Travelers offers the cheapest widely-available full coverage car insurance for the average adult driver.
State Farm provides the cheapest full coverage rate for teens, seniors, drivers with a speeding ticket and an at-fault accident.
Progressive offers the cheapest full coverage for drivers with a DUI on their driving record.
GEICO is the most affordable option for young drivers ages 20–25. Meanwhile, drivers who have a military background may find the cheapest full coverage car insurance through USAA.
CheapestFull CoverageCar Insurance
2024
Cheapest Car Insurance in June 2024
Cheapest Full Coverage Nationally
- Travelers
Cheapest Full Coverage by State
Cheapest Full Coverage by Age
Cheap Full Coverage – Teens and Young Drivers
Cheapest Full Coverage for Seniors
Cheapest Full Coverage With a Ticket
- Nationwide
Cheapest Full Coverage With an Accident
- State Farm
Cheapest Full Coverage With a DUI
- Progressive
Cheapest Full Coverage by Credit Score
Cheapest Full Coverage for Military
- USAA
Best Cheap Full Coverage
- State Farm
Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek collected car insurance rates from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services. We used sample driver profiles across various geographic locations to discover the cheapest full coverage car insurance premiums for unique driver needs.
These rates reflect the cheapest full coverage car insurance quotes as of June 2024.
2,474,515Quotes Analyzed
607Companies Compared
3,523ZIP Codes
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance: Travelers
Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance for most drivers, with an average annual premium of $1,124 per year and $94 a month.
The cheapest full coverage car insurance company may vary depending on certain factors, including age, motor vehicle record, claims history, coverage amount and deductible. MoneyGeek analyzed the largest auto insurance companies across the country to find the most affordable full coverage policy.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Range:
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
Age Range:30-59
Coverage & Deductible:
- 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
- 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded
Coverage & Deductible:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
Travelers | Annual Premium$1,124 | Monthly Premium$94 |
Nationwide | Annual Premium$1,141 | Monthly Premium$95 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$1,183 | Monthly Premium$99 |
State Farm | Annual Premium$1,222 | Monthly Premium$102 |
Progressive | Annual Premium$1,287 | Monthly Premium$107 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$1,460 | Monthly Premium$122 |
Farmers | Annual Premium$1,483 | Monthly Premium$124 |
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance
Travelers
For most drivers, the cheapest widely available insurance company for a 100/300/100 full coverage policy and a $1,000 deductible is Travelers.
Average Annual Rate: $1,124
Travelers offers affordable full coverage car insurance along with optional add-ons to enhance your policy. These extras include roadside help when your car breaks down, paying for a rental car if yours is in the shop, protection for a new car's value, forgiveness for your first accident, insurance to cover your car loan if it gets totaled, and coverage if you're driving for a rideshare company in Colorado or Illinois. Travelers also provides ways to lower your rates with discounts for bundling policies, driving a new car, being eco-friendly, paying in full, and more. All these benefits aim to give you more security and savings.
A car insurance policy provides financial protection in the event of an accident. Generally, you’re only required to have insurance that meets the state minimum coverage requirements. But depending on your needs and circ*mstances, you can choose higher coverage levels and add optional coverages.
The coverage limits and deductible you choose will affect the cost of your premium. Having a higher deductible can lead to lower car insurance rates. A 100/300/100 policy provides coverage of up to $100,000 for bodily injury per person, $300,000 for bodily injuries per accident and $100,000 for property damage liability per accident. Deductible refers to the amount the policyholder pays out of pocket when making a claim.
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Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance by State
Location is an important factor when looking for cheap full coverage car insurance. The cheapest provider on a national level may not be the cheapest in your state. Companies tend to charge differently by state, city and ZIP code depending on state law.
Rates in California and Michigan are determined by city, while other states allow rates to be determined by ZIP code. There are some smaller insurers that serve only a few states but may still offer the cheapest full coverage car insurance in the locations they serve.
Use the table below to find the cheapest provider and average rate for you. Select your state and age range for a more accurate estimate.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
Age:30-59
Alabama | Cheapest CompanyCountry Financial | Annual Premium$593 | Monthly Premium$49 |
Alaska | Cheapest CompanyAllstate | Annual Premium$994 | Monthly Premium$83 |
Arizona | Cheapest CompanyRoot Insurance Company | Annual Premium$722 | Monthly Premium$60 |
Arkansas | Cheapest CompanySouthern Farm Bureau | Annual Premium$771 | Monthly Premium$64 |
California | Cheapest CompanyCSAA | Annual Premium$427 | Monthly Premium$36 |
Colorado | Cheapest CompanyAmerican National P&C | Annual Premium$721 | Monthly Premium$60 |
Connecticut | Cheapest CompanyGEICO | Annual Premium$948 | Monthly Premium$79 |
Delaware | Cheapest CompanyTravelers | Annual Premium$865 | Monthly Premium$72 |
The rates shown in the table above are for a 100/300/100 full coverage policy with a $1,000 deductible.
Cheap Full Coverage Car Insurance by Age
Age is a common factor insurers use to determine the cost of car insurance. Teens and young drivers tend to be the most expensive to insure, and senior drivers typically pay slightly higher premiums than middle-aged adults. However, the states of Hawaii and Massachusetts do not allow age to be used as a rating factor.
The most common cheapest providers based on age range across the U.S. are:
- Teens (ages 16–19): State Farm
- Young drivers (ages 20–25): GEICO
- Adults (ages 30–50): GEICO
- Seniors (ages 60+): State Farm
Companies tend to charge higher premiums to teens and young drivers as they are seen to be riskier to insure. According to the National Safety Council, the 15–24 age group recorded the highest death rate in collision accidents involving a fixed object. There were 6.3 deaths per 100,000 population. In comparison, the average across all age groups is only 3.6.
16 | CompanyState Farm | Annual Premium$3,732 | Monthly Premium$311 |
17 | CompanyState Farm | Annual Premium$3,312 | Monthly Premium$276 |
18 | CompanyState Farm | Annual Premium$2,966 | Monthly Premium$247 |
19 | CompanyState Farm | Annual Premium$2,531 | Monthly Premium$211 |
20 | CompanyState Farm | Annual Premium$2,272 | Monthly Premium$189 |
21 | CompanyGEICO | Annual Premium$1,824 | Monthly Premium$152 |
22 | CompanyGEICO | Annual Premium$1,850 | Monthly Premium$154 |
23 | CompanyGEICO | Annual Premium$1,655 | Monthly Premium$138 |
The table above shows the cheapest full coverage car insurance for a 100/300/100 policy with a $1,000 deductible. Note that these premiums are for individual policies only. Teens may find lower rates by being added to a family policy.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
Without a parent or guardian to co-sign, most teens under 18 can't legally purchase their own auto insurance policy. Typically, if a teenage driver needs car insurance, it's best to add them to a family policy.
— Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
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Cheapest Car Insurance for Teens and Young Drivers by State
Usually, the cheapest way to insure a teen or young driver is to add them to a family policy. However, there are certain requirements you need to submit. These may vary per insurance provider, so it’s best to check with your agent.
Compare rates in your state to see the cost difference between the cheapest car insurance for teens and young drivers on a family policy vs. the cost of an individual policy with the same provider. To learn more about cheap car insurance for drivers ages 16–25, select your age and sex; you can then click on your state to learn more about car insurance where you live.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
Age:16
Male or Female:
- Female
- Male
Male or Female:Male
Alabama | Cheapest CompanyAllstate | Family Premium$1,862 | Individual Premium$4,554 | Cost Increase$2,691 | Percent Increase59% |
Alaska | Cheapest CompanyGEICO | Family Premium$2,131 | Individual Premium$3,887 | Cost Increase$1,756 | Percent Increase45% |
Arizona | Cheapest CompanyTravelers | Family Premium$1,970 | Individual Premium$3,702 | Cost Increase$1,732 | Percent Increase47% |
Arkansas | Cheapest CompanyAllstate | Family Premium$1,689 | Individual Premium$6,394 | Cost Increase$4,706 | Percent Increase74% |
California | Cheapest CompanyState Farm | Family Premium$2,943 | Individual Premium$3,327 | Cost Increase$384 | Percent Increase12% |
Colorado | Cheapest CompanyKemper | Family Premium$1,393 | Individual Premium$7,816 | Cost Increase$6,422 | Percent Increase82% |
Connecticut | Cheapest CompanyGEICO | Family Premium$1,581 | Individual Premium$8,657 | Cost Increase$7,076 | Percent Increase82% |
Delaware | Cheapest CompanyGEICO | Family Premium$2,930 | Individual Premium$7,197 | Cost Increase$4,267 | Percent Increase59% |
The rates shown in the table are for a 100/300/100 policy with a $1,000 deductible.
CAR INSURANCE RESOURCES FOR TEENS AND YOUNG DRIVERS
There are various factors to consider when determining the best and cheapest car insurance policies. MoneyGeek has resources to help teens and young drivers better understand their insurance options and learn how to lower rates.
- Find the cheapest and best companies in 2023 for teens and young drivers.
- Compare car insurance rates for individual and family policies by age, gender and state.
- MoneyGeek ranks the best car insurance providers for young drivers in 2023.
- Check the most affordable car insurance for students.
- Learn about car insurance discounts for students and how to get them.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance for Seniors by State
The two most affordable states for full coverage car insurance for seniors are Massachusetts and California. In Massachusetts, State Farm offers the lowest average annual premium at $369, which is about $31 per month. California follows closely with CSAA providing coverage at an average annual cost of $421, or approximately $35 monthly. These insurance providers offer seniors the best rates in their respective states.
Insurance providers typically charge higher premiums for senior drivers than middle-aged adults because of their vulnerability to injury due to a crash. Crash death rates among older adults have also increased.
Find the cheapest rates for a senior driver in your area by selecting your state in the table below.
Virginia | CompanyAuto-Owners Insurance Co | Annual Premium$791 | Monthly Premium$66 |
Alabama | CompanyCountry Financial | Annual Premium$549 | Monthly Premium$46 |
Alaska | CompanyGEICO | Annual Premium$920 | Monthly Premium$77 |
Arizona | CompanyRoot Insurance Company | Annual Premium$774 | Monthly Premium$64 |
Arkansas | CompanySouthern Farm Bureau | Annual Premium$701 | Monthly Premium$58 |
California | CompanyCSAA | Annual Premium$421 | Monthly Premium$35 |
Colorado | CompanyAmerican National P&C | Annual Premium$706 | Monthly Premium$59 |
Connecticut | CompanyGEICO | Annual Premium$931 | Monthly Premium$78 |
The rates shown above are for a 65-year-old driver with a 100/300/100 policy and a $1,000 deductible.
CAR INSURANCE RESOURCES FOR SENIORS
There are various resources you can use to get more information about car insurance policies for senior drivers. MoneyGeek analyzed the best and cheapest car insurance rates for seniors. Policyholders seeking ways to lower rates may find discount options specific to seniors, including seniors who own a home, military veterans or those who don’t often drive or drive long distances.
- Find the cheapest rates for seniors.
- Learn about different car insurance discounts different providers offer specifically to senior citizens.
- Check out the cheapest low-mileage car insurance options for drivers.
- Compare the best home and auto insurance bundles.
Cheapest Full Coverage With a Ticket
Car insurance rates typically go higher after you have gotten a ticket. It may also be harder to find cheap car insurance after a ticket because insurers deem the driver much riskier to insure.
Travelers and State Farm are the cheapest car insurance company for drivers with a ticket for all age groups:
- 22–29 years old: $1,677 per year or $140 per month
- 30–59 years old: $1,374 per year or $114 per month
- 60+ years old: $1,260 per year or $105 per month
Drivers with a ticket on their driving record can lower the cost of their car insurance by utilizing discounts, choosing lower coverage limits or having a higher deductible. Exploring other options and comparing rates based on how much car insurance you need can also help you find the most affordable policies. Use the table below to review premiums by coverage and deductible.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Range:
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
Age Range:30-59
Coverage:
- 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
- 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded
Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
State Farm | Annual Premium$1,374 | Monthly Premium$114 |
Nationwide | Annual Premium$1,435 | Monthly Premium$120 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$1,540 | Monthly Premium$128 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$1,563 | Monthly Premium$130 |
Progressive | Annual Premium$1,667 | Monthly Premium$139 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$1,710 | Monthly Premium$142 |
Farmers | Annual Premium$1,882 | Monthly Premium$157 |
In addition to raising your premiums from being categorized as a high-risk driver, there are numerous risks to speeding. Approximately one-third of motor vehicle fatalities can be attributed to speeding. In 2020 alone, speeding was a factor in 29% of traffic fatalities or a total of 11,258 deaths.
If you have a ticket, you will likely have increased premiums for 3–5 years – the duration the ticket stays on your record. In the meantime, you may qualify for a defensive driving course discount from select providers that can help to lower your premiums.
Cheapest Full Coverage With an Accident
MoneyGeek analyzed average rates for drivers who have been involved in an at-fault accident and found that the cheapest full coverage car insurance overall is State Farm.
State Farm and Travelers offer the cheapest rates across all age groups for drivers with an accident:
- 22–29 years old: $1,799 per year or $150 per month
- 30–59 years old: $1,493 per year or $124 per month
- 60+ years old: $1,372 per year or $114 per month
Finding cheap auto insurance after an accident can be challenging, but you can lower your premiums by capitalizing on discounts, lowering coverage limits or choosing a higher deductible.
When looking for the cheapest providers, it’s important to consider how much car insurance you need. Compare how premiums differ across coverage levels and deductibles using the table below.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Range:
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
Age Range:30-59
Coverage:
- 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
- 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded
Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
State Farm | Annual Premium$1,493 | Monthly Premium$124 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$1,654 | Monthly Premium$138 |
Nationwide | Annual Premium$1,735 | Monthly Premium$145 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$1,964 | Monthly Premium$164 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$2,057 | Monthly Premium$171 |
Progressive | Annual Premium$2,074 | Monthly Premium$173 |
Farmers | Annual Premium$2,304 | Monthly Premium$192 |
Getting involved in an at-fault accident makes you a riskier driver to insure, resulting in higher car insurance rates. Approximately 1.3 million individuals die and around 20–50 million suffer from nonfatal injuries every year because of road traffic crashes.
An at-fault accident may stay on your record for 3–5 years or up to 10 years if you were driving a commercial vehicle. Some providers may offer discounts for drivers with an accident on record who choose to take a driver's education course.
Cheapest Full Coverage With a DUI
Based on MoneyGeek’s analysis, the cheapest provider for a driver with a DUI is State Farm.
State Farm and Progressive offers the cheapest car insurance after a DUI for all age groups:
- 22–29 years old: $1,935 per year or $161 per month
- 30–59 years old: $1,628 per year or $136 per month
- 60+ years old: $1,514 per year or $126 per month
A DUI on your record leads to higher premiums, but you can lower the cost of your policy by getting a discount, having lower coverage limits or opting for a higher deductible.
Check the cheapest providers based on how much car insurance you need and compare premiums by coverage and deductible using the table below.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Range:
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
Age Range:30-59
Coverage:
- 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
- 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded
Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
Progressive | Annual Premium$1,628 | Monthly Premium$136 |
State Farm | Annual Premium$1,651 | Monthly Premium$138 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$1,923 | Monthly Premium$160 |
Farmers | Annual Premium$2,059 | Monthly Premium$172 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$2,200 | Monthly Premium$183 |
Nationwide | Annual Premium$2,341 | Monthly Premium$195 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$3,131 | Monthly Premium$261 |
A driver who has been issued a DUI can expect an increase in car insurance rates since they’re considered much riskier to insure.
Around 32 people die daily in drunk driving crashes in the United States. That’s approximately one person every 45 minutes. Any amount of alcohol can affect your driving and increase your crash risk. In 2020, 2,041 people were killed in alcohol-related car crashes in which the driver had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.01–0.07 g/dL.
The length of time a DUI will impact your car insurance rates varies by state. It can range from 3–10 years. Some states may also issue a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or an OWI (Operating While Intoxicated). Depending on your situation, you may also need to file SR-22 insurance.
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Cheapest Full Coverage by Credit Score
Insurance providers consider credit-based insurance scores when calculating car insurance rates in most states, except California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan.
A credit score is a three-digit number representing a person’s creditworthiness.
- Poor: 524–577
- Below Fair: 628–671
- Fair: 710–740
- Good: 769–794
- Excellent: 823+
Select your state in the table below and review insurance providers and premiums based on your credit score.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
State:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
State:Alabama
Allstate | Poor Credit Annual Premium$847 | Below Fair Credit Annual Premium$694 | Fair Credit Annual Premium$614.13 | Good Credit Annual Premium$510.98 | Excellent Credit Annual Premium$399.64 |
Auto-Owners Insurance Co | Poor Credit Annual Premium$1,766 | Below Fair Credit Annual Premium$1,289 | Fair Credit Annual Premium$942.43 | Good Credit Annual Premium$632.09 | Excellent Credit Annual Premium$448.95 |
Farmers | Poor Credit Annual Premium$985 | Below Fair Credit Annual Premium$881 | Fair Credit Annual Premium$791.17 | Good Credit Annual Premium$669.86 | Excellent Credit Annual Premium$547.58 |
GEICO | Poor Credit Annual Premium$834 | Below Fair Credit Annual Premium$713 | Fair Credit Annual Premium$603.81 | Good Credit Annual Premium$549.00 | Excellent Credit Annual Premium$499.93 |
Nationwide | Poor Credit Annual Premium$918 | Below Fair Credit Annual Premium$788 | Fair Credit Annual Premium$700.24 | Good Credit Annual Premium$641.96 | Excellent Credit Annual Premium$548.33 |
Progressive | Poor Credit Annual Premium$1,468 | Below Fair Credit Annual Premium$1,228 | Fair Credit Annual Premium$1,079.93 | Good Credit Annual Premium$864.85 | Excellent Credit Annual Premium$658.69 |
State Farm | Poor Credit Annual Premium$2,308 | Below Fair Credit Annual Premium$1,552 | Fair Credit Annual Premium$1,040.72 | Good Credit Annual Premium$678.78 | Excellent Credit Annual Premium$445.31 |
Travelers | Poor Credit Annual Premium$874 | Below Fair Credit Annual Premium$811 | Fair Credit Annual Premium$702.34 | Good Credit Annual Premium$562.58 | Excellent Credit Annual Premium$458.46 |
Cheapest Full Coverage for Military
Veterans, current military and their families may qualify for dedicated services and discounts to get cheap full coverage car insurance.
USAA is the cheapest full coverage car insurance company for military drivers of all age groups:
- 22–29 years old: $1,054 per year or $88 per month
- 30–59 years old: $866 per year or $72 per month
- 60+ years old: $831 per year or $69 per month
The table below can help you determine the cheapest car insurance for military drivers based on the type of policy you need and your age.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Range:
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
Age Range:30-59
Coverage:
- 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
- 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded
Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
USAA | Annual Premium$866 | Monthly Premium$72 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$1,124 | Monthly Premium$94 |
Nationwide | Annual Premium$1,141 | Monthly Premium$95 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$1,183 | Monthly Premium$99 |
State Farm | Annual Premium$1,222 | Monthly Premium$102 |
Progressive | Annual Premium$1,287 | Monthly Premium$107 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$1,460 | Monthly Premium$122 |
Farmers | Annual Premium$1,483 | Monthly Premium$124 |
While USAA was a clear winner for the cheapest car insurance companies for a full coverage policy for military drivers, many car insurance companies offer military discounts or specialized policies for active duty military members. By comparison shopping with different providers and asking about discount options, you may be able to find even cheaper insurance.
CAR INSURANCE RESOURCES FOR MILITARY FAMILIES AND VETERANS
Military families, active duty members and veterans may have unique insurance needs. MoneyGeek has dedicated resources that can help you better understand your options and find the right services.
- Find the best and cheapest car insurance for military families and veterans.
- Learn about car insurance for individuals with a military background, how it works and how you can manage your policy.
- Compare companies offering military discounts.
Best Cheap Full Coverage Car Insurance
The best cheap full coverage car insurance company is State Farm. Overall, State Farm scored the highest out of all car insurers, with particularly high scores for the best customer satisfaction and affordability.
State Farm offers the best cheap car insurance for a full coverage policy across all ages:
- 22–29 years old: $1,509 per year or $126 per month
- 30–59 years old: $1,222 per year or $102 per month
- 60+ years old: $1,122 per year or $94 per month
The table below provides information you can use to review the best car insurance providers based on the coverage you need and your age.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
- 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
- 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded
Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
Age:
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
Age:30-59
State Farm | Annual Premium$1,222 | Monthly Premium$102 | Score out of 10079 |
Nationwide | Annual Premium$1,141 | Monthly Premium$95 | Score out of 10077 |
Travelers | Annual Premium$1,124 | Monthly Premium$94 | Score out of 10077 |
GEICO | Annual Premium$1,183 | Monthly Premium$99 | Score out of 10074 |
Progressive | Annual Premium$1,287 | Monthly Premium$107 | Score out of 10072 |
Allstate | Annual Premium$1,460 | Monthly Premium$122 | Score out of 10071 |
Farmers | Annual Premium$1,483 | Monthly Premium$124 | Score out of 10070 |
In determining the best car insurance providers for a full coverage policy, MoneyGeek innovated a weighted ranking system. We reviewed each company for their affordability, customer satisfaction, claim satisfaction, available coverage offerings and financial stability to create a score out of 100. Learn more about our data and ranking system in our methodology at the top of the page.
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What Is Full Coverage Auto Insurance?
There is no single definition for full coverage car insurance, but it typically includes liability protection and comprehensive and collision coverage.
- Liability coverage protects you against the cost of property damage or injury to others if you're at fault.
- Comprehensive and collision coverages insurance covers repairs to your vehicle if it's damaged on or off the road, from an at-fault accident or collision with another vehicle or object, animal damage and fire or weather-related incident, as well as vandalism and theft.
Other coverages that may be included in full coverage auto insurance, depending on your policy:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- Medical Payments
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
- Guaranteed Asset Protection Insurance (GAP)
- Rental Car Coverage
- Roadside Assistance
These additional coverages are considered optional and can be included in a quote for cost-comparison purposes.
What Full Coverage Doesn't Cover
Unless you opt for additional insurances such as PIP, GAP, uninsured/underinsured coverage and other optional coverages listed above, these options are commonly not included in full coverage insurance. In addition, commercial use of your vehicle is typically not covered. This includes ridesharing drivers who work for services such as Uber, Lyft and DoorDash. Some supplemental coverages may or may not include vehicle customization or accessories, and some may not cover pet injuries unless you purchase a separate pet injury rider.
When choosing a policy, it's critical to ask your policy provider about the details of your coverage and if you need supplemental policies to ensure you are protected.
How to Determine If Full Coverage Car Insurance Is Right for You
Full coverage car insurance is not a common legal requirement if you own your car but can contribute to your peace of mind and ensure that you are protected when you need it most. If you drive a financed or leased vehicle, you will likely be required by your lender to purchase full coverage to protect their investment.
The greatest value of full coverage car insurance is the financial protection of you and your vehicle as an asset. When determining if full coverage car insurance is a practical investment to protect your vehicle, you'll need to consider the actual cash value of your vehicle, your deductible and how ready and prepared you are to cover the cost of repairs or medical bills.
- Actual cash value (ACV): The most current and evaluated value of your vehicle for replacement cost. You can determine the ACV of your vehicle by looking up the year, make, model and trim level of your vehicle online. Then, reduce the value by any wear and tear on the vehicle, as well as any claims and unrepaired damage.
Use this simple equation for insight into how many years of full coverage you would need to pay to replace your car: (A-B/C)
- A: The actual cash value of your vehicle
- B: The cost of your deductible
- C: Annual full coverage car insurance cost
For example:
- If your car was worth $4,000, your deductible was $500 and your annual full coverage car insurance cost was $941, it would take 3.7 years of full coverage to replace your vehicle.
- If your car was worth $15,000, your deductible was $500 and your annual full coverage car insurance cost was $941, it would take 15.4 years of full coverage to replace your vehicle.
Additional considerations using the above example:
- If you have an older car worth $4,000 that you plan on replacing in the next few years, rather than investing in full coverage car insurance, your best option might be to save and set money aside for the next 3.7 years to replace your vehicle.
- However, if you drive a newer or more expensive car, a full coverage car insurance option is a great way to protect your financial investment. If your $15,000 car was totaled, your policy would cover its replacement, which otherwise would take you 15.4 years of saving on your policy cost to purchase a new car.
Full coverage car insurance decreases in value as an investment as your vehicle ages, increases miles and decreases in worth. Experts recommend that if your annual full coverage payment is lower than 10% of the value of your car, a full coverage policy may be a worthy investment.
If your policy payment exceeds 10% of the actual cash value of your car, you may consider not getting full coverage car insurance or dropping your policy. However, if you value service and unique coverage options, the best full coverage car insurance policy can provide a robust and reliable safety net.
How to Shop for the Cheapest Full Coverage Policy
One of the best ways to get cheap full coverage auto insurance is by shopping with several car insurance companies. Getting multiple personalized quotes to compare coverages doesn’t have to be difficult. You can get quotes almost instantly, and MoneyGeek can help. By comparing auto insurance rates and coverages, consumers can save up to 47%, even high-risk drivers.
To make the process easier, have the right information available when getting full coverage car insurance quotes. Here are some steps to take to get accurate auto quotes while shopping for car insurance:
1
Gather your information
To get an accurate quote, you'll typically need to enter your name, date of birth, address and driver’s license information for all household drivers, including yourself. You'll also need to know the year, make, model and VIN for each vehicle to be insured. Knowing your current coverages can help you find the best deal for full coverage.
2
Quote the same coverages
Whether you're comparing two or five different auto insurance companies, be consistent with the coverages you're using to compare. Use the same liability limits and comprehensive and collision deductibles to make an accurate comparison to find the best cheap full coverage car insurance.
You can also opt to ask an insurance provider if they offer a no down payment full coverage car insurance policy.
3
Consider optional coverages
Add-ons can mean higher premiums, but they may be worth it to you. Accident forgiveness, gap insurance and rental car coverage are just a few of the options available. Optional coverages vary by company and may not be available to all customers.
4
Maximize discounts
Every car insurance provider offers their own discount options. When comparing providers, it's important to consider the discounts most applicable to you. Taking advantage of discounts can help you to find affordable coverage that suits your budget. Student discounts are available for teens and college students. Taking a defensive driving course can also bring down your premiums. For homeowners, you may look into a home and auto bundle that will allow you to save on both premiums.
MoneyGeek has analyzed rates across the board to help you find the best and cheapest full coverage car insurance in your state. The types of coverage offered by insurance providers vary, and that’s why it’s crucial to compare your own costs by getting customized quotes. Your individual situation and personalized needs are the best determining factors of how much you’ll pay for full coverage auto insurance. These tips and steps can give you a big head start in finding your best option.
FAQ About Full Coverage Car Insurance
The following are some of the most frequent questions drivers have about buying full coverage car insurance.
Who has the cheapest full coverage car insurance?
MoneyGeek's data finds that Travelers has the cheapest full coverage insurance in most states with an average cost of $1,124 per year. But if you qualify for USAA you could get even more savings. Its policies cost an average of $866 per year for our sample driver.
How much does full coverage car insurance cost compared to minimum coverage?
For our sample driver, the average cost of a full coverage policy is $1,296 per year or $108 per month. On the other hand, the average cost of state-minimum car insurance is $595 per year or $50 per month. Buying a full coverage policy cost our sample driver an extra $701 per year ($58 per month), on average.
Do I need full coverage car insurance?
If you leased or financed the purchase of your vehicle, your lender will probably require that you buy a full coverage policy. If you fully own your car, you aren’t required to buy comprehensive and collision insurance, but we recommend it if you have a valuable vehicle. Those with older vehicles may be best served by dropping the coverages. If you’re paying hundreds of dollars per year — plus the deductible — to cover the risk of your car being totaled, you’ll want to make sure your car has enough value to justify that expense.
What qualifies as a full coverage policy?
Not every insurer will define full coverage the same way. But it usually refers to policies that add comprehensive and collision insurance to the minimum liability insurance requirements mandated by your state. Comprehensive and collision insurance protects you against the cost of damages to your vehicle, on and off the road. Liability insurance protects you against the cost of damages to others when you’re at fault.
Is an older car cheaper to insure?
Yes, it is usually cheaper to insure an older car. Cars typically decrease in value as they age. Older and less expensive cars lower the potential payout for the insurance provider, so they offer a lower rate for insuring the vehicle.
Is comprehensive insurance full coverage?
No. Comprehensive insurance alone covers damages to a car that did not occur from an accident. This may include damage from fire, extreme weather events, vandalism or theft. In most cases, full coverage includes comprehensive insurance as well as collision insurance.
How long should you keep full coverage on a car?
In general, when your policy payment exceeds 10% of the value of your car, you might consider dropping your policy.
If your policy payment is lower than 10% of the value of your car, you may choose to purchase or keep a full coverage policy. However, there are other factors to consider when determining if a full coverage policy is right for you.
Should I have full coverage on a paid-off car?
Full coverage is the best way to financially protect yourself and your vehicle in the event of an accident or damage to your car. Once you own your car, you may choose to lower your insurance premium by dropping full coverage. However, you should take into account if you are ready to cover the cost of damage, repair and medical bills that you might encounter if you drop your policy and get into an at-fault accident.
How much cheaper is liability vs. full coverage?
According to MoneyGeek data comparing liability-only and full coverage policies:
- The average cost of a liability-only policy is $595, and the average cost of full coverage is $1,296, a difference of $701.
- However, the cheapest liability-only coverage can be as low as $409, compared to the cheapest full coverage policy of $1,124, a difference of $715.
Expert Advice: Full Coverage Car Insurance
- Why should shoppers consider full coverage auto insurance over liability-only auto insurance?
- What coverage amounts do you recommend for most drivers?
- What strategies can buyers use to find affordable full coverage insurance from a reputable provider?
Dr. Robert J. Thompson, CHA, TMPAssistant Professor of Business at William Carey University, U.S.A.
Kendall Phillip Goodrich, Ph.D.Professor of Entrepreneurship and Marketing at Wright State University
Thomas SimeoneTrial Attorney at Simeone & Miller, LLP
Sung Ham, Ph.D.Associate Professor at Broad College of Business, Michigan State University
Steven J. Lee, Ph.D., D.C.J.Lecturer at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Linda Marie Nolin, MBA, ACBDirector of Graduate Business Programs & Professor of Practice in Business at Anna Maria College
Anthony RondinelliProfessor of Business at Springfield Technical Community College
Dr. Kelly CarterAssociate Professor of Finance at the Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management at Morgan State University
Georg GrassmueckDepartment Chair and Associate Professor of Business Administration at Lycoming College
Derek TharpAssistant Professor of Finance; Ph.D., CFP, CLU, RICP
Chris BruneAssociate Professor of Finance at Ouachita Baptist University
Dr. Patrick Bernard WashingtonAssociate Professor of Finance
Rachel DavidsonAgency Owner, Licensed Insurance Agent for Alabama, Georgia and Florida
Dr. Andy TerryProfessor of Finance at The University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Peter H. HuangProfessor and DeMuth Chair of Business Law at the University of Colorado Law School
Dr. Ying ZhenAssociate Professor of Business and Economics at Wesleyan College
Karl Kluegel
Steve FanAssociate Professor in Finance at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Victor RicciardiVisiting Assistant Professor of Finance at Washington and Lee University
Arati KaleAssistant Professor at Providence College
Steven GattusoAssistant Professor of Economics & Finance at Canisius College
Art RossettiInsurance Agent at Gateway Insurance Group
Susan Hume, PhDAssociate Professor Finance at The College of New Jersey
David B. Stewart, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Finance at Winston-Salem State University
Ian AlamProfessor of Marketing School Of Business at SUNY at Geneseo
Stephen CalkinsProfessor of Law at Wayne State University
Richard AldermanDirector, Consumer Law Center at the University of Houston, Professor Emeritus
Dr. Xiaomin Guo, CFP®Finance Instructor, Kate Tiedemann School of Business & Finance, University of South Florida
Jie YingAssistant Professor of Finance at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
David MarlettManaging Director of Brantley Risk and Insurance Center, IIANC Distinguished Professor of Insurance at Appalachian State University
Haibo (Stephen) YaoAssistant Professor of Insurance & Risk Management at the University of Central Arkansas
Alice TsangProfessor in the Practice of Economics and Business at Gordon College
Dr. Mark ScanlanProfessor of Economics at Stephen F. Austin State University
John Dinsmore, PhDAssociate Professor, Marketing at Wright State University
Denish ShahBarbara & Elmer Sunday Associate Professor of Marketing, Director of Social Media Intelligence Lab, Co-Director of Marketing RoundTable
Dr. Jayendra S. GokhaleAssociate Professor at the Daytona Beach Campus of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Dr. Christopher NewmanAssociate Professor of Marketing at The University of Mississippi
Yibing Du, Ph.D.Clinical Assistant Professor at The University of Texas at Arlington
Aniruddha Pangarkar, Ph.D., MBAAssistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Dr. Samar IssaAssistant Professor of Economics and Finance at Saint Peter's University
Wayne MillerAdjunct Professor, Wayne Law at Wayne State University and COO, Miller & Tischler P.C.
Dr. Jonathan ErnestAssistant Professor of Economics at Case Western Reserve University
Julio SevillaAssociate Professor, Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia
Dr. Ashford MaharajAdjunct Professor of Finance at Metropolitan College of New York
Biljana AdebamboAcademic Director, Associate Professor of Finance at the University of San Diego
Mike MorganProfessor of Practice, Department of Finance, University of Southern Mississippi
Dr. Mohan MenonProfessor of Marketing at the University of North Georgia
Abhijit RoyProfessor of Marketing at The University of Scranton
Duane DonaldsonFinance Instructor at Columbus State Community College, MBA, CPA
Steven HaynesDirector of Risk Management and Insurance, Assistant Professor of Practice at University of Texas at Dallas
Emily Carlson GoennerAssistant Professor, Herberger Business School at St. Cloud State University
Dr. Scott ThorneInstructor in Marketing at Southeast Missouri State University
Steve BeachDean, Professor of Finance at the University of Texas Permian Basin
Drew GoldAssociate Professor at Saint Leo University
Kenneth RoskelleyProfessor of Finance at Mississippi State University, College of Business
Andrew ChingProfessor of Business and Economics at Johns Hopkins University
Jamie LambertAssociate Professor of Instruction at Ohio University
Frank PaianoProfessor Emeritus at Southwestern Community College, Registered Representative
Stephen CicconeChair of the Department of Accounting & Finance, Associate Professor of Finance at the University of New Hampshire
Nancy Titus-PiersmaInstructor of Professional Practice, Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University
Elizabeth CooperProfessor of Finance at La Salle University
Salil K. Sarkar, Ph.D., CFAProfessor of Finance, Coordinator, Doctoral Finance Program at The University of Texas at Arlington
Chris TammAssociate Professor of Finance, Director - Institute for Financial Planning & Analysis at Illinois State University
Jeffrey BrownProfessor of Finance at Johnson University
Ramon DeGennaroHCB Professor of Banking and Finance at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Daniel RoccatoClinical Professor of Finance at the University of San Diego School of Business
John LongoProfessor of Finance at Rutgers Business School
Richard M. ProctorAssociate Professor of Finance at University of Siena
Joe Roberts, Ph.D.Director, Center for Innovation and Professional Development at Webster University
Pavel Yakovlev, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Economics, Palumbo Donahue School of Business at Duquesne University
Stacy MastroliaAssociate Professor of Accounting at Bucknell University
Ngozi Nnaji, MSAdjunct Professor at Goodwin University, Principal of Ako Brokerage Services, LLC
Nan Zhu, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Risk Management at the Smeal College of Business, Pennsylvania State University
Dr. Zachary KlingensmithVisiting Professor of Economics at Washington & Jefferson College
Dr. Robert RamirezFaculty Chair and Business Professor at DeVry University
Nicole McConlogueAssistant Professor and Clinic Director, WVU College of Law
William MartinAssociate Professor of Marketing at Eastern Washington University
Dick VerroneExecutive in Residence of Finance, Cameron School of Business, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Dr. Craig R. ErwinAssociate Professor Management at Eastern Connecticut State University
Patrick PayneProfessor of Finance at Western Carolina University
David BrownstoneEmeritus Professor of Economics at the University of California, Irvine
Dr. Kamala RaghavanDepartment Chair, Jesse H. Jones School of Business at Texas Southern University
Dr. Dylan MinorChief Strategist and CIO at Omega, Professor at Anderson School of Management, UCLA
Dr. S. Eric AndersonProfessor of Management and Economics at La Sierra University
Sterling RaskieLecturer of Finance, Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois
Dr. Ali EnamiAssistant Professor, Economics at The University of Akron
Khai Zhi SimAssistant Professor, Economics and Finance at Eastern Connecticut State University
Dr. Matt LuteyAssistant Professor of Finance at Indiana University Northwest
Nicole Lamanes-WebsterLicensed Agent at Insurance Brokers of Arizona
Robert WarrenInstructor at The University of North Dakota
Dr. Nathan HardyAssistant Professor of Marketing at Neumann University
Jon HooksDepartment Chair and Professor of Economics and Management at Albion College
Enrique RuizOwner of E&L Insurance Services
Courtney CarrAccount Executive at Royalty Insurance
Dr. Thomas SmytheProfessor of Finance at Florida Gulf Coast University
Brian J. CookFounder | Managing Partner of The Insurance Loft
Mike SchmisekOwner of Premier Mountain Insurance
Paul A. StockEconomics Professor at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Bob G. Wood, Ph.D.Professor of Finance at University of South Alabama
Mathew S. Isaac, Ph.D.Professor of Marketing, Albers School of Business and Economics at Seattle University
Christian Teeter, Ed.D.Associate Professor, Business Administration at Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles
Dr. Geo Kelly Assistant Professor of Marketing at Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Rakesh NirajAssociate Professor of Marketing at Case Western Reserve University
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
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