bestauto insuranceKentucky2022The Best Car Insurance in Kentucky for 2022
The best car insurance companies offer a balance of financial stability, affordability and customer service. State Farm is Kentucky's best auto insurance company, having the highest rating for affordability. Furthermore, the company was rated the best for customer satisfaction and tied for second-best rating in claims rating.
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Advertising & Editorial DisclosureLast Updated: 9/20/2022
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Mark Fitzpatrick
MoneyGeek analyzed car insuraance companies based on rates, customer service and other considerations. While State Farm was named the best auto insurance provider in Kentucky, depending on your specific circumstances, you may find more suitable alternatives.
Additionally, if you're less concerned with service quality and more concerned with cost, MoneyGeek's study might help you find the cheapest auto insurance plans in Kentucky.
bestauto insuranceKentucky2022The Best Car Insurance in Kentucky
Best Overall - State Farm
Best for Customer Service - Erie
Best on a Budget - State Farm
Best for Poor Driving Record - State Farm
Best for Military - USAA
Best for Young Drivers - State Farm
Best for New Cars - Travelers
Best for Low-Mileage Drivers - Nationwide
Best Car Insurance Companies in Kentucky: Overall
In Kentucky, State Farm is the overall best car insurance company. The following are the top two car insurance companies in Kentucky based on MoneyGeek’s ranking system.
- State Farm: 4 out of 5
- GEICO: 4 out of 5
MoneyGeek gave USAA a high rating of 4.9 out of 5, making it the best of all companies. However, their policies are exclusively accessible to current and former military members.
MoneyGeek's analysis of the best auto insurance companies in Kentucky considered a number of factors, including claims history, customer satisfaction and affordability.
The Top 5 Car Insurance Companies in Kentucky
1
State Farm
Score:4.4
State Farm quotes about $872 per year for its car insurance plans. It ranked first in affordability and user satisfaction and tied for first in claims. Its rideshare insurance is a unique add-on coverage.
More About State Farm
Aside from liability coverage, State Farm's rideshare insurance add-on assures that your auto insurance policy's medical, roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement coverages continue to be in force while you work for a ridesharing company. The coverage takes your personal policy's deductible into consideration, even if it is smaller than the ridesharing company's.
Read MoneyGeek's State Farm auto Insurance Review2
GEICO
Score:4.3
GEICO quotes about $874 per year for its car insurance policies. It ranked second in affordability and tied for first in claims and second in user satisfaction ratings. It offers mechanical breakdown insurance.
More About GEICO
Cars under 15 months old and under 15,000 miles in mileage can get GEICO's Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) that covers all parts and systems. A dealer-extended warranty is more expensive and does not cover all parts and systems. If your car isn't driveable for more than 24 hours due to an accident covered by your policy, GEICO will reimburse you up to a certain amount for a rental car.
Read MoneyGeek's GEICO auto Insurance Review3
Travelers
Score:3.7
Traveler's average quote of $1,310 gives it an average affordability rating. It was rated best in financial stability and tied for first in claims. The company offers a gap insurance add-on.
More About Travelers
Gap insurance, often known as loan/lease insurance, can be useful for people who have financed or leased a car. If your car is totaled, this coverage may pay the difference between the car's true cash value and the unpaid balance of your auto loan or lease. Travelers' Responsible Driver PlanSM includes accident forgiveness. This coverage forgives one accident within a defined timeline, thereby protecting your premium from hikes caused by isolated incidents.
Read MoneyGeek's Travelers auto Insurance Review4
Allstate
Score:3.6
Allstate tied for second-best in financial stability and first in claims ratings. Its average annual cost of $1,250 gave it an average affordability rating. The company's portable electronics and media coverage is a unique benefit.
More About Allstate
Allstate offers a unique coverage, the portable electronics and media coverage add-on, for comprehensive coverage policies, which covers loss to any tapes, compact discs or similar goods used with your vehicle's sound system. Its Ride for Hire can cover you during the coverage gap that occurs when your app is on and you're waiting for a ridesharing company's assignment.
Read MoneyGeek's Allstate auto Insurance Review5
Progressive
Score:3.2
Progressive quotes a yearly average of $1,575. It tied for the second-best financial stability rating and received an average affordability rating. The company provides a one-of-a-kind custom parts coverage.
More About Progressive
You may repair or replace unique accessories like a radio and navigation system or even a paint job with Progressive's custom parts and equipment add-on coverage. Additionally, its rideshare insurance protects your injuries or damages if you are involved in an accident while waiting for a ride request, in accordance with your car insurance policy.
Read MoneyGeek's Progressive auto Insurance ReviewHOW WE DETERMINED THE BEST INSURANCE IN KENTUCKY
MoneyGeek determined the best full coverage car insurance policies in Kentucky by evaluating quotes from several providers and comparing them to the NAIC's and J.D. Power's customer satisfaction and claim ratings. However, each insurance company has a different way of estimating quotes and considers a number of important variables. For more details on this study, see MoneyGeek's approach.
MoneyGeek's Kentucky Car Insurance Resources:
Compare the Best Insurance Options in Kentucky
The cost of car insurance in Kentucky has been found to be influenced by the insurance provider’s service quality, coverage and financial soundness. Additionally, other factors like your driving history can impact the cost. You should also assess whether the insurer can meet your insurance coverage requirements. You may compare the best car insurance companies in Kentucky by using MoneyGeek's in-depth analysis of each.
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Best Car Insurance in Kentucky for Customer Service
The following two companies are the best in Kentucky in terms of customer service:
- Erie: 5 out of 5
- Auto-Owners Insurance: 4 out of 5
MoneyGeek rated the best auto insurance companies in Kentucky for this category entirely on user satisfaction and claims history, without considering the cost of a policy.
The Top 2 Car Insurance Companies in Kentucky for Service Quality
1
Erie
Score:4.7
Erie was rated as the best company in Kentucky for customer service based on its high claims score of 5 out of 5 and for receiving 4.5 for customer satisfaction and financial stability.
More About Erie
If your new car gets totaled, Erie's Better Car Replacement coverage will replace it with the most recent model if you've had it for less than two years. If you have had your car for more than two years, you will receive a model that is two years newer. After three claims-free years, there is no surcharge the first time you are at fault in an accident if you opt for its Accident Forgiveness add-on.
Read MoneyGeek's Erie auto Insurance Review2
Auto-Owners Insurance Co
Score:4.3
Auto-Owners Insurance got the highest financial stability score of 5 and tied for first place with a 4.5 score in customer satisfaction and a 4 out of 5 in claims.
More About Auto-Owners Insurance Co
When you drive your new car off the lot, its value begins to depreciate. If you are involved in an accident, you are responsible for the difference between the vehicle's initial purchase price and the outstanding debt on your lease or loan. The difference will be covered by the company's Gap Insurance coverage. Even if you repair an accident-damaged car with OEM components, its value will be lowered. However, if you choose the company's Diminished Value Coverage, you will be compensated for your vehicle's diminished value.
Read MoneyGeek's Auto-Owners Insurance Co auto Insurance ReviewBest Car Insurance in Kentucky for Drivers on a Budget
State Farm is the best car insurance company in Kentucky for drivers on a budget. Drivers who are trying to save money may only want to buy the state minimum insurance.
The best providers for drivers on a budget are:
- State Farm: 4.4 out of 5
- GEICO: 4.3 out of 5
MoneyGeek evaluated insurers in Kentucky based on how much they quote for a minimum insurance policy.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: State Farm
pros
An affordable minimum coverage policy at $428 per year on average
It offers discounts for insuring two or more vehicles and for bundling home or renters insurance to auto insurance. There’s a discount on medical payments coverage for insuring new cars.
Claims score of 4 out of 5 and user satisfaction ratings of 4.5 out of 5
cons
No discounts for making payments in full or for paperless billing.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Policyholders of State Farm can receive discounts for bundling home, renters, condo or life insurance with auto insurance, as well as insuring multiple vehicles. Better yet, being a safe driver with no charged violations for three years in a row might qualify you to savings.
Additionally, State Farm policyholders qualify for discounted rates when their vehicles are equipped with anti-theft devices and airbags. Plus, if your car was manufactured in 1994 or later, you may be eligible for a discount on medical payments coverage.
Best Car Insurance in Kentucky for Poor Driving Records
In Kentucky, State Farm ranks as the best provider for drivers with poor driving records.
The following are the top two providers for this category:
- State Farm: 4.5 out of 5
- GEICO: 4 out of 5
MoneyGeek rated Kentucky's auto insurance companies for drivers who have a history of traffic violations, such as being involved in at-fault accidents. The best companies strike a balance between cost and customer service for drivers with bad records.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: State Farm
pros
An affordable full coverage policy for drivers with a bad driving history at $1,006 per year
Provides roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement coverages as an add-on
Claims score of 4 out of 5 and user satisfaction ratings of 4.5 out of 5
cons
Does not offer accident forgiveness, new car replacement or better car replacement coverages
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
State Farm offers the cheapest auto insurance in Kentucky for those with a poor driving record, costing about $1,006 per year. The company receives a claims rating of 4 and an overall customer satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of five.
The following add-on coverages are available from State Farm, even if you have a poor driving history:
- Roadside assistance: This includes services such as mechanical assistance, tire replacement, towing and the supply of fuel, oil, batteries, etc. If you misplace your key or get yourself locked out of your vehicle, you will be entitled to one hour of locksmith service.
- Rental car reimbursement: If you are at fault in an accident with your rental car, State Farm reimburses you for car rental costs up to certain limits, travel expenditures up to $500 and deductible repayment up to $500.
Best Car Insurance in Kentucky for a Military Background
According to MoneyGeek, USAA is the top auto insurance company in Kentucky for current and past military members. The company scored 5 out of 5 points for financial stability, claims history and affordability and 4.5 for user satisfaction.
An average military driver's state minimum auto insurance coverage from USAA costs an average of $369 per year, but roughly $1,141 per year for those at fault in an accident.
Examining USAA's services reveals some benefits and drawbacks, including the following:
MoneyGeek’s Pick: USAA
pros
An affordable full coverage policy of $1,141 per year on average for poor drivers
Claims score of 5 out of 5, user satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5
Offers accident forgiveness coverage
Offers loyalty discounts
cons
Policies are only accessible to current and former military personnel and their families
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Apart from offering some of the most affordable insurance plans available in Kentucky, USAA takes pride in providing exceptional customer care to its policyholders. The company's reputation is well-known throughout the country.
The following are some noteworthy benefits from USAA.
- Rental car and/or travel reimbursement: With this add-on coverage, the cost of a rented vehicle will be covered while your car is being repaired following a covered loss.
- Accident forgiveness: By remaining accident-free for five years with USAA, you will not be imposed a surcharge for your first at-fault accident. You will have to pay extra for this add-on coverage.
- Legacy discount: If you are under the age of 25 and were previously covered by your parent's USAA insurance but are now purchasing your own USAA policy, you can get discounted premiums.
- New vehicle discount: When insuring your car three years or newer, you’re entitled to discounted rates from USAA.
Best Car Insurance in Kentucky for Young Drivers and Students
For young drivers and students, State Farm is the top-rated insurance company in Kentucky.
The following companies are the cheapest and best in the state for young drivers:
- State Farm: 4.3 out of 5
- GEICO: 4.1 out of 5
You can find the best car insurance coverage in Kentucky offering a balance of affordability and quality service even if you are a student or a young driver.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: State Farm
pros
Affordable quotes for adding students and young drivers at around $2,603 per year
Offers good student, driver's education and distant student discounts
Highest user satisfaction score of 4.5 out of 5
4 out of 5 score for claims ratings
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
It’s expensive to insure students and young drivers or to add them to a parent's policy. State Farm offers affordable rates to them while providing superior customer service. Because young drivers are more likely to file claims, having strong customer service can be advantageous.
Students enrolled full-time and earning a B average, 3.0 GPA or top 20% of class rank can get a good student discount. Those under 25 who live away from home and only drive at home are eligible for a distant student discount. Drivers under 21 on the policy can get a driver's education discount by completing an approved driver education course.
Best Car Insurance in Kentucky for Those With New Cars
Travelers earned the highest MoneyGeek rating for this category in Kentucky, with a score of 3.7 out of 5.
MoneyGeek's research looked at the best auto insurance companies in Kentucky for those with new cars. It is recommended that new drivers add new car replacement coverage to their policy. If your new car is damaged within the first few years, the coverage will pay for a similar model and brand.
Additionally, if your insurer offers better car replacement coverage, you may be able to purchase a newer model of car to replace your damaged one. Insurers typically offer this coverage for vehicles that are less than five years old. This coverage is not included in your standard policy and must be purchased as an add-on.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: Travelers
pros
Affordable policies costing an average of $1,310 per year
Offers new car replacement coverage
Claims rating of 4 out of 5
cons
User satisfaction ratings of 3.5 out of 5
Doesn’t offer better replacement coverage
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
With its affordability and new car replacement coverage, Travelers is an excellent choice for drivers with new cars. Because your car loses value as soon as you drive it off the lot, this coverage might help you acquire a new automobile if you have an accident soon after purchasing one.
Travelers' Premier New Car Replacement coverage replaces your new car with a brand new car of the same make and model if it is totaled during the first five years.
Best Car Insurance in Kentucky for Low-Mileage Drivers
Kentucky's top-rated pay-per-mile program is Nationwide SmartMiles.
Quite a few insurance providers offer pay-per-mile coverage. This policy allows you to pay for car insurance depending on the number of miles you drive, providing a discount to those who drive less frequently.
MoneyGeek’s Pick: Nationwide
pros
Offers affordable policies to those who drive very little.
User satisfaction and claims ratings of 4 out of 5
cons
This coverage is more expensive than standard auto insurance for frequent drivers
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
SmartMiles, Nationwide's pay-per-mile program for Kentucky’s drivers, provides a base rate as well as a variable rate depending on total miles driven. The best part is that this program only counts the first 250 miles of a road trip in a single day. Those who seldom drive, but take occasional road trips may profit greatly from this. Plus, your safe driving skills may qualify you for additional discounts.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Kentucky in For You
Choosing the best auto insurance plan in Kentucky involves a number of considerations. Likewise, you should choose a company that maintains a proper balance between service quality, affordability and financial stability.
MoneyGeek used these factors to rate the top auto insurance in the state, but you should do your own research to determine which insurance company and plan best suits your needs.
1
Research Customer Service Reputations in Kentucky
To discover the top insurers in Kentucky, MoneyGeek gathered auto insurance quotes from multiple providers using a sample driver profile and compared NAIC complaint ratios and J.D. Power's customer satisfaction scores. In addition to MoneyGeek's suggestions, you may dig into J.D.Power's ratings and the NAIC complaint index to see which provider is the best fit for your requirements. Additional insurance information is available on the website of the state department of insurance.
2
Compare Quotes for Yourself
For this study, MoneyGeek looked at insurance rates for a sample driver rather than the entire state. To obtain a better picture of the state's typical rates and coverage, you must compare quotations from at least three different insurance companies.
3
Make Sure the Company Has Coverages You Want in Kentucky
Before purchasing vehicle insurance, be sure the business you're considering provides the coverage you need and any discounts or incentives you may be qualified for. Some insurers may offer a discount or coverage but fail to specify whether it is available in Kentucky.
4
Double-Check Financial Stability Ratings
When buying insurance, check the company's financial stability. Large insurance companies are more likely to pay claims quickly and equitably. Regional insurance firms may not be financially sound, resulting in poor handling of claims.
FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in Kentucky
Several factors, like the amount of coverage you need, determine your premium in Kentucky. We've addressed some of the state's most commonly asked questions regarding auto insurance.
Methodology
MoneyGeek's review of the best car insurance in Kentucky is based on industry-leading assessments from J.D. Power, AM Best and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). We reviewed 1,152 quotes from nine carriers across eight ZIP codes in Kentucky to identify the top auto insurance carriers.
Because costs and service quality may vary significantly amongst drivers, we limited our study of the best car insurance companies in Kentucky to a specific driver profile before evaluating which companies received the highest MoneyGeek rankings.
We used the following weightings to obtain a composite MoneyGeek score:
- General customer and claims satisfaction (60%): MoneyGeek rated Kentucky providers on a scale of one to five based on customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction surveys conducted by J.D. Power, with each survey accounting for 30% of the final score.
- Affordability (30%): In Kentucky, MoneyGeek assigned each provider a one-to-five-point affordability score, with the cheapest provider eligible for a perfect score.
- Financial stability (10%): MoneyGeek assessed Kentucky car insurance companies' ability to pay claims by examining their financial strength ratings from AM Best.
We also adjusted the weightings for some categories. For example:
- Affordability was weighted 0% in the category of best customer service.
- The “best on a budget” category used an insurance policy with the minimum level of coverage rather than a policy with full coverage.
- In some categories, we adjusted affordability scores to represent rates for specific types of drivers.
- When insurance companies offered particular coverages that their competitors did not, we formed qualitative judgments.
In order to examine a full coverage policy, we utilized the following limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $100,000 property damage liability
- Comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
MoneyGeek collected premium data by creating a sample driver profile for a 40-year-old male who drives a Toyota Camry and has no traffic violations or accidents. Calculating average rates for a full coverage policy was achieved via the use of MoneyGeek's auto insurance methodology. We gathered and analyzed quotes in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services.
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