Updated: May 20, 2025
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Travelers has the cheapest full coverage car insurance at $97 per month, with GEICO second at $100 per month. USAA has the lowest rate at $69 per month for qualifying military members and their families.
Different providers have cheaper full coverage for specific drivers: Nationwide for young drivers and those with bad credit, State Farm for drivers with tickets and accidents, and Progressive for drivers with DUIs.
Full coverage rates vary by state, with the cheapest states offering rates starting at $40 per month.
What is Full Coverage? A comprehensive policy that includes liability coverage (pays for damage to others) plus collision and comprehensive coverage (pays for damage to your own vehicle from accidents, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters).
Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance at an average of $97 per month, which is 15% below the national average of $112, according to our analysis.
Other affordable options include State Farm, Progressive, Nationwide, and GEICO, all offering full coverage at below-average rates. The table below shows how major insurers compare on average monthly costs:
| Travelers | $97 | -13% |
| GEICO | $100 | -10% |
| Nationwide | $105 | -6% |
| State Farm | $109 | -2% |
| Progressive | $111 | -0% |
| Farmers | $124 | 11% |
| Allstate | $133 | 19% |
Although Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage insurance for most drivers on average, your individual rate will depend on your personal circumstances. Here's who offers the cheapest annual rates for different driver profiles:
The table below shows the cheapest full coverage car insurance rates by driver profile to help you find the lowest cost option for your situation.
| Overall | Travelers | $1,161 | $1,336 | $-175 |
| Seniors | Travelers | $1,145 | $1,297 | $-152 |
| After a Speeding Ticket | State Farm | $1,468 | $1,676 | $-207 |
| After an Accident | State Farm | $1,601 | $1,992 | $-391 |
| DUI | Progressive | $1,693 | $2,248 | $-555 |
| Bad Credit | Nationwide | $1,692 | $2,346 | $-654 |
| Military | USAA | $823 | $1,272 | $-449 |
| Young Drivers | Nationwide | $1,857 | $2,247 | $-390 |
| Expensive Cars | State Farm | $1,733 | $2,230 | $-497 |
| Newer Cars | State Farm | $1,419 | $1,747 | $-328 |
Read More: Cheapest Car Insurance
Based on our analysis of 20 major insurance companies, we've ranked providers on a 100-point scale that combines affordability, claims satisfaction, and customer service quality.
| State Farm | 88 | $883 |
| Travelers | 88 | $1,037 |
| GEICO | 88 | $936 |
| Nationwide | 87 | $930 |
| Progressive | 86 | $1,120 |
| Farmers | 86 | $1,192 |
| Allstate | 85 | $1,124 |
Cheapest Full Coverage For Multiple Profiles
State Farm ranks as the best cheap car insurance company for full coverage with a MoneyGeek score of 88/100. State Farm delivers great value at $109 per month for full coverage (slightly below national average) while offering the cheapest full coverage for drivers with violations and those insuring expensive new vehicles.
State Farm is the #1 choice for seniors ($100/month), young drivers (lowest family policy additions at $2,329 annually), and high-risk drivers with tickets or accidents ($133/month). These rates are significantly lower than competitors for these more challenging driver categories.
Exceptional Customer Experience
With perfect scores in customer satisfaction (35/35) and claims processing (20/20), State Farm typically resolves claims within 7-10 days—faster than industry average. Customers consistently praise their responsive local agents and user-friendly mobile app.
Overall Score: 88 out of 100
MoneyGeek Affordability Score: 92 out of 100
Customer Satisfaction Score: 91 out of 100
Cheapest Average Full Coverage Rates
Travelers offers the most affordable full coverage at just $97 per month—13% below national average. They rank first for affordability nationwide and are the top budget provider in 7 states.
Best Claims & Coverage
With perfect scores in claims processing (20/20) and coverage options (10/10), Travelers resolves most claims in about 8 days with transparent updates. They offer valuable extras including new car replacement, accident forgiveness, and comprehensive rideshare coverage.
Customer Service Tradeoffs
While representatives are knowledgeable and efficient, Travelers scores lower on personalized service (71/100) compared to State Farm. Some customers report less individualized attention and occasionally longer wait times.
Overall Score: 88 out of 100
MoneyGeek Affordability Score: 98 out of 100
Customer Satisfaction Score: 71 out of 100
Read More: Best Car Insurance Companies
Your state has one of the biggest impacts on your insurance costs due to differences in:
American Family offers the most affordable full coverage policy in 11 states, while Travelers provides the cheapest full coverage in 6 states. Want to see your state? The complete table below shows the cheapest company and average rate for each state:
| Alabama | Country Financial | $879 | $73 |
| Alaska | GEICO | $1,042 | $87 |
| Arizona | Root Insurance Company | $946 | $79 |
| Arkansas | Southern Farm Bureau | $1,047 | $87 |
| California | CSAA | $542 | $45 |
| Colorado | American National P&C | $1,012 | $84 |
| Connecticut | GEICO | $1,240 | $103 |
| Delaware | Travelers | $1,159 | $97 |
| District of Columbia | Erie | $1,428 | $119 |
| Florida | Travelers | $1,548 | $129 |
| Georgia | Country Financial | $1,262 | $105 |
| Hawaii | GEICO | $669 | $56 |
| Idaho | American Family | $698 | $58 |
| Illinois | American Family | $775 | $65 |
| Indiana | American Family | $638 | $53 |
| Iowa | American Family | $771 | $64 |
| Kansas | American Family | $1,047 | $87 |
| Kentucky | Travelers | $1,078 | $90 |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Farm Bureau | $1,579 | $132 |
| Maine | Progressive | $803 | $67 |
| Maryland | Nationwide | $1,566 | $130 |
| Massachusetts | State Farm | $483 | $40 |
| Michigan | GEICO | $1,033 | $86 |
| Minnesota | American Family | $892 | $74 |
| Mississippi | Direct General Insurance | $1,021 | $85 |
| Missouri | American Family | $1,062 | $88 |
| Montana | State Farm | $758 | $63 |
| Nebraska | American National P&C | $701 | $58 |
| Nevada | Mercury | $1,022 | $85 |
| New Hampshire | Hanover | $800 | $67 |
| New Jersey | Plymouth Rock Assurance | $1,362 | $113 |
| New Mexico | GEICO | $1,117 | $93 |
| New York | Progressive | $1,270 | $106 |
| North Carolina | Erie | $646 | $54 |
| North Dakota | American Family | $744 | $62 |
| Ohio | American Family | $505 | $42 |
| Oklahoma | Progressive | $1,034 | $86 |
| Oregon | Kemper | $775 | $65 |
| Pennsylvania | Travelers | $820 | $68 |
| Rhode Island | Travelers | $1,040 | $87 |
| South Carolina | American National P&C | $834 | $69 |
| South Dakota | American Family | $761 | $63 |
| Tennessee | Travelers | $984 | $82 |
| Texas | Texas Farm Bureau | $932 | $78 |
| Utah | Nationwide | $896 | $75 |
| Vermont | State Farm | $739 | $62 |
| Virginia | Virginia Farm Bureau | $864 | $72 |
| Washington | PEMCO | $835 | $70 |
| West Virginia | GEICO | $1,286 | $107 |
| Wisconsin | American Family | $677 | $56 |
| Wyoming | Farmers | $870 | $72 |
Read More: Car Insurance Rates by State
When looking for the cheapest full coverage policy, driver age is a significant factor. Younger drivers usually pay much higher rates due to their higher risk. Teens and new drivers face the highest costs, prices drop after age 25, and then rates start climbing again for senior drivers.
See the tables below for the cheapest full coverage rates by age group.
With average rates of $180 per month, State Farm has the cheapest full coverage car insurance for young drivers ages 16–25 carrying an individual policy. For young drivers in the same age group on a family plan, the cheapest full coverage car insurance is from Nationwide and costs $155 per month on average:
| Travelers | $195 | -7% | $176 | -6% |
| State Farm | $180 | -15% | $186 | -1% |
| Progressive | $247 | 17% | $215 | 15% |
| Nationwide | $220 | 4% | $155 | -17% |
| GEICO | $174 | -18% | $161 | -14% |
| Farmers | $260 | 23% | $238 | 27% |
| Allstate | $202 | -5% | $180 | -4% |
Most teens under 18 can't legally purchase their own auto insurance policy without a parent or guardian to co-sign, but it is much cheaper to add a younger driver (even if 18 or older) to a family plan.
Read More: Cheapest Car Insurance for Teens
Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance for senior drivers, averaging $95 for a monthly premium. The table below shows the full list of providers offering cheap full coverage car insurance policies for senior drivers.
| Travelers | $95 | -12% |
| Nationwide | $97 | -10% |
| GEICO | $100 | -8% |
| State Farm | $100 | -7% |
| Progressive | $107 | -1% |
| Farmers | $122 | 13% |
| Allstate | $136 | 26% |
Often, discounts are the best way for drivers 55 and older to find the cheapest rates. Seniors may find discounts for homeowners, veterans and low-mileage drivers.
Read More: Car Insurance Discounts for Senior Citizens
Drivers with speeding tickets, DUIs or accidents are often viewed by insurance providers as high-risk, resulting in higher premiums. See the cheapest full coverage policies for high-risk drivers by company below:
With full coverage rates averaging $122 per month and 12% below the national average, State Farm offers the best full coverage car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket.
| State Farm | $122 | -12% |
| Travelers | $132 | -5% |
| GEICO | $133 | -5% |
| Nationwide | $133 | -5% |
| Progressive | $144 | 3% |
| Allstate | $156 | 12% |
| Farmers | $157 | 13% |
Read More: Cheapest Car Insurance For High Risk Drivers
State Farm has the cheapest full coverage car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident with average rates of $133 per month. The table below shows average full coverage rates from different companies for drivers after an at-fault accident:
| State Farm | $133 | -20% |
| Travelers | $142 | -14% |
| Nationwide | $160 | -3% |
| GEICO | $167 | 0% |
| Progressive | $179 | 8% |
| Allstate | $187 | 13% |
| Farmers | $193 | 16% |
Read More: Cheapest Car Insurance After an Accident
The cheapest provider for a driver with a DUI is Progressive, with average rates of $141 per month, 25% below the national average. Despite having a DUI on your record, you can still find cheap full coverage car insurance. See the table below for a comparison of car insurance companies providing full coverage policies for drivers with DUIs.
| Progressive | $141 | -25% |
| State Farm | $149 | -20% |
| Travelers | $165 | -12% |
| Farmers | $172 | -8% |
| Allstate | $201 | 7% |
| Nationwide | $216 | 15% |
| GEICO | $267 | 42% |
Read More: Cheapest Car Insurance After a DUI
Nationwide is the cheapest full coverage car insurance provider for drivers with poor credit, with rates averaging $141 per month, 28% below average. Travelers and GEICO also offer full coverage policies that are cheaper than average for drivers with poor credit:
| Nationwide | $141 | -28% |
| Travelers | $161 | -17% |
| GEICO | $170 | -13% |
| Farmers | $191 | -2% |
| Progressive | $202 | 3% |
| Allstate | $205 | 5% |
| State Farm | $298 | 52% |
Best and Cheapest for Bad Credit
Nationwide emerges as the best option for drivers with poor credit, offering full coverage at $141 per month – a remarkable 28% below the industry average for this category. While most insurers dramatically increase rates for those with credit challenges, Nationwide provides the most affordable protection.
Balanced Performance
With a solid MoneyGeek score of 82/100, Nationwide delivers reliable performance across key metrics. Their claims processing is efficient and straightforward, while their customer satisfaction scores demonstrate their commitment to resolving issues effectively regardless of a customer's credit history.
Value-Added Options
Nationwide offers competitive rates ($105/month overall) with comprehensive coverage options that include vanishing deductibles and accident forgiveness. Their On Your Side Review provides annual policy checkups to ensure drivers maintain appropriate coverage as their situations change, making them particularly helpful for those rebuilding their financial standing.
Overall Score: 87 out of 100
MoneyGeek Affordability Score: 85 out of 100
Customer Satisfaction Score: 82 out of 100
Insurance providers consider credit-based insurance scores when calculating car insurance rates in most states, except California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan. Drivers in states like New York, Arizona and Nebraska, could see their rates more than double if they have poor credit. Improving your credit score will likely significantly decrease your full coverage cost.
Read More: Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers With Bad Credit
With rates averaging $69 per month, USAA offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance for military drivers, veterans and their families. Travelers and GEICO are also worth considering based on military discount offerings available from the two companies:
| USAA | $69 | -35% |
| Travelers | $97 | -9% |
| GEICO | $100 | -5% |
| Nationwide | $105 | -1% |
| State Farm | $109 | 3% |
| Progressive | $111 | 5% |
| Farmers | $124 | 17% |
| Allstate | $133 | 26% |
Full coverage protects your car by adding collision and comprehensive coverage. Here is our recommendation for cars that need full coverage:
REQUIRED:
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:
In general, any vehicle worth more than $5,000 benefits from full coverage protection. The sections below show which companies offer the best rates for newer and expensive vehicles.
High-value vehicles like sports cars, luxury sedans and EVs are costly to repair or replace. While these vehicles are more expensive to insure, full coverage car insurance tends to be worth it more often. With average rates of $144 per month, State Farm has the cheapest full coverage car insurance for expensive vehicles:
| State Farm | $144 | -22% |
| GEICO | $155 | -17% |
| Nationwide | $162 | -13% |
| Travelers | $177 | -5% |
| Progressive | $188 | 1% |
| Allstate | $235 | 27% |
| Farmers | $240 | 29% |
Read More: Cheapest Car Insurance for Luxury Cars
Full coverage car insurance is typically required if you're financing a newer vehicle. Even without financing, full coverage may be worth the investment for newer cars, depending on your financial situation and the vehicle's value. Our analysis shows State Farm offers the cheapest full coverage insurance for newer vehicles, with average rates of $118 per month - making it more affordable to protect your recent purchase.
| State Farm | $118 | -19% |
| GEICO | $121 | -17% |
| Nationwide | $126 | -13% |
| Travelers | $134 | -8% |
| Progressive | $158 | 8% |
| Farmers | $179 | 23% |
| Allstate | $184 | 26% |
Read More: Cheapest cars to insure
To ensure you get the best full coverage option for your needs, explore the following sections for guidance on choosing the right policy. This will help you find the balance between coverage and cost, tailored to your situation.
Take the following steps to ensure you pay the lowest rate for your full coverage policy.
As your vehicle ages and life circumstances change, your coverage needs shift. Annual reviews prevent overpaying for unnecessary protection. Evaluate your car's value against your driving habits and local risk factors. See our guide to determining your coverage needs.
Insurance companies calculate risk differently, so rates can vary by hundreds of dollars for identical coverage. Always get quotes from at least 3-5 providers.
Most insurers offer significant savings through:
Increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 typically lowers premiums by 10-15%. Make sureyou have savings to cover this amount if needed.
Many insurers offer 5-10% discounts for paying your entire premium upfront, potentially saving hundreds annually by eliminating installment fees.
Avoiding tickets, accidents, and violations can save you substantially. Consider telematics programs that reward safe driving habits with lower rates.
In most states, better credit means lower premiums. Drivers with poor credit pay an average of 105% more. Even improving one credit tier can save approximately 17% ($384 annually). Focus on paying bills on time, reducing debt, and correcting any errors in your credit report.
Many drivers overestimate their annual mileage. Those driving under 7,500 miles annually can save 15-30% on premiums. Check maintenance records or track your driving for a month to calculate your actual mileage.
Read More: How to Reduce Your Car Insurance Costs
On average, full coverage car insurance costs $1,343 per year. The cost you pay for full coverage car insurance depends on several factors like your age, location, driving record and coverage choices. When it comes to coverage choices, two factors that heavily influence the cost of full coverage car insurance are your liability limits and deductibles.
| 100/300/100,000 | $1,343 | $1,500 |
| 100/300/100,000 | $1,377 | $1,000 |
| 300/500/300,000 | $1,454 | $1,500 |
| 300/500/300,000 | $1,488 | $1,000 |
| 100/300/100,000 | $1,501 | $500 |
| 300/500/300,000 | $1,613 | $500 |
Read More: Average Cost of Car Insurance
Increasing your deductible can help you get cheaper full coverage car insurance. Based on the average cost of full coverage policies for 100/300/100 coverage, here are the savings:
While these higher deductibles mean lower monthly payments, remember that you'll need to pay more out-of-pocket when filing a claim. Choose a deductible that balances premium savings with what you can realistically afford to pay in an emergency situation.
When choosing full coverage car insurance, consider these key factors to find the right protection level:
Most experts recommend liability coverage of at least 100/300/100 ($100,000 bodily injury per person, $300,000 per accident, $100,000 property damage), plus comprehensive and collision with deductibles you can comfortably afford in an emergency.
See our guide to determining how much car insurance coverage you need.
Your age, driving record, and other personal factors determine your full coverage car insurance costs. The table below shows average rates for different driver types, helping you see how insurers might price your policy:
| After a Speeding Ticket | $1,676 | 25% |
| After an Accident | $1,992 | 49% |
| Bad Credit | $2,346 | 76% |
| DUI | $2,248 | 68% |
| Expensive Cars | $2,230 | 67% |
| Military | $1,272 | -5% |
| Newer Cars | $1,747 | 31% |
| Seniors | $1,297 | -3% |
| Young Drivers | $2,247 | 68% |
While knowing average rates and the cheapest providers is helpful, the only way to get your actual cost for full coverage car insurance is to get personalized quotes. Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the most affordable price for your specific situation. The link below lets you enter your information once and receive quotes from several providers, making it easier to compare options and find the cheap full coverage car insurance that meets your needs.
Read More: Car Insurance Calculator
Discounts can significantly reduce your full coverage costs. Insurance providers offer various discounts to reward safe driving, customer loyalty, and other factors that statistically lower risk.
Full coverage car insurance combines liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. While states only require liability insurance that covers damage you cause to others, full coverage adds protection for your own vehicle against accidents, theft, and weather damage. This coverage is typically required for financed or leased vehicles.
Insurance Coverage | What It Covers | What to Consider |
|---|---|---|
Covers costs for property damage or injuries to others if you're at fault in an accident. | Doesn't cover your own damages. State laws usually require this, but consider purchasing limits above the minimum for better protection. Leasing or financing may require additional coverage, like GAP insurance. | |
Comprehensive Coverage | Pays for repairs to your vehicle from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, fire, weather or animal damage. | Optional unless required by a lender. Ideal if you live in high-risk areas for theft or natural disasters. Not related to collisions. |
Collision Coverage | Covers repairs to your vehicle if it's damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object, or from an at-fault accident. | Also optional but often required for financed cars. It includes at-fault accidents and pothole damage but excludes commercial use. |
Full coverage auto insurance generally provides extensive protection, but it does have certain limitations. It typically does not include coverage for the following:
Unless you add Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments coverage, your own injuries won't be covered after an accident.
Normal wear and tear or depreciation of your car isn't covered. This includes issues like worn-out tires, faded paint or aging mechanical parts.
Full coverage doesn't cover repairs for mechanical failures or breakdowns. You'll need a separate mechanical breakdown insurance policy or extended warranty for that.
Using your personal vehicle for ridesharing, deliveries, or other commercial purposes requires separate business coverage.
Aftermarket modifications or accessories like custom paint jobs, stereo systems or spoilers may not be covered under full coverage. You might need additional coverage for these items.
Your full coverage policy won't typically cover injuries to your pets in an accident. You can usually add a pet injury rider to your policy for an extra fee.
Personal items stolen from your vehicle are covered by homeowners/renters insurance, not auto insurance.
Full coverage car insurance policies are often flexible, offering a variety of add-on coverages and allowing you to select deductibles that fit your budget. Depending on the car insurance provider, you can add these coverages to your policy for an additional cost:
Add-On Coverage | Description |
|---|---|
Covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers, regardless of fault, often required in no-fault states. | |
Provides help with services like towing, fuel delivery and tire changes if your car breaks down or you’re stranded. | |
Pays for medical and funeral expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault, supplementing health insurance. | |
This covers your expenses if you're in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or insufficient coverage. | |
Covers the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired due to a covered accident. | |
Covers the cost of basic roadside services like tire changes, jump-starts and towing. | |
Covers the difference between the car's actual cash value and the amount you owe on the loan if your car is totaled. | |
Prevents your rates from increasing after your first at-fault accident. | |
Provides coverage for drivers who use their personal vehicles for ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft. | |
If your new car is totaled in an accident, this coverage provides you with the funds to purchase a brand-new car of the same make and model, rather than just the depreciated value of your totaled car. | |
Better Car Replacement | This coverage offers you a car that is one model year newer and has fewer miles than your totaled car, giving you a better replacement option. |
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance | This coverage ensures that any replacement parts used for repairs on your vehicle are original equipment from the manufacturer rather than aftermarket parts. |
Full coverage car insurance is more expensive than state minimum coverage because it includes comprehensive and collision protections, covering damages to your own vehicle from accidents, theft or natural disasters. Liability-only policies only cover damage or injury you cause to others.
Why This Expanded Protection Costs More?
Below are the profile factors impacting the cost of your policy.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Full Coverage Car Insurance
Below are the factors that determine how much your individual rate will cost for a full coverage car insurance policy:
Vehicle Model and Age
Gender
Liability Limits
Driving Record
Driver Age and Experience
Location
Credit History
Previous Claims
Deductible Amount
State Laws
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Read More: Why Car Insurance Is So Expensive
On average, full coverage car insurance costs $701 per year more than liability-only car insurance, with annual full coverage rates averaging $1,296 per year and annual liability-only rates averaging $595 per year. Depending on the provider, the difference in annual rates between full coverage and liability-only coverage can range from $582 to $789 per year:
| Allstate | $740 | $1,596 | $857 |
| Farmers | $789 | $1,488 | $698 |
| GEICO | $665 | $1,204 | $539 |
| Nationwide | $598 | $1,260 | $662 |
| Progressive | $772 | $1,335 | $562 |
| State Farm | $730 | $1,308 | $578 |
| Travelers | $582 | $1,161 | $579 |
Read More: Liability vs. Full Coverage Car Insurance
Experts recommend full coverage unless your car's actual cash value (ACV) is low. You shouldn't pay more in premiums than the car's worth, as some add-ons may exceed repair costs. Use resources like Kelley Blue Book to assess your vehicle's value. If insurance costs are too high compared to its value, especially for older cars, liability-only might suffice. If you can afford repairs or replacement out-of-pocket, full coverage may not be necessary.
Full coverage provides financial protection for your vehicle against accidents and unexpected events. It's required for most financed or leased vehicles. This coverage is also valuable if you have a newer or expensive vehicle that would be costly to repair or replace.
Consider full coverage if you drive frequently or commute daily, as this increases your accident risk. It's also beneficial if you live in areas with high theft rates or severe weather conditions since it covers your vehicle against theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.
If you're financing or leasing your vehicle, your lender will almost certainly require full coverage to protect their investment until the loan is paid off.
For vehicles less than 5 years old, full coverage prevents significant out-of-pocket expenses if your car is damaged or totaled.
Spending significant time on the road increases your accident risk. Full coverage ensures you're protected regardless of fault or circumstances.
If you live in an area prone to severe weather, theft, or vandalism, comprehensive coverage reimburses you for damage that liability-only policies won't cover.
Read More: Do You Need Full Coverage on a Used Car?
Consider switching to liability-only coverage when:
Even if you own your vehicle outright with no loan requirements, maintaining full coverage on a newer or valuable car is still recommended to protect your investment.
The most affordable full coverage providers nationwide are:
Cheapest full coverage car insurance for specific drivers::
Next steps:
Below are common questions about cheap full coverage car insurance:
Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage insurance at $97 monthly, with GEICO following at $100. Nationwide has the lowest rates for young drivers and those with bad credit. State Farm is most affordable for drivers with tickets and at-fault accidents. Progressive has the best rates for DUI drivers. USAA costs just $69 monthly for eligible customers.
To save on full coverage car insurance in six easy steps:
To save money on full coverage car insurance after a DUI, compare quotes from multiple insurers, take defensive driving courses for possible discounts and consider higher deductibles. Maintaining a clean record over time can also lower your premiums as the violation ages.
Adding a young driver to a family policy is often much cheaper than getting an individual policy for the teen.This approach can significantly lower premiums while providing the necessary coverage for a young driver.
To save on full coverage auto insurance after an accident, consider increasing your deductible, taking a defensive driving course or exploring pay-per-mile insurance. Additionally, inquire about other discounts like those for safe driving or car safety features. If standard insurers are too costly, consider non-standard insurance companies specializing in high-risk drivers.
If your insurer raises rates after a ticket, you can still find affordable coverage by comparing quotes from at least three companies and asking about discounts like bundling or good student discounts. Consider accident forgiveness if available and maintain a clean driving record to lower rates over time. Defensive driving courses may also help reduce points in some states.
It's advisable to review your policy and shop around for quotes annually to ensure you're still getting the most robust coverage for the best price, especially as your life circumstances and coverage needs change.
Full coverage offers more comprehensive financial protection, covering not just the other driver's expenses in an at-fault accident, but also your own vehicle's damages and other potential risks. Liability-only insurance is generally cheaper but offers limited protection, covering only the other driver's expenses if you're at fault in an accident.
State Farm, the largest U.S. auto insurer, operates in 48 states and Washington, D.C., offering competitive rates and comprehensive coverage options like rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance. It excels in customer satisfaction, scoring 877 in a J.D. Power survey, above the industry average. State Farm provides a variety of discounts, including multi-vehicle and home-auto bundles, making it a popular choice for various driver profiles.
According to MoneyGeek data comparing liability-only and full coverage policies:
Full coverage is the best way to financially protect yourself and your vehicle in the event of an accident or damage to your car. Once you own your car, you may choose to lower your insurance premium by dropping full coverage. However, you should take into account if you are ready to cover the cost of damage, repair and medical bills that you might encounter if you drop your policy and get into an at-fault accident. Usually, you only want to drop full coverage when your car value is very low.
Yes, full coverage car insurance is usually cheaper for older cars because they have a lower market value, which reduces the insurer’s potential payout in case of damage or theft. As a car ages, its depreciation lowers repair or replacement costs, leading to reduced premiums for comprehensive and collision coverage. However, it’s important to assess whether full coverage is still worth the cost for very old cars, as liability-only coverage may be more cost-effective.
If your policy payment is lower than 10% of the value of your car, you may choose to purchase or keep a full coverage policy. However, there are other factors to consider when determining if a full coverage policy is right for you.
If you lease or finance your vehicle, full coverage is typically required by the lender. If you own your car outright, comprehensive and collision coverage aren’t mandatory, but they’re recommended for valuable vehicles. For older cars, consider dropping full coverage if the premium and deductible exceed the car’s value.
No. Comprehensive insurance alone covers damages to a car that did not occur from an accident. This may include damage from fire, extreme weather events, vandalism or theft. In most cases, full coverage includes comprehensive insurance as well as collision insurance.
Not every insurer will define full coverage the same way. But it usually refers to policies that add comprehensive and collision insurance to the minimum liability insurance requirements mandated by your state. Comprehensive and collision insurance protects you against the cost of damages to your vehicle, on and off the road. Liability insurance protects you against the cost of damages to others when you’re at fault.
Full coverage typically covers the policyholder and any other drivers listed on the policy. However, it may not extend to other drivers who use your car occasionally but are not listed on the policy. Always check your policy's details to understand who is covered.
Several factors influence the cost, including your age, driving history, location, vehicle type, credit score, and coverage limits. Insurers also consider factors like annual mileage, accident history, and whether you bundle policies with other types of insurance.
Yes, in most states, insurers use credit scores to determine rates, as lower scores are associated with higher claim risks. Drivers with excellent credit typically pay significantly less for full coverage than those with poor credit. However, some states, like California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts, prohibit insurers from using credit scores to set rates.
Yes, many insurers offer discounts for bundling auto and homeowners (or renters) insurance. Bundling can reduce full coverage premiums by 10–25% depending on the insurer and policy details. It also simplifies policy management by consolidating multiple policies under one provider.
Yes, full coverage insurance for electric cars is generally more expensive due to higher repair costs, specialized parts, and expensive battery replacements. However, some insurers offer discounts for eco-friendly vehicles, which may help offset the higher base premium.
Higher annual mileage increases the risk of accidents, leading to higher premiums. Drivers who log fewer miles—especially under 7,500 per year—may qualify for low-mileage discounts or usage-based insurance programs that charge based on driving habits.
Pay-per-mile and usage-based insurance programs can be significantly cheaper for low-mileage drivers. These plans track mileage or driving habits (like braking and acceleration) and adjust premiums accordingly. They can be a cost-effective option for those who drive less than the national average of 12,000–15,000 miles per year.
Yes. Most of the major insurance companies offer monthly and other flexible payment plans that minimize or eliminate upfront car insurance deposits for low or no down payment. Most companies allow credit card payments and allow you to chose a payment date that works for you.
Data Depth and Overview
Overall, MoneyGeek analyzed 2,474,515 quotes, from 607 companies, across 3,523 ZIP codes to determine the cheapest full coverage car insurance for drivers of various profiles and needs.
Driver Profiles
To find the cheapest full coverage car insurance MoneyGeek created an average driver profile to collect rates from insurers. This profile includes the following characteristics:
To collect data on rates for specific driver characteristics, the average driver profile was modified by geographic location, age, credit score and driving history — such as adding a ticket, a DUI or an accident — to the standard driver profile.
Defining Full Coverage
Unless specifically indicated, when MoneyGeek makes a recommendation about the cheapest full coverage company and respective premium on this page, we are referencing a 100/300/100 policy. This is shorthand for:
Learn more about full coverage.
Learn more about state minimum coverage requirements.
How We Ranked Best Providers for Affordability
MoneyGeek used sources such as AM Best, J.D. Power, the Crash Network report card and quote data from Quadrant Information Services and state insurance departments to determine the best affordable car insurance providers. To create a score for each insurer, MoneyGeek created a weighted ranking system using the following weights:
Car insurance rates presented are based on data collected two months ago.
Learn more about MoneyGeek's auto insurance methodology.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
