While auto coverage needs and preferences vary, almost all drivers want to get cheap car insurance — whether by shopping around, taking advantage of discounts or cutting out extras.
NerdWallet researched which insurance companies stand out for offering cheap car insurance but also providing full-coverage options and reputable customer service.
Below you’ll find our choices for best car insurance in these categories:
Best overall: Geico
Best for customer satisfaction: State Farm
Best for low-mileage drivers: Metromile
Best for drivers with a military connection: USAA
Best for drivers over 50: AARP/The Hartford
Best for mobile tools: Esurance
Best overall: Geico
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Alex Glenn
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Geico offers the cheapest car insurance quotes for a wide variety of driver types. The company’s Family Pricing program can even help young drivers — who often face notoriously high rates — by offering them the same rates as their parents when they move off the family plan and onto their own.
In a NerdWallet study of rates in 10 states, among companies open to all drivers, Geico came back as the cheapest option most often. The company, which offers quotes over the Internet and by phone, also provides a variety of easy-to-score discounts that can cut costs. For example, there are discounts for insuring multiple vehicles, driving a car with air bags, having a clean driving record, and even for wearing seat belts.
One of the nation’s largest auto insurance companies, Geico promises fast quotes and can save money for most drivers.
Best for customer satisfaction: State Farm
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State Farm is the nation’s leading car insurance provider in terms of market share, with a reputation for dependable service, rock-solid finances and comprehensive policy options at very competitive prices.
The company ranked highest in customer satisfaction in a 2015 J.D. Power study of insurers available in all regions and to all drivers. The study assessed five attributes: interaction, cost, policy features, payments and claims handling.
State Farm also distinguishes itself with a huge assortment of discounts and helpful services. Its CarCapture smartphone tool, for example, lets customers use a picture of the back of a vehicle to find out market value and where to buy similar models.
State Farm offers a vast array of insurance products and financial services. With a network of 18,000 exclusive agents in every state plus Washington, D.C., there is probably an office nearby where you can receive personal attention.
Best for low-mileage drivers: Metromile
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For people who drive fewer than 10,000 miles a year, by-the-mile pricing could be an easy way to save on car insurance. Metromile is at the forefront of this emerging style of car insurance and says on its site that it can save the typical customer more than $ 500 a year over standard car insurance.
Metromile customers install a small plug-in device in their car to track mileage, which helps determine the monthly premium. Metromile does not track driver behavior other than miles driven. It caps charges at 150 miles in one day, so customers can take road trips without worrying about sky-high rate increases.
Metromile is available in seven states: California, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington.
Best for drivers with a military connection: USAA
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Drivers with a military connection who want impeccable customer service and low rates should consider United Services Automobile Association. USAA is open to active and retired military members and their families.
The average customer saves $ 434 a year when switching to USAA, the company website says. NerdWallet research has found the company routinely offers the cheapest car insurance in many states for drivers who qualify. USAA also boasts top-rated service. A membership survey in 2015 found that 92% of customers plan to stay with the company for life.
The company offers car insurance and other insurance products in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Best for drivers over 50: AARP The Hartford
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The Hartford partners with AARP to provide the Auto and Home Insurance Program — coverage specifically for older drivers who want competitive rates, long-term availability and easy-to-access assistance.
AARP members who switch to the program save an average of $ 420 a year, according to the company’s website. Customers also enjoy guaranteed policy renewal as long as they’re able to drive, and can lock in their rate for 12 months at a time, rather than the six months customary with most insurers. The company’s customer service is also a selling point, with features such as a 24/7 claims hotline offering prompt person-to-person assistance for sorting out accidents.
The Auto and Home Insurance Program is currently available in all states except Massachusetts.
Best for mobile tools: Esurance
NerdWallet is a free tool to find you the best credit cards, cd rates, savings, checking accounts, scholarships, healthcare and airlines. Start here to maximize your rewards or minimize your interest rates.
Alex Glenn
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Esurance provides a modern insurance experience for tech-savvy customers. Nowhere is this more evident than in the company’s impressive offering of creative mobile apps and tools.
Highlights include a video appraisal feature, which allows policyholders to conduct an initial inspection of vehicle damage with a smartphone, and a photo claims tool, which lets drivers submit a damage claim with just a picture.
Esurance offers car insurance in 43 states.
Tips for anyone to get cheap car insurance
If you don’t qualify for these auto insurers, or want to stay with your current company, there are other ways to save on coverage:
Look for discounts — even ask for them. There could be discounts you’re not taking advantage of, like bundling home and auto policies or going paperless on documents and billing statements. And you can ask your insurer for discounts on things it might otherwise miss. For instance, maybe you work from home now and are driving less than when you bought your policy. Mention it and you might get a low-mileage discount.
Rethink your limits and deductibles. Don’t strip away your coverage just for the sake of a lower premium. But consider accepting a higher deductible on collision and comprehensive if it makes sense. Raising deductibles means you would owe more out of pocket if something did happen. If you rarely drive or are financially comfortable with that risk, though, it’s a surefire way to get cheaper car insurance.
Cash in on major life changes. Certain life events could translate to cheap car insurance. For instance, many companies offer a lower rate for married couples or domestic partners. Or perhaps you moved to a new city with stellar public transportation. If you’re commuting by train instead of car, your risk for accidents will go down — and your rates just might, too.
If you’re not sure which company to use, NerdWallet is your go-to resource for finding cheap car insurance. Use our anonymous comparison tool to see estimates from top companies side-by-side and possibly save hundreds on your premium.
Alex Glenn is a staff writer for NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: aglenn@nerdwallet.com.
This post updated March 15, 2016. It originally published Dec. 8, 2015.
Image via iStock.