Updated: April 15, 2025
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Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage auto insurance at $93 per month. GEICO is the second cheapest option at $121 per month. Certain policies are cheaper depending on your profile and coverage level.
Nationwide provides the cheapest full coverage rate for young drivers and those with bad credit.
State Farm is the most affordable option for drivers with tickets and at-fault accidents. Progressive offers the best full coverage rate for drivers with a DUI. USAA is cheapest at $69 per month for those that qualify.
What is Full Coverage Car Insurance? A policy that combines liability coverage (which pays for damage you cause to others) with comprehensive and collision (which pay for damage to your own vehicle). Full coverage protects your vehicle against accidents, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.
Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance at an average of $97 per month, which is 15% below the national average of $112, according to our analysis.
Other affordable options include State Farm, Progressive, Nationwide, and GEICO, all offering full coverage at below-average rates. Keep in mind that insurers calculate premiums differently based on individual driver profiles, so full coverage rates for the same person can vary from $97 to $133 per month.
| Travelers | $97 | -13% |
| GEICO | $100 | -10% |
| Nationwide | $105 | -6% |
| State Farm | $109 | -2% |
| Progressive | $111 | -0% |
| Farmers | $124 | 11% |
| Allstate | $133 | 19% |
Although Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage insurance for most drivers on average, your individual rate will vary based on personal factors. We've highlighted the cheapest full coverage car insurance rates by driver profile below to help you find the lowest cost that includes comprehensive and collision coverage
| Overall | Travelers | $1,161 | $1,336 | $-175 |
| Seniors | Travelers | $1,145 | $1,297 | $-152 |
| After a Speeding Ticket | State Farm | $1,468 | $1,676 | $-207 |
| After an Accident | State Farm | $1,601 | $1,992 | $-391 |
| DUI | Progressive | $1,693 | $2,248 | $-555 |
| Bad Credit | Nationwide | $1,692 | $2,346 | $-654 |
| Military | USAA | $823 | $1,272 | $-449 |
| Young Drivers | Nationwide | $1,857 | $2,247 | $-390 |
| Expensive Cars | State Farm | $1,733 | $2,230 | $-497 |
| Newer Cars | State Farm | $1,419 | $1,747 | $-328 |
Read More: Cheapest Car Insurance
Finding the cheapest full coverage policy for car insurance depends largely on your state. Your location significantly influences auto insurance rates, as providers analyze state-specific risks when calculating premiums for comprehensive protection.
American Family offers the most affordable full coverage policy in 11 states, while Travelers provides the cheapest full coverage in six states. Below are the lowest rates by state.
| Alabama | Country Financial | $879 | $73 |
| Alaska | GEICO | $1,042 | $87 |
| Arizona | Root Insurance Company | $946 | $79 |
| Arkansas | Southern Farm Bureau | $1,047 | $87 |
| California | CSAA | $542 | $45 |
| Colorado | American National P&C | $1,012 | $84 |
| Connecticut | GEICO | $1,240 | $103 |
| Delaware | Travelers | $1,159 | $97 |
| District of Columbia | Erie | $1,428 | $119 |
| Florida | Travelers | $1,548 | $129 |
| Georgia | Country Financial | $1,262 | $105 |
| Hawaii | GEICO | $669 | $56 |
| Idaho | American Family | $698 | $58 |
| Illinois | American Family | $775 | $65 |
| Indiana | American Family | $638 | $53 |
| Iowa | American Family | $771 | $64 |
| Kansas | American Family | $1,047 | $87 |
| Kentucky | Travelers | $1,078 | $90 |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Farm Bureau | $1,579 | $132 |
| Maine | Progressive | $803 | $67 |
| Maryland | Nationwide | $1,566 | $130 |
| Massachusetts | State Farm | $483 | $40 |
| Michigan | GEICO | $1,033 | $86 |
| Minnesota | American Family | $892 | $74 |
| Mississippi | Direct General Insurance | $1,021 | $85 |
| Missouri | American Family | $1,062 | $88 |
| Montana | State Farm | $758 | $63 |
| Nebraska | American National P&C | $701 | $58 |
| Nevada | Mercury | $1,022 | $85 |
| New Hampshire | Hanover | $800 | $67 |
| New Jersey | Plymouth Rock Assurance | $1,362 | $113 |
| New Mexico | GEICO | $1,117 | $93 |
| New York | Progressive | $1,270 | $106 |
| North Carolina | Erie | $646 | $54 |
| North Dakota | American Family | $744 | $62 |
| Ohio | American Family | $505 | $42 |
| Oklahoma | Progressive | $1,034 | $86 |
| Oregon | Kemper | $775 | $65 |
| Pennsylvania | Travelers | $820 | $68 |
| Rhode Island | Travelers | $1,040 | $87 |
| South Carolina | American National P&C | $834 | $69 |
| South Dakota | American Family | $761 | $63 |
| Tennessee | Travelers | $984 | $82 |
| Texas | Texas Farm Bureau | $932 | $78 |
| Utah | Nationwide | $896 | $75 |
| Vermont | State Farm | $739 | $62 |
| Virginia | Virginia Farm Bureau | $864 | $72 |
| Washington | PEMCO | $835 | $70 |
| West Virginia | GEICO | $1,286 | $107 |
| Wisconsin | American Family | $677 | $56 |
| Wyoming | Farmers | $870 | $72 |
Read More: Car Insurance Rates by State
When looking for the cheapest full coverage policy, driver age is a significant factor, except in states like Hawaii and Massachusetts, where this practice is prohibited. Younger drivers usually pay much higher rates due to their higher risk. Teens and new drivers face the highest costs, prices drop after age 25, and then start climbing again for senior drivers.
See the tables below for the cheapest full coverage rates by age group.
With average rates of $180 per month, State Farm has the cheapest full coverage car insurance for young drivers ages 16–25 carrying an individual policy. For young drivers in the same age group on a family plan, the cheapest full coverage car insurance is from Nationwide and costs $155 per month on average:
| Travelers | $195 | -7% | $176 | -6% |
| State Farm | $180 | -15% | $186 | -1% |
| Progressive | $247 | 17% | $215 | 15% |
| Nationwide | $220 | 4% | $155 | -17% |
| GEICO | $174 | -18% | $161 | -14% |
| Farmers | $260 | 23% | $238 | 27% |
| Allstate | $202 | -5% | $180 | -4% |
Most teens under 18 can't legally purchase their own auto insurance policy without a parent or guardian to co-sign.
If feasible, adding a younger driver (even if 18 or older) to a family plan is generally the cheapest option.
Read More: Cheapest Car Insurance for Teens
Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance for senior drivers, averaging about $95 for a monthly premium. The table below shows the full list of providers offering cheap full coverage car insurance policies for senior drivers.
| Travelers | $95 | -12% |
| Nationwide | $97 | -10% |
| GEICO | $100 | -8% |
| State Farm | $100 | -7% |
| Progressive | $107 | -1% |
| Farmers | $122 | 13% |
| Allstate | $136 | 26% |
Often, discounts are the best way for drivers 55 and older to find the cheapest rates. Seniors may find discounts for homeowners, veterans and low-mileage drivers.
Read More: Car Insurance Discounts for Senior Citizens
Drivers with speeding tickets, DUIs or accidents are often viewed by insurance providers as high-risk, resulting in higher premiums. To help these drivers manage expensive costs, we've listed the cheapest full coverage policies for high-risk drivers below:
With full coverage rates averaging $122 per month, State Farm offers the best full coverage car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket.
| State Farm | $122 | -12% |
| Travelers | $132 | -5% |
| GEICO | $133 | -5% |
| Nationwide | $133 | -5% |
| Progressive | $144 | 3% |
| Allstate | $156 | 12% |
| Farmers | $157 | 13% |
Read More: Cheapest Car Insurance For High Risk Drivers
State Farm offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident with average rates of $133 per month. The table below shows average full coverage rates from different providers for drivers after an at-fault accident:
| State Farm | $133 | -20% |
| Travelers | $142 | -14% |
| Nationwide | $160 | -3% |
| GEICO | $167 | 0% |
| Progressive | $179 | 8% |
| Allstate | $187 | 13% |
| Farmers | $193 | 16% |
Read More: Cheapest Car Insurance After an Accident
The cheapest provider for a driver with a DUI is Progressive, with average rates of $141 per month. Despite having a DUI on your record, you can still find cheap full coverage car insurance. See the table below for a comparison of car insurance companies providing full coverage policies for drivers with DUIs.
| Progressive | $141 | -25% |
| State Farm | $149 | -20% |
| Travelers | $165 | -12% |
| Farmers | $172 | -8% |
| Allstate | $201 | 7% |
| Nationwide | $216 | 15% |
| GEICO | $267 | 42% |
Read More: Cheapest Car Insurance After a DUI
Nationwide is the cheapest full coverage car insurance provider for drivers with poor credit, with rates averaging $141 per month. Travelers and GEICO also offer full coverage policies that are cheaper than average for drivers with poor credit:
| Nationwide | $141 | -28% |
| Travelers | $161 | -17% |
| GEICO | $170 | -13% |
| Farmers | $191 | -2% |
| Progressive | $202 | 3% |
| Allstate | $205 | 5% |
| State Farm | $298 | 52% |
Insurance providers consider credit-based insurance scores when calculating car insurance rates in most states, except California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan. Drivers in states like New York, Arizona and Nebraska, on the other hand, could see their rates more than double.
Read More: Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers With Bad Credit
With rates averaging $69 per month, USAA offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance for military drivers, veterans and their families. Travelers and GEICO are also worth considering based on military discount offerings available from the two companies:
| USAA | $69 | -35% |
| Travelers | $97 | -9% |
| GEICO | $100 | -5% |
| Nationwide | $105 | -1% |
| State Farm | $109 | 3% |
| Progressive | $111 | 5% |
| Farmers | $124 | 17% |
| Allstate | $133 | 26% |
Full coverage car insurance is generally required for financed or leased vehicles but we generally recommend having full coverage for all cars unless your car has a very low value. Full coverage gives you liability coverage and collision and comprehensive coverage that's ideal for various high-value cars (i.e, newer, luxury, performance, import, classic and/or electric vehicles). See all reasons below in our buyers guide.
The sections below highlight the cheapest full coverage rates for newer and more expensive cars:
High-value vehicles like sports cars, luxury sedans and EVs are costly to repair or replace. While these vehicles are more expensive to insure, full coverage car insurance tends to be worth it more often. With average rates of $144 per month, State Farm has the cheapest full coverage car insurance for expensive vehicles:
| State Farm | $144 | -22% |
| GEICO | $155 | -17% |
| Nationwide | $162 | -13% |
| Travelers | $177 | -5% |
| Progressive | $188 | 1% |
| Allstate | $235 | 27% |
| Farmers | $240 | 29% |
Read More: Cheapest Car Insurance for Luxury Cars
Full coverage car insurance is typically required if you're financing a newer vehicle. Even without financing, full coverage may be worth the investment for newer cars, depending on your financial situation and the vehicle's value. Our analysis shows State Farm offers the cheapest full coverage insurance for newer vehicles, with average rates of $118 per month - making it more affordable to protect your recent purchase.
| State Farm | $118 | -19% |
| GEICO | $121 | -17% |
| Nationwide | $126 | -13% |
| Travelers | $134 | -8% |
| Progressive | $158 | 8% |
| Farmers | $179 | 23% |
| Allstate | $184 | 26% |
Read More: Insuring New Car Models
It may not always be the best idea to go with the cheapest possible option for full coverage car insurance, as you could risk lower claims payouts or sub-par customer service. That said, we've highlighted companies offering both low full coverage rates and high MoneyGeek scores for coverage, claims and service.
With a balance of quality and affordability, State Farm takes the lead, while GEICO and Travelers are also well-balanced options:
| State Farm | 88 | $883 |
| Travelers | 88 | $1,037 |
| GEICO | 88 | $936 |
| Nationwide | 87 | $930 |
| Progressive | 86 | $1,120 |
| Farmers | 86 | $1,192 |
| Allstate | 85 | $1,124 |
Read More: Best Car Insurance Companies
To ensure you get the best full coverage option for your needs, explore the following sections for guidance on choosing the right policy. This will help you find the balance between coverage and cost, tailored to your situation.
Take the following steps to ensure you pay the lowest rate for your full coverage policy.
As your life changes, so do your coverage needs. Make it a habit to review your policy annually to ensure you're still getting the best deal for the best full coverage policy. As a rule of thumb, you may be spending too much on car insurance if your annual premium exceeds 10% of your car's actual cash value. If so, first make sure you’re not paying for unnecessary coverages. To determine your coverage needs,, weigh the value of your car against factors like how much you drive and risks from theft or weather in your area.
To get the cheapest full coverage car insurance, don't just stick with one provider. Compare quotes from several insurers to determine who offers the best rates for your needs. To ensure you'll get the coverage and service you're paying for, research customer satisfaction ratings and reviews as well as financial strength ratings to understand each company's reputation.
Don't overlook discounts you may be eligible for, as significant savings are available for various factors like having a good driving history, installing safety features in your car or military service. Before getting quotes, list every discount you may be eligible for. Then, ask each provider for their full list of car insurance discounts when shopping for coverage. If you have a policy, inquire with your current provider about available discounts. Many drivers save big by bundling multiple policies with multi-car policies or home and auto bundles.
If you're happy with your full coverage policy and lower costs without sacrificing coverage, consider adjusting your payment options or deductible. Look into paying upfront, as some providers charge lower rates for customers who pay annually instead of monthly. You can also lower your premiums by increasing your deductible amount. Since this option means you'll have higher out-of-pocket claims costs, make sure to choose a deductible you can afford.
Providers tend to reward safe driving with lower rates. To minimize costs, avoid traffic violations like speeding tickets, DUIs, at-fault accidents, etc. If you get into an accident, you may avoid a premium surcharge with accident forgiveness coverage, but you must already have this on your policy at the time of the accident. For example, State Farm only offers this to customers with no at-fault accidents who've been with the company for at least nine years. If that's not an option, consider usage-based telematics programs that reward safe driving with lower rates.
Read More: How to Reduce Your Car Insurance Costs
On average, full coverage car insurance costs $1,343 per year. The cost you pay for full coverage car insurance depends on several factors like your age, location, driving record and coverage choices. When it comes to coverage choices, two factors that heavily influence the cost of full coverage car insurance are your liability limits and deductibles.
| 100/300/100,000 | $1,343 | $1,500 |
| 100/300/100,000 | $1,377 | $1,000 |
| 300/500/300,000 | $1,454 | $1,500 |
| 300/500/300,000 | $1,488 | $1,000 |
| 100/300/100,000 | $1,501 | $500 |
| 300/500/300,000 | $1,613 | $500 |
Read More: Average Cost of Car Insurance
Balancing coverage limits and deductibles is key to managing your costs effectively. On one hand, choosing higher liability limits provides greater protection but increases premiums. On the other hand, selecting a higher deductible can lower your monthly payments, though you'll pay more out-of-pocket in case of a claim.
When choosing full coverage car insurance, consider these key factors to find the right protection level:
Most experts recommend liability coverage of at least 100/300/100 ($100,000 bodily injury per person, $300,000 per accident, $100,000 property damage), plus comprehensive and collision with deductibles you can comfortably afford in an emergency.
See our guide to determining how much car insurance coverage you need.
Your age, driving record, and other personal factors determine your full coverage car insurance costs. The table below shows average rates for different driver types, helping you see how insurers might price your policy:
| After a Speeding Ticket | $1,676 | 25% |
| After an Accident | $1,992 | 49% |
| Bad Credit | $2,346 | 76% |
| DUI | $2,248 | 68% |
| Expensive Cars | $2,230 | 67% |
| Military | $1,272 | -5% |
| Newer Cars | $1,747 | 31% |
| Seniors | $1,297 | -3% |
| Young Drivers | $2,247 | 68% |
While average rate estimates and cheapest provider lists are helpful, the only way to accurately estimate how much full coverage car insurance will cost you is to get a car insurance quote. Getting quotes from multiple providers allows you to compare coverage options to find the cheapest full coverage car insurance policy. With Moneygeek, drivers can enter some basic information and receive full coverage car insurance quotes from multiple providers in minutes.
Read More: Car Insurance Calculator
Taking advantage of available discounts can significantly reduce your premium costs while maintaining comprehensive protection. Insurance providers offer various discounts to reward safe driving, customer loyalty, and other factors that statistically lower risk.
Multi-Policy Discount: Bundle your auto insurance with other policies (home, renters, life) to save. Popular with: State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, and GEICO.
Safe Driver Discount: Maintain a clean driving record without accidents or violations for 3-5 years. Offered by: Progressive, GEICO, Liberty Mutual, and State Farm.
Good Student Discount: Available for students maintaining a B average or higher. Common with: GEICO, Allstate, State Farm, and Nationwide.
Vehicle Safety Feature Discount: Cars equipped with anti-theft devices, advanced safety features, or newer safety technology. Available through: Liberty Mutual, Travelers, Farmers, and Progressive.
Paid-in-Full Discount: Save by paying your entire premium upfront rather than monthly. Offered by: Progressive, Allstate, GEICO, and Farmers.
Professional/Membership Discount: Savings for members of professional organizations, alumni associations, or military personnel. Popular with: USAA (military), GEICO, Liberty Mutual, and State Farm.
Full coverage car insurance typically combines liability, collision and comprehensive insurance to offer more complete protection for your vehicle. It's often required for leased or financed cars but can benefit anyone seeking peace of mind on the road.
Insurance Coverage | What It Covers | What to Consider |
|---|---|---|
Covers costs for property damage or injuries to others if you're at fault in an accident. | Doesn't cover your own damages. State laws usually require this, but consider purchasing limits above the minimum for better protection. Leasing or financing may require additional coverage, like GAP insurance. | |
Comprehensive Coverage | Pays for repairs to your vehicle from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, fire, weather or animal damage. | Optional unless required by a lender. Ideal if you live in high-risk areas for theft or natural disasters. Not related to collisions. |
Collision Coverage | Covers repairs to your vehicle if it's damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object, or from an at-fault accident. | Also optional but often required for financed cars. It includes at-fault accidents and pothole damage but excludes commercial use. |
Read More: Full Coverage Car Insurance Explained
Full coverage auto insurance generally provides extensive protection, but it does have certain limitations. It typically does not include coverage for the following:
Unless you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage, your own medical expenses after an accident won't be covered.
Normal wear and tear or depreciation of your car isn't covered. This includes issues like worn-out tires, faded paint or aging mechanical parts.
Full coverage doesn't cover repairs for mechanical failures or breakdowns. You'll need a separate mechanical breakdown insurance policy or extended warranty for that.
If you use your vehicle for business purposes, like ridesharing or delivery services, your full coverage policy won't apply. You'll need a commercial auto insurance policy to cover your vehicle while working.
Aftermarket modifications or accessories like custom paint jobs, stereo systems or spoilers may not be covered under full coverage. You might need additional coverage for these items.
Your full coverage policy won't typically cover injuries to your pets in an accident. You can usually add a pet injury rider to your policy for an extra fee.
Full coverage car insurance policies are often flexible, offering a variety of add-on coverages and allowing you to select deductibles that fit your budget. Depending on the car insurance provider, you can add these coverages to your policy for an additional cost:
Add-On Coverage | Description |
|---|---|
Covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers, regardless of fault, often required in no-fault states. | |
Provides help with services like towing, fuel delivery and tire changes if your car breaks down or you’re stranded. | |
Pays for medical and funeral expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault, supplementing health insurance. | |
This covers your expenses if you're in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or insufficient coverage. | |
Covers the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired due to a covered accident. | |
Covers the cost of basic roadside services like tire changes, jump-starts and towing. | |
Covers the difference between the car's actual cash value and the amount you owe on the loan if your car is totaled. | |
Prevents your rates from increasing after your first at-fault accident. | |
Provides coverage for drivers who use their personal vehicles for ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft. | |
If your new car is totaled in an accident, this coverage provides you with the funds to purchase a brand-new car of the same make and model, rather than just the depreciated value of your totaled car. | |
Better Car Replacement | This coverage offers you a car that is one model year newer and has fewer miles than your totaled car, giving you a better replacement option. |
Mechanical Breakdown Insurance | This coverage ensures that any replacement parts used for repairs on your vehicle are original equipment from the manufacturer rather than aftermarket parts. |
Full coverage car insurance is more expensive than state minimum coverage because it includes comprehensive and collision protections, covering damages to your own vehicle from accidents, theft or natural disasters. Liability-only policies only cover damage or injury you cause to others.
Why This Expanded Protection Costs More?
Below are the profile factors impacting the cost of your policy.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Full Coverage Car Insurance
Below are the factors that determine how much your individual rate will cost for a full coverage car insurance policy:
Vehicle Model and Age
Gender
Liability Limits
Driving Record
Driver Age and Experience
Location
Credit History
Previous Claims
Deductible Amount
State Laws
https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/what-is-the-average-cost-of-car-insurance-month-year/
Read More: Why Car Insurance Is So Expensive
On average, full coverage car insurance costs $701 per year more than liability-only car insurance, with annual full coverage rates averaging $1,296 per year and annual liability-only rates averaging $595 per year. Depending on the provider, the difference in annual rates between full coverage and liability-only coverage can range from $582 to $789 per year:
| Allstate | $740 | $1,596 | $857 |
| Farmers | $789 | $1,488 | $698 |
| GEICO | $665 | $1,204 | $539 |
| Nationwide | $598 | $1,260 | $662 |
| Progressive | $772 | $1,335 | $562 |
| State Farm | $730 | $1,308 | $578 |
| Travelers | $582 | $1,161 | $579 |
Read More: Liability vs. Full Coverage Car Insurance
Experts recommend full coverage unless your car's actual cash value (ACV) is low. You shouldn't pay more in premiums than the car's worth, as some add-ons may exceed repair costs. Use resources like Kelley Blue Book to assess your vehicle's value. If insurance costs are too high compared to its value, especially for older cars, liability-only might suffice. If you can afford repairs or replacement out-of-pocket, full coverage may not be necessary.
Full coverage provides valuable financial protection against accidents and unexpected events. In addition to full coverage car insurance being required for many financed or leased vehicles, you may want to consider purchasing full coverage if you have a newer, more expensive vehicle. It may also be worth it if you drive frequently or live in a high-risk area for theft or weather-related damage. We've included the full list of reasons to purchase full coverage car insurance in the list below:
Most lenders require full coverage to protect their investment. Meets lender requirements and saves you from paying off the remaining balance on a totaled car.
Full coverage car insurance saves you from high out-of-pocket costs for repairs or replacement of a new or high-value vehicle
If you're on the road frequently and face a higher chance of accidents, full coverage car insurance enhances your financial protection by covering a broader range of risks.
Since full coverage insurance reimburses you for the value of your stolen or damaged car, it eliminates the need to repair or replace it yourself.
Read More: Do You Need Full Coverage on a Used Car?
Consider switching to liability-only coverage when:
Remember: Even if you own your vehicle outright with no loan requirements, maintaining full coverage on a newer or valuable car is still recommended to protect your investment.
While full coverage offers essential protection for your vehicle, premiums can be high, especially for certain driver profiles like young or high-risk drivers. For drivers that need or are required to carry the additional coverage, finding a cheap full coverage policy is crucial for balancing protection and affordability. In this article, we highlighted the cheapest full coverage car insurance rates across several driver categories, compared full coverage car insurance costs and analyzed when it's preferable to purchase full coverage or minimum liability coverage.
Below are some common questions about full coverage car insurance:
Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage insurance at $97 monthly, with GEICO following at $100. Nationwide has the lowest rates for young drivers and those with bad credit. State Farm is most affordable for drivers with tickets and at-fault accidents. Progressive has the best rates for DUI drivers. USAA costs just $69 monthly for eligible customers.
To save on full coverage car insurance in six easy steps:
To save money on full coverage car insurance after a DUI, compare quotes from multiple insurers, take defensive driving courses for possible discounts and consider higher deductibles. Maintaining a clean record over time can also lower your premiums as the violation ages.
Adding a young driver to a family policy is often much cheaper than getting an individual policy for the teen.This approach can significantly lower premiums while providing the necessary coverage for a young driver.
To save on full coverage auto insurance after an accident, consider increasing your deductible, taking a defensive driving course or exploring pay-per-mile insurance. Additionally, inquire about other discounts like those for safe driving or car safety features. If standard insurers are too costly, consider non-standard insurance companies specializing in high-risk drivers.
If your insurer raises rates after a ticket, you can still find affordable coverage by comparing quotes from at least three companies and asking about discounts like bundling or good student discounts. Consider accident forgiveness if available and maintain a clean driving record to lower rates over time. Defensive driving courses may also help reduce points in some states.
It's advisable to review your policy and shop around for quotes annually to ensure you're still getting the most robust coverage for the best price, especially as your life circumstances and coverage needs change.
Full coverage offers more comprehensive financial protection, covering not just the other driver's expenses in an at-fault accident, but also your own vehicle's damages and other potential risks. Liability-only insurance is generally cheaper but offers limited protection, covering only the other driver's expenses if you're at fault in an accident.
State Farm, the largest U.S. auto insurer, operates in 48 states and Washington, D.C., offering competitive rates and comprehensive coverage options like rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance. It excels in customer satisfaction, scoring 877 in a J.D. Power survey, above the industry average. State Farm provides a variety of discounts, including multi-vehicle and home-auto bundles, making it a popular choice for various driver profiles.
According to MoneyGeek data comparing liability-only and full coverage policies:
Full coverage is the best way to financially protect yourself and your vehicle in the event of an accident or damage to your car. Once you own your car, you may choose to lower your insurance premium by dropping full coverage. However, you should take into account if you are ready to cover the cost of damage, repair and medical bills that you might encounter if you drop your policy and get into an at-fault accident. Usually, you only want to drop full coverage when your car value is very low.
Yes, full coverage car insurance is usually cheaper for older cars because they have a lower market value, which reduces the insurer’s potential payout in case of damage or theft. As a car ages, its depreciation lowers repair or replacement costs, leading to reduced premiums for comprehensive and collision coverage. However, it’s important to assess whether full coverage is still worth the cost for very old cars, as liability-only coverage may be more cost-effective.
If your policy payment is lower than 10% of the value of your car, you may choose to purchase or keep a full coverage policy. However, there are other factors to consider when determining if a full coverage policy is right for you.
If you lease or finance your vehicle, full coverage is typically required by the lender. If you own your car outright, comprehensive and collision coverage aren’t mandatory, but they’re recommended for valuable vehicles. For older cars, consider dropping full coverage if the premium and deductible exceed the car’s value.
No. Comprehensive insurance alone covers damages to a car that did not occur from an accident. This may include damage from fire, extreme weather events, vandalism or theft. In most cases, full coverage includes comprehensive insurance as well as collision insurance.
Not every insurer will define full coverage the same way. But it usually refers to policies that add comprehensive and collision insurance to the minimum liability insurance requirements mandated by your state. Comprehensive and collision insurance protects you against the cost of damages to your vehicle, on and off the road. Liability insurance protects you against the cost of damages to others when you’re at fault.
Full coverage typically covers the policyholder and any other drivers listed on the policy. However, it may not extend to other drivers who use your car occasionally but are not listed on the policy. Always check your policy's details to understand who is covered.
Several factors influence the cost, including your age, driving history, location, vehicle type, credit score, and coverage limits. Insurers also consider factors like annual mileage, accident history, and whether you bundle policies with other types of insurance.
Yes, in most states, insurers use credit scores to determine rates, as lower scores are associated with higher claim risks. Drivers with excellent credit typically pay significantly less for full coverage than those with poor credit. However, some states, like California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts, prohibit insurers from using credit scores to set rates.
Yes, many insurers offer discounts for bundling auto and homeowners (or renters) insurance. Bundling can reduce full coverage premiums by 10–25% depending on the insurer and policy details. It also simplifies policy management by consolidating multiple policies under one provider.
Yes, full coverage insurance for electric cars is generally more expensive due to higher repair costs, specialized parts, and expensive battery replacements. However, some insurers offer discounts for eco-friendly vehicles, which may help offset the higher base premium.
Higher annual mileage increases the risk of accidents, leading to higher premiums. Drivers who log fewer miles—especially under 7,500 per year—may qualify for low-mileage discounts or usage-based insurance programs that charge based on driving habits.
Pay-per-mile and usage-based insurance programs can be significantly cheaper for low-mileage drivers. These plans track mileage or driving habits (like braking and acceleration) and adjust premiums accordingly. They can be a cost-effective option for those who drive less than the national average of 12,000–15,000 miles per year.
Data Depth and Overview
Overall, MoneyGeek analyzed 2,474,515 quotes, from 607 companies, across 3,523 ZIP codes to determine the cheapest full coverage car insurance for drivers of various profiles and needs.
Driver Profiles
To find the cheapest full coverage car insurance MoneyGeek created an average driver profile to collect rates from insurers. This profile includes the following characteristics:
To collect data on rates for specific driver characteristics, the average driver profile was modified by geographic location, age, credit score and driving history — such as adding a ticket, a DUI or an accident — to the standard driver profile.
Defining Full Coverage
Unless specifically indicated, when MoneyGeek makes a recommendation about the cheapest full coverage company and respective premium on this page, we are referencing a 100/300/100 policy. This is shorthand for:
Learn more about full coverage.
Learn more about state minimum coverage requirements.
How We Ranked Best Providers for Affordability
MoneyGeek used sources such as AM Best, J.D. Power, the Crash Network report card and quote data from Quadrant Information Services and state insurance departments to determine the best affordable car insurance providers. To create a score for each insurer, MoneyGeek created a weighted ranking system using the following weights:
Car insurance rates presented are based on data collected two months ago.
Learn more about MoneyGeek's auto insurance methodology.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
