Car insurance Companies can be costly, especially if you have tickets, accidents, a teenager, or other risk factors hiking your rates. But it’s possible to meet state requirements, protect yourself and your property, and avoid paying more than you must with affordable policies through some of the best car insurance companies.
Best Cheap Car Insurance of 2023
- State Farm Auto Insurance: Best Overall
- USAA Auto Insurance: Best for Military Members
- GEICO Auto Insurance: Best for Cheap Coverage
- The Hartford Auto Insurance: Best for Seniors
- California Casualty Auto Insurance: Best for Heroes
- Progressive Auto Insurance: Best for High-Risk Drivers
Compare The Best Cheap Car Insurance
On State Farm’s website
Overall Ratings
817
A++
Pros
- Nationwide presence
- High customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction rankings
- Discounts for bundling insurance products
Cons
- Quotes are only available through captive agents (who only quote State Farm)
- Pricing may be higher or products unavailable for high-risk drivers
- Rates may rise quickly for households with teen drivers
On USDA’s website
Overall Rating
871
A++
Pros
- Low rates for eligible buyers
- Coverage is available in all 50 states and Washington, DC
- Auto policies can be bundled with other insurance plans and financial products
Cons
- Only available to military, veterans, and their families.
- Claims may take longer than with some other providers
The Expert’s Take
USAA Auto Insurance could be a great option if you’re a current or former military member; no one else is eligible. Coverage is available in all 50 states, and premiums are generally affordable.
Product Details
- USAA auto insurance is open to the military, veterans, and their families
- Discounts for safe driving and more
On GEICO’s website
Overall Rating
824
A++
Pros
- A national presence with coverage in all 50 states
- Buyers can bundle with homeowners, renters, and other insurance products
- Offers some of the most competitive auto insurance rates
- Claims adjusters may be able to reduce or eliminate deductibles on some claims
Cons
- Customer satisfaction varies across products
- Claims process may be longer than some competitors based on customer reviews
offers auto, homeowners, and life insurance. It’s been around since 1936 and generally offers some of the lowest rates. However, customer satisfaction may be an issue.
Product Details
- Discounts for safe driving, good grades, military, and more
- Available in all 50 states
On Hartford’s website
Overall Rating
860
A+
Pros
- Highly ranked for customer satisfaction
- Provides discounted rates across all 50 states for senior drivers
Cons
- Coverage is exclusively available to AARP members
- Drivers with a mixed driving history may not qualify
The Expert Take
The Hartford offers auto, homeowners, and renters insurance. It’s been around since 1810 and is known for providing excellent customer service and a wide array of benefits for AARP members.
Product Details
- Accident forgiveness for the first accident
- New car replacement coverage
- Only available to AARP members
On CALCA’s website
Overall Rating
B+
Pros
- The company offers affordable rates for nurses, firefighters, peace officers, teachers, and other heroes
- Agents offer customers extra coverages tailored to heroes like deductible-free protection for teachers while at school or other work-related tasks
- Benefits may be available for surviving spouses in certain circumstances
- Partners with MexPro to offer auto insurance in Mexico
Cons
- Not all medical professionals or heroes qualify for coverage
- California Casualty is only available in a limited number of states
- California Casualty is not available to the general public
The Expert Take
California Casualty offers auto and homeowners insurance to teachers, nurses, firefighters, and other heroes. Its partnership with MexPro also provides auto insurance for heroes traveling to Mexico.
On Progressive’s website
Overall Rating
842
A+
Pros
- Coverage available in all 50 states
- Discounts for bundling insurance products with competitive rates
- Highly rated with JD Power and AM Best
Cons
- Rates may jump significantly after your first accident or for higher-risk drivers
- Mixed reviews on claims and customer service on sites like Consumer Affairs and Trustpilot
The Expert Take
A highly ranked and long-standing insurance company, Progressive offers auto, home, motorcycle, and other insurance across the United States.
Product Details
- Ranked #17 out of 18 in auto claims satisfaction
- Bundling, vehicle safety, and student driver discounts
- Low rates
- Name your price tool
How Can I Find the Best Price on Car Insurance?
Knowing the factors that affect car insurance rates, such as your credit, can help you identify ways to save. Here are the easiest ways to find a good deal on cheap car insurance.
Shop Around
To find the best price on car insurance, compare car insurance quotes from at least three companies for the same level of coverage. Because rates can vary wildly among companies, shopping around is the best way to get the biggest potential savings.
Choose a Higher Deductible
If you have collision and comprehensive coverage, choosing a higher car insurance deductible is another reliable method for lowering your insurance bill. (There is no deductible for liability insurance.)
Ask About Discounts
Many car insurance discounts will be automatically applied to your bill, such as “pay in full” discounts. But sometimes your insurance company won’t know you’re eligible for a discount, so it’s good to ask. For example, if you have a high school or college-age driver who gets good grades, ask about a good student discount.
What Is Car Insurance?
Car insurance is a contract between you and the insurance company that provides you with specific coverage in exchange for your premium payments. Your car insurance policy is the contract that outlines what you can make claims for.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost?
Car insurance costs an average of $2,067 a year, based on expert analysis from large car insurance companies. That’s $172 per month, on average.
