Which car insurance comparison site is best

Comparison shopping is crucial if you want to save money on car insurance. Here’s why: Insurers look at similar factors, but every insurer has their own “secret sauce” when it comes to setting rates. That's why two companies can charge wildly different rates for the same driver.

Key takeaways

• Shopping around is the only way to find the cheapest car insurance rate for you.

• Your age is a big factor in determining your car insurance rates. Teens and twentysomethings have the highest car auto insurance premiums on average, per year.

• Driving history matters. Any recent DUIs, at-fault accidents or other traffic infractions will almost always increase your rate.

• Having poor credit can affect your auto insurance rates more than you may think. In some cases, good drivers with poor credit pay twice as much as good drivers with good credit.

Compare car insurance rates

Each insurance company evaluates personal factors in its own way, and they keep their methods as hidden as possible — that's why we can’t tell you which company emphasizes location or a clean driving history more than others. But to help you get going, we can show you average annual rates for minimum and full coverage car insurance. To help narrow it down even further, we've shared average rates for drivers with various driving and credit histories in every state and for every major auto insurance company. Although it’s one of the largest insurers in the country, Liberty Mutual is not included in our rates analysis due to a lack of publicly available information.

Why you can trust NerdWallet: Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our writing and data analyses. You can trust the prices we show you because our data analysts take rigorous measures to eliminate outliers and inaccuracies in pricing data, which include rates from every locale in the country where coverage is offered and data is available. When comparing rates for different coverage amounts, ages and backgrounds, we change only one variable at a time, so you can easily see how each factor affects pricing. Read our methodology.

See what you could save on car insurance

Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.

Compare car insurance rates by age

Your driving history isn’t the only factor carriers look at when calculating your car insurance rate. Your age can have a big effect on what you pay. For example, you likely know teen drivers have some of the highest car insurance rates on average, but they aren’t the only ones. Drivers 75 years and older tend to have higher car insurance rates than most age groups, after teens and 20-somethings.

To get more insight, we compiled average annual rates from nine of the 10 largest private passenger auto insurers in the country based on market share data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Compare minimum and full coverage rates for 20-year-olds

Drivers around the age of 20 typically get higher car insurance rates because as a group they get into more accidents on average than older drivers.

Rates vary from company to company. For example, full coverage from Geico for a 20-year-old costs $2,304 a year, on average, while the average price from Allstate is $3,706.

Below you can compare annual rates for 20-year-olds by company and by state. Rates are averaged across the country separately for full and minimum coverage.

NerdWallet's auto insurance rates methodology

NerdWallet averaged rates based on public filings obtained by pricing analytics company Quadrant Information Services. We examined rates for men and women for all ZIP codes in any of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. Although it’s one of the largest insurers in the country, Liberty Mutual is not included in our rates analysis due to a lack of publicly available information.

In our analysis, “good drivers” had no moving violations on record; a “good driving” discount was included for this profile. Our “good” and “poor” credit rates are based on credit score approximations and do not account for proprietary scoring criteria used by insurance providers.

These are average rates, and your rate will vary based on your personal details, state and insurance provider.

Sample drivers had the following coverage limits:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person.

• $300,000 bodily injury liability coverage per crash.

• $50,000 property damage liability coverage per crash.

• $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person.

• $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per crash.

• Collision coverage with $1,000 deductible.

• Comprehensive coverage with $1,000 deductible.

In states where required, minimum additional coverages were added. We used the same assumptions for all other driver profiles, with the following exceptions:

• For drivers with minimum coverage, we adjusted the numbers above to reflect only the minimum coverage required by law in the state.

• We changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor” as reported to the insurer to see rates for drivers with poor credit. In states where credit isn’t taken into account, we only used rates for “good credit."

• For drivers with one at-fault crash, we added a single at-fault crash costing $10,000 in property damage.

• For drivers with a DUI, we added a single drunken-driving violation.

• For drivers with a ticket, we added a single speeding violation for driving 16 mph over the speed limit.

We used a 2019 Toyota Camry L in all cases and assumed 12,000 annual miles driven. We analyzed rates for drivers of the following ages: 20, 30, 35, 40, 50 and 60.

These are rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.

Average car insurance rates for a 20-year-old driver vary significantly from state to state. Some states, like Hawaii and North Carolina, have average rates under $1,530 a year for full coverage. In other states, such as Louisiana and Nevada, insurance costs more than $5,000 a year, on average, for the same driver.

See how your state stacks up below.

See what you could save on car insurance

Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.

Compare minimum and full coverage rates for 35-year-olds

Drivers around the age of 35 see much cheaper rates than 20-somethings. Because this age group gets in fewer accidents than younger drivers, they typically can get lower rates. Aside from USAA, which is only available to military, veterans and their families, Geico provides the lowest price for full coverage for 35-year-olds at $1,233, on average.

Allstate comes in the highest at $1,994, on average.

Compare national average annual car insurance rates for 35-year-olds by company and by state below. Keep in mind that not all of these companies are available in every state.

While average car insurance rates fluctuate by state, 35-year-olds in several states, including Idaho, Maine, Ohio and Vermont can pay less than $1,100 a year, on average, for full coverage policies. Similar drivers in other states could pay less than $2,500 a year for full coverage, on average. Only two states have rates higher than $2,500 a year for 35-year-old drivers with full coverage car insurance: Florida and Louisiana.

See how your state stacks up below.

Compare car insurance rates for drivers with a DUI

After a DUI, your auto insurance rate will go up — in some cases, 75% or more. But one thing you can control that can affect rates the most is your insurance company. A DUI can affect car insurance rates for 3 to 10 years, so it’s best to shop around for the best price after getting one.

Below you can compare company averages for 35-year-olds before and after a DUI. Keep in mind that not all of these companies are available in every state.

While your rate will increase after a DUI, how much it does depends in part on which state you live in. In Maine, the average rate for drivers with a recent DUI is 34% higher, on average, than for similar drivers with no incidents — $369 more a year. However, a DUI in Hawaii almost tripled average rates in our analysis, adding more than $3,000 to the annual cost of full coverage car insurance for 35-year-old drivers.

See below for how your state measures up.

See what you could save on car insurance

Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.

Compare car insurance rates for drivers with poor credit

Your credit history is one of the largest factors affecting your car insurance quote in all states except California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan. Carriers use credit history to determine how likely you are to file a claim.

While rates can double in some cases, it’s important to note that every company considers credit very differently, and even among insurers this factor fluctuates by state. Drivers with poor credit insured by Nationwide could pay an average of 33% more — $439 more a year in our analysis — compared to similar drivers with good credit. Meanwhile, State Farm’s average price for full coverage more than doubles for drivers with poor credit compared to those with good credit.

Below you can compare average full coverage rates for 35-year-old drivers with poor credit by company.

Certain states prohibit the use of credit in setting rates, and how insurers treat credit differs from state to state. For example, state regulators in one state may allow more wiggle room for credit-based pricing than others, leading to variations by state.

Our analysis found that:

• In North Carolina, a driver with poor credit could pay about 36% more than a good credit driver.

• Having poor credit in Missouri, Delaware, New Jersey, Arizona, Arkansas and Idaho raises the average insurance rate about 70% compared to drivers with good credit.

• Average rates for poor credit drivers in Wisconsin were 158% more than average rates for good credit drivers.

Below you can compare average full coverage rates for 35-year-old drivers with poor credit by state.

*Credit-based pricing is banned in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan. In Washington, the legal code around this issue is being debated.

See what you could save on car insurance

Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.

Compare minimum and full coverage rates for drivers with an accident

Among the largest companies, your history of accidents will affect your auto insurance quote in very different ways. Check out how each insurer’s average rates for drivers with an accident stack up before you start comparison shopping for auto insurance. If you have an on-record accident, make sure to compare car insurance quotes one, three and five years after the date of the incident to continue to get the best and cheapest rate possible.

The cheapest car insurance company for a driver with a clean history might not be the cheapest company after an at-fault accident occurs. For example, while Geico typically has the best price for drivers with a clean driving history, our data shows that American Family has the cheapest average rates for drivers with a recent at-fault accident — with rates after an accident only 7% higher, on average, than for our base profile.

Below you can compare average full coverage rates for 35-year-old drivers with a recent at-fault accident by company.

State regulators set limits on how much a company can increase your rates after a crash. Our hypothetical accident resulted in $10,000 worth of damage. That caused average annual rates to spike by $2,300 or more in some states, while others jumped by far less. For example, rates in Hawaii for full coverage policies and drivers with a recent at-fault accident were $403 per year more, on average, than for drivers with no accidents. Meanwhile, rates in California averaged over $1,372 more after causing an accident than for incident-free drivers.

One thing’s for sure: Your rates will likely increase after an at-fault accident, so be sure to compare car insurance rates if you have one on record. Below you can compare average full coverage rates for 35-year-old drivers with a recent at-fault accident by state.

How to compare car insurance quotes

First of all, every car insurance quote you receive should be free — whether it’s from Geico, Farmers or a small insurer you’ve never heard of. Some auto insurers require a down payment to start your policy, but whether you’re buying car insurance online or with an agent, a simple quote estimate should always be free of charge. Here’s how to start comparing quotes.

1. Gather your information

To quickly and easily compare car insurance online, have the following on hand:

Personal information, which includes the address, date of birth, occupation, driver’s license and marital status of everyone you want included on the policy.

Vehicle information: Mileage, date of purchase and vehicle identification number (VIN) for each car. Or, if you haven’t purchased the car yet, have mileage, make, model and year handy.

Driving history: Include all claims, violations and tickets you’ve had over the past five years, plus any completed driving courses.

Current or previous insurer’s name for anyone on the policy or in your household. Some insurers won’t cover you without some coverage history, and if you want to exclude anyone living with you from the policy, you’ll need to prove they’re covered elsewhere.

2. Choose the right liability car insurance coverage levels

Auto insurance is financial protection, and not just for the investment you made when you bought your car. After a really serious accident, bills for damage and injuries can easily reach into hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you happen to cause such a wreck, the victims could sue you. In the worst case scenario, assets such as your savings and home could be seized.

Liability auto insurance protects you from that worst case scenario by providing a cushion between your assets and the amount you’re on the hook for. For this reason, choosing the right auto liability limits is the most important part of your car insurance quote comparison. NerdWallet typically recommends having at least as much liability coverage as your net worth.

But liability coverage levels come in threes — you’ll probably see something like 50/100/50 up to 250/500/250 in typical policies. You can think of these limits like: individual injuries / total injuries / property damage. Insurers are a little more technical, calling them bodily injury liability, total bodily injury liability and physical damage liability.

Liability insurance comes in thousand-dollar increments, so when you choose an auto insurance policy with 100/300/100 limits, you’ll be choosing:

• $100,000 for bodily injuries per person you injure in a crash.

• $300,000 total for all bodily injuries you cause in a crash.

• $100,000 for damage to any property you cause in a crash, including cars, buildings and objects like mailboxes and lampposts.

When choosing liability car insurance coverage, try to make sure the highest, middle number is equal to or greater than the value of your net worth.

Understand car insurance requirements in your state

In certain states, you may be required to have a car insurance policy that includes personal injury protection (PIP), medical payments coverage (medpay) or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage — or two of the three. If you have medpay you don’t need PIP, and vice versa.

Any car insurance comparison tool you look at should have your state’s minimum car insurance requirements pre-loaded into its options. States requiring PIP or medpay are generally referred to as “no-fault” states, meaning that when injuries occur, each driver in a crash makes a claim with their own insurance company to pay for them. Beyond the PIP or medpay limit, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance kicks in to cover the rest.

3. Decide if you need full coverage car insurance

Liability coverage doesn’t pay for your car or injuries, or for any injuries your passengers sustain if you cause a wreck. This is why you may want “full coverage” car insurance, especially if your car isn’t paid off yet. Note that this isn’t actually a type of coverage, but typically refers to policies that include liability coverage, plus comprehensive and collision coverage.

In other words, you can’t just click a “full coverage” button when comparing insurance quotes online or buy something called a full coverage auto insurance policy. You’ll need to add collision and comprehensive coverage in the amounts you want.

Collision insurance pays for

1. Damage to your car in an accident you cause.

2. Damage to your car if you hit an object such as a fence or pole.

3. Damage to your car if someone else hits you. Another option in this case is to make a claim against the other driver’s liability insurance.

Comprehensive insurance pays for

The value of your car if it’s stolen and not recovered, and damage from:

1. Weather such as tornadoes or hail.

2. Floods.

3. Fire.

4. Falling objects.

5. Explosions.

6. Crashes with an animal, such as striking a deer.

7. Riots and civil disturbances.

Auto insurance quote comparison tip: Whatever coverage you choose, make sure you compare the quotes for the same type and amount of coverage so you can find the best price.

4. Collect and compare car insurance quotes

You’ll want to get car insurance quotes from at least two or three companies available in your area to be sure you’re getting a good deal. Consider comparing quotes from regional companies as well as the big companies such as Allstate, Progressive and State Farm. While shopping, make certain that each insurance quote includes:

1. The same levels of liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.

2. The same deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage, if you’re buying them.

3. The same drivers and cars.

4. All discounts you’re eligible for (most insurers list the discounts they offer on their websites).

See what you could save on car insurance

Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.

How to choose an insurance company

You've compared rates, and found the cheapest car insurance companies for you. But before you buy a policy, you'll want to consider a few other factors besides price.

The best insurance companies will offer more than affordable rates. They will also provide seamless customer service and a simple way to change your policy and file a claim.

Here are a few things to check before buying an auto insurance policy:

• Confirm your insurer has any extras you're looking for like a mobile app or accident forgiveness.

• Check a company’s financial strength to ensure it can pay out your claim if you need to file one. You can find a carrier’s financial strength using a rating firm like A.M. Best.

Frequently asked questions

Why do you need to compare auto insurance quotes?

Comparing car insurance quotes is the best way to ensure that you’re getting the most for your money. Auto insurance companies look at similar factors but weigh them differently, so you’ll get differing quotes from each.

We recommend you shop around and compare rates for car insurance about once a year — this is your best bet at getting the cheapest rate. If you’ve been in a recent at-fault accident, received a speeding ticket or are about to move out of state, shop around again.

Can you get car insurance online?

Yes, buying car insurance online can be easier and more convenient than buying from an agent face-to-face. Most major insurance companies offer online quotes and let you adjust your policy details to see different prices. Remember to use a car insurance comparison tool to shop around and compare rates from at least three insurers before buying a policy.

Does an auto insurance rate change depending on your gender?

It depends. Some states — California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Montana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Michigan — have banned the practice of calculating auto insurance rates based on a person’s gender. But in other states, women may pay more, on average, for car insurance compared to men with similar driving records. For young adults, the trend is flipped — young men tend to pay more than women.

But switching companies can wipe out that price difference, so your best bet is to shop around to find the cheapest insurance rate you can.

How much should you be paying for car insurance?

The average cost for auto insurance is $1,630 annually, or about $136 a month, according to NerdWallet’s 2022 rates analysis. However, your car insurance premium will vary based on factors like location, gender and age.

Is auto insurance cheaper for homeowners?

Oftentimes, yes. Most insurers offer discounts for customers that bundle home and auto insurance, while others offer a separate discount just for being a homeowner. Bundling policies might also make it easier for you to keep track of your coverage and claims.

Combining policies is usually best reserved for drivers with a solid driving history. If you have multiple traffic violations, poor credit or other negative marks on your driving record, you might be better off shopping for auto insurance and homeowners insurance from separate companies.

How do you get cheap rideshare insurance?

Many auto insurance companies offer rideshare insurance as an add-on to your current policy — typically around $15 more a month. If your insurer doesn’t offer the option, your best bet is to switch to one that does and stay properly covered.

If you’re unable to get rideshare insurance in your state, you may need to purchase a commercial insurance policy to ensure that you have the full coverage required.

Do you need to compare auto insurance rates if you move out of state?

While it may come as a surprise, one of the largest factors affecting your car insurance quote will be something you wouldn’t change just for cheaper car insurance — where you live. However, it does have a very big impact and should be part of financial planning if you move out of your area. For that reason, it’s good to do a car insurance quote comparison anytime you move, even within the same state.

Compare car insurance companies

Use NerdWallet's reviews to compare car insurance companies and find the best one for you. NerdWallet has researched policy options, consumer complaint data, customer satisfaction ratings, financial stability and more for all of the country's top auto insurance companies as well as many smaller, regional insurers.

About NerdWallet's auto insurance comparison tool

NerdWallet is not a car insurance company. Rather, we provide a tool that allows you to compare several carriers at one time. This includes some of the biggest insurers in the nation like Progressive, Geico, State Farm and Allstate, along with smaller, regional insurers.

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