Best Full Coverage Car Insurance (2024)

When selecting full coverage car insurance, aim to balance affordability and quality service. Look into the company's claims process and customer satisfaction, and make sure it offers all the coverage types you need.

While a low premium is appealing, a robust and reliable policy should be your ultimate goal.

When it comes to balancing quality and affordability in full coverage car insurance, State Farm takes the lead:

• State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($883 per year, $74 per month)
• GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($936 per year, $78 per month)
• Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($1,037 per year, $86 per month)

State Farm's yearly premiums edge out GEICO's by 6%, even though GEICO is often touted for its low rates. State Farm also outperforms Travelers in affordability.

While State Farm offers a broad array of discounts and essential coverage types for all kinds of drivers, Travelers might be your go-to if you're looking for specialized add-ons like new car replacement.

To find the best car insurance for your needs, compare quotes from at least three companies. Each company uses its own underwriting criteria, factoring in age, insurance history, credit data and driving history, among other factors, to determine premiums. You may get varied quotes for identical coverage, but the best choice will be a company that handles claims efficiently, offers consistent customer service and provides the coverage options you need.

State Farm dominates the list, offering the best rates for a wide range of ages, from teenagers to seniors. GEICO takes the lead in the young adult to middle-aged categories, while Travelers stands out for those at age 60.

State Farm is a standout for teen drivers, offering the lowest rates. It also provides rental reimbursement and new car replacement, along with popular student discounts.

Since young drivers often face steep premiums, we generally suggest parents add their teens to their existing insurance policies for more affordable rates.

State Farm is a good starting point for high-risk drivers, as it offers coverage to those with violations on their records and has the lowest rate increase after an accident.

If you're a driver with poor credit, consider getting a quote from Travelers, as it offers moderately priced rates and exceptional service, boasting a MoneyGeek score of 91 in this category.

• Best for Drivers With a Ticket: State Farm — $1,008 per year
• Best for Drivers With an Accident: State Farm — $1,091 per year
• Best for Drivers With a DUI: State Farm — $1,231 per year
• Best for Drivers With Poor Credit: Nationwide — $1,755 per year

High-risk drivers with a record of traffic violations often face elevated car insurance rates, coming in second only to teen drivers. But that doesn't mean you have to compromise on service or cost — even high-risk drivers can find the best car insurance companies that offer both competitive rates and premium service.

State Farm, GEICO and Travelers are the best options for drivers with a ticket on their record. These companies scored the highest on MoneyGeek's evaluations and offer relatively low rates, making them a solid choice for those looking to balance cost and quality.

• State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($1,008 per year, $84 per month)
• GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($1,226 per year, $102 per month)
• Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($1,412 per year, $118 per month)

The more tickets you have and the worse the violation, the higher your insurance rates will be. Most insurers raise rates for three to five years via a premium surcharge, even after a first moving violation like a speeding ticket.

State Farm is our pick for the best and cheapest car insurance after an accident, offering top-notch service and the lowest rates for drivers of all ages. While Travelers and GEICO offer quality service, they don't match State Farm's affordability.

• State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($1,091 per year, $91 per month)
• Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($1,506 per year, $126 per month)
• GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100 ($1,546 per year, $129 per month)

While the average cost of a full coverage policy spikes by 67% to $1,467 after an at-fault accident, State Farm's rates remain significantly lower, saving you over $400 each year compared to the average. You can avoid a multi-year premium surcharge with accident forgiveness coverage, but State Farm only offers this to long-time customers who have been with the company for a minimum of nine years with no at-fault accidents on their record.

State Farm consistently provides the best cheap car insurance for drivers with bad records. Travelers, although not as budget-friendly, shines with unique coverage options and top-notch customer service. Progressive stands out for its low rates and various unique discounts and coverages.

• State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($1,231 per year, $103 per month)
• Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($1,729 per year, $144 per month)
• Progressive: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($1,448 per year, $121 per month)

If you've had a serious violation such as a DUI or reckless driving, your state may require you to obtain SR-22 insurance or FR-44 insurance, which are not actual coverages but prerequisites for reinstating your license. Once you file the required forms, you can look for a full coverage policy. Expect your rates to double on average for three to five years via a premium surcharge after being convicted of a DUI. For those struggling to find coverage, non-standard auto insurance specializes in high-risk drivers.

You can still get reliable car insurance with bad credit with Travelers, State Farm or GEICO. Travelers offers reasonable rates for diverse driving histories. State Farm, while usually a front-runner, takes second place in this category. GEICO remains a strong option, consistently offering quality full coverage across many driver profiles.

• Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($1,755 per year, $146 per month)
• State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($2,420 per year, $202 per month)
• GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($1,568 per year, $131 per month)

If you have poor credit, your car insurance cost by state and credit can vary significantly.

According to MoneyGeek's data, a poor credit history could double your insurance costs. Four states prohibit credit as a rating factor: California, Massachusetts, Michigan and Hawaii. Drivers in states like New York, Arizona and Nebraska, on the other hand could see their rates more than double. So, while the impact varies by state, a poor credit history will generally cost you more for the same coverage.

"Full coverage" typically means a policy that includes liability, collision and comprehensive insurance, along with other optional coverages you may choose.

Full coverage car insurance isn't an insurance product; it's a term that describes a policy with a mix of coverages, which can include collision and comprehensive insurance and optional add-ons like gap insurance and rideshare coverage. Keep in mind, though, that these policies don't cover commercial use, so you may not be covered if you're in an accident while using your car for business.

Whether you drive a new or expensive car, are frequently on the road, live in a high-risk area for theft or weather-related accidents or finance or lease your vehicle, full coverage car insurance provides a range of protections that can save you from significant financial setbacks.

While you want robust coverage, you shouldn't pay more in premiums than your car's value, as some add-ons may cost more than occasional out-of-pocket repairs. Use third-party sources like Kelley Blue Book to gauge your car's worth; if insurance quotes represent a high proportion of this value, especially for older vehicles, liability-only insurance might be enough.

Ultimately, you can forego a full coverage policy if you can afford to replace or repair your car without insurance.

MoneyGeek found that, on average, a 40-year-old male drive with a Toyota Camry with $1,000 deductible will pay:

• For a 100/300/100 full coverage policy: $1,054 per year, $88 per month
• For a 300/500/300 full coverage policy: $1,138 per year, $95 per month

When picking a deductible for comprehensive car insurance, you usually have choices like $500, $1,000, or $1,500. Keep in mind, the higher the deductible, the lower your premiums will be. Just make sure you'll have that amount on hand if something happens.

To find the best full coverage car insurance, start by evaluating your specific needs, such as the age and value of your car, and get quotes from at least three providers for comparison. Pay attention to customer reviews for insights on claims handling and customer service, and use the 10% rule to ensure you're not overpaying relative to your car's value.

To save on full coverage car insurance, consider options like home and auto bundles for discounts and always inquire about other discounts you may qualify for, such as safe driver or multi-car discounts. You can also manage costs by opting for higher deductibles, maintaining a good driving record and paying your premium in one lump sum.

Finding the best full coverage car insurance is a personal process, unique to your own needs and situation. MoneyGeek answers common questions to guide you in making the right coverage choices.