Personal Finance Insurance Auto Insurance
Written by Lina Roby; reviewed by Evelyn He
- Compare Cheap Car Insurance
- FAQs
- Best Cheap Car Insurance Reviews
- Why You Should Trust Us
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The minute an accident occurs, it's clear why auto insurance is so important.
Car insurance can be costly, especially if you have tickets, accidents, a teenager, or other risk factors hiking your rates. But it's possible to meet state requirements, protect yourself and your property, and avoid paying more than you must with affordable policies through some of the best car insurance companies.
Best Cheap Car Insurance of 2024
- State Farm Auto Insurance: Best Overall
- USAA Auto Insurance: Best for Military Members
- GEICO Auto Insurance: Best for Cheap Coverage
- The Hartford Auto Insurance: Best for Seniors
- California Casualty Auto Insurance: Best for Heroes
- Progressive Auto Insurance: Best for High-Risk Drivers
Compare The Best Cheap Car Insurance
Best Overall
State Farm Auto Insurance
Compare policies and rates
Insider’s Rating
4.37/5
Perks
Offers many discounts, including good student discounts for high school and college students
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
817
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A++
Pros
- Nationwide presence
- High customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction rankings
- Discounts for bundling insurance products
Cons
- Quotes are only available through captive agents (who only quote State Farm)
- Pricing may be higher or products unavailable for high-risk drivers
- Rates may rise quickly for households with teen drivers
Insider’s Take
State Farm auto insurance offers coverage across all 50 states and Washington, DC. It has comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage along with less common options like rideshare coverage.
State Farm Auto Insurance review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Best for Military Members
USAA Auto Insurance
Compare policies and rates
Insider’s Rating
4.12/5
Perks
Offers numerous discounts and get up to 30% off
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
871
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A++
Pros
- Low rates for eligible buyers
- Coverage is available in all 50 states and Washington, DC
- Auto policies can be bundled with other insurance plans and financial products
Cons
- Only available to military, veterans, and their families.
- Claims may take longer than with some other providers
Insider’s Take
USAA Auto Insurance could be a great option if you're a current or former military member; no one else is eligible. Coverage is available in all 50 states, and premiums are generally affordable.
USAA Auto Insurance review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- USAA auto insurance is open to the military, veterans, and their families
- Discounts for safe driving and more
Best for Cheap Coverage
GEICO Auto Insurance
Insider’s Rating
4.62/5
Perks
Discounts for airbags, anti-theft system, military, good student, good driver, multi-car discounts, and bundling insurance
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
824
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A++
Pros
- National presence with coverage in all 50 states
- Buyers can bundle with homeowners, renters, and other insurance products
- Offers some of the most competitive auto insurance rates
- Claims adjusters may be able to reduce or eliminate deductibles on some claims
Cons
- Customer satisfaction varies across products
- Claims process may be longer than some competitors based on customer reviews
Insider’s Take
GEICO offers auto, homeowners, and life insurance. It's been around since 1936 and generally offers some of the lowest rates. However, customer satisfaction may be an issue.
GEICO Auto Insurance review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- Discounts for safe driving, good grades, military, and more
- Available in all 50 states
Best for Seniors
The Hartford Auto Insurance
Compare policies and rates
Insider’s Rating
3.62/5
Perks
Offers discounts for vehicle safety, insuring an electric vehicle, and completing a driver's training course
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
860
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A+
Pros
- Highly ranked for customer satisfaction
- Provides discounted rates across all 50 states for senior drivers
Cons
- Coverage is exclusively available to AARP members
- Drivers with a mixed driving history may not qualify
Insider’s Take
The Hartford offers auto, homeowners, and renters insurance. It's been around since 1810 and is known for providing excellent customer service and a wide array of benefits for AARP members.
The Hartford review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- Accident forgiveness for first accident
- New car replacement coverage
- Only available to AARP members
Best for Heroes
California Casualty Auto Insurance
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Insider’s Rating
2.87/5
Perks
Offers discounted rates for workers deemed heroes
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
B+
Pros
- Company offers affordable rates for nurses, firefighters, peace officers, teachers, and other heroes
- Agents offer customers extra coverages tailored to heroes like deductible-free protection for teachers while at school or other work-related tasks
- Benefits may be available for surviving spouses in certain circ*mstances
- Partners with MexPro to offer auto insurance in Mexico
Cons
- Not all medical professionals or heroes qualify for coverage
- California Casualty is only available in a limited number of states
- California Casualty is not available to the general public
Insider’s Take
California Casualty offers auto and homeowners insurance to teachers, nurses, firefighters, and other heroes. Its partnership with MexPro also provides auto insurance for heroes traveling to Mexico.
California Casualty auto insurance review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Best for High-Risk Drivers
Progressive Auto Insurance
Compare policies and rates
Insider’s Rating
4.62/5
Perks
Offers personalized rate based on driving
JD Power Customer Satisfaction Rating
842
AM Best Financial Strength Rating
A+
Pros
- Coverage available in all 50 states
- Discounts for bundling insurance products with competitive rates
- Highly rated with JD Power and AM Best
Cons
- Rates may jump significantly after your first accident or for higher risk drivers
- Mixed reviews on claims and customer service on sites like Consumer Affairs and TrustPilot
Insider’s Take
A highly ranked and long-standing insurance company, Progressive offers auto, home, motorcycle, and other insurance across the United States.
Progressive Auto Insurance review External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."
Product Details
- Ranked #17 out of 18 in auto claims satisfaction
- Bundling, vehicle safety, and student driver discounts
- Low rates
- Name your price tool
Cheap Car Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
What if auto insurance companies won't insure me?
Occasionally, car insurance companies will not approve a policy, often due to a poor driving record. With responsible driving, drivers can work back to traditional auto insurance, but the worst thing you could do is let your coverage lapse. While some companies cater to high-risk drivers, states also have high-risk insurance pools. Each state-approved insurer is required to take on a certain number of drivers from this pool each year. The companies also have to offer state-approved rates. To qualify, you would have to be denied coverage by a set number of companies depending on your state.
Who normally has the cheapest auto insurance?
Most auto insurance companies are regional meaning the cheapest option may be a local auto insurance provider (varying in each state). However, among auto insurance providers licensed in all 50 states, GEICO consistently offers the lowest rates for most drivers.
Who has to pay the most for car insurance?
Male drivers generally have to pay more for car insurance. When it comes to other demographics, younger drivers under 25 tend to pay the highest premiums because they're considered a higher risk. Other groups that often pay the most for car insurance are those with multiple accidents or DUIs on their record or those with poor credit.
Who is cheaper, GEICO or Progressive?
GEICO could be the cheaper option overall, but Progressive is generally a cheaper auto insurance option if you have a DUI or multiple traffic infractions.
Our Winners for Best Cheap Car Insurance
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State Farm Auto Insurance
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USAA Auto Insurance
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GEICO Auto Insurance
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The Hartford Auto Insurance
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California Casualty Auto Insurance
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Progressive Auto Insurance
Best For
Best Overall
Best For
Best for Military Members
Best For
Best for Cheap Coverage
Best For
Best for Seniors
Best For
Best for Heroes
Best For
Best for High-Risk Drivers
Compare policies and rates
Compare policies and rates
Compare policies and rates
Compare policies and rates
Compare policies and rates
Best Cheap Car Insurance Reviews
State Farm
The 2023 J.D. Power auto insurance satisfaction study breaks rankings down to different sections of the U.S., which vary widely. While the highest-ranked choice in each region varies, State Farm was the most consistent competitor in all areas. This doesn't come as a surprise. State Farm offers a reliable and familiar name to do business with. It has agents on the ground dedicated to quoting and binding policies with custom discounts for each customer.
While State Farm agents provide you with the most competitive quote on company-specific products, agents can only provide you with quotes on State Farm insurance policies. They are considered "captive agents" meaning they cannot assist you in comparing rates elsewhere or if you don't qualify with State Farm. The good news is State Farm covers most drivers and families. This insurer also offers competitive rates for young drivers.
State Farm Auto Insurance Review
USAA
According to its website, USAA Auto Insurance has one stated mission: "to facilitate the financial security of its members, associates and their families", specifically military families. If you are a military member, you can buy a full range of financial products with USAA at discounted rates.
If you are a military spouse or other dependent, your military member needs to have a USAA account first. If the military member passes, children coming into adulthood can be USAA-eligible as long as the military member signed up while living. Keep in mind, not all USAA products are limited to military families. You can check its website to verify which ones.
USAA Car Insurance Review
GEICO
With its infamous GEICO Auto Insurance gecko, most people in the United States have at least heard the name GEICO. GEICO has insurance agents, but agents do not actively seek out customers. Instead, potential customers run quotes through its online system and sign up, manage plans, and more with assistance as needed from customer service agents.
GEICO Car Insurance Review
AARP The Hartford
Known for its senior-friendly financial products and services, AARP also offers auto insurance as The Hartford Auto Insurance. You'll need to be signed up with AARP to get an auto insurance quote. But seniors can save on an auto insurance policy and get discounts on home, renter, recreational, and more.
AARP Car Insurance Review
California Casualty
The celebration of heroes has never been higher, but not all insurance companies are equipped to offer coverage or competitive rates to teachers, firefighters, nurses, and peace officers. Despite the name, California Casualty offers coverage in most states for the listed professionals at discounted rates.
California Casualty is not currently offering coverage in Alaska, Hawai'i, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, or Wisconsin. In the states it does cover, California Casualty offers discounted rates on homeowners and auto insurance with additional coverages like reduced deductibles for nurses when the damage occurs within 500 feet of their workplace.
California Casualty Car Insurance Review
Progressive
Having a DUI, multiple traffic infractions, or poor credit in some states makes drivers difficult to insure. Some companies may choose not to renew coverage or accept policies. Whatever your circ*mstances, Progressive offers consistently competitive rates for drivers with complicated driving records.
Progressive Auto Insurance Review
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose The Best Cheap Car Insurance
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for car insurance. Different companies assess the same risk and assign wildly varying premiums. We use resources, including industry powerhouses like JD Power and customer reviews (both positive and negative).
The popularity of the company and the price are two obvious factors. We also look at the coverage available, the likelihood of getting a policy, ease of maintenance once a policy is bound, and how quickly claims are paid. Many of the big names in auto insurance refuse to renew or accept policies with certain high-risk drivers. By combining all these factors and more, we narrow the list of companies to help readers find the right insurance coverage.
Read our full insurance rating methodology for more details on how we evaluate insurance companies.
Business Insider takes pride in helping readers find personal finance solutions that suit them. Our reviews and rankings in our insurance guides are not for sale.
Insurance Editor, LIA, MLO
Lina Roby (she/her) was a Personal Finance Insurance editor at Insider. She covered pet, travel, auto, and other common insurance products. She is also a licensed property & casualty insurance agent. Her goal is to help readers make informed decisions for all their insurance needs and plan for the unexpected, especially in a constantly evolving insurance marketplace. As a licensed insurance agent, she worked closely with clients and insurance carriers to quote and bind homeowners, auto, liability, and other insurance plans for personal and business. As a licensed mortgage loan originator, she was also able to more effectively quote and bind homeowners insurance policies meeting mortgage lender requirements. With a love for writing, she has also assisted with marketing for her local insurance marketplace.
Compliance and Operations Associate
Evelyn He is a Compliance and Operations Associate on the Personal Finance team to ensure content accuracy and editorial independence so readers get up-to-date and objective financial advice.The compliance team's mission is to provide readers with fact-checked and current stories so they can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by ensuring language is clear, precise, and fully compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team.
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