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.
Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Columbia, MO (June 2024)
Nationwide offers the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Columbia, Missouri, at $387 annually. American Family is rated best overall, with a MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100.
Mark Fitzpatrick
Head of Insurance, MoneyGeek
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](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/15/cant-keep-up-with-insurance-premiums-heres-what-to-do.html), [NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/flooded-cars-are-problem-their-owners-future-car-buyers-n1278493) and [Mashable](https://mashable.com/article/tesla-insurance-rates). 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.
Mark Friedlander
Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
Mark Friedlander has over 30 years of experience in financial services and insurance. He is the Director of Corporate Communications at the [Insurance Information Institute (III)](https://www.iii.org/) — a New York-based nonprofit research and education organization focused on providing consumers with a better understanding of insurance — serving as a national insurance industry media spokesperson for broadcast, digital and print outlets. Before joining the III, Friedlander held senior communications roles at Main Street America Insurance, Arthur Andersen LLP and Prudential Financial. His recent contributions and appearances include The Washington Post, The New York Times, Bloomberg, CNN, Fox Weather, the Associated Press, Reuters, National Public Radio (NPR), NBC News, ABC News, CNBC and many more national and regional news outlets. Friedlander holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations from the Ohio State University.
Jlyne Ubina
Content Editor
Jlyne Ubina is a MoneyGeek content editor with over 10 years of experience in news and web content writing and research editing, covering topics such as business, economics and technology. She previously worked at a multinational media organization and a global market intelligence firm.
Mark Fitzpatrick
Head of Insurance, MoneyGeek
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](https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/15/cant-keep-up-with-insurance-premiums-heres-what-to-do.html), [NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/flooded-cars-are-problem-their-owners-future-car-buyers-n1278493) and [Mashable](https://mashable.com/article/tesla-insurance-rates). 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.
Mark Friedlander
Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
Mark Friedlander has over 30 years of experience in financial services and insurance. He is the Director of Corporate Communications at the [Insurance Information Institute (III)](https://www.iii.org/) — a New York-based nonprofit research and education organization focused on providing consumers with a better understanding of insurance — serving as a national insurance industry media spokesperson for broadcast, digital and print outlets. Before joining the III, Friedlander held senior communications roles at Main Street America Insurance, Arthur Andersen LLP and Prudential Financial. His recent contributions and appearances include The Washington Post, The New York Times, Bloomberg, CNN, Fox Weather, the Associated Press, Reuters, National Public Radio (NPR), NBC News, ABC News, CNBC and many more national and regional news outlets. Friedlander holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations from the Ohio State University.
Jlyne Ubina
Content Editor
Jlyne Ubina is a MoneyGeek content editor with over 10 years of experience in news and web content writing and research editing, covering topics such as business, economics and technology. She previously worked at a multinational media organization and a global market intelligence firm.
Updated: October 3, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
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.
These rates reflect the cheapest car insurance quotes in Columbia, MO, as of June 2024.
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.
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
- Full Coverage
- Minimum Coverage
Nationwide | Annual Premium$387 | Monthly Premium$32 |
Progressive | Annual Premium$424 | Monthly Premium$35 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$438 | Monthly Premium$36 |
State Farm | Annual Premium$497 | Monthly Premium$41 |
American Family | Annual Premium$500 | Monthly Premium$42 |
Shelter | Annual Premium$629 | Monthly Premium$52 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$660 | Monthly Premium$55 |
Kemper | Annual Premium$770 | Monthly Premium$64 |
AAA | Annual Premium$804 | Monthly Premium$67 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$952 | Monthly 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.
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
- Full Coverage
- Minimum Coverage
Nationwide | Annual Premium$791 | Monthly Premium$66 |
American Family | Annual Premium$908 | Monthly Premium$76 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$962 | Monthly Premium$80 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$1,109 | Monthly Premium$92 |
State Farm | Annual Premium$1,124 | Monthly Premium$94 |
Progressive | Annual Premium$1,348 | Monthly Premium$112 |
Shelter | Annual Premium$1,397 | Monthly Premium$116 |
AAA | Annual Premium$1,766 | Monthly Premium$147 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$2,007 | Monthly Premium$167 |
Kemper | Annual Premium$2,180 | Monthly 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.
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
- Full Coverage
- Minimum Coverage
- Accident
- DUI
- Speeding
Nationwide | Annual Premium$1,010 | Monthly Premium$84 |
American Family | Annual Premium$1,075 | Monthly Premium$90 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$1,243 | Monthly Premium$104 |
State Farm | Annual Premium$1,257 | Monthly Premium$105 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$1,371 | Monthly Premium$114 |
Progressive | Annual Premium$1,703 | Monthly Premium$142 |
Shelter | Annual Premium$1,792 | Monthly Premium$149 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$2,352 | Monthly Premium$196 |
AAA | Annual Premium$2,392 | Monthly Premium$199 |
Kemper | Annual Premium$2,557 | Monthly 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.
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- Female
- Male
GEICO | Family Plan Annual Premium$1,146 | Individual Plan Monthly Premium$7,374 |
Nationwide | Family Plan Annual Premium$1,568 | Individual Plan Monthly Premium$3,183 |
State Farm | Family Plan Annual Premium$1,895 | Individual Plan Monthly Premium$2,520 |
Allstate | Family Plan Annual Premium$1,962 | Individual Plan Monthly Premium$4,665 |
Travelers | Family Plan Annual Premium$2,114 | Individual Plan Monthly Premium$4,012 |
Progressive | Family Plan Annual Premium$2,777 | Individual Plan Monthly Premium$5,513 |
Kemper | Family Plan Annual Premium$6,258 | Individual 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.
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
- Full Coverage
- Minimum Coverage
USAA | Annual Premium$695 | Monthly Premium$58 |
Nationwide | Annual Premium$791 | Monthly Premium$66 |
American Family | Annual Premium$908 | Monthly Premium$76 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$962 | Monthly Premium$80 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$1,109 | Monthly Premium$92 |
State Farm | Annual Premium$1,124 | Monthly Premium$94 |
Progressive | Annual Premium$1,348 | Monthly Premium$112 |
Shelter | Annual Premium$1,397 | Monthly Premium$116 |
AAA | Annual Premium$1,766 | Monthly Premium$147 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$2,007 | Monthly Premium$167 |
Kemper | Annual Premium$2,180 | Monthly 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.
Rates updated:
Oct 08, 2024
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.
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.
Ranks 1st for general customer satisfaction
Ranks 2nd for claims satisfaction
Ranks 2nd for cost
Offers rare coverages like OEM coverage
MoneyGeek ranks Columbia's top car insurers by prioritizing customer satisfaction and cost-effectiveness, with claims service, coverage options and fiscal soundness also key.
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.
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.
Ranks 1st for general customer satisfaction
Ranks 2nd for claims satisfaction
Offers rare coverages like OEM coverage
MoneyGeek ranks Columbia's car insurance primarily on customer satisfaction and claims experience, with coverage options and financial solidity also playing roles.
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.
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.
Offers reasonably common and rare discounts
Ranks 2nd for claims satisfaction
Ranks 1st for general customer satisfaction
MoneyGeek ranks Columbia's top car insurance, prioritizing affordable minimum coverage and customer satisfaction with attention to claims, coverage options and financial strength.
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.
Columbia | Annual Premium$1,284 |
Independence | Annual Premium$1,478 |
Kansas City | Annual Premium$1,600 |
Springfield | Annual Premium$1,347 |
St. Louis | Annual Premium$2,030 |
About Mark Fitzpatrick
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.