Speed Reads:
- Full-coverage auto insurance will cover vehicle repairs and medical bills for both you and the other party in the event of an accident, as well as other non-collision related damages.
- While this type of coverage is often more expensive than a minimum-coverage auto insurance policy, there are various providers that can offer you cheap rates.
- Through our ratings methodology, we’ve found that USAA, Erie, Geico, Auto-Owners, and State Farm offer the best cheap full-coverage auto insurance policies.
If you’re shopping for car insurance, you’ve probably heard of full-coverage insurance. But what does that term entail, and which providers offer the cheapest full–coverage auto insurance plans?
To help answer that question and more, we’ll take an in-depth look into why people buy full coverage auto insurance, how much it costs, and how you can get the cheapest full coverage car insurance by shopping smart. We’ve spent over 1,950 hours reviewing the best car insurance companies in the market based on their coverage options, cost, discounts, customer service, financial strength, and more to help you make the best decision for your wallet.
What Is Full-Coverage Auto Insurance?
Full–coverage insurance is a combination of collision, liability, and comprehensive coverages. It covers damages to both your car and the other party’s vehicle in case of an accident, as well as non-collision damages to your car.
Here’s a closer look at what a full-coverage auto insurance policy can typically include:
- Bodily injury liability coverage: Covers the cost of both medical bills and lost wages of the other party when you’re at fault in a car accident.
- Property damage liability coverage: Covers damage to other vehicles as well as property in an at-fault accident.
- Medical payments (MedPay): Medical expenses for both you and your passengers will be covered regardless of who caused the accident.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance: Required in no-fault states, this coverage takes care of medical expenses, death benefits, and lost wages for your and your passengers.
- Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage (UIM/UM): If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver or a driver that lacks the proper coverage, expenses incurred will be covered if they’re at fault.
- Comprehensive coverage: Pays for damages not caused by an accident, such as damage from a flood, fire, theft, and vandalism.
- Collision coverage: Covers damage to your vehicle in an accident, no matter who’s at fault.
What Isn’t Covered Under Full–Coverage Car Insurance?
In an ideal situation, your full–coverage insurance will provide complete and total protection on the road. However, no insurance does that. Typically, your full–coverage insurance won’t cover the cost of situations such as renting a car while your vehicle is being repaired or driving your car as a delivery service driver. It also won’t cover the theft of personal items from your car.
If you want additional protection, such as accident forgiveness insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, gap coverage, ridesharing coverage, or new car replacement coverage, you will likely need to buy these separately as add-ons to your full coverage insurance policy.
Is Full-Coverage Auto Insurance Worth It?
Each extra coverage in your full–coverage car insurance policy comes with an added cost. No one wants to spend more money, but here are a few reasons why full–coverage car insurance might be a good idea.
- Because it’s required: Every state requires drivers to some form of liability insurance if they cause an accident. Some states may also require you to have MedPay or PIP to pay for your injuries in an accident, as well as UIM/UM coverage. In such cases, your “full–coverage” policy should also include these additional coverages.
- Because your car is new and expensive: A full–coverage car insurance policy is most valuable when you drive a new car. If your vehicle gets damaged in an accident or stolen, your comprehensive or collision insurance will cover repairs and get you back on the road quickly.
- You live in a high-risk area: If you live in an area where you frequently have severe weather, theft, or collisions with animals, having comprehensive coverage is a good idea. It is important to note that such zip codes also tend to have higher car insurance premiums because of the high incidence of claims.
- You can’t afford to replace or repair your car: If you have enough savings to replace or repair your car without relying on insurance, you can consider dropping your comprehensive coverage. However, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average comprehensive claim in 2018 was $1,833. Would you be able to afford a huge repair like this on your own?
Cheapest Full-Coverage Auto Insurance Companies
Based on our extensive research of 43 insurance providers, USAA provides the cheapest full–coverage car insurance of any regional and national provider. Its full-coverage policies cost on average $1,054 per year or $88 per month. However, USAA is only available to military members, veterans, and their family members. This makes Nationwide the cheapest national provider on average for a full–coverage car insurance policy at $1,281 per year or $107 per month.
Cheap Full Coverage Car Insurance Rates by Provider
Find below both monthly and annual cost estimates for the cheapest full coverage car insurance companies. Keep in mind that some, such as Erie, are only available on a regional basis.
| Insurance Company | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $88 | $1,054 |
| Erie Insurance | $103 | $1,238 |
| Nationwide | $107 | $1,281 |
| Geico | $109 | $1,308 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | $111 | $1,337 |
| State Farm | $123 | $1,481 |
| American Family | $128 | $1,537 |
| Progressive | $134 | $1,611 |
| Travelers | $139 | $1,669 |
| Allstate | $174 | $2,088 |
How Much Does Full-Coverage Auto Insurance Cost?
According to Quadrant Information Services, the average cost of a full–coverage car insurance policy is $1,730 per year or $144 per month. However, you may pay more or less for car insurance coverage due to various factors.
Cheap Full–Coverage Car Insurance Rates by State
See the table below for the cheapest full–coverage insurance providers available to the public by state.
| State | Cheapest Provider | Cheapest Provider Average Monthly Cost | State Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Nationwide | $92 | $123 |
| Alaska | Geico | $90 | $117 |
| Arizona | Geico | $89 | $146 |
| Arkansas | State Farm | $102 | $127 |
| California | Progressive | $122 | $174 |
| Colorado | Geico | $93 | $155 |
| Connecticut | Geico | $74 | $250 |
| Delaware | State Farm | $105 | $181 |
| Washington, D.C. | Geico | $78 | $159 |
| Florida | Geico | $161 | $246 |
| Georgia | Geico | $103 | $135 |
| Hawaii | Allstate | $117 | $152 |
| Idaho | State Farm | $57 | $89 |
| Illinois | Country Insurance | $83 | $112 |
| Indiana | Geico | $67 | $111 |
| Iowa | State Farm | $70 | $98 |
| Kansas | Nationwide | $80 | $123 |
| Kentucky | Geico | $94 | $148 |
| Louisiana | Southern Farm Bureau | $163 | $232 |
| Maine | Auto-Owners Insurance | $46 | $80 |
| Maryland | Geico | $167 | $152 |
| Massachusetts | Progressive | $160 | $221 |
| Michigan | Progressive | $128 | $315 |
| Minnesota | State Farm | $102 | $136 |
| Mississippi | National General | $76 | $120 |
| Missouri | State Farm | $112 | $145 |
| Montana | Progressive | $83 | $162 |
| Nebraska | Farmers Mutual Insurance of Nebraska | $105 | $135 |
| Nevada | Geico | $104 | $179 |
| New Hampshire | State Farm | $71 | $112 |
| New Jersey | Geico | $113 | $170 |
| New Mexico | Geico | $81 | $121 |
| New York | Progressive | $108 | $232 |
| North Carolina | Nationwide | $81 | $114 |
| North Dakota | State Farm | $92 | $114 |
| Ohio | Grange Mutual | $62 | $86 |
| Oklahoma | State Farm | $104 | $144 |
| Oregon | State Farm | $83 | $111 |
| Pennsylvania | Nationwide | $92 | $137 |
| Rhode Island | Geico | $119 | $154 |
| South Carolina | American National | $57 | $139 |
| South Dakota | American Family | $107 | $138 |
| Tennessee | State Farm | $87 | $107 |
| Texas | Texas Farm Bureau | $84 | $146 |
| Utah | Geico | $82 | $126 |
| Vermont | State Farm | $63 | $88 |
| Virginia | Erie Insurance | $78 | $95 |
| Washington | Pemco | $99 | $120 |
| West Virginia | Nationwide | $86 | $128 |
| Wisconsin | Geico | $62 | $102 |
| Wyoming | American National | $73 | $147 |
Our Full-Coverage Auto Insurance Review And Methodology
We analyze auto insurance providers on their strengths and weaknesses across six key metrics when deciding on ratings. See below for a more in-depth look at the criteria we consider when choosing which auto insurance companies make our list of top providers.
How We Rated Cheap Full-Coverage Insurance Providers
We refresh our review standards multiple times per year to keep our information current. Overall, our insurance research falls into six main categories: industry standing, availability, coverage, cost and discounts, customer service, and technology.
Industry Standing
An auto insurer’s reputation is something we look at when compiling a rating for a provider. We consider a provider’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, its AM Best financial strength rating, and whether it’s won any industry awards in recent years. We also take into account how long it’s been in business.
Availability
If an auto insurer is available nationwide with no restrictions on who can obtain a policy, it’ll likely rate highly in this category. If a provider has many state-based exclusions or only offers policies to certain groups of people, it likely won’t receive high marks. In addition to exclusions, we also take into account if a provider only serves consumers on a state or regional level.
Coverage
We consider the standard coverages that an auto insurer offers through its full-coverage plans, including add-ons that come free or with an additional cost to an insurance plan. If a provider offers many perks and valuable add-on coverages through the company, it’ll receive a higher score.
Cost And Discounts
Overall costs and discounts through a provider factor into our overall score for it. If a full-coverage auto insurance policy is offered at a lower price through one provider versus its competition, it will boost its score in this area. In addition, we consider the discounts that each provider offers that can bring down your premium costs even further.
Customer Service
You’ll value a provider’s excellent customer service reputation when filing a claim. If an auto insurer has great reviews and ratings from various reputable sources and policyholders, we’re likely to recommend it to our readers. We also take into account survey data on customer satisfaction from consumers like you.
Technology
If an auto insurance provider has a website that makes it easy to navigate and obtain a free quote, we’ll give it a high score in this area. We also consider a provider’s website speed, if it has an app, and how easy its app is to use and the reviews it’s received.
Best Insurance Companies for Full Coverage
Through our extensive research and methodology, we’ve found that the five best providers for the cheapest full–coverage insurance are USAA, Erie Insurance, Geico, Auto-Owners Insurance, and State Farm. In our review, we evaluated each provider on its customer service, ease of filing a claim, company reputation, and more.
Best Cheap Full–Coverage Car Insurance
Here are the top five providers that offer the cheapest full–coverage insurance policies in the nation:
| Best Cheap Full-Coverage Car Insurance Company | Overall Star Rating | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1. USAA | 4.6 | $88 |
| 2. Erie Insurance | 4.4 | $103 |
| 3. Geico | 4.6 | $109 |
| 4. Auto-Owners Insurance | 4.3 | $111 |
| 5. State Farm | 4.7 | $123 |
We’ll provide more information on each company in further detail below.
#1 USAA: Best for Military
Founded: 1922
Availability: 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Market share: 5.92 percent
AM Best financial strength rating: A++
BBB rating: Not rated
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), USAA accounts for 5.92 percent of all auto insurance policies sold in the United States. Founded in 1922, it provides the cheapest full–coverage auto insurance rates if you’re eligible for a policy. It’s important to note that USAA only provides coverage to military members, veterans, and their families.
In addition to full–coverage insurance, USAA also provides perks such as roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, rental car coverage, and car replacement assistance. If you’re looking to bundle insurance, USAA also provides life insurance, homeowners/renters insurance, and health insurance.
See below how consumers like you rated USAA in our 2022 auto insurance survey:
| Aspect Surveyed | Provider Rating (Out of 5.0) | Industry Average Rating (Out of 5.0) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Satisfaction | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Customer Service | 4.2 | 4.0 |
| Affordability | 3.8 | 3.7 |
| Coverage Selection | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Claims Service | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Mobile App Rating | 4.2 | 4.2 |
To learn more about this cheap auto insurance provider, check out our review of USAA auto insurance.
#2 Erie Insurance: Best for Basic Coverage
Founded: 1925
Availability: 12 states and Washington, D.C.
Market share: 1.30 percent
AM Best financial strength rating: A+
BBB rating: A+
Another provider of cheap comprehensive insurance is Erie Insurance. It offers low rates, solid coverage options, and has a reputation for excellent customer service. The main downside of Erie Insurance is that coverage isn’t available in every state. You can only get an auto insurance policy if you live in certain states across the eastern and central U.S. or Washington, D.C.
In addition to the standard full-coverage insurance options, Erie offers unique coverages such as pet coverage, auto glass repair, and personal item coverage. It also offers discounts for safe driving, reduced usage, and safety equipment.
See below how consumers like you rated Erie insurance in our 2022 auto insurance survey:
| Aspect Surveyed | Provider Rating (Out of 5.0) | Industry Average Rating (Out of 5.0) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Satisfaction | 4.4 | 4.2 |
| Customer Service | 4.3 | 4.0 |
| Affordability | 3.9 | 3.7 |
| Coverage Selection | 4.1 | 3.9 |
| Claims Service | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| Mobile App Rating | 4.0 | 4.2 |
#3 Geico: Best Discount Availability
Founded: 1939
Availability: 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Market share: 13.76 percent
AM Best financial strength rating: A++
BBB rating: A+
While Geico might not be the best choice for someone with a spotty record, safe drivers find a lot of benefits to using the provider for full–coverage insurance. On top of high levels of customer satisfaction, Geico offers many choices for coverage. Some additional perks offered by Geico include roadside assistance, ridesharing insurance, and mechanical breakdown coverage.
In addition, Geico offers a wide array of discounts for eligible customers to take advantage of, such as good driver, air bag, good student, multi-vehicle, and defensive driving course. It also offers discounts for safe driving habits through its usage-based insurance app, DriveEasy.
See below how consumers like you rated Geico in our 2022 auto insurance survey:
| Aspect Surveyed | Provider Rating (Out of 5.0) | Industry Average Rating (Out of 5.0) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Satisfaction | 4.1 | 4.2 |
| Customer Service | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Affordability | 3.7 | 3.7 |
| Coverage Selection | 3.8 | 3.9 |
| Claims Service | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Mobile App Rating | 4.2 | 4.2 |
To learn more about this cheap auto insurance provider, check out our review of Geico auto insurance review.
#4 Auto-Owners Insurance
Founded: 1916
Availability: 26 states
Market share: 1.27 percent
AM Best financial strength rating: A++
BBB rating: A+
Even though it only serves 26 states, Auto-Owners Insurance has a reputation for quality customer service and affordable coverage. Besides standard auto coverage types, customers can add additional options like gap insurance and new car replacement to their policy. It also has an app that allows policyholders to view their claim status, insurance card, and pay their insurance bills.
Unlike many major providers, you’ll have to contact an insurance agent directly to receive a quote or file a claim, which some might consider a hassle. Discounts offered by Auto-owners include multi-policy, multi-car, advance quote, safety features, and various discounts for students.
See below how consumers like you rated Auto-Owners in our 2022 auto insurance survey:
| Aspect Surveyed | Provider Rating (Out of 5.0) | Industry Average Rating (Out of 5.0) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Satisfaction | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Customer Service | 4.1 | 4.0 |
| Affordability | 3.7 | 3.7 |
| Coverage Selection | 4.0 | 3.9 |
| Claims Service | 4.4 | 4.2 |
| Mobile App Rating | 3.9 | 4.2 |
#5 State Farm: Best Overall
Founded: 1922
Availability: 50 states, with the exception of new customers in Massachusetts or Rhode Island
Market share: 16.84 percent
AM Best financial strength rating: A++
BBB rating: A+
Another good option for cheap full–coverage insurance is State Farm, as we’ve found it offers the best average rates overall. The company is known for its comprehensive coverage options and extensive discount selection, and is the largest auto insurer in the nation according to the NAIC.
If you’re looking for a telematics insurance program to help you save on your premium, State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save™ app can help you save up to 30 percent. State Farm also offers a safe vehicle discount for specific safety features and a loyalty discount if you insure multiple vehicles or bundle several different types of insurance.
See below how consumers like you rated State Farm in our 2022 auto insurance survey:
| Aspect Surveyed | Provider Rating (Out of 5.0) | Industry Average Rating (Out of 5.0) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Satisfaction | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Customer Service | 4.1 | 4.0 |
| Affordability | 3.8 | 3.7 |
| Coverage Selection | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Claims Service | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| Mobile App Rating | 4.2 | 4.2 |
To learn more about this cheap auto insurance provider, check out our review of State Farm auto insurance.
How To Get Cheap Full-Coverage Auto Insurance
Just because you need full–coverage insurance doesn’t mean you have to pay a top rate for it. There are many ways to get a full–coverage car insurance policy at a cheap rate. See below for a few ways worth giving a try:
1. Compare Car Insurance Quotes
No two insurance companies have the same pricing formula, which is why one of the best ways to find affordable car insurance is by comparing quotes from multiple providers.
However, comparing auto insurance quotes by price alone may not always be the best idea. In some cases, cheap auto insurance could come with less coverage and fewer benefits. Always make sure that all your quotes offer the same coverage limits, benefits, and deductibles.
2. Lower Your Liability Limits
Basic state-minimum liability car insurance coverages aren’t very expensive, but the state’s minimum limits are generally low and don’t provide very much protection.
However, while choosing a low coverage limit will help you lower your insurance cost, we don’t recommend it. If you’re in an at-fault accident, it could ruin you financially if the other party sues you for more than your policy limits.
If you want more liability coverage to protect your personal assets if you’re in an at-fault accident, then you should buy coverage with higher liability limits if you can afford it.
3. Raise Your Deductible
For comprehensive and collision coverages, the market value of your car and the deductible you choose will decide your premiums. Generally, if you have a high deductible, you can save money on your premium. However, keep in mind that it will increase your out-of-pocket expenses if you have an accident. You’ll want to consider your driving history and if you’re willing to risk paying these expenses before raising your deductible.
4. Look For Car Insurance Discounts
Almost all car insurance companies provide discounts for things such as:
- Bundling auto and home or renters policies
- Owning a home
- Having a good driving record
- Setting up automatic payments
- Installing anti-theft devices or anti-lock brakes in your vehicle
- Paying the full amount upfront
If you’re eligible, these discounts can bring down your premium significantly. As a rule of thumb, look for new car insurance discounts each time you renew your policy. Your life situation may have changed since you originally bought the policy, and you may now be eligible for other discounts.
5. Drive Safe And Drive Less
If you boast a clean driving record, many insurance companies offer usage-based insurance programs that base your coverage rates on your driving habits and mileage. If you cut down how much you drive your car and are a safe driver, you may be able to save some money by signing up for such a program.
If you enroll in usage-based programs, be aware that insurance companies review your usage data periodically, and set your rates accordingly. With some companies, you may see your premiums go up if you don’t practice safe driving or your mileage ends up being more than the estimated annual mileage.
6. Maintain A Good Credit Score
In some states, your credit score will affect your insurance premiums. People with better credit usually get cheaper rates. If you improve your credit score by paying your bills on time and paying off as much of your debt as possible, you may be able to bring down your premium.
7. Don’t Let Your Coverage Lapse
Gaps in insurance coverage can put you in a higher-risk category and drive up your car insurance costs the next time you buy coverage.
If you plan to put your car in storage for a long time, don’t cancel your auto insurance altogether. Talk to your provider to know your options. You could even choose to temporarily drop your liability coverage as long as you remember to renew it once you’re ready to get back on the road.
8. Buy Only The Coverage You Want
You can’t legally drive without your state’s required coverages. However, if you own your car outright without a loan or lease, and your car is on its last leg, you may want to consider foregoing comprehensive and collision coverage.
The maximum amount your comprehensive coverage will pay you is the market value of the car – which decreases with each passing year – minus your deductible. If this amount is more than your premium, then this could be useful. If not, you would be better off saving the money you would have otherwise spent on the premium for repairs.
We suggest using the Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds.com car value pricing tools to determine how much your car is worth, then deciding if what you pay for your comprehensive coverage is actually worth it.
Cheap Full-Coverage Auto Insurance: Conclusion
Full–coverage car insurance provides extra protection and peace of mind for drivers on the road. While it’s pricier than a minimum-coverage auto insurance policy, it doesn’t have to break your bank. Our picks for the cheapest full coverage insurance are USAA, Erie Insurance, Geico, Auto-Owners Insurance, and State Farm. Whenever or wherever you shop for car insurance, we recommend getting quotes from multiple full coverage insurance providers so you can compare coverage and rates.