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Compare cheap car insurance for 2021
Find the cheapest auto insurance rates to save on the coverage you need
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This article was reviewed by Andrew Flueckiger, a member of the Finder Editorial Review Board and certified insurance counselor and licensed insurance agent in five states.
The cheapest insurance depends on where you live, your driving record, what car you drive and what coverage and perks you need. By comparing the most affordable car insurance companies and finding the right coverage for you, you can save big and get solid protection from your policy.
Which companies have the cheapest car insurance?
Finder compiled over 300,000 car insurance quotes in every state to find which companies have the cheapest rates for every driver. Our analysis showed Geico and USAA had the lowest rates for most drivers.
Other big name companies like Progressive, Allstate and Liberty Mutual also offered some of the cheapest rates, and a few smaller companies like Mercury and 21st Century made the top ten list. The Hartford was a top pick for senior drivers, and a few companies like Travelers nearly made it to the top ten.
Cheapest car insurance companies
| Company | Lowest monthly rate |
|---|---|
| Geico | $33 |
| USAA | $35 |
| Progressive | $45 |
| Mercury | $47 |
| 21st Century | $54 |
| Nationwide | $56 |
| Allstate | $58 |
| Libery Mutual | $59 |
| State Farm | $61 |
| The Hartford | $61 |
Best cheap car insurance companies
Of the car insurance companies with the cheapest rates, these six companies offer the cheapest rates and solid coverage and customer reputation.
These top car insurers tend to have the cheapest rates, but your actual rate will vary. Getting quotes from multiple companies is the best way to save money on car insurance.
Cheapest overall: Geico
Optional
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance
New car protection
Accident forgiveness
Geico offers some of the lowest rates available and a long list of discounts for almost any driver. Its convenient website and app let you manage everything online, from getting a quote to filing a claim.
- Tons of discounts
- Innovative mobile app
- Easy repair process
- Low online customer service reviews
- Claims typically handled online only
| States served | All 50 states |
|---|---|
| Roadside assistance | Optional |
| Pay schedule | 12 months, 6 months, custom |
| Claims methods | Online, Phone, Agent |
| New car protection | Yes |
| Accident forgiveness | Yes |
Military members and family: USAA
Optional
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance
New car protection
Accident forgiveness
Customers praise USAA's cheap rates and great claims support, and USAA consistently tops the charts for customer satisfaction. You don't have to be in the military to get some of the lowest rates in the industry, though you do need a military connection.
- Some of the cheapest rates in the industry
- Report and track claims in the app
- Get dividends through company profits as a USAA member
- Flexible payment schedules
- Limited to military members and their families
- Online-focused customer support
| States served | All 50 states |
|---|---|
| Roadside assistance | Optional |
| Pay schedule | 12 months, 6 months, custom |
| Claims methods | Online, Phone |
| New car protection | No |
| Accident forgiveness | Yes |
Bundling: Progressive
Optional
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance
New car protection
Accident forgiveness
Progressive has a huge list of coverage, including options like custom parts, rideshare or high-risk driver coverage. Free perks like its loyalty rewards program offer small accident forgiveness, while bundling can score you 15% off already low home and auto premiums.
- Bundle any two policies for a multipolicy discount
- Over 12 coverage options, more than competitors
- Rare options like rideshare and SR-22 insurance
- Accident forgiveness after three years or for small claims
| States served | All 50 states |
|---|---|
| Roadside assistance | Optional |
| Pay schedule | 12 months, 6 months |
| Claims methods | online, phone |
| New car protection | Yes |
| Accident forgiveness | Yes |
Safe, low-mileage drivers: Metromile
Optional
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance
New car protection
Accident forgiveness
Metromile's usage-based insurance offers some of the lowest rates for safe, low-mileage drivers, including those considered high risk due to age or other factros. Its app or car device tracks your driving and sets rates based on your skills. Though Metromile rates weren't available for Finder's analysis, independent studies have found safe, low-mileage drivers stand to save hundreds by trying telematics insurance.
- Low-mileage drivers could save $611/year
- From $29/month plus pennies per mile
- All miles over 250 a day are free
- App or online claims plus 24/7 support
- Limited service to only 7 states
- Older vehicles excluded
- Not all drivers eligible
| States served | Arizona, California, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington |
|---|---|
| Roadside assistance | Optional |
| Pay schedule | monthly |
| Claims methods | Online, Phone |
| New car protection | Yes |
| Accident forgiveness | No |
Students: Allstate
Optional
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance
New car protection
Accident forgiveness
With lots of coverage options and convenient features, Allstate has earned its spot with the top insurance companies. Get student discounts and redeemable rewards through its safe driver program, plus some of the cheapest rates available for drivers under the age of 25.
- Rewards safe drivers and good students
- Get your own dedicated insurance agent
- Customer service is ranked average
| States served | All 50 states |
|---|---|
| Roadside assistance | Optional |
| Pay schedule | Monthly |
| Claims methods | Online, Phone |
| New car protection | Yes |
| Accident forgiveness | Yes |
Senior drivers: The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford
Optional
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance
New car protection
Accident forgiveness
The Hartford car insurance is designed for mature drivers, with perks like replacement cost coverage and a disappearing deductible for safe driving. After a car accident, enjoy 24/7 claims support and home services coverage to help you get back on your feet. Enjoy other AARP benefits with your membership too.
- 12-month rate lock
- Customized options for AARP members
- 24/7 claims service
- Only available for drivers over age 49
- Mixed customer reviews
| States served | All 50 states |
|---|---|
| Roadside assistance | Optional |
| Pay schedule | 12 months |
| Claims methods | Online, Phone |
| New car protection | Yes |
| Accident forgiveness | Yes |
How to get cheap car insurance
Compare the top ways to get cheaper auto insurance rates.
- Drop coverage you don’t need. Skip extras unless you truly need them, like towing or collision coverage on an old car.
- Raise your deductible. Get a lower premium by raising the amount you pay before insurance kicks in, if you have the savings.
- Update your mileage. You could get a low mileage discount if you drive less than 35 miles a day.
- Check for discounts. Check for new discounts you qualify for like a claims-free or loyalty discount.
- Try telematics. Usage-based car insurance bases your premiums on your driving skills and annual mileage. Safe drivers could save up to 50%.
- Get multiple quotes. Get new quotes every year or after big life changes like getting married or hitting an age milestone.
Watch: How to score cheaper rates in 3 minutes
Get cheap car insurance quotes online
Bottom line
If you want inexpensive car insurance, you can compare your options from a variety of car insurers to find the right policy at the right price.
Common questions about cheap car insurance
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