Compare providers in your area.
Your information is secure
Finding the right car insurance as a single parent can feel like adding one more item to your never-ending to-do list. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll break down the basics of car insurance, share tips for finding affordable coverage and highlight the best options for single moms and dads so you can spend less time worrying about coverage and more time focusing on your family.
With everything single moms and dads have to juggle, sorting through car insurance options can feel overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide to the three main types of coverage to help you find what works best for your family’s needs and budget.
Liability insurance covers costs when you’re at fault for an accident. This type of insurance is required by almost every state, with the exception of New Hampshire and Virginia. There are two types of liability insurance: property damage liability and bodily injury liability.
Property damage liability pays for repairs to the other person’s car or any other property you may have damaged, like a fence or building. Bodily injury liability covers medical expenses and related expenses like lost wages if the other person is injured in the accident.
Collision coverage pays for damage to your own car if you’re involved in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Depending on the amount of coverage you get, it could also pay to replace your car if it’s totaled. This type of coverage isn’t required by any state, but it’s generally recommended if repairing or replacing your vehicle would strain your finances.
Comprehensive coverage protects your car from damage caused by events other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, fire, flood, hail and falling objects (like a rock or tree limb). Like collision insurance, comprehensive coverage also isn’t required by any state, but it is recommended if you wouldn’t be able to pay for unexpected damages to your car.
As a single parent, it’s important to cut costs wherever you can so you have more room in your budget for what really matters — your family. Here are a few practical tips to help you save money on car insurance:
By keeping these tips in mind, you can often find opportunities to save without sacrificing the coverage you need.
Choosing the right car insurance company is about more than just finding the lowest rate. Here’s what single moms and dads should look for when deciding on car insurance:
Unfortunately, car insurance companies don’t usually offer discounts to single moms or dads. However, some states (like California and New Jersey) have programs to help low-income families get coverage. Check with your state to see if a program is available.
Progressive
Finder score
| Telematics | Snapshot |
|---|---|
| Gap insurance | Loan/lease coverage |
| Telematics | Snapshot |
|---|---|
| Gap insurance | Loan/lease coverage |
Pretected
Finder score
What we like: Pretected is an online insurance comparison tool that helps busy single parents quickly find the best coverage options by connecting them with multiple insurers based on their specific needs. Its simple, user-friendly platform delivers personalized quotes in just minutes, making it easy to compare rates without the hassle of endless research. Although Pretected doesn't directly sell insurance, it partners with top providers, offering a variety of choices so you can find the right policy to fit your family's budget and coverage needs.
| Telematics | Varies by provider |
|---|---|
| Gap insurance | Varies by provider |
| Telematics | Varies by provider |
|---|---|
| Gap insurance | Varies by provider |
State Farm
Finder score
What we like: State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the United States, known for its strong customer service and local agent support — perfect for busy single parents who need quick, reliable help. It offers a range of discounts that are especially helpful for families, including good student discounts for teen drivers. State Farm was also the highest-ranked large auto insurer by J.D. Power for three years in a row, earning high marks for claims handling and customer satisfaction, making it a dependable choice for parents managing everything on their own.
| Telematics | Drive Safe and Save |
|---|---|
| Gap insurance | No |
| Telematics | Drive Safe and Save |
|---|---|
| Gap insurance | No |
Allstate
Finder score
What we like: Allstate is a trusted insurer with over 90 years of experience and a strong network of local agents — ideal for single moms and dads who want personalized support. It offers a variety of family-friendly discounts, including savings for bundling multiple policies and good student discounts for teens. Plus, Allstate's pay-per-use roadside assistance provides peace of mind when you're on the go without the need to pay for extra coverage up front.
| Telematics | Drivewise |
|---|---|
| Gap insurance | Yes |
| Telematics | Drivewise |
|---|---|
| Gap insurance | Yes |
Nationwide
Finder score
What we like: Nationwide's Vanishing Deductible program is a great option for single parents, helping reduce your deductible each year you remain accident-free. It also provides discounts designed for family budgets, like savings for insuring multiple cars and good student discounts for teens. Additional savings are available for maintaining continuous coverage, owning a vehicle with safety features and using automatic payments. These options make Nationwide a solid choice for single-parent families looking to stretch their budget without sacrificing coverage.
| Telematics | Yes |
|---|---|
| Gap insurance | Yes |
| Telematics | Yes |
|---|---|
| Gap insurance | Yes |
Finder’s insurance experts analyzed dozens of insurance providers to find ones that offer the best options for single parents. We ultimately chose ones that had competitive rates, multiple discounts and good satisfaction ratings.
Some of the criteria we evaluated included:
Finder also maintains strict editorial integrity and independence. Our content and suggestions are fair, accurate and trustworthy, and our advertisers or partners don’t influence our opinions. To learn more, check out our editorial guidelines here.
Car insurance rates vary based on a number of factors. Here’s what insurers consider when setting your premium:
For single parents juggling bills and tight budgets, keeping up with car insurance can be a struggle. One way to make it more manageable is to enroll in a payment plan, which spreads out your premiums and keeps monthly costs consistent.
You can also seek out discounts, such as good student or multi-policy discounts, and check if your state offers assistance for low-income drivers. Don’t forget to explore local options, like United Way, health and human services or community charities, which might have programs to help families afford coverage.
Being a single parent is tough, and finding affordable, reliable car insurance can feel like just one more challenge to tackle. But by understanding your coverage options, shopping around and taking advantage of discounts, you can find a policy that protects your family without breaking the bank.
Leaving a child in the car could be illegal in your state. But breaking them out could cause you more trouble than you think.
Compare the best short term car insurance policies for monthly, six-month and temporary car insurance coverage.
Compare Toyota insurance rates and quotes, learn how insurance companies determine your rates and how to lower your coverage costs.
Read on to learn more about Subaru insurance rates, and ways to keep your coverage costs down.
Compare car insurance for Nissans
Compare car insurance for Kias
Compare Jeep car insurance rates by model and year
Compare Hyundai insurance rates and quotes including all ratings and reviews on Hyundai car models.
Compare insurance rates for BMW models.
Compare car insurance for Audis
