,414 | 22% |
| Nebraska | $1,871 | $2,241 | 20% |
| Nevada | $2,788 | $3,461 | 24% |
| New Hampshire | $1,362 | $1,614 | 19% |
| New Jersey | $2,513 | $3,342 | 33% |
| New Mexico | $1,943 | $2,317 | 19% |
| New York | $2,088 | $2,505 | 20% |
| North Carolina | $1,627 | $2,446 | 50% |
| North Dakota | $1,916 | $2,274 | 19% |
| Ohio | $1,599 | $1,955 | 22% |
| Oklahoma | $2,278 | $2,739 | 20% |
| Oregon | $1,925 | $2,480 | 29% |
| Pennsylvania | $1,981 | $2,269 | 15% |
| Rhode Island | $2,357 | $3,072 | 30% |
| South Carolina | $1,845 | $2,362 | 28% |
| South Dakota | $2,291 | $2,740 | 20% |
| Tennessee | $1,524 | $1,857 | 22% |
| Texas | $2,205 | $2,637 | 20% |
| Utah | $1,928 | $2,325 | 21% |
| Vermont | $1,199 | $1,383 | 15% |
| Virginia | $1,781 | $2,172 | 22% |
| Washington | $1,616 | $2,005 | 24% |
| West Virginia | $2,177 | $2,722 | 25% |
| Wisconsin | $1,694 | $2,064 | 22% |
| Wyoming | $1,702 | $2,259 | 33% |
Below, we compare car insurance rate estimates for drivers who have recently been at fault for an accident. If you have a car accident on your record and are shopping for coverage, the most affordable quotes tend to come from State Farm and Erie Insurance.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Cost Estimate | Annual Cost Estimate |
| State Farm | $163 | $1,953 |
| Erie Insurance | $164 | $1,962 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | $175 | $2,095 |
| Travelers | $176 | $2,110 |
| American Family Insurance | $181 | $2,169 |
| Nationwide | $197 | $2,368 |
| Geico | $224 | $2,694 |
| Progressive | $254 | $3,052 |
| Allstate | $341 | $4,094 |
| USAA* | $182 | $2,187 |
*USAA car insurance is limited to military members, veterans and their families.
The table below shows the average annual cost of car insurance for good drivers by state and compares it to drivers who have a recent accident on their record.
| State | Annual Cost of Car Insurance for Good Driver | Annual Cost of Car Insurance for Driver With Accident | Premium Increase |
| Alabama | $1,775 | $2,498 | 41% |
| Alaska | $1,685 | $2,248 | 33% |
| Arizona | $2,008 | $2,938 | 46% |
| Arkansas | $2,038 | $3,001 | 47% |
| California | $2,313 | $4,085 | 77% |
| Colorado | $2,173 | $3,040 | 40% |
| Connecticut | $1,919 | $2,699 | 41% |
| Washington D.C. | $2,218 | $3,235 | 46% |
| Delaware | $2,881 | $3,893 | 35% |
| Florida | $3,244 | $4,608 | 42% |
| Georgia | $1,973 | $2,931 | 49% |
| Hawaii | $1,656 | $2,306 | 39% |
| Idaho | $1,402 | $2,057 | 47% |
| Illinois | $1,541 | $2,193 | 42% |
| Indiana | $1,587 | $2,333 | 47% |
| Iowa | $1,563 | $2,086 | 33% |
| Kansas | $1,918 | $2,924 | 52% |
| Kentucky | $2,522 | $3,655 | 45% |
| Maine | $1,238 | $1,796 | 45% |
| Maryland | $1,833 | $2,958 | 61% |
| Massachusetts | $2,430 | $4,043 | 66% |
| Minnesota | $1,766 | $2,528 | 43% |
| Mississippi | $1,658 | $2,603 | 57% |
| Missouri | $2,104 | $2,992 | 42% |
| Montana | $1,979 | $2,848 | 44% |
| Nebraska | $1,871 | $2,679 | 43% |
| Nevada | $2,788 | $4,112 | 47% |
| New Hampshire | $1,362 | $2,088 | 53% |
| New Jersey | $2,513 | $4,127 | 64% |
| New Mexico | $1,943 | $2,720 | 40% |
| New York | $2,088 | $2,863 | 37% |
| North Carolina | $1,627 | $2,756 | 69% |
| North Dakota | $1,916 | $2,431 | 27% |
| Ohio | $1,599 | $2,341 | 46% |
| Oklahoma | $2,278 | $3,066 | 35% |
| Oregon | $1,925 | $2,945 | 53% |
| Pennsylvania | $1,981 | $2,820 | 42% |
| Rhode Island | $2,357 | $2,605 | 11% |
| South Carolina | $1,845 | $2,496 | 35% |
| South Dakota | $2,291 | $3,300 | 44% |
| Tennessee | $1,524 | $2,227 | 46% |
| Texas | $2,205 | $3,365 | 53% |
| Utah | $1,928 | $2,855 | 48% |
| Vermont | $1,199 | $1,722 | 44% |
| Virginia | $1,781 | $2,636 | 48% |
| Washington | $1,616 | $2,320 | 44% |
| West Virginia | $2,177 | $3,195 | 47% |
| Wisconsin | $1,694 | $2,516 | 49% |
| Wyoming | $1,702 | $2,305 | 35% |
The table below includes average prices for drivers with a DUI. According to our rate estimates, drivers with a recent DUI are likely to find affordable quotes from State Farm, Travelers and Erie Insurance.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Cost Estimate | Annual Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $183 | $2,194 |
| Travelers | $185 | $2,218 |
| Erie Insurance | $206 | $2,474 |
| Progressive | $212 | $2,548 |
| Auto-Owners | $259 | $3,110 |
| Nationwide | $274 | $3,288 |
| Geico | $303 | $3,641 |
| Allstate | $317 | $3,803 |
| Farmers | $442 | $5,309 |
| *USAA | $227 | $2,721 |
*USAA car insurance is limited to military members, veterans and their families.
Below, we compare car insurance rates by state for drivers with a recent DUI who are seeking full-coverage policies.
| State | Annual Cost of Car Insurance for Good Driver | Annual Cost of Car Insurance for Driver With DUI | Premium Increase |
| Alabama | $1,775 | $2,744 | 55% |
| Alaska | $1,685 | $2,261 | 34% |
| Arizona | $2,008 | $3,197 | 59% |
| Arkansas | $2,038 | $3,026 | 48% |
| California | $2,313 | $6,476 | 180% |
| Colorado | $2,173 | $3,123 | 44% |
| Connecticut | $1,919 | $4,073 | 112% |
| Delaware | $2,881 | $4,347 | 51% |
| Washington D.C. | $2,218 | $3,744 | 69% |
| Florida | $3,244 | $4,160 | 28% |
| Georgia | $1,973 | $3,244 | 64% |
| Hawaii | $1,656 | $5,370 | 224% |
| Idaho | $1,402 | $2,350 | 68% |
| Illinois | $1,541 | $2,437 | 58% |
| Indiana | $1,587 | $2,458 | 55% |
| Iowa | $1,563 | $2,697 | 73% |
| Kansas | $1,918 | $3,433 | 79% |
| Kentucky | $2,522 | $4,122 | 63% |
| Louisiana | $3,040 | $4,695 | 54% |
| Maine | $1,238 | $2,647 | 114% |
| Maryland | $1,833 | $3,222 | 76% |
| Massachusetts | $2,430 | $4,442 | 83% |
| Michigan | $3,643 | $8,260 | 127% |
| Minnesota | $1,766 | $3,606 | 104% |
| Mississippi | $1,658 | $3,002 | 81% |
| Missouri | $2,104 | $3,085 | 47% |
| Montana | $1,979 | $3,050 | 54% |
| Nebraska | $1,871 | $3,169 | 69% |
| Nevada | $2,788 | $4,625 | 66% |
| New Hampshire | $1,362 | $2,328 | 71% |
| New Jersey | $2,513 | $4,599 | 83% |
| New Mexico | $1,943 | $2,941 | 51% |
| New York | $2,088 | $2,944 | 41% |
| North Carolina | $1,627 | $6,564 | 303% |
| North Dakota | $1,916 | $2,993 | 56% |
| Ohio | $1,599 | $2,701 | 69% |
| Oklahoma | $2,278 | $3,255 | 43% |
| Oregon | $1,925 | $2,811 | 46% |
| Pennsylvania | $1,981 | $2,977 | 50% |
| Rhode Island | $2,357 | $4,831 | 105% |
| South Carolina | $1,845 | $2,747 | 49% |
| South Dakota | $2,291 | $4,358 | 90% |
| Tennessee | $1,524 | $2,342 | 54% |
| Texas | $2,205 | $3,168 | 44% |
| Utah | $1,928 | $2,677 | 39% |
| Vermont | $1,199 | $2,711 | 126% |
| Virginia | $1,781 | $3,307 | 86% |
| Washington | $1,616 | $2,291 | 42% |
| West Virginia | $2,177 | $4,456 | 105% |
| Wisconsin | $1,694 | $2,605 | 54% |
| Wyoming | $1,702 | $2,957 | 74% |
The table below compares average rate estimates for policies covering drivers with bad credit. If you have a low credit score, Nationwide, Geico, and Travelers tend to offer the lowest car insurance quotes. Keep in mind that California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan don’t use credit as a determining factor for insurance rates.
| Car Insurance Company | Monthly Cost Estimate | Annual Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | $173 | $2,072 |
| Geico | $216 | $2,592 |
| Travelers | $252 | $3,019 |
| USAA* | $228 | $2,737 |
| Erie Insurance | $277 | $3,319 |
| Progressive | $331 | $3,977 |
| Allstate | $354 | $4,244 |
| State Farm | $375 | $4,505 |
| Auto-Owners | $381 | $4,566 |
| Farmers | $461 | $5,528 |
| USAA* | $228 | $2,737 |
*USAA car insurance is limited to military members, veterans and their families.
Below are the state averages for drivers with good credit versus drivers who have bad credit. This chart reveals how costly it can be to have car insurance with bad credit.
| State | Annual Cost of Car Insurance for Good Credit | Annual Cost of Car Insurance for Poor Credit | Premium Increase |
| Alabama | $1,775 | $3,231 | 82% |
| Alaska | $1,685 | $2,692 | 60% |
| Arizona | $2,008 | $6,321 | 215% |
| Arkansas | $2,038 | $3,639 | 79% |
| Colorado | $2,173 | $4,006 | 84% |
| Connecticut | $1,919 | $3,329 | 74% |
| Delaware | $2,881 | $4,917 | 71% |
| Washington D.C. | $2,218 | $3,977 | 79% |
| Florida | $3,244 | $4,796 | 48% |
| Georgia | $1,973 | $3,198 | 62% |
| Idaho | $1,402 | $2,243 | 60% |
| Illinois | $1,541 | $2,956 | 92% |
| Indiana | $1,587 | $2,813 | 77% |
| Iowa | $1,563 | $2,806 | 79% |
| Kansas | $1,918 | $3,304 | 72% |
| Kentucky | $2,522 | $5,090 | 102% |
| Louisiana | $3,040 | $5,632 | 85% |
| Maine | $1,238 | $2,414 | 95% |
| Maryland | $1,833 | $3,123 | 70% |
| Minnesota | $1,766 | $3,991 | 126% |
| Mississippi | $1,658 | $3,093 | 87% |
| Missouri | $2,104 | $3,935 | 87% |
| Montana | $1,979 | $3,031 | 53% |
| Nebraska | $1,871 | $3,983 | 113% |
| Nevada | $2,788 | $4,328 | 55% |
| New Hampshire | $1,362 | $2,712 | 99% |
| New Jersey | $2,513 | $5,767 | 129% |
| New Mexico | $1,943 | $2,943 | 52% |
| New York | $2,088 | $4,904 | 135% |
| North Carolina | $1,627 | $2,440 | 50% |
| North Dakota | $1,916 | $3,597 | 88% |
| Ohio | $1,599 | $2,944 | 84% |
| Oklahoma | $2,278 | $3,408 | 50% |
| Oregon | $1,925 | $3,215 | 67% |
| Pennsylvania | $1,981 | $3,220 | 63% |
| Rhode Island | $2,357 | $4,619 | 96% |
| South Carolina | $1,845 | $3,421 | 85% |
| South Dakota | $2,291 | $4,832 | 111% |
| Tennessee | $1,524 | $2,853 | 87% |
| Texas | $2,205 | $4,072 | 85% |
| Utah | $1,928 | $3,594 | 86% |
| Vermont | $1,199 | $2,201 | 84% |
| Virginia | $1,781 | $3,463 | 94% |
| Washington | $1,616 | $1,845 | 14% |
| West Virginia | $2,177 | $4,123 | 89% |
| Wisconsin | $1,694 | $3,586 | 112% |
| Wyoming | $1,702 | $2,767 | 63% |
*Auto insurance companies can use your credit report to set your rates in every state except California, Hawaii, Michigan and Massachusetts.
Since car insurance rates can vary significantly based on location, it’s important to take a look at the average rates that drivers in your state pay. Car insurance laws differ by state, so the state you live in plays a key role in how your premium is calculated.
Additionally, states with higher population densities, more traffic and higher rates of car theft usually have higher auto insurance rates. We’ll compare rates below for the most and least expensive states in terms of car insurance.
When you compare car insurance rates for the five most expensive states, Michigan residents pay the highest average prices for full-coverage auto insurance.
| Most Expensive States for Car Insurance | Average Monthly Cost of Car Insurance | Average Annual Cost of Car Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $304 | $3,643 |
| Florida | $270 | $3,244 |
| Louisiana | $253 | $3,040 |
| Delaware | $240 | $2,881 |
| Nevada | $232 | $2,788 |
This table shows the five cheapest states for full-coverage car insurance, with Vermont residents paying the lowest rate.
| Cheapest States for Car Insurance | Average Monthly Cost of Car Insurance | Average Annual Cost of Car Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | $100 | $1,199 |
| Maine | $103 | $1,238 |
| New Hampshire | $113 | $1,362 |
| Idaho | $117 | $1,402 |
| Tennessee | $127 | $1,524 |
Our top picks to compare car insurance from are Travelers, State Farm, Erie, USAA and Nationwide. Each of these providers typically offers affordable car insurance, but some are better than others for certain drivers.
Based on the methodology we used to compare car insurance providers, here’s where each company excels:
| Provider | Overall | Award | Industry Standing | Availability | Coverage | Cost | Customer Experience |
| 1. Travelers | 9.5 | Best for Most Drivers | 9 | 10 | 9.8 | 9.8 | 8.7 |
| 2. State Farm | 9.4 | Best Customer Experience | 10 | 9.8 | 9.2 | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| 3. Erie Insurance | 9.4 | Best for Basic Insurance Coverage | 8.9 | 8.1 | 10 | 9.9 | 9.1 |
| 4. USAA | 9.2 | Best for Military Members | 8.9 | 8 | 9.5 | 9.7 | 8.9 |
| 5. Nationwide | 9.1 | Best for Usage-Based Insurance | 8.5 | 9.8 | 8.9 | 9.7 | 8.9 |
| 6. Geico | 9.1 | Best for Budget-Conscious Drivers | 9.7 | 10 | 8.4 | 9.1 | 8.8 |
| 7. American Family | 9.1 | Best for Family Policies | 8.4 | 8.1 | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.2 |
| 8. Liberty Mutual | 9 | Good Programs for Young Drivers | 8.9 | 10 | 9.5 | 9 | 8.2 |
| 9. Progressive | 9 | Best for Tech-Savvy Drivers | 9.5 | 10 | 9.5 | 7.8 | 8.7 |
| 10. Country Financial | 8.9 | Best for High-Risk Drivers | 8.8 | 8.1 | 8.9 | 9.7 | 8.4 |
If you’re shopping for car insurance and are interested in learning more about these providers before reaching out for a quote, click the links inside the table to access company reviews.
In addition to assessing the top auto insurance companies individually, we’ve conducted side-by-side comparison reviews. The chart below highlights how the top auto insurance companies stack up when directly compared with each other.
| Comparison | Bottom Line | |
| Geico vs. Progressive | Geico vs. Progressive | Progressive has more coverage options and Geico has lower average rates. |
| State Farm vs. Geico | State Farm vs. Geico | Geico has more discounts and State Farm has higher claims satisfaction ratings. |
| Allstate vs. Progressive | Allstate vs. Progressive | Progressive has more coverage offerings while Allstate has better claims satisfaction ratings. |
| USAA vs. Geico | USAA vs. Geico | USAA has higher coverage ratings and Geico has higher availability ratings. |
| Allstate vs. Geico | Allstate vs. Geico | Allstate has slightly higher coverage ratings and Geico is a better provider overall. |
When you compare car insurance rates, make sure you take advantage of discount opportunities. Below is a breakdown of common car insurance discounts.
While discounts overlap between providers, the value of the savings varies. For example, State Farm offers a student discount of up to 25%, which is the largest student discount of any leading provider. Geico offers a great multi-vehicle discount of 25% while USAA offers a discount of up to 60% for military personnel who store their vehicles during deployment.
As you shop for coverage, you’ll likely want to compare car insurance providers. Using an auto insurance quote comparison tool shaves time off of the process by giving you multiple quotes from different companies at once.
To start comparing car insurance quotes, use the tool below to get started.
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Shopping for car insurance can seem like a daunting task. In the sections below, we provide an overview of the entire process, including a step-by-step guide on comparing personalized auto insurance quotes.
In most states, you’ll need at least $25,000 in property damage liability coverage and $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident. Additionally, some states require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and either medical payments coverage (MedPay) or personal injury protection (PIP).
Unless you live in New Hampshire or Virginia, your state’s insurance requirements consist of a basic level of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance coverage, which pays for the damage you cause to other drivers. In addition to the amount of coverage legally required by your state, lenders usually mandate that you maintain full coverage on a vehicle with an auto loan.
Getting a policy that just meets your state’s minimum liability limits is the cheapest option, but it may not provide high enough financially protect you from serious at-fault accidents. It also doesn’t cover your car when you cause an accident or encounter environmental damages.
To get full coverage, you’ll want to add comprehensive and collision insurance. Drivers can usually choose between different deductible amounts when selecting these types of insurance. Whether a lower or higher deductible is better for you depends on your needs.
Dr. Samar Issa, assistant professor of economics and finance at Saint Peter’s University, provided us with insight on how to choose between a low or high deductible. A low deductible is “better if you want to avoid a large bill after filing a claim, but your monthly rates will be higher. This is better for drivers with a bad driving record and who do not have a lump sum to pay if an accident occurs,” Issa says. A high deductible, she adds, is “better if you want lower monthly costs. [However,] if you file a claim, you’ll pay more out of pocket.”
The graphic below provides a more detailed description of the various coverage options:
Shopping for car insurance can be broken down into four simple steps:
No matter which way you decide to compare car insurance quotes, you’ll have to share information about each driver in the household. This includes required documentation, any current coverage information, your driving record and your typical annual mileage.
The value of your coverage, your loan status and other personal factors will help to determine how much coverage you need beyond minimum-liability insurance.
Once you have your information ready and know what you’re looking for, you can start shopping for car insurance quotes by:
When you’re happy with the coverage and pricing you’ve found, you can purchase that policy online, over the phone or in person. You can get same-day insurance after you make the first payment, or schedule it to start on a future date. Be sure to overlap your new car insurance policy with your current coverage by one day to avoid any lapse in coverage.
Most online quotes are instant unless you compare car insurance from smaller providers. You just need to provide basic information about yourself, your vehicle and anyone else who drives it. Quotes are usually good for 30 days, so you can continue to shop around and circle back if you don’t find a better policy.
Car insurance comparison tools are usually the quickest ways to get prices from multiple companies. Instead of giving your information to each provider separately, you enter your information once and the tool retrieves quotes from several companies instantly so you can compare rates side by side.
In our January 2022 car insurance survey, 30% of the 1,000 respondents used a quote comparison tool, making it the most popular way to shop for car insurance coverage. But using a comparison tool isn’t your only option. Below are some other ways to get a car insurance quote:
| Direct online quote | While you can get free, instant quotes directly on many provider’s websites, you’ll have to visit each company’s site one by one. This was the second most popular method reported in our survey, with 24% of respondents stating they got online quotes from individual companies. |
| Quote by phone | You can call individual auto insurance providers and receive quotes over the phone. This can give you a more personalized service experience and help you gauge a company’s customer care. Insurance agents generally help you pick out a policy and make sure you’re getting all the auto insurance discounts you’re eligible for. Our survey showed that almost 21% preferred calling companies directly. |
| In-person quote | Visit your local insurance office to get a quote. Be prepared to bring necessary documents with you. While slightly less popular than other options on this list, 16% of respondents would rather talk to an insurance agency or use a broker when shopping for car insurance. |
| Car insurance broker | Give your information to an agent or a broker who will shop around and get quotes for you. A broker works as a middleman between insurers and customers to get you the best deal. Overall, this can be more expensive than contacting a company directly, but it’s a hands-off way of shopping that gives you personalized service. Our survey showed that this was the least popular method of comparing car insurance. |
When you reach out for a quote, always give accurate information. An auto insurer can cancel your policy within 30 to 90 days depending on the state if you leave out something significant, like a teen driver living in your household.
However you decide to compare auto insurance quotes, you’ll be providing information for all people and cars listed on your policy.
You should have the following personal information ready:
You’ll have to provide this vehicle information for all cars listed on the policy:
Be aware that you could lose some discounts later if the information you provided was inaccurate. For example, a usage-based program may reveal that you drive more miles than you estimated, and you could lose your low annual mileage discount.
Because each company has its own process for evaluating driver profiles and assigning rates, estimates can vary widely. For example, a speeding ticket may raise your annual premium by $500 with one provider and $1,000 with another. One company may give you a discount for owning a home or bundling policies, while another might not.
Regardless of the company, car insurance estimates depend on a wide variety of factors that are unique to each driver. Based on your driver profile, what you pay for an auto insurance policy is different from what your friends, relatives and neighbors pay for theirs.
Ultimately, car insurance rates are based on the likelihood that a company will have to pay out claims on your behalf. The more financial risk you represent, the more you’ll have to pay for auto insurance.
Here are the main factors used to determine auto insurance quotes:
Some vehicles have higher repair costs or lower safety ratings, which can increase your premium. Others are more likely to be stolen. For example, full-size pickups, Honda CR-Vs and Kia Optimas all have high rates of theft, according to Insurify.
You won’t be able to control every factor that affects car insurance quotes, but there are steps you can take to get cheaper rates:
Top providers usually list their discounts online, which is helpful when you’re shopping. Here are a few common money-saving opportunities you may find as you compare car insurance policies:
Usage-based safe driving apps generally monitor your speed, braking patterns, how many hours a day you drive and what time you drive to help determine rates. After tracking your driving habits for a certain amount of time, you’ll be assigned a safe driving score and a corresponding discount. However, if you demonstrate poor driving behaviors, some telematics insurance programs can actually raise your rates. Make sure that you’re prepared for that possibility before signing up for a usage-based insurance plan.
If you’re confident in your driving ability, consider enrolling in one of these usage-based programs:
If you don’t drive much, pay-per-mile insurance from Metromile or Nationwide SmartMilesⓇ can be a great choice. Pay-per-mile insurance allows drivers to pay a flat rate per month that is lower than normal insurance, and a rate per mile driven after that. This can be a better option if you work from home or have a shorter commute.
We recommend getting multiple quotes each time your auto policy is up for renewal. It can also be good to shop for auto insurance if you experience a significant life event or if something changes, like:
In our January 2022 car insurance survey, 28% of the 1,000 respondents reported waiting longer than a year before shopping for a new car insurance policy. Over 26% stated that they got quotes every six months, while 25% reported only looking for car insurance once a year.
In this review, we compared insurance rates and went over the steps that go into getting an auto insurance quote. What you pay for coverage can vary significantly between providers — that’s why it’s important to compare car insurance rates from multiple companies each time you shop.
You can use a free price comparison tool like the one below to get quotes from major insurers like Geico, Progressive and State Farm. Be prepared to enter basic information about your vehicle and situation. You can also learn about other top companies for car insurance quotes in the sections below.
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So, which car insurance provider is cheapest overall? The answer depends, but our review team thinks that Geico is generally the top option for budget-conscious drivers. The company ranked first in the New England region (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont), third in New York and fourth in Florida and California in the J.D Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.
If you’re part of a military family, USAA is a great option with high industry ratings, including the second-highest score in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study. It also ranked highly for every region in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study..
Below are commonly asked questions about comparing car insurance quotes.
Based on our cost research, Allstate has some of the highest average car insurance rates in the nation, costing $2,598 per year for a full-coverage auto insurance policy. But prices vary by the individual, meaning your quotes will differ from others’ based on your driver profile and provider.
“Major factors that drivers should consider when comparing car insurance quotes are the types of coverage (including liability, collision, comprehensive and uninsured motorist coverage), policy limits, deductibles, an insurer’s financial strength and the quality and reputation of its claims service.”
USAA typically offers the cheapest car insurance rates for safe drivers with full coverage, based on our research. Policyholders pay about $1,512 per year on average, which is about 25% less expensive than the national average. Erie Insurance, Auto-Owners, State Farm and Progressive can also be affordable providers for many drivers. However, pay attention to the details.
“When comparing prices, make sure that you are comparing apples to apples. You may have one insurer who tells you that they can save you money on the premium but does so by reducing coverage.”
– Steven Gattuso, assistant professor of economics and finance at Canisius University
“When comparing car insurance quotes, consumers should consider coverage limits, deductibles and premiums to ensure adequate protection within budget constraints. Evaluate the insurer’s reputation for customer service, claims processing and financial stability. Examine available discounts. Assess policy features like roadside assistance and rental car coverage. Consider the insurer’s online tools and mobile apps for convenience. Lastly, check customer reviews and seek recommendations to gauge overall satisfaction with the insurer’s services.”
“All drivers would benefit greatly from taking the time to understand the basic types of car insurance available. Always consider the three most important distinctions:
– Angelo DeCandia, MBA, instructor of business at Touro University
“Selecting car insurance is not a simple decision. It requires an understanding of the car insurance industry and how it sets rates, your state’s regulations, coverage requirements and options and of course annual costs. It also requires research into the reputation and reliability of individual car insurers. But ultimately, it requires an assessment of what you can afford and what level of risk and/or protection you are comfortable with.”
– Elaine Luther, D.Sc., professor of business management at Point Park University
“Research is the best way to prepare to select an auto insurance policy. Research each company you are considering. Some independent consumer protection organizations will provide fair information about companies. Consider these independent ratings in addition to customer reviews.
Next, contact agents from different companies and talk with them. Ask about discounts for ‘smart’ tools like apps or trackers you might place in your car to demonstrate your driving. Ask about other discounts you might qualify for. Ask about coverage and deductibles, what other steps you might take to reduce your premiums. Be sure to carefully read the policies the agents propose before you agree to purchase them.”
There are several things you can do to try to keep your auto insurance premiums down.
“Try to maintain a safe driving record and good credit scores. Insurance companies consider both factors when preparing quotes. When researching companies, watch for discounts you may qualify for — such as military, good student and more. Finally, shop often. You may qualify for new discounts or changes in company ratings, so be sure to review your policies annually.”
An auto insurance premium is the rate you’ll pay for coverage over a certain period of time. It’s usually expressed as either a monthly rate or a total price for a six-month or one-year period.
“Auto insurance is based on the driver, the vehicle and the location. The driver variables include, obviously, your driving history — including moving violations, DUIs and more — but also includes things like your credit score and your status. Location is also a factor, with variables such as weather, crime and traffic coming into play.”
Our website offers a tool higher up on the page that allows you to source several quotes at once in exchange for information about you and your vehicle. However, this isn’t your only option.
“There are many online resources that provide you with the most major changes, help you compare multiple insurance policies and provide you with the gist of everything you need to know about insurance policies.”
We recommend choosing full-coverage car insurance (liability plus comprehensive and collision) and high limits of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident. Minimum coverage may be more affordable, but it doesn’t cover damages to your car or injuries if you cause an accident. Ultimately, however, the best auto coverage for you depends on your needs, budget and preferences.
“When comparing car insurance quotes, there are several major factors to consider but they vary amongst consumers. Unless money is no object, price should be paramount. But drivers should also consider customer service, helpful apps and the flexibility of making a claim.”
No, shopping for car insurance doesn’t hurt your credit. Insurance companies may look up your credit score during the quote process, but they use soft credit pulls that don’t affect your report. You can look up insurance quotes without your credit being affected.
It’s usually more expensive to have business car insurance because the minimum limits are greater than standard car insurance limits. If you use your car for business, you should have a business car insurance policy. With standard policies, companies often exclude coverage during commercial use.
You can purchase auto insurance coverage without a driver’s license. However, many insurers ask for driver’s license information as part of the quote process, and you may be turned down if you can’t provide any details.
Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best car insurance companies. We collected data on dozens of auto insurance providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the insurers that scored the most points topping the list.
Here are the factors our ratings take into account:
Our credentials:
