If you’re an active motorist, affordable car insurance is one of the most important things you can have. Finding the best cheap car insurance will help you protect yourself in the event of an accident.
No matter where you live, every driver needs to have some car insurance. Insurance costs most drivers pay amount to a few thousand dollars every year. Combined with other costs of owning a car, this can become a very big amount.
Luckily, you have options when it comes to affordable car insurance online. The internet has made it easier than ever to find the best cheap car insurance in your state. At CheapInsurance.com, our team has been bringing together all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Almost every working adult uses car insurance, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to understand. For most of us out there, no one explained car insurance before we got behind the wheel for the very first time!
One important way to save money on the best cheap car insurance is to get exactly the coverage you need and avoid the coverage you don’t. With that in mind, our affordable car insurance experts have developed this FAQ to help you get informed about your options.
Key Takeaways:
- Auto insurance protects your interests in the event of an accident while driving.
- The main types of car insurance coverage are liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- The amount of car insurance you need depends on your individual circumstances, such as your driving record, the value of your car, and your financial situation.
- You can save money on car insurance by comparing quotes from different insurers, bundling your insurance policies, and taking advantage of discounts.
- It is important to keep your car insurance up-to-date to ensure that you have the coverage you need in the event of an accident.
Here are some of the top questions drivers like you ask about car insurance:
What Kind of Car Insurance Do I Need?
The kind of car insurance you need depends on where you live and a few other factors. In most states, drivers are required to hold current Bodily Injury Liability and Property Damage Liability insurance. These policies pay for physical injury and vehicle damage incurred by another driver in an accident.
In special cases, you might be expected to hold other kinds of car insurance, too.
For example, drivers who are currently paying off a car loan may need Comprehensive Coverage. This coverage helps protect against weather events, crime, and other things not covered under standard insurance policies.
How Many Kinds of Car Insurance Are There?
There are lots of different kinds of cheap car insurance!
You might hear it said that there are three, four, five, or six kinds of insurance.
The real answer is a little bit more complicated.
There are six common types of car insurance online. Two of them are required for most drivers. One coverage type, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), isn’t even available in most states!
But there are also many less common kinds of car insurance that most people will never have, like Classic Car Insurance and Sound System Insurance. These are optional.
Other than Bodily Injury Liability and Property Damage Liability, you’ll also see:
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you when the other driver in an accident is uninsured
Collision Coverage: Helps pay for car repairs after a collision with another vehicle or an object
Medical Payments Coverage: Helps with long-term medical costs arising from an auto accident
Personal Injury Protection: PIP can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and even childcare
All together, there are more than a dozen different kinds of car insurance. Luckily, you might only need two. If you’re not sure, you can check with your local traffic court or look up the regulations in your state online.
What Happens if I Don’t Have Car Insurance?
If you don’t have auto insurance, you could end up in a lot of trouble!
Remember, any time you get stopped on the road, a police officer will ask you for proof of insurance. If you don’t have insurance, you can be subject to fines and other penalties. You may lose points on your license, which can lead to your driving privileges being suspended temporarily or even revoked.
The situation gets even more serious if you’re in an accident while uninsured.
Insurance protects your interests by paying for the costs incurred by others in an accident. If you don’t have insurance, you are more likely to be brought to court by other parties seeking restitution for any injury or property damage. On the other hand, an accident with insurance often just means paying higher premiums.
Do I Need Car Insurance if I Am Not Driving?
If you own or rent a car or use another person’s car, you need car insurance.
Any time you take possession of a car – whether from a dealership or a rental company – someone is sure to check on your insurance. You won’t be able to get behind the wheel if they find that you aren’t covered.
Even if you use a friend or family member’s car, the only way to ensure full protection is to have a policy of your own. Not all policies protect second drivers.
Affordable car insurance is just a click away here on CheapInsurance.com. Review available policies through our site or contact us for more information.
Average Full Coverage Costs by State
| State | Cheapest Carrier | Average cost per year | Average cost per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | State Auto | $2,090.40 | $174.20 |
| Alaska | State Farm | $1,607.00 | $133.91 |
| Arizona | Main Street America | $1,677.60 | $139.80 |
| Arkansas | Bristol West | $4,015.20 | $334.60 |
| California | Geico | $1,236.00 | $103.00 |
| Colorado | Sun Coast | $2,061.60 | $171.80 |
| Connecticut | Travelers | $2,164.80 | $180.40 |
| Delaware | Travelers | $1,488.00 | $124.00 |
| Florida | Direct Auto | $2,736.00 | $228.00 |
| Georgia | Mile Auto | $1,300.80 | $108.40 |
| Hawaii | State Farm | $1,763.00 | $174.00 |
| Idaho | American National | $722.00 | $60.17 |
| Illinois | Certainly | $967.20 | $80.60 |
| Indiana | Clearcover | $1,425.60 | $118.80 |
| Iowa | Progressive | $1,250.40 | $104.20 |
| Kansas | CSAA | $1,554.00 | $129.50 |
| Kentucky | Grange | $1,983.96 | $165.33 |
| Louisiana | Geico | $4,207.44 | $350.62 |
| Maine | Concord Group | $876.00 | $73.00 |
| Maryland | Elephant | $2,268.00 | $189.00 |
| Massachusetts | Midvale | $1,752.00 | $146.00 |
| Michigan | Esurance | $2,697.72 | $224.81 |
| Minnesota | Liberty Mutual | $2,058.00 | $171.50 |
| Mississippi | Allstate | $1,658.40 | $138.20 |
| Missouri | Clearcover | $2,157.60 | $179.80 |
| Montana | Progressive | $1,236.00 | $103.00 |
| Nebraska | Geico | $2,244.00 | $187.00 |
| Nevada | Mercury | $2,056.08 | $171.34 |
| New Hampshire | MMG Insurance | $768.00 | $64.00 |
| New Jersey | AAA | $1,668.00 | $139.00 |
| New Mexico | Nationwide | $1,416.00 | $118.00 |
| New York | New York | $1,944.00 | $162.00 |
| North Carolina | Midvale | $861.00 | $71.75 |
| North Dakota | North Carolina Farm Bureau | $516.00 | $43.00 |
| Ohio | Mile Auto | $612.00 | $51.00 |
| Oklahoma | CSAA | $2,692.80 | $224.40 |
| Oregon | Mile Auto | $816.00 | $68.00 |
| Pennsylvania | Mile Auto | $936.00 | $78.00 |
| Rhode Island | State Farm | $3,588.00 | $299.00 |
| South Carolina | Main Street America | $2,127.00 | $177.25 |
| South Dakota | Allied | $1,644.00 | $137.00 |
| Tennessee | Mile Auto | $666.00 | $55.50 |
| Texas | Allstate | $1,512.00 | $126.00 |
| Utah | Farmers | $1,776.00 | $148.00 |
| Vermont | Geico | $1,212.00 | $101.00 |
| Virginia | Nationwide | $1,075.20 | $89.60 |
| Washington | Midvale | $1,632.00 | $136.00 |
| West Virginia | Nationwide | $1,499.04 | $124.92 |
| Wisconsin | Novo | $1,521.60 | $126.80 |
| Wyoming | American National | $1,494.96 | $124.58 |
Average Annual Car Insurance Premium by Manufacturer
Many car brands on average are very close in costs. Some brands trend towards higher premium based on the large variety of available models, and the types of vehicles offered, including performance, and luxury models.
Average Car Insurance Premium by Manufacturer
| Vehicle Make | Average Premium |
|---|---|
| Fiat | $1,499 |
| Mini | $1,623 |
| Jeep | $1,625 |
| Volkswagen | $1,651 |
| Subaru | $1,669 |
| Mazda | $1,681 |
| Buick | $1,695 |
| Kia | $1,733 |
| Ford | $1,737 |
| Honda | $1,739 |
| GMC | $1,743 |
| Hyundai | $1,765 |
| Chevrolet | $1,766 |
| Mitsubishi | $1,814 |
| Toyota | $1,839 |
| Chrysler | $1,899 |
| Volvo | $1,955 |
| Dodge | $2,017 |
| Nissan | $2,028 |
| Cadillac | $2,071 |
| Acura | $2,240 |
| BMW | $2,346 |
| Land Rover | $2,418 |
| Lexus | $2,429 |
| Lincoln | $2,462 |
| Jaguar | $2,584 |
| Infiniti | $2,601 |
| Audi | $2,617 |
| Genesis | $2,664 |
| Mercedes | $2,763 |
| Porsche | $2,774 |
| Alfa-Romeo | $3,330 |
| Tesla | $3,419 |
| Maserati | $4,393 |
(Source: The Zebra)
Auto Insurance Tips:
- What are the three types of car insurance?
There are actually more than three types of car insurance, but only two are most commonly required by law. Those two are Property Damage Liability Coverage, which covers damage to another’s vehicle, and Bodily Injury Coverage, which covers injuries.
The other common kind of car insurance is Comprehensive Coverage. Comprehensive coverage can cover lots of events, like theft, vandalism, and bad weather. It may be required by lenders when you are paying off a car loan. This can be expensive, so it’s wise to look for affordable car insurance online and choose the best cheap auto insurance in your area.
- Who has the cheapest car insurance?
According to a recent study published by U.S. News & World Report, Maine has the most affordable car insurance in 2021. Its average annual rate is just over $875. It is followed by states like New Hampshire, Idaho, and Ohio. In the middle of the list, Wisconsin is the first state to break $1,000 per year.
Drivers in their 30s and 40s tend to have the cheapest car insurance overall, and women generally pay slightly less than men. To decide exactly which car insurance company to use, always go online to compare the best cheap auto insurance policies from multiple providers.
- Does your zip code affect your car insurance?
Yes! Your zip code is one of the major factors that determines how much your insurance costs. This is because insurers use local demographics to help set their rates. These include things like average age in the area, accident rates, criminal activity, and even weather.
Luckily, there are many factors in your insurance costs you can control. For example, insurers often look at your credit score. Affordable car insurance isn’t always easy to come by, so invest some time hunting for the best cheap auto insurance online before you choose a policy. You could end up saving hundreds per year.
- Which states have the cheapest car insurance?
For 2021, U.S. News & World Report indicates frosty Maine is the state with the most affordable car insurance. Just behind it are: New Hampshire, Idaho, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, Washington State, Alaska, North Dakota, and Vermont. The states with the best cheap auto insurance do tend to change from time to time.
If you’re in a state with cheap car insurance, you’re in luck!
If not, you can still find cheap insurance rates – it just takes a little more effort. Compare the different insurance companies in your area by checking out cheap insurance quotes online so you get a bargain. - Which car insurance is the best?
Did you know the age, make, and model of your car can affect the cost of your insurance?
In general, insurers don’t like high-end luxury cars, which are more likely to be targeted by criminals. That goes double for sports cars, which many insurers feel are linked to risky driving behavior.
Plus, insurers prefer newer cars with lots of modern safety features. SUVs often get lower rates than the average car. Luckily, you can search for the best cheap auto insurance online and get cheap insurance rates for almost any car. And no matter what you drive, drive safe!
Additional tips for getting cheap car insurance:
- Drive safely and avoid accidents.
- Maintain a clean driving record.
- Increase your deductible.
- Get quotes from multiple insurers.
- Bundle your insurance policies.
- Take advantage of discounts.
Related Reading:
Factors You Might Not Know Affect Car Insurance Quotes and How to Manage Them
Car Insurance Quotes: Hidden Fees and Charges to Watch Out for
Exploring the Connection Between Vehicle Type and Insurance Quotes
The Pros and Cons of Using Online Tools for Instant Car Insurance Quotes
How to Customize Your Car Insurance Policy Based on Quotes
Demystifying the Different Types of Coverage in Car Insurance Quotes
The Role of Your Driving Record in Determining Car Insurance Quotes
Tips for Getting Accurate and Reliable Car Insurance Quotes
A Comprehensive Guide to Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online
Understanding Factors That Influence Car Insurance Quotes
