Best Cheap Car Insurance

The best cheap car insurance in 2026

The Zebra analyzed millions of rates from top car insurance companies to see who has the cheapest rates in 2026. View our top picks for the cheapest car insurance rates from some of America’s most popular and well-regarded insurance companies below, or continue reading to see rates from more large insurance companies.

Car insurance quotes from real drivers

These quotes came straight from The Zebra’s comparison tool. We search, you save.

$39/mo

Drivers in Canfield, OH are getting smart deals on Mercedes-Benz C-Class coverage from Root Insurance.

$56/mo

Our licensed agents guided a driver in Clovis, NM to find this smart deal on their Chevrolet Traverse with The General.

$77/mo

Our licensed agents guided a driver in Springfield, OR to find this smart deal on their Suzuki Grand Vitara with Bristol West.

$63/mo

Drivers in Madison, WI are getting smart deals on Subaru Forester coverage from GEICO.

$46/mo

Drivers in New Castle, IN are getting smart deals on Jeep Renegade coverage from Progressive.

$76/mo

Drivers in Raleigh, NC are getting smart deals on Audi Q5 coverage from Liberty Mutual.

*Quotes generated for The Zebra users within the last 10 days. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Top 8 cheapest car insurance companies

There are hundreds of car insurance companies in the U.S., but for the purposes of wide accessibility, we focused on including carriers that offer coverage in all 50 states. Among the nationwide providers, Travelers and USAA offer the cheapest rates.

Average minimum and full coverage rates from top companies
Company Full Coverage Liability Coverage
Travelers $764 $294
USAA $885 $271
GEICO $954 $294
Progressive $1,083 $351
Nationwide $1,094 $459
State Farm $1,144 $411
Farmers $1,252 $430
Allstate $1,501 $541

Cheapest car insurance companies by state

Perhaps the most important rating factor in car insurance pricing is location— that’s why the cheapest car insurance provider in Texas may differ from California’s. Check out what each of the top eight car insurance companies charge for full coverage in each state below, or learn more about car insurance in your state.

erick image
Agent insight: Does choosing cheap insurance mean sacrificing quality or reducing the chance of a claim being paid out?

“Cheap insurance does not mean lower quality or a reduced chance of a claim payout. All policies are bound by the same contract and promise to pay in the event of a covered claim. However, a cheaper policy may mean missing out on some potential coverages that are not required but could be beneficial in the event of an accident. Always consult with your insurance professional to determine what is right for you.”

How to find the cheapest car insurance

With so many companies to choose from, the task can seem overwhelming. Through this handy guide, finding the right car insurance company at the best price is simplified. The Zebra has compiled lists of car insurance companies by price for a variety of rating factors like driving history, demographic data, and other factors.

The Zebra’s guides to finding the cheapest car insurance:

car icon
Review your coverage

If your vehicle is worth less than $4k, you might need to join the 33% of The Zebra’s customers forgoing comprehensive and collision coverage.

compare icon
Get quotes from multiple companies

The Zebra’s quote tool compares over one hundred companies at once so you don’t have to. See top companies to find the best and cheapest one for you.

telematics
Consider pay-per-mile insurance

If you’re a low-mileage driver, consider if usage-based insurance or a telematics program would benefit you. Companies like Metromile and Mile Auto price their insurance policies by mileage. Telematics programs monitor your driving and reward you for safe driving practices.

trustworthiness
File claims cautiously

Most insurance companies will charge your premium for at-fault accidents for 3 or more years. If possible, avoid filing a claim by paying out of pocket. If you’re unsure of whether or not to file a claim, consult our claims calculator.

pin icon
Don’t discount regional carriers

Smaller, regional car insurance companies often offer the cheapest rates on the market. Erie, for example, offers competitive premiums (and boasts excellent customer service scores) for drivers in 12 states. Look around locally or check out our guide to car insurance in your area.

Best cheap car insurance for you

Car insurance prices differ for everyone, and companies decide a fair rate based on a series of personal rating factors unique to you. That’s why inexperienced drivers pay higher premiums, why drivers with a history of accidents have increased rates, and why drivers with good credit scores pay less.

The Zebra collected data based on millions of quotes across the country and various driver profiles. Our data concluded that the following companies offer the lowest rates for each demographic*:

How to get cheap car insurance: discounts and tips

If you’re looking for affordable insurance, your best bet is to gather quotes from multiple companies to see which offers the best coverage at the best rate. It’s also a good idea to look into discount opportunities, as most car insurance companies may apply discounts for qualifying drivers. Here’s a list of the most common discounts offered by most providers:

  • Multi-policy/bundling
  • Safe driver
  • Anti-theft devices
  • Good driver
  • Military
  • Multi-car
  • Preferred payment
  • Good student
  • Occupation

Related Posts

Accident Forgiveness Policy Comparison

What is accident forgiveness car insurance coverage? If you’ve ever been in a car accident before, you understand there are often serious financial consequences — especially if…

Mechanical Breakdown Insurance

Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) covers major vehicle repairs not covered by standard auto insurance, including components such as the engine, transmission, and air conditioning. It can be…

Car Insurance Endorsements

What is a car insurance endorsement? A car insurance endorsement, sometimes called a rider, is an add-on or change to your policy that adjusts your coverage to…

Can You Get Car Insurance without an Address?

Car insurance without an address If you do not have a permanent address, obtaining car insurance coverage can be tricky. Your location is relied upon by car insurance…

Why Car Insurance Rates Aren’t Negotiable

Can you negotiate car insurance rates? In short, no. Car insurance rates are based on many factors, including your driving history, credit score, age, gender, location, and the…

Why is Car Insurance so Expensive?

Why is auto insurance expensive? If the cost of your car insurance is creeping up, it could be due to a number of factors related to who you are…