Updated: October 21, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
GEICO offers the cheapest liability-only car insurance at $43 per month, and Travelers and National General tie for the second most affordable at $50.
On average, drivers spend around $60 per month for liability-only insurance. Your exact cost varies based on your driving history and personal factors.
Although liability-only insurance is often the cheapest, it isn't sufficient to cover all damage costs after a claim, and insurers require full coverage for financed vehicles. Liability-only makes sense for older, low-value cars.
Why You Can Trust MoneyGeek for Car Insurance
We analyzed 2,474,515 liability car insuracne quotes from 607 insurance providers across 3,523 ZIP codes to create our cheapest liability-only car insurance rankings. Mark Fitzpatrick, a licensed insurance professional and industry analyst, reviewed our methodology. We update our liability car insurance data and rankings monthly to keep them current, with our most recent analysis completed in Aug 2025.
MoneyGeek maintains editorial independence and doesn't receive compensation from insurance companies for our rankings or recommendations.
GEICO offers the most affordable minimum liability coverage, with average rates of $43 per month or $522 per year. This is approximately 35% below the national average for most drivers.
The exact low-cost liability car insurance rate available to you depends on personal factors like age, driving record, credit score, and location. We've highlighted the cheapest average rates for common driver profiles so you can find a rate that fits your specific situation in the table below.
| Geico | $43 | $522 | 35% |
| Travelers | $50 | $601 | 25% |
| National General | $50 | $605 | 25% |
| State Farm | $51 | $616 | 24% |
| Amica | $56 | $669 | 17% |
| Chubb | $61 | $728 | 10% |
| Kemper | $62 | $744 | 8% |
GEICO consistently ranks as the most affordable insurer for minimum liability coverage, offering a straightforward direct-to-consumer model that translates to immediate savings for drivers. This focus on low overhead allows GEICO to maintain some of the cheapest rates nationwide for good drivers, students, and military families.
GEICO is the cheapest liability-only insurer in the most states, winning 13 states with an average monthly premium of $36. However, in the realm of minimum coverage, State Farm is a strong competitor, leading in 9 states with a competitive average of $28 monthly.
Look at regional options for maximum savings. Regional carriers like Farm Bureau and Westfield Insurance often offer significantly lower rates in their operating markets, proving that local expertise can result in substantial savings on minimum required coverage.
| Alabama | AIG | $22 | $268 | 60% |
| Alaska | Geico | $40 | $481 | 14% |
| Arizona | Travelers | $45 | $546 | 34% |
| Arkansas | Farm Bureau | $32 | $383 | 34% |
| California | Geico | $39 | $465 | 43% |
| Colorado | American National | $27 | $326 | 54% |
| Connecticut | Geico | $35 | $419 | 60% |
| Delaware | Travelers | $46 | $551 | 57% |
| District of Columbia | Chubb | $29 | $352 | 70% |
| Florida | Travelers | $51 | $617 | 46% |
| Georgia | Geico | $42 | $498 | 48% |
| Hawaii | Geico | $24 | $292 | 32% |
| Idaho | State Farm | $18 | $210 | 52% |
| Illinois | Geico | $31 | $368 | 40% |
| Indiana | Hastings Insurance | $30 | $364 | 27% |
| Iowa | State Farm | $19 | $231 | 42% |
| Kansas | Geico | $26 | $309 | 45% |
| Kentucky | Travelers | $47 | $560 | 40% |
| Louisiana | Geico | $55 | $659 | 48% |
| Maine | MMG Insurance | $27 | $330 | 29% |
| Maryland | Geico | $49 | $586 | 45% |
| Massachusetts | Plymouth Rock Insurance | $22 | $267 | 51% |
| Michigan | Travelers | $23 | $277 | 64% |
| Minnesota | Westfield Insurance | $19 | $231 | 57% |
| Mississippi | Farm Bureau | $33 | $402 | 42% |
| Missouri | Auto Owners | $34 | $402 | 47% |
| Montana | State Farm | $18 | $220 | 63% |
| Nebraska | Farmers Mutual Ins Co of NE | $18 | $216 | 55% |
| Nevada | Travelers | $57 | $686 | 31% |
| New Hampshire | Safety Insurance | $31 | $371 | 31% |
| New Jersey | Plymouth Rock Insurance | $67 | $806 | 34% |
| New Mexico | Central Insurance | $31 | $368 | 40% |
| New York | NYCM Insurance | $25 | $305 | 60% |
| North Carolina | State Farm | $24 | $289 | 52% |
| North Dakota | North Star Insurance | $25 | $295 | 40% |
| Ohio | Auto Owners | $27 | $318 | 38% |
| Oklahoma | Progressive | $28 | $331 | 50% |
| Oregon | State Farm | $38 | $455 | 32% |
| Pennsylvania | Westfield Insurance | $20 | $234 | 61% |
| Rhode Island | State Farm | $42 | $500 | 43% |
| South Carolina | American National | $34 | $413 | 50% |
| South Dakota | Farmers Mutual Ins Co of NE | $13 | $157 | 60% |
| Tennessee | Farm Bureau | $27 | $319 | 45% |
| Texas | State Farm | $41 | $489 | 41% |
| Utah | Geico | $48 | $573 | 33% |
| Vermont | Co-operative Insurance | $16 | $189 | 48% |
| Virginia | Travelers | $30 | $365 | 43% |
| Washington | State Farm | $37 | $442 | 30% |
| West Virginia | Westfield Insurance | $30 | $362 | 47% |
| Wisconsin | Geico | $21 | $249 | 44% |
| Wyoming | Geico | $14 | $169 | 47% |
Teens pay the highest liability premiums, costing them two to three times the adult rate due to high accident risk. Rates drop significantly around age 25 and reach their lowest point for drivers in their 50s and 60s, gradually rising again after 65.
Read more about the average cost of car insurance by age and gender .
National General offers the cheapest average liability-only rates for adding a young driver to an existing family plan, with rates averaging just $101 per month. Adding a young driver to a family auto policy is the best way to secure affordable coverage, with families often saving 40% to 60% versus the cost of a separate policy.
These low-cost rates are based on adding a teen or young adult (Age 16–24) to a parent's established policy.
| National General | $101 | $1,211 | 37% |
| Geico | $105 | $1,265 | 34% |
| Travelers | $116 | $1,391 | 27% |
| State Farm | $117 | $1,407 | 26% |
| Amica | $133 | $1,594 | 17% |
GEICO provides the cheapest minimum liability coverage for senior drivers aged 65 and up at $56 per month, making it 35% below the national average. While rates generally rise for seniors due to age-related risk factors and higher injury severity, the best providers offer competitive pricing to drivers with clean records.
| Travelers | $70 | $838 | 19% |
| National General | $67 | $807 | 22% |
| State Farm | $62 | $746 | 28% |
| Amica | $62 | $744 | 28% |
| Geico | $56 | $673 | 35% |
See our car insurance discounts for seniors.
Being classified as a high-risk driver due to an accident, ticket, or DUI conviction will increase your liability premiums, but comparing providers reveals which companies are most forgiving.
National General offers the lowest minimum liability rates for drivers with Fair credit and a clean record, averaging $61 per month. GEICO is the second most affordable, at $62 monthly. These rates are based on a clean driving record; however, poor credit still significantly impacts your premiums.
In most states, a poor credit-based insurance score can raise your liability premium by 34% or more compared to a driver with excellent credit, making it one of the largest factors after a DUI.
| National General | $61 | $736 | 34% |
| Geico | $62 | $740 | 34% |
| Travelers | $75 | $895 | 20% |
| Kemper | $75 | $905 | 19% |
| Amica | $87 | $1,046 | 6% |
USAA offers the cheapest minimum liability coverage exclusively for military drivers, veterans, and their eligible family members, with rates averaging just $28 per month. This is significantly lower than other top national providers due to the company's military-focused risk assessment.
While USAA is the clear leader, general market insurers like Travelers and National General still offer competitive rates for this demographic.
| USAA | $28 | $335 | 47% |
| National General | $48 | $580 | 15% |
| Travelers | $50 | $597 | 21% |
| Amica | $57 | $683 | 6% |
Liability-only insurance (minimum coverage) averages around $61 to $69 per month nationwide. This is typically 60% to 70% cheaper than a full coverage policy. Your specific premium depends entirely on individual risk factors, primarily your driving record, location, and credit-based insurance score.
Getting cheap liability-only car insurance requires the right strategy. These six proven methods can help you find the lowest rates and maximize your savings, whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to reduce your current premiums.
The most effective way to save is to compare quotes from multiple companies. For minimum liability, State Farm and GEICO consistently offer the lowest national average rates, often starting around $40 to $45 monthly.
Get quotes from at least five insurers. Your cheapest option may be a regional company or one that penalizes your specific risk factors (like age or credit) less harshly.
Take advantage of every discount you qualify for, as these directly lower your final premium:
Your driving record is the largest pricing factor for liability insurance. Violations directly increase the risk you pose to the insurer. A single ticket can raise your liability premium by 20% to 30%. Maintaining an accident-free record for three to five years is the single best way to reduce costs.
In most states, a low credit-based insurance score results in a much higher liability premium. Insurers view financial responsibility as a predictor of risk. Drivers with poor credit can pay twice as much for the same liability policy as those with excellent credit.
For the absolute lowest monthly bill, select only the state-mandated minimum liability limits. These limits are often outdated and may not cover the full cost of a serious accident, leaving your personal savings and assets exposed to a lawsuit. Choose this option only after weighing the risk against your total net worth.
If you are a cautious driver, enroll in a telematics or UBI program. These track your habits (speed, braking) and can offer immediate sign-up savings, with potential long-term discounts of 15% to 40% for safe driving.
The average annual cost of minimum required liability-only car insurance is approximately $806 per year, or about $67 per month, for an adult driver with a clean record and good credit. This coverage is the cheapest you can buy, often costing 60% to 70% less than a full coverage policy.
Your specific premium varies widely based on your personal driving history. The table below highlights how much your cost increases when high-risk factors are introduced:
| Clean | $67 | $805 |
| Not At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg) | $70 | $842 |
| Speeding 11-15 MPH over limit | $82 | $982 |
| Texting While Driving | $84 | $1,004 |
| At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg) | $95 | $1,138 |
| DUI - BAC >= .08 | $121 | $1,447 |
Factors That Affect the Cost of Liability-Only Car Insurance
These factors determine your rate for a liability-only car insurance policy:
Vehicle model and age
Gender
Liability limits
Driving record
Driver's age and experience
Location
Credit history
Previous claims
Deductible amount
State laws
Liability-only coverage refers to the mandatory insurance required to legally drive. Almost every state, with the exception of New Hampshire, requires some level of liability coverage. Florida is the sole state that does not require bodily injury liability (it mandates Property Damage Liability and PIP).
Depending on your state, additional coverages may be required as part of what's considered a "minimum liability" policy:
GEICO beats most competitors on price, but your best rate depends on your situation. Your age, where you live and driving record all affect what you'll pay.
Don't settle for the first quote you get. When you compare prices from different insurers, you'll often discover savings you didn't know existed.
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers about liability-only car insurance:
The risk of purchasing cheap liability-only insurance is that you could be involved in an accident where the damage or medical bills are higher than your insurance coverage, which means you'll pay for the difference. For example, if you have 50/100/50 coverage and the other driver's medical payments are $60,000, you're responsible for the $10,000 gap in coverage.
Liability-only insurance covers damage and injuries you cause to others in an accident, but doesn't cover your vehicle. Full coverage insurance includes liability coverage plus comprehensive and collision coverage, which pays for damage to your car regardless of fault.
Liability-only insurance makes sense when your vehicle is older and worth less than $3,000 to $4,000, or when the annual cost of comprehensive and collision coverage plus your deductible exceeds your car's value. It's also appropriate if you have enough savings to repair or replace your vehicle out of pocket.
Violations usually increase your rates for three to five years, with State Farm offering the cheapest liability-only insurance after a speeding ticket at $56 monthly. The price increase varies by company, and rates may increase by 20% to 30% for a ticket, while others might increase rates by 40% or more.
Yes, though rates will be higher than for those with good credit. Travelers offers the cheapest liability-only coverage for drivers with bad credit at $117 monthly. Improving your credit score could save you 20% to 45% on your premium, depending on your state and insurer.
You need enough liability insurance to cover your net worth, not just your state's minimum requirement. Most state minimum limits (e.g., $25,000/$50,000) are dangerously low. Insurance professionals widely recommend carrying limits of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident (100/300) to avoid personal liability in a serious accident.
Most lenders require full coverage (liability plus comprehensive and collision) if you're financing or leasing a vehicle to protect their investment. You can drop to liability-only coverage once you've paid off your auto loan.
No, minimum liability is almost never enough to protect your assets. If you are found at fault for a serious accident, and the injured parties' medical bills and lost wages exceed your low state minimum limits, they can sue you personally. A court judgment can lead to the seizure of your bank accounts, placement of a lien on your home, or garnishment of future wages.
Many states require coverage beyond standard Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability to ensure financial protection for you and your passengers:
How We Found the Cheapest Liability-Only Car Insurance
Our team gathered 2,474,515 quotes from 607 insurance companies in 3,523 ZIP codes nationwide. We got this information directly from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services, then compared the actual prices people pay.
Sample Driver Profile
We calculated average annual car insurance rates using this sample driver profile:
We adjusted this profile by age, driving record, credit score and car type to get rates for different types of drivers, including high-risk profiles with violations and drivers with poor credit.
Coverage Levels Explained
MoneyGeek collected rates for policies that meet each state's minimum requirements or offer higher liability coverage. Higher liability coverage means a 50/100/50 policy, which breaks down as:
You can pick your liability limits, whether you get liability-only or full coverage. Full coverage adds comprehensive and collision insurance to your liability policy, covering repair and replacement costs for your own vehicle in addition to liability coverage for others.
How We Score Each Provider
Affordability (60% of total score): We obtained quotes for standardized driver profiles and compared rates against competitors within each state. Our base profile uses a 40-year-old male driver with good credit, a clean driving record, no claims history and a valid license. We also analyzed rates for additional driver profiles to ensure accuracy across different customer segments.
Customer experience (30% of total score): We aggregated customer sentiment from multiple sources, including Google reviews, J.D. Power ratings, AM Best scores and consumer forums like Reddit. We compiled this data at the state level to reflect regional service quality and customer satisfaction patterns.
Coverage options (10% of total score): We evaluated each provider's range of coverage types, unique policy features and flexibility in customizing liability limits to meet different driver needs.
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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
