Cheapest Rideshare Insurance for Drivers


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Key Takeaways

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Progressive is the top choice for delivery service drivers. It allows rideshare coverage to be added to a personal policy, ensuring coverage when delivering food. It's often cheaper than other rideshare policies.

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Most standard policies exclude coverage for rideshare drivers. If you work for apps like Uber or Lyft, you need a specialized policy to stay covered while driving.

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Rideshare companies provide some coverage during certain phases of the rideshare process. However, drivers need additional insurance for better financial protection after an accident.

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What is The Cheapest Rideshare Insurance Company?

Finding affordable rideshare insurance doesn't mean sacrificing protection. It means knowing where to look and what coverage you actually need. Mercury leads the pack with rideshare coverage starting at just $0.90 per day.

Cheapest Rideshare Insurance Company: Mercury

Company logo for Mercury
Mercury

Overview

Mercury is a great choice for affordable rideshare insurance. It covers you and your vehicle when your ride-hailing app is on, but no customer has been accepted yet. This is particularly valuable during Phase 1 of rideshare driving when your app is on, but you haven't accepted a ride request yet. This period presents the highest risk for coverage gaps, as personal policy often excludes coverage and rideshare companies provide only minimal protection. 

Mercury provides reliable protection at an affordable cost, covering damage to other vehicles and injuries up to your policy limits. The coverage may also include repairs to your own vehicle, depending on your specific policy terms.

  • What it covers: Damage to other vehicles and related injuries up to policy limits. It may also cover repairs to the owner's car, depending on policy terms.
  • Availability: 11 states
  • Cost estimate: Starting at $0.90 a day

Best Rideshare Insurance Companies

We evaluated rideshare insurance providers and found that while Mercury offers the most affordable option, availability and features vary between insurers. The key is matching your driving habits, location and coverage needs with the right provider. The table below shows the best cheap rideshare insurance companies.

Company
Cost Estimate
Availability
Best For

Mercury

As low as $0.90/day

11 states

Drivers seeking an affordable policy

State Farm

Additional 15% to 20% to your current premium

Most states

Drivers looking for robust coverage

Progressive

Undisclosed

Most states

Delivery service drivers

USAA

As low as $6/month

42 states

Military members, veterans and their families

American Family

Undisclosed

Most states

Drivers interested in extending personal coverage

Best Overall Rideshare Insurance Coverage: State Farm

Company logo for State Farm
State Farm
MoneyGeek Score:
88/ of 100

Overview

State Farm is the top choice for rideshare drivers seeking robust coverage. Its rideshare insurance ensures that medical, emergency roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement from your personal auto policy stay active while you're working for a ridesharing company.

The policy also applies your personal deductible, even when driving for a transportation network company (TNC). All coverages from your auto policy extend when the app is on and you're available for hire. After matching with or transporting a rider, all coverages remain active except for liability insurance. 

  • What it covers: Damage to your car, medical coverage, emergency road service, rental reimbursement and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
  • What isn't covered: Liability to others during Phases 2 and 3
  • Availability: Most states
  • Cost estimate: Adds about 15% to 20% to your current auto insurance premium, depending on your selected coverages, discounts and other factors

Best Rideshare Insurance for Delivery Service Drivers: Progressive

Company logo for Progressive
Progressive
MoneyGeek Score:
88/ of 100

Overview

Progressive offers reliable coverage for delivery drivers who need insurance while working for companies like Uber Eats. Most personal auto policies exclude delivery work, but Progressive lets you add coverage to bridge the gap between your personal policy and the delivery company's insurance. 

This add-on provides flexible options, allowing drivers to customize their plans based on how often they drive during busy or slow seasons. It's often more affordable than other rideshare policies while ensuring delivery drivers have the necessary coverage. 

  • What it covers: Liability, comprehensive, collision, UM/UIM, PIP, roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement
  • What isn't covered: Liability, comprehensive, collision, UM/UIM and PIP during Phases 2 and 3
  • Availability: Most states
  • Cost estimate: Undisclosed

Best Rideshare Insurance for Military Members, Veterans and Their Families: USAA

Company logo for USAA
USAA
MoneyGeek Score:
97/ of 100

Overview

USAA offers rideshare insurance exclusively for veterans, active service members and their families. This coverage bridges the gap between turning on your rideshare app and accepting a ride. Existing USAA auto insurance customers can add this coverage for as low as $6 per month.

  • What it covers: Extends regular auto insurance coverage to Phase 1
  • What isn't covered: Coverage during Phases 2 and 3
  • Availability: 42 states
  • Cost estimate: Starting at $6/month

Best Rideshare Insurance for Extending Personal Coverage: American Family

Company logo for American Family Insurance
American Family Insurance

Overview

American Family offers the Rideshare Endorsement, an add-on that extends personal auto coverage to Phase 1 for rideshare drivers. This endorsement provides the same coverages as a personal policy, including bodily injury and property damage liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments and personal injury protection (PIP). 

  • What it covers: Same bodily injury liability, property damage liability, collision, comprehensive, medical payments and PIP limits as your personal policy during Phase 1
  • What isn't covered: Phases 2 and 3
  • Availability: Most states
  • Cost estimate: Undisclosed

Best Rideshare Insurance by Location

Rideshare car insurance is a newer type of auto coverage, and options can vary widely between insurers. Policies meet different needs, and the best car insurance choices may depend on your location.

Best Rideshare Insurance for East Coast Drivers: NJM

Company logo for NJM Insurance Co
NJM Insurance Co

Overview

NJM offers a rideshare endorsement for East Coast drivers. This add-on bridges coverage gaps between a driver's personal policy and the TNC's commercial insurance. The endorsement covers liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM), personal injury protection (PIP) and physical damage while a driver uses a rideshare app but hasn't accepted a passenger.

NJM also provides limited coverage during passenger pick-up and trips. This includes PIP for the insured driver and reimbursement for the difference between the TNC's and NJM's deductibles for physical damage after an accident.

  • What it covers: Liability, UM/UIM, PIP and physical damage coverage during Phase 1
  • What isn't covered: Liability and UM/UIM during Phases 2 and 3
  • Availability: Five states
  • Cost estimate: Varies as a coverage add-on

Best Rideshare Insurance for Drivers in Colorado or Illinois: Travelers

Company logo for Travelers
Travelers

Overview

Travelers offers rideshare insurance for drivers in Colorado and Illinois. This endorsement, available only in these states, provides coverage when you activate your rideshare app but ends once you connect with a passenger. 

  • What it covers: Undisclosed
  • What isn't covered: Undisclosed
  • Availability: Colorado and Illinois
  • Cost estimate: Undisclosed

Best Rideshare Insurance for a Low Deductible (California, Illinois and New Jersey): Esurance

Company logo for Esurance
Esurance

Overview

Esurance offers rideshare insurance through its SmartShare program, available only in California, Illinois and New Jersey. This policy eliminates coverage gaps between your personal policy and the rideshare app's insurance. It includes collision and comprehensive coverage (if part of your personal policy), liability up to your policy limits and all other personal coverages. SmartShare also covers the difference between your Esurance and the rideshare company's deductibles.

  • What it covers: Collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, liability coverage and other personal coverages
  • What isn't covered: Undisclosed
  • Availability: California, Illinois and New Jersey
  • Cost estimate: Undisclosed

What Does Rideshare Insurance Cover?

Rideshare insurance bridges the gap between your personal auto policy and the coverage provided by rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft, extending your personal auto policy coverage to fill gaps during rideshare driving periods. The specific coverage depends on your policy and the phase of driving you're in when an incident occurs.

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    Liability

    Covers bodily injuries or property damage you cause during an accident in Period 1 (app on, waiting for a ride request) if the rideshare company's limited liability coverage falls short.

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    Collision and comprehensive

    Covers damage to your vehicle caused by accidents, vandalism or natural disasters during Period 2 (driving to pick up a passenger) and Period 3 (transporting a passenger). Coverage applies only if you have collision and comprehensive coverage on your personal policy.

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    Uninsured/Underinsured motorist

    Financially protects you and your passengers if an uninsured or underinsured driver causes an accident. While rideshare companies often provide this during Phases 2 and 3, it may not apply during Phase 1 without rideshare insurance.

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    Personal injury protection and medical payments

    Cover medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. These coverages vary by state and are often included in rideshare insurance or provided by the company for Phases 2 and 3.

Rideshare Company Coverage by Period

Rideshare insurance bridges coverage gaps, especially during Period 1, when personal and rideshare company insurance may fall short. Without it, drivers risk significant financial exposure for vehicle damage or liability claims.

Coverage Type
Period 1 (App On, No Ride)
Periods 2 and 3 (En Route/Passenger)

Bodily injury liability

$50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident

Up to $1 million combined liability

Property damage liability

$25,000

Included in $1 million liability limit

Collision/Comprehensive

None

$2,500 deductible (only if you have it on personal policy)

Uninsured motorist

Varies by state

Varies by state

Personal injury protection

Varies by state

Varies by state

Medical payments

Varies by state

Varies by state

Rideshare Insurance Deductible Gap Coverage

Uber and Lyft have high deductibles — $1,000 for Uber and $2,500 for Lyft — when you’re picking up or transporting passengers. That’s a sharp increase from the $500 deductible most people carry on their personal policies.

Deductible gap coverage can close that gap. It covers the difference between your personal deductible and the higher rideshare deductible, so you only pay your usual amount if you’re in an accident. Not all rideshare insurance includes this, so be sure to ask about it when comparing policies.

Best Affordable Rideshare Car Insurance: Buying Guide

Choosing rideshare insurance isn't just about finding the cheapest car insurance. It's about protecting your income and avoiding thousands in out-of-pocket costs when accidents happen. The right policy depends on how often you drive, which phases pose the biggest risk to your situation and whether you can handle high deductibles if something goes wrong. 

Most rideshare insurance policies are added as endorsements to your existing personal auto policy, increasing your premium. This makes it much more affordable than purchasing separate commercial auto insurance, which can cost two to three times more. The key factors to evaluate include your state's availability of rideshare insurance options, the coverage periods offered, deductible amounts and whether the policy includes deductible gap coverage.

How to Get The Best Cheap Rideshare Insurance

Getting affordable rideshare insurance requires more than just finding the lowest premium. You need coverage that won't break your budget while actually protecting your earnings. The smartest drivers know that cheap rideshare insurance means balancing upfront costs with potential out-of-pocket expenses. Below are some tips to help you secure the best value.

  1. 1

    Check your current policy

    Review your personal auto insurance policy to confirm whether it covers rideshare activities. Most standard policies exclude coverage during commercial activities. While you're reviewing, note your current discounts. Safe driver, multi-policy and good student discounts often transfer to rideshare endorsements, instantly reducing your costs.

  2. 2

    Contact your insurance provider

    Ask your current insurer if it offers a rideshare endorsement. Adding it is often the simplest and most cost-effective solution, usually costing less than switching providers. Staying with your current insurer also preserves multi-policy discounts and loyalty benefits.

  3. 3

    Compare insurers

    If your current insurer doesn't offer rideshare insurance, research other providers during renewal periods to avoid cancellation fees. Companies like Progressive, State Farm and GEICO offer rideshare-specific coverage or endorsements. Get quotes from at least three insurers, as rates can vary for identical coverage.

  4. 4

    Determine your coverage needs

    Decide whether you need liability coverage or additional protections based on your driving frequency and vehicle value. Weekend drivers can save hundreds by choosing rideshare insurance instead of comprehensive policies.

  5. 5

    Apply and finalize

    Once you've selected a provider and coverage type, complete the application process. Pay annually instead of monthly to save on premiums. Ensure your policy covers all rideshare periods and ask about usage-based discounts if you drive fewer than 12,000 miles annually. This can further reduce rates.

Rideshare Car Insurance Discounts

Many insurers offer discounts to make rideshare insurance more affordable, and smart drivers can stack multiple savings opportunities to reduce their premiums while maintaining essential coverage. Find out which discounts transfer from your personal policy and which new opportunities become available when you add rideshare coverage.

    discount icon

    Safe driver discount

    This discount rewards drivers with clean records, free of accidents or violations, for a set period. This becomes even more valuable for rideshare drivers since you're on the road more frequently, making your clean driving record a significant asset.

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    Bundling discount

    Combine rideshare insurance with other policies, such as home or renters insurance, to save on premiums. Most insurers offer discounts for bundling, making it a cost-effective option for multiple coverage needs.

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    Low-mileage discount

    If you drive fewer miles when not working for a rideshare company, you may qualify for low mileage discount. Focus on your personal driving miles, not your rideshare miles when calculating eligibility.

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    Pay-in-full discount

    Save money by paying your premium upfront instead of in monthly installments. This simple change in payment method can provide meaningful annual savings.

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    Paperless discount

    Opting for electronic billing and policy documents instead of paper mail can earn you a discount while supporting eco-friendly practices and ensuring faster communication during claims processing.

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    Good student discount

    Part-time rideshare drivers who are students can often maintain their good student discounts when adding rideshare coverage. This is particularly valuable for college students driving for extra income between classes.

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    Multi-vehicle discount

    If you insure multiple vehicles with the same company, you can often receive discounts even if only one vehicle has rideshare coverage. This makes staying with your current insurer more attractive when adding rideshare protection.

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    Defensive driving course discount

    Completing an approved defensive driving course can reduce premiums and may help offset points on your license. Given the increased road exposure for rideshare drivers, this discount offers both financial and safety benefits.

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    Usage-based insurance programs

    These programs provide discounts based on safe driving behaviors. Since rideshare drivers often drive during daylight hours and follow traffic laws closely to maintain high ratings, these monitoring programs frequently work in drivers' favor.

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    Professional association memberships

    Many insurers offer discounts for membership in professional organizations, alumni associations or employer groups. Check if your day job, college alumni status or professional memberships qualify for additional savings.

    theftSecurity icon

    Anti-theft device discounts

    Installing approved anti-theft devices, such as car alarms, GPS tracking systems or engine immobilizers, can reduce comprehensive coverage costs. Since rideshare vehicles are often theft targets due to their visibility and frequent stops, these devices provide both security and potential savings.

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    Loyalty discounts

    Staying with the same insurer for multiple years can unlock loyalty-based discounts. If you're adding rideshare coverage to an existing policy, your loyalty history often applies immediately to your new coverage.

Ways to Maximize Your Discount Strategy

  1. Stack compatible discounts: Safe driver, bundling and pay-in-full discounts can often combine for substantial total savings. Most insurers allow multiple discounts to apply simultaneously to rideshare policies.
  2. Ask about unadvertised discounts: Many companies offer discounts they don't actively promote in their marketing materials. Always ask agents about all available rideshare insurance discounts when shopping for coverage or renewing your policy.
  3. Review annually: Your discount eligibility changes as your driving record improves, you reach new age brackets or complete additional safety courses. Set a reminder to review available discounts each renewal period to ensure you're not missing savings opportunities.

How Does Rideshare Insurance Work?

If you drive for Uber, Lyft or other rideshare companies, your personal auto insurance policy likely won't cover you while you're working. Rideshare insurance fills critical coverage gaps that exist between your personal auto policy and the insurance provided by transportation network companies (TNCs). Without this specialized coverage, you could face thousands in out-of-pocket expenses if an accident occurs while driving for these platforms.

Understanding exactly when you're covered can save you thousands. The rideshare app's commercial insurance activates once you accept a fare or transport a passenger, but it provides limited coverage when the app is on but no fare is accepted, creating dangerous gaps that catch many drivers off guard.

To clarify coverage periods, insurers divide the rideshare process into four distinct phases, each with different insurance implications:

Phase
Description
Real-World Scenario
Coverage Gap Risk

0

Your app is off. Your personal auto insurance policy covers you.

You're driving home from your day job when another driver rear-ends you at a stoplight.

No gap: Your personal policy provides full coverage.

1

Your app is on, and you're waiting for a ride request. Your personal policy without rideshare coverage won't cover any accidents during this phase. Some TNCs provide liability-only coverage.

You're parked outside a popular restaurant with your Uber app on when someone backs into your car. Without rideshare insurance, you could pay for repairs entirely out of pocket.

High Risk: No collision/comprehensive coverage from TNC or personal policy. You're responsible for vehicle damage costs.

2

You accepted a request and are en route to pick up a passenger or a meal order. Most ridesharing and some delivery companies offer coverage.

You're driving to pick up a passenger when you hit a pothole and damage your tire. Uber's insurance covers liability, but you'll pay their $1,000 deductible for vehicle damage.

Moderate Risk: TNC covers liability, but high deductibles ($1,000-$2,500) apply to vehicle damage.

3

You have passengers or food in the car. All ridesharing and delivery apps offer coverage, but coverage quality varies by company.

A passenger spills coffee and then slips getting out of your car, injuring themselves. The TNC's $1 million liability coverage protects you from lawsuits

Lower Risk: Best coverage period with $1 million liability, but deductibles still apply to vehicle damage.

Phase 1 presents the highest risk for drivers because traditional personal auto policies exclude coverage during commercial use, while rideshare companies provide only basic liability coverage with no collision or comprehensive protection for your vehicle.

Rideshare Insurance Requirements by State

Rideshare insurance requirements vary from state to state, creating differences in both costs and coverage needs for drivers. Some states require minimal coverage during Period 1 (waiting for rides), as low as $25,000 per person, while others mandate much higher limits. When transporting passengers, liability requirements range from $100,000 in some areas to $1.25 million in states like New York. 

You'll face higher insurance costs in high-requirement states that eat into your profits. Before you start driving, research your specific state's requirements and factor the insurance costs into your earnings calculations. The difference between states can be substantial enough to impact whether rideshare driving is profitable for you.

What's The Difference Between Rideshare And Commercial Auto Insurance?

Many new rideshare drivers wonder whether they need commercial auto insurance or if rideshare insurance is enough. The key difference comes down to how you use your vehicle and how often you drive for hire. Commercial auto insurance is designed for full-time professional drivers and company-owned vehicles, while rideshare insurance is specifically created for part-time drivers using their personal cars for apps like Uber and Lyft.

Rideshare vs. Commercial Auto Insurance

carVsCar icon
Rideshare Insurance
  • Best for: Part-time drivers using personal vehicles
  • Cost: Additional cost to personal policy
  • Coverage scope: Fills gaps during the three driving periods
  • Vehicle requirements: Personal vehicle used occasionally for ridesharing
  • Additional benefits: Deductible gap coverage and maintains a personal policy
  • When required: Optional in most states
carInsurance icon
Commercial Auto Insurance
  • Best for: Full-time drivers, company vehicles and taxis
  • Cost: 2-3x higher than rideshare insurance
  • Coverage scope: Comprehensive business vehicle protection
  • Vehicle requirements: Vehicles used primarily for commercial purposes
  • Additional benefits: Cargo protection, equipment coverage and business liability
  • When required: Required for taxis, limousines and some full-time commercial drivers

For most part-time rideshare drivers, rideshare insurance provides adequate coverage at a much lower cost than commercial auto insurance. However, drivers who use their vehicles primarily for commercial purposes or operate multiple vehicles may need commercial coverage.

Cheapest Rideshare Car Insurance Companies: Bottom Line

Whether you're a full-time rideshare driver or considering it as a side hustle, understanding rideshare insurance is essential. Standard auto insurance usually doesn't cover ridesharing, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Drivers need rideshare coverage as an add-on, a personal policy extension or a hybrid package.

Finding affordable rideshare insurance requires careful comparison shopping and understanding your specific coverage needs. Mercury offers the cheapest rideshare insurance, costing as low as $0.90 daily, but availability is limited to 11 states. For drivers in other areas, companies like USAA, State Farm and Progressive offer competitive options with varying coverage features and costs.

The cheapest option isn't always the best value. Consider factors like deductible gap coverage, customer service ratings and claims handling when deciding. The small additional cost for better coverage features can save you significant money if you're involved in an accident while driving for a rideshare company.

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Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

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Best Rideshare Auto Insurance: FAQ

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about rideshare insurance to help you understand how it works and make choosing a provider easier:

Does my insurance cover rideshare?

What does rideshare insurance cover?

Why do I need rideshare insurance?

How much does rideshare insurance cost?

Do I need rideshare insurance for food delivery?

What happens if I don't tell my insurance company I drive for rideshare?

Can I get rideshare insurance if I have a bad driving record?

Is rideshare insurance required by law?

Does rideshare insurance cover passengers?

Can I use rideshare insurance with a leased car?

What's the difference between rideshare insurance and commercial auto insurance?

Do I need rideshare insurance if I only drive occasionally?

Can I use my regular car insurance for rideshare driving?

What happens if I get in an accident without rideshare insurance?

Is rideshare insurance available in all states?

Best Rideshare Car Insurance: Our Review Methodology

Rideshare driving creates insurance gaps that traditional personal auto policies don't cover, leaving drivers vulnerable during the hours between personal use and active rides. We designed our methodology to identify which insurers actually understand these coverage challenges and provide practical solutions for drivers who depend on platforms like Uber and Lyft.

Coverage Analysis Framework

We evaluated rideshare insurance options by examining how each provider handles the three distinct phases of rideshare driving: app-off (personal driving), app-on (waiting for rides) and active rides (passengers in the vehicle). This phase-specific approach matters because most accidents happen during the app-on period when drivers have limited coverage from rideshare companies.

Our analysis focused on coverage availability across different driver profiles, affordability compared to standard auto insurance and state availability since rideshare regulations vary significantly by location. We prioritized insurers that offer dedicated rideshare coverage rather than basic commercial policies that can cost hundreds more per month.

Data Sources and Verification

We gathered information from established industry sources, including:

  • AM Best for financial stability ratings
  • J.D. Power for customer satisfaction data
  • National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for complaint ratios
  • Quadrant Information Services for rate analysis
  • State insurance departments for regulatory requirements

We contacted multiple insurance companies directly to verify rideshare coverage options and gathered data from the Insurance Information Institute to explain how rideshare insurance works in practice. Each provider was evaluated based on their specific rideshare offerings, not general auto insurance products.

Editorial Standards

Our editorial review board assesses and verifies all data for accuracy, quality and relevance to rideshare drivers' unique needs. We regularly update our research to reflect changing state regulations and new coverage options. MoneyGeek provides unbiased recommendations to help rideshare drivers find financial protection that actually covers their driving reality.

Car Insurance for Rideshare Drivers: Related Pages

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

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.


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