Of the nine major auto insurance providers in our annual study, USAA, Geico, and State Farm consistently have the lowest annual rates for the driver groups we examined. This includes premiums for good drivers as well as for those who may have had a speeding ticket. These insurers also may be money-savers for teenage and senior drivers.
Keep in mind that shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance companies is the best way to find the cheapest car insurance for you.
What Is the Cheapest Car Insurance Company for You?
The company with the cheapest car insurance premiums in our rating is USAA. In addition to having the overall lowest premiums, it also has the lowest premiums for motorists who have a speeding ticket or have been in an accident. USAA offers its car insurance policies to drivers with a connection to the U.S. military, including active service members, veterans, pre-commissioned officers, and spouses and children.
For those drivers without a connection to the military, the next cheapest car insurance company in our rating is Geico. It also has the least expensive premiums, aside from USAA, for both teen and senior drivers, motorists with a clean driving record, and those with poor credit scores.
If you’ve had a speeding ticket or been in an accident, State Farm has the lowest premiums, aside from USAA. And if you have a DUI, State Farm offers, on average, the lowest cost car insurance policies of any company in our rating.
The rates in our study are based on new customers shopping for insurance and can help you get an idea of how much you may pay for auto insurance with a new insurer. Keep in mind that car insurance rates are highly individualized. Your actual rate will depend on several factors, including where you live, the car you drive, and your credit scores. Insurers also rely on your driving record. Some infractions, like a speeding ticket, a DUI, or an at-fault accident, may increase your rates or make it harder to purchase a policy.
National Average Rates for a Year-long Car Insurance Policy
USAA
$1,000
Geico
$1,148
State Farm
$1,267
Nationwide
$1,327
Travelers
$1,371
American Family
$1,372
National Avg.
$1,442
Progressive
$1,533
Farmers
$1,917
Allstate
$2,047
Good drivers who aren’t eligible for a USAA policy are likely to find the cheapest car insurance rates with Geico.
Cheapest for Good Drivers
$1,148
National average rate for year-long policy
$294
Savings compared to national average
Geico’s annual rate of $1,148 is $294 less than the national average, a savings of more than 20%. Our latest customer survey data also indicates that most Geico policyholders are satisfied with their customer service experience and are likely to recommend the insurer to other people shopping for car insurance.
Accidents, speeding tickets, and other traffic violations can lead to higher rates, regardless of which insurer you choose. Keeping your driving record clean can help you secure the lowest rates and good-driver discounts.
Annual Rates for Good Drivers
Company
Annual Rate
Savings
National Average
$1,442
-
No spam. No hidden fees.
Our data indicates that Geico has the cheapest car insurance rates for most teen drivers, regardless of gender. Members of the military community may want to consider USAA instead, as it is slightly less expensive.
The average national rates for teen drivers range from $4,860 to $5,503, but Geico policyholders may be able to save up to 35%. Geico’s average rate for 17-year-old female drivers is $3,166 a year, or $1,694 less than the national average. Its average rate for male drivers in that same age bracket is $3,555, which beats the national average by $1,948.
Cheapest for Teen Drivers
$3,166
Annual rate for teen female drivers
$3,555
Annual rate for teen male drivers
Annual Rates for Teen Female Drivers
Company
Annual Rate
Savings*
National Average
$4,860
-
No spam. No hidden fees.
Annual Rates for Teen Male Drivers
Company
Annual Rate
Savings*
National Average
$5,503
-
No spam. No hidden fees.
Male and female 60-year-olds have the lowest rates of all age groups in our study, and their annual premiums are typically lower than the national average. Seniors looking for the cheapest insurance should consider Geico, which has the overall lowest rates in our study.
On average, drivers in this group pay between $1,245 and $1,282 a year for auto insurance, depending on their gender. Geico’s rates are around 18% lower, ranging from $1,049 to $1,085 a year. It’s worth noting that USAA’s rates for 60-year-old drivers are significantly lower than both the national average and Geico’s rates. As such, individuals who are eligible may want to consider USAA car insurance first.
Cheapest for Senior Drivers
$1,049
Annual rate for senior female drivers
$1,085
Annual rate for senior male drivers
Annual Rates for Senior Female Drivers
Company
Annual Rate
Savings*
National Average
$1,245
-
No spam. No hidden fees.
Annual Rates for Senior Male Drivers
Company
Annual Rate
Savings*
National Average
$1,282
-
No spam. No hidden fees.
Several auto insurers offer discounts for military members and their families, but if you are a member of the military community, consider USAA.
USAA consistently offers some of the lowest rates in our study. With USAA, a good driver can expect rates that are 31% lower than the national average. USAA also has the lowest rates for several subcategories we reviewed, including teen drivers, senior drivers, drivers with a speeding ticket or accident on their record, and drivers seeking minimum coverage.
If you’re considering USAA, keep in mind that its insurance products are limited to active and veteran military members and their families.
Cheapest for Military Community
$1,000
National Average for Military Community
$442
Savings compared to national average
Car insurance generally gets more expensive after a speeding violation, but it’s possible to minimize that increase with State Farm.
Cheapest After a Speeding Ticket
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$1,409
National average rate after a speeding ticket
$358
Savings compared to national average
Drivers caught speeding and given a ticket may see their car insurance rates increase. Insurers in our study raised their premium rates by an average of 23% for drivers who received one speeding ticket. But State Farm was well below that, raising its rates 11% on average – the smallest increase in our study. Drivers with State Farm insurance who receive a single speeding ticket can expect an annual insurance rate, on average, of $1,409. With the national average $1,767, that’s a $358 difference.
Most car insurers will raise your rate for at least three years after a speeding ticket, so it may be worth it to shop around to find a suitable alternative insurer that offers a cheaper annual premium.
Annual Rates for Drivers After a Speeding Ticket
Company
Base Rate
After Ticket
National Average
$1,442
$1,767
No spam. No hidden fees.
Annual Rates for Drivers After an Accident
Company
Base Rate
After Accident
National Average
$1,442
$2,041
No spam. No hidden fees.
The national average rate for drivers with an accident on their record is $2,041. That’s 29% higher than the average rate for drivers with a clean record. Next to USAA, State Farm's rate is the lowest in our study, and overall places No. 2 after USAA in our Best Car Insurance of 2022. At $1,516 a year, it beats the national rate by 26%, yielding a savings of $525 annually.
Cheapest for After an Accident
$1,516
National average rate after an accident
$525
Savings compared to national average
For most drivers, a DUI will lead to a significant rate increase. A policy with State Farm may make paying for auto insurance more manageable.
Cheapest After a DUI
$1,711
National average rate after a DUI
$609
Savings compared to national average
Our analysis found that the average annual rate of $2,320 represents a typical increase of about 61% when compared to rates for drivers with a clean record. State Farm does increase rates after a DUI, but only by 35%. On average, drivers who choose State Farm pay $1,711 for car insurance, a savings of nearly $609 a year.
This is one category in which USAA didn’t come out on top. Its rates are higher than those offered by State Farm and American Family Insurance.
Annual Rates for Drivers After a DUI
Company
Base Rate
After DUI
National Average
$1,442
$2,320
No spam. No hidden fees.
Annual Rates for Drivers With Poor Credit
Company
Base Rate
Poor Credit
National Average
$1,442
$2,524
No spam. No hidden fees.
Cheapest for Poor Credit
$1,810
National average rate with poor credit
$714
Savings compared to national average
Poor credit can increase rates nearly as much as (and sometimes more than) a DUI. Every insurer in our study increases premiums for poor credit, but drivers still may be able to save with Geico. Its rates for drivers with poor credit are 28% lower than the national average and the cheapest in our study.
The average rate for drivers with a poor credit score is $2,524 per year, but Geico’s average rate is only $1,810 per year. That’s an annual savings of $714. It’s also worth noting Nationwide’s rates are $1,837, only 1% higher than Geico’s, making it another competitively priced option for drivers with bad credit.
Note that insurers do not consider credit score when factoring rates in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts. As a result, data from those states was omitted from this part of our analysis.
The Cheapest Auto Insurance in Your State
According to our study, the national average representative car insurance rate is $1,442 per year. That amount is based on data from nine of the largest car insurance companies in the country. That being said, several factors determine a driver’s auto insurance premium, so the data in our study may not be indicative of the rate you pay.
Of the nine companies in our study, USAA, Geico, State Farm, Nationwide, Travelers, and American Family have average rates that are cheaper than the overall national average. Progressive, Farmers, and Allstate have average rates that are more expensive than the overall national average.
We did a thorough analysis of car insurance rates for drivers across the country to find the cheapest insurers in each state. The rates shown here are a simple average taken from representative driver profiles, so your rates will differ. It's important to note that our data may not include all of the states that each company operates in, and that your insurance premiums can vary by state. Even within the same state, you might find that rates change in different ZIP codes.
If you’re looking for cheap auto insurance that meets state minimum guidelines, Geico is the least expensive choice.
Cheapest for Minimum Coverage
$1,064
National average rate for minimum coverage
$308
Savings compared to national average
Our study shows most consumers will save money with Geico. On average, a low-coverage policy with Geico costs $1,064 a year, $308 less than the national average of $1,372. Geico also fares well in our Best Car Insurance Company ranking and subrankings.
Despite Geico’s low rates, drivers who are eligible for USAA membership may want to consider its minimum coverage auto insurance. USAA is the only insurer in our study that offers minimum coverage for less than $1,000 a year.
Annual Rates for Drivers With Minimum Coverage
Company
Annual Rate
Savings*
National Average
$1,372
-
No spam. No hidden fees.
Annual Rates for Drivers With Full Coverage
Company
Annual Rate
Savings*
National Average
$1,518
-
No spam. No hidden fees.
Our analysis shows that Geico is the cheapest company if you want a high level of insurance coverage.
Cheapest for Full Coverage
$1,237
National average rate for full coverage
$281
Savings compared to national average
Geico’s average rate for high coverage is $1,237 a year. That’s $281 less per year than the national average, a total annual savings of nearly 18%. As is the case in many other subcategories we reviewed, USAA’s rates are still the cheapest overall, and drivers in the military community should consider USAA if they’re eligible for membership.
Annual Rates for Low-Mileage Drivers
Company
Annual Rate
Savings*
National Average
$1,394
-
No spam. No hidden fees.
Cheapest for Low-Mileage Drivers
$1,086
National average rate with low mileage
$308
Savings compared to national average
Motorists who drive fewer than 6,000 miles per year may be able to save money by switching to a low-mileage plan. Geico offers the cheapest rates for people who drive infrequently.
Geico’s average rate for low-mileage car insurance is $1,086 a year for someone who drives less than 6,000 miles per year. That’s almost $400 less per year than the national average, a total annual savings of nearly 27%. As is the case in many other subcategories we reviewed, USAA’s rates are still the cheapest overall – about $150 less than Geico’s – so drivers in the military community should consider USAA if they’re eligible for membership.
How To Get the Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes
We’ve done the heavy lifting to find out which major car insurance companies are likely to have the best rates for you, but you won’t know exactly how much you’ll pay until you start getting quotes.
Insurance companies base rates, in part, on data that shows older drivers and married drivers make fewer claims. You shouldn’t get married just to save on insurance and you can’t change your age. However, you can consider these steps to save on car insurance and get the cheapest rate possible:
Shop Around
Comparing quotes from multiple companies is the first step toward getting cheap car insurance. Be sure to ask each insurer about how to adjust your level of coverage to fit your current needs.
Ask for Discounts
Nearly every insurance provider has discounts available for its customers. These can include lower rates for customer loyalty, maintaining a clean driving record and good students.
Switch to Pay-Per-Mile Insurance
This type of coverage replaces your traditional car insurance policy, and the main difference is that you pay for auto insurance by the mile. If you put only a few miles on your car every year, the savings can be worth making the switch.
Improve Your Driving Record
Insurance companies reward safe drivers with clean records by giving them lower rates. This is because good drivers are less likely to file a claim.
Improve Credit Rating
In most states, drivers with poor credit scores are penalized with higher insurance premiums. Maintain a good credit score, or take steps to improve your credit, and you’ll likely secure a better rate.
Understand State Requirements
Nearly every state has auto insurance requirements that determine the minimum amount of coverage a driver must carry. Factoring in your state auto insurance requirements, alongside your personal assets and finances, can help you decide how much coverage you need or if you’ve purchased too much coverage.
Increase Your Deductible
The rates that you pay are directly related to your deductible, which is the amount that you agree to pay if you need to file a claim. Opting for a higher deductible is one way that you can lower your insurance premiums.
Look for Local Insurers
It’s possible that a large insurer might not be the best or cheapest match for your coverage needs. Check with smaller insurers or with a local agent to see if you can find a lower rate.
Bundle Your Insurance
Most companies offer car insurance discounts if you buy two or more policies. This could include adding a renter’s or homeowner’s policy to your coverage, as well as insuring multiple vehicles together.
Review Coverage Annually
Take a look at your policy when it’s time to renew. Adjust your coverage, such as your deductible or the number of miles that you drive, to fit your current needs.
Pay Premiums Annually
Most insurance companies will allow you to pay for coverage monthly, biannually or on a yearly basis. However, paying your premiums annually will almost always save you money.
Decrease Your Limits
Limits refer to the amount of money your insurer will pay after a claim. Higher limits can decrease your out-of-pocket expenses after a claim. They can also drive up your annual premium. Review your personal finances and determine if lowering your limits is worth the lower rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
USAA has the cheapest car insurance, but its products are only available to members of the military community. According to our study data, Geico and State Farm have the cheapest car insurance for drivers who do not meet USAA’s membership requirements.
Based on our car insurance survey and rates study, USAA offers the best car insurance. Their rates are generally the lowest among the insurers we analyzed, and they generally received high scores in our customer feedback survey.
USAA is only available to members of the military community, so if you don’t fall into that category, you may want to consider State Farm and Geico.
For most drivers, the cheapest car insurance policy is a minimum-coverage policy that meets their state’s auto insurance requirements. Some people, particularly those who don’t drive frequently, may find that a pay-per-mile plan is cheaper than a traditional minimum-coverage policy.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III) one of the best ways to save money on car insurance is to get quotes from at least three companies, as different insurers may have different premiums for the same level and types of coverage.
Another way to save money is to bundle your car insurance policy with another policy from the same company. For example, if you purchase both your homeowners or renters insurance and car insurance from the same company most will provide some sort of bundling discount. For more information check out our rating of the Best Home and Auto Insurance Bundles of 2022.
Having a clean driving record can also net you better rates. If you look at the rates for our Cheap Car Insurance After an Accident or Cheap Car Insurance After a Speeding Ticket sections, most companies in our rating have higher rates after those events than before.
If you maintain a good credit rating you can also generally get a better premium than if you have poor credit.
To get the cheapest car insurance quotes, make sure you’re not buying more car insurance than you actually need. You can use our guide to figure out the right coverage amount for you. Then, cast a wide net. The more quotes you get, the more likely you are to find the cheapest car insurance policy.
Our study shows that USAA has the cheapest rates for most driver demographics; however, most drivers will not qualify for USAA membership. USAA stands for United Services Automobile Association, and this insurer’s affordable policies are a popular choice among military members, veterans, and their families. According to our data, USAA has a nationwide average annual rate of $1,000, which represents considerable savings compared to the national average rate of $1,442 as well as many of the rival insurance companies in our rankings.
If you’re on a budget, it’s tempting to get the cheapest car insurance you can. However, it is not usually a good idea to go with the cheapest quote. A basic policy might not include the full types of coverage you need to protect your assets, or the company’s customer service may be lacking.
The cheapest type of car insurance is usually a basic policy that meets the minimum insurance requirements in your state. However, maintaining a clean driving record is key to finding the lowest rates.
Multi-policy or bundling discount: If you have more than one policy with the same company, for example combining your car insurance policy with a homeowners or renters policy, will likely get you a break on your insurance premium. Insuring two or more vehicles on the same policy may also get you a discount.
Safe driver discount: If you have and maintain a clean driving record or complete an offered driving skills program through your insurance provider, you’ll likely qualify for safe driver discounts.
Driver status discount: Some insurance providers also offer savings for various demographic groups, including age (e.g., senior discount), education enrollment, and profession (e.g., teachers and military affiliations).
Vehicle equipment discount: If your car has certain safety features, such as a theft prevention system, you may qualify for additional insurance breaks. Some insurers offer a similar discount for new or late-model cars.
The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies
USAA: $1,000
Nationwide: $1,327
Progressive: $1,533
Geico: $1,148
Travelers: $1,371
Farmers: $1,917
State Farm: $1,267
American Family: $1,372
Allstate: $2,047
Methodology - How We Collected Our Car Insurance Rates
To get comparative insurance rates for this study, U.S. News worked with Quadrant Information Services to analyze a report of insurance rates in all 50 states from most of the largest national car insurance companies, though not every company operates in every state. Quadrant obtained publicly available rate data that car insurers file with state regulators. Our study rates are based on profiles for both male and female drivers aged 17, 25, 35, and 60. Vehicles used include the 2017 and 2021 Honda Civic, 2017 and 2021 Toyota RAV4, and 2017 and 2021 Ford F-150, with annual mileage ranging from 6,000 and 12,000. Three car insurance coverage levels were used, as were credit tiers of good, fair, and poor. Clean driving records, as well as records with one accident, one speeding violation, or one DUI were also used in the calculations of certain driver archetypes.
To get the study rates shown here, we computed the mean rate for male and female drivers ages 17, 25, 35, and 60 who drive 12,000 miles per year, have medium coverage, good credit, and a clean driving record. The rates shown here are for comparative purposes only and should not be considered “average” rates available by individual insurers. Because car insurance rates are based on individual factors, your car insurance rates will differ from the rates shown here.
U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.
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