Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Columbia, MO (June 2024)


fact checked icon

Updated: October 3, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

In Columbia, Nationwide offers the cheapest full and minimum coverage policies, while State Farm is the most affordable for families with teens. The best car insurance for customer service is American Family, also topping as the best overall for balancing cost and service. Finding the best policy for you depends on your coverage needs and preferences.

MoneyGeek Logo IconBest & CheapestCar InsuranceColumbia
2024

Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Columbia

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed 43,229 quotes in Missouri, including the city of Columbia, from 11 companies. We used six sources and original research to rate the cheapest companies and develop a scoring system for Columbia insurance providers based on ZIP codes in the city only. Our scores are based on affordability, customer satisfaction, claims experience, coverages offered and financial stability.

recency icon

These rates reflect the cheapest car insurance quotes in Columbia, MO, as of June 2024.

43,229Quotes Analyzed
 
11Companies Compared

Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Columbia

MoneyGeek found that the following companies offer the cheapest car insurance in Columbia:

  • Nationwide: $387 per year
  • Progressive: $424 per year

GEICO has the most expensive minimum coverage policy in Columbia, at an annual premium of $952. That's a significant difference of $565 when compared against the cheapest provider. This stark price variance underscores the importance of shopping around for car insurance, to ensure you're getting the best deal for your needs.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Minimum Coverage
NationwideAnnual Premium$387Monthly Premium$32
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$424Monthly Premium$35
TravelersAnnual Premium$438Monthly Premium$36
State FarmAnnual Premium$497Monthly Premium$41
American FamilyAnnual Premium$500Monthly Premium$42
ShelterAnnual Premium$629Monthly Premium$52
AllstateAnnual Premium$660Monthly Premium$55
KemperAnnual Premium$770Monthly Premium$64
AAAAnnual Premium$804Monthly Premium$67
GEICOAnnual Premium$952Monthly Premium$79

State Minimum Liability Requirements

For all Missouri cities, from Columbia to St. Louis, car insurance requirements are dictated by state law. Here's what you must have at a minimum:

  • $25,000 bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident

If you're at fault in an accident, your minimum coverage insurance will cover up to $25,000 for bodily injury per person affected, $50,000 for everyone injured in the accident. However, if the medical bills shoot beyond these figures, you're paying the difference from your own pocket.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Columbia

MoneyGeek found that Nationwide offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Columbia. Here are the top two insurers:

  • Nationwide: $791 per year
  • American Family: $908 per year

Kemper stands as the most costly option in Columbia, with full coverage policies averaging at $2,180 annually. Full coverage policies are pricier than minimum coverage due to the comprehensive and collision insurance included, which covers a variety of damages to your vehicle, not just liability for damages to others.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
NationwideAnnual Premium$791Monthly Premium$66
American FamilyAnnual Premium$908Monthly Premium$76
TravelersAnnual Premium$962Monthly Premium$80
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,109Monthly Premium$92
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,124Monthly Premium$94
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,348Monthly Premium$112
ShelterAnnual Premium$1,397Monthly Premium$116
AAAAnnual Premium$1,766Monthly Premium$147
GEICOAnnual Premium$2,007Monthly Premium$167
KemperAnnual Premium$2,180Monthly Premium$182

Do You Need Full Coverage in Missouri?

A full coverage policy includes $100,000 for bodily injury per individual, $300,000 for bodily injury per accident and $100,000 for property damage per accident. Informally, professionals refer to this as a 100/300/100 policy.

Full coverage policies go beyond elevated liability limits; they include both comprehensive and collision coverage to offer a robust safety net:

  • Collision Insurance: This provides coverage for your vehicle in the event of a collision, whether with another vehicle or or a stationary object like a tree or light pole. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.

  • Comprehensive Insurance: This coverage insures your vehicle against various types of damage not caused by collisions, including theft, vandalism, fires, natural disasters and being struck by an animal like a deer.

Obtaining full coverage insurance is a prudent step for new car owners to protect their investment. Contrastingly, for older vehicles, the costs of supplementary coverage may surpass the benefits, as it can tack on several hundred dollars.

The key in determining how much car insurance you need is to strike a balance: opting for more coverage can elevate your premiums, yet selecting minimal coverage could leave you inadequately insured.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbia After a Driving Offense

MoneyGeek found that buying full coverage car insurance in Columbia for those with infractions can be more affordable with certain companies. Notably, the cheapest company for drivers with a poor driving record varies based on the type of offense:

  • Speeding Ticket: Nationwide ($1,010 per year)
  • At-Fault Accident: American Family ($1,120 per year)
  • DUI: American Family ($1,075 per year)

On the higher end, Kemper has the most expensive rates for a speeding ticket at $2,557 per year, highlighting the impact offenses have on insurance premiums.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
Incident:
Incident:Speeding
NationwideAnnual Premium$1,010Monthly Premium$84
American FamilyAnnual Premium$1,075Monthly Premium$90
TravelersAnnual Premium$1,243Monthly Premium$104
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,257Monthly Premium$105
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,371Monthly Premium$114
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,703Monthly Premium$142
ShelterAnnual Premium$1,792Monthly Premium$149
GEICOAnnual Premium$2,352Monthly Premium$196
AAAAnnual Premium$2,392Monthly Premium$199
KemperAnnual Premium$2,557Monthly Premium$213

In cities like Columbia, insurance premiums tend to increase with the severity of driving offenses due to the heightened risk to insurers. For instance, drivers with a DUI can expect to pay an average of $2,598 annually, while those caught speeding might see rates around $2,322. It's essential for drivers with infractions to shop around; comparing insurance rates can lead to substantial savings and ensure they find the most competitive offers tailored to their specific situation.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbia for Teens and Their Families

MoneyGeek found the cheapest car insurance for teens in Columbia. Here are the two most affordable providers:

  • GEICO: $1,146 per year for female teens and $1,212 per year for male teens
  • Nationwide: $1,568 per year for female teens and $1,704 per year for male teens

These rates represent the cost for a policy covering a combination of two parents and a teen driver. In comparison, the company with the most expensive teen family policy in Columbia is Kemper, with annual premiums of $6,258 for female teens and a staggering $7,690 for males. This highlights a significant price difference of $5,112 for female teen drivers between the cheapest and most expensive provider.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:16
Gender:
Gender:Female
GEICOFamily Plan Annual Premium$1,146Individual Plan Monthly Premium$7,374
NationwideFamily Plan Annual Premium$1,568Individual Plan Monthly Premium$3,183
State FarmFamily Plan Annual Premium$1,895Individual Plan Monthly Premium$2,520
AllstateFamily Plan Annual Premium$1,962Individual Plan Monthly Premium$4,665
TravelersFamily Plan Annual Premium$2,114Individual Plan Monthly Premium$4,012
ProgressiveFamily Plan Annual Premium$2,777Individual Plan Monthly Premium$5,513
KemperFamily Plan Annual Premium$6,258Individual Plan Monthly Premium$13,844

In Columbia, as well as in other urban centers, the disparity between teen car insurance costs when purchased individually versus being added to a family plan is stark. The average individual annual premium for teen drivers stands at $6,620, in contrast to $2,943 when they are included in a family policy. The heightened rates for individual policies reflect the increased risk insurers associate with insuring inexperienced drivers.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbia for Military Drivers

MoneyGeek found that USAA offers the most affordable full coverage car insurance for individuals with military backgrounds in Columbia.

  • USAA: $695 per year
  • Nationwide: $791 per year

As one of the cheapest options, USAA not only provides competitive rates but also specializes in services tailored to active-duty military members.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
USAAAnnual Premium$695Monthly Premium$58
NationwideAnnual Premium$791Monthly Premium$66
American FamilyAnnual Premium$908Monthly Premium$76
TravelersAnnual Premium$962Monthly Premium$80
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,109Monthly Premium$92
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,124Monthly Premium$94
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,348Monthly Premium$112
ShelterAnnual Premium$1,397Monthly Premium$116
AAAAnnual Premium$1,766Monthly Premium$147
GEICOAnnual Premium$2,007Monthly Premium$167
KemperAnnual Premium$2,180Monthly Premium$182

How to Compare Cheap Columbia Car Insurance Quotes Online

Saving on car insurance in Columbia starts with comparing rates — yet this endeavor can consume more than 15 minutes per company, amounting to an hour or more when assessing multiple insurers. To expedite this process, use MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator, an efficient tool tailored to identify the significant factors influencing rates in your area. By inputting details such as age, driving history, credit score and desired coverage level, you can swiftly receive an accurate estimate, thereby streamlining your decision-making process.

Car Insurance Calculator

MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.

High
Average
Low

Rates updated:

Oct 08, 2024

Shield Insurance
Why You Can Trust MoneyGeek

Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.

Best Car Insurance in Columbia: Overview

Choosing the right auto insurance depends on your preferences for service, cost, coverage and other factors. MoneyGeek's unique scoring system evaluates these aspects distinctly for each category.

  • Best overall: American Family (MoneyGeek score 91 out of 100)
  • Best for service: American Family (MoneyGeek score 90 out of 100)
  • Best cheap: American Family (MoneyGeek score 87 out of 100)

American Family stands out in Columbia as the leading provider, excelling in overall value, customer service and affordability.

Overall Best Car Insurance in Columbia

MoneyGeek found that American Family is the best option for car insurance in Columbia. For those seeking the best car insurance, consider the following providers:

  • American Family: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($908 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 76 out of 100 ($1,124 per year)

American Family stands out with its high satisfaction and affordability scores, contributing significantly to its overall MoneyGeek score.

Company logo for American Family Insurance
Best OverallAmerican Family Insurance
MoneyGeek Score:
91/ of 100

Overview

American Family garners an exceptional MoneyGeek score, primarily due to its stellar scores in satisfaction and coverage, which influence its high overall rating. When examining the common coverages, this insurer provides both rental car and/or travel reimbursement and roadside assistance.

Additionally, with options like accident forgiveness and gap insurance, it caters to customers looking for reasonably common protections. American Family stands out by offering original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage. This coverage ensures that any repairs on a car use original manufacturer parts, maintaining vehicle integrity and resale value.

Best Car Insurance in Columbia for Customer Service

MoneyGeek found that the following companies are the best options in Columbia for consumers seeking top-notch customer service, regardless of cost:

  • American Family: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($907 per year)
  • Shelter: MoneyGeek score of 79 out of 100 ($1,397 per year)

American Family distinguishes itself primarily through its high satisfaction rating, which is a significant component of the MoneyGeek score. Coupled with strong claims processing and coverage options, American Family delivers a top-tier insurance experience.

Company logo for American Family Insurance
Best for Customer ServiceAmerican Family Insurance
MoneyGeek Score:
90/ of 100

Overview

American Family stands out with its excellent customer satisfaction and coverage, contributing to its stellar MoneyGeek score of 90. It offers the two most common car insurance coverages: roadside assistance and rental car and/or travel reimbursement. While American Family lacks certain reasonably common coverages, its high scores make it a solid choice for consumers.

Among the valuable coverages offered, OEM coverage stands out, especially useful for drivers seeking to maintain their vehicle with factory-specific parts after an incident. Accident forgiveness is another practical option, preventing premium spikes after your first at-fault accident.

Best Cheap Car Insurance in Columbia

MoneyGeek found the best options for cheap car insurance in Columbia. While affordability is a significant factor, MoneyGeek’s scoring system also takes into account claims handling and overall customer satisfaction to determine the top choice for consumers.

  • American Family: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100 ($500 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 77 out of 100 ($497 per year)

American Family stands out due to its overall balance of affordability with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and claims handling. Notably, its score reflects its excellence in customer service and claims resolutions for a minimum coverage policy, ensuring drivers in Columbia not only save money but also receive quality service.

Company logo for American Family Insurance
Best Cheap CompanyAmerican Family Insurance
MoneyGeek Score:
87/ of 100

Overview

American Family is distinguished by its outstanding coverage and satisfaction scores, which play substantial roles in achieving its high MoneyGeek score. With an average annual premium of just $500, customers can enjoy the benefits of minimum coverage without breaking the bank.

The company offers a reasonably rare discount for automatic payments and a very rare discount for new customers, allowing drivers to save in diverse ways. American Family’s breadth of discounts includes common ones like bundling, multiple car and safe driving, indicating a wide range of savings opportunities for customers.

Additionally, policyholders can enjoy the benefits of installing air bags, earning a reasonably common discount, and embracing eco-friendly practices with the paperless discount, contributing to both safety and environmental conservation.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Columbia

The average cost of car insurance in Columbia is $1,284, which is less than the Missouri state average of $1,528. In comparison, the Missouri state average is slightly lower than the national car insurance cost of $1,720. Understanding these differences is essential as insurance rates vary by location due to factors like accident rates, theft, weather conditions and other risks involved.

For instance, St. Louis holds the record for the most expensive city insurance premium at $2,030, whereas Columbia is at the other end of the spectrum with the cheapest premium at $1,284. The discrepancy shows how urban areas with higher traffic density often see elevated insurance rates, while more rural or less trafficked areas might benefit from lower rates.

ColumbiaAnnual Premium$1,284
IndependenceAnnual Premium$1,478
Kansas CityAnnual Premium$1,600
SpringfieldAnnual Premium$1,347
St. LouisAnnual Premium$2,030

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.