Compare car insurance in Alabama

Most popular Alabama auto insurance companies list

Average car insurance costs in Alabama

Alabama’s on the cheap side for car insurance, but watch out for some of its unique driving laws. Costs can vary wildly from person to person, depending on the provider and a number of outside factors. But as a state, Alabama sits near the median cost for car insurance nationwide, which is between $110 and $130 a month for an annual total of approximately $1,400.

Factors that can influence your insurance cost include your driving record, your age and the type of vehicle you drive. Location-based factors can come into play as well, like crime rates where you live or work. The climate can even affect your rates if you live in a place known for extreme blizzards or hurricanes because you’re more likely to use comprehensive coverage for flood damage, falling tree limbs or an ice-related accident.

If you live near a city, you could expect rates to go up too, since accidents are more common in cities than in rural areas. In a state like Alabama, which doesn’t have as many cities with heavy traffic as California or Florida, this is less likely to affect you.

Cheapest car insurance rates in Alabama

• Quote methodology: driver profile & coverage options

  To get these quotes, we compared rates for the same driver profile in a common zip code in this state.

  • Good credit
  • Married
  • Male
  • 31-35 years old
  • 2017 Toyota Camry LE
  • State minimum coverage

Which city has the cheapest car insurance in Alabama?

Of Alabama’s largest cities, Madison has the cheapest rates and Mobile has the most expensive car insurance rates. Mobile drivers could face rates 4 times more than Madison drivers.

• Birmingham
• Montgomery
• Madison
• Mobile
• Tuscaloosa

State minimum car insurance requirements in Alabama

State minimum requirements for car insurance vary by state. To fulfill car insurance laws in Alabama, you must carry liability insurance that includes at least:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person.
• $50,000 total for bodily injury or death per accident.
• $25,000 for property damage.

When shopping for car insurance, you may see these liability limits written as 25/50/25.

Some states require drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage, which protects a driver if they’re involved in an accident with another driver that isn’t adequately covered by a car insurance policy. However, Alabama doesn’t require UM/UIM coverage.

Can I get SR-22 insurance in Alabama?

An SR-22 is a form that lets the state know that you’re carrying at least the minimum for auto liability insurance so you can legally drive again. It is used as confirmation of insurance for high-risk insurance policies, often after major driving infractions:

The regulations and methods for obtaining an SR-22 vary from state to state. You’re required to file an SR-22 in Alabama if:

• Your driver’s license is suspended or revoked
• You’re caught driving without proof of insurance
• You’re found guilty of a DUI, DWI or reckless driving

How to file an SR-22 in Florida

Bottom line

To drive in Alabama, you’ll need to purchase liability insurance or set up alternative means to payout at least $50,000. Research your car insurance options to find the cheapest coverage for your needs when driving in Alabama.

Frequently asked questions about car insurance in Alabama

• Where do I register my vehicle in Alabama?

  You can register most motor vehicles through your local county title or registration office.

• How does the state confirm insurance coverage?

  Using a state database, Alabama’s Department of Revenue randomly selects motor vehicle registrations to determine if owners are maintaining liability insurance according to the law. Your proof of insurance will also be checked anytime a police officer pulls you over.

• Does credit score affect car insurance rates in Alabama?

  In Alabama, your credit score can help or hurt you when it comes to car insurance rates. In 47 US states, including Alabama, insurers are allowed to use your credit history to assess risk when they quote you a policy rate. This move is illegal in three states: California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts. Coincidentally, independent studies have shown that drivers with poor credit scores are more likely to be involved in accidents than drivers with excellent credit.

  Your credit score is often one of the biggest factors in determining insurance rates, along with your driving record and your age. So if you really want to take a chunk out of your monthly insurance cost, raising your credit will put you on the right track.