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Experience
- Auto insurance
- Home insurance
- Renters insurance
- Business insurance
- Other personal and commercial lines
David's expertise
David Marlett is a Professor of Risk Management in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance at Appalachian State University. In his role, he serves as Managing Director of the university’s Brantley Risk & Insurance Center and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.
David has taught courses in Risk Management and Insurance for more than 25 years. He also worked as a commercial lines underwriter for USF&G in Tampa, FL, prior to earning his doctorate and moving into academia.
David has established himself as a trusted resource on insurance and frequently contributes to a wide range of news media stories. He has been quoted in several high-profile media outlets, including The New York Times, Reuters, CNN, and NPR. He also serves as an editorial advisor and expert reviewer for U.S News & World Report, Insurify, and more.
Our editorial standards
It’s our mission to create comprehensive, helpful, and accurate content that empowers you to make more informed decisions with your money. In order to do that, our independent editorial team rigorously edits and fact-checks all of the content you see on Compare.com. These seasoned editors, licensed insurance agents, and certified data analysts review each article we write and ensure all of our content reflects our five key principles: honesty, accuracy, independence, transparency, and trustworthiness.
Meet our editorial team and learn about our rigorous editorial standards for more information.
Latest articles by David
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Cheapest Car Insurance in Maryland (November 2026)
USAA offers the cheapest car insurance in Maryland, averaging $133 per month. Compare real quotes from top insurers without spam or sales pressure to see what you could actually pay in Maryland.
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The Complete Guide to Car Insurance in Indiana
Auto-Owners has the best insurance rates in Indiana, well below the statewide average of $102.
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Cheapest Car Insurance in California (November 2026)
USAA offers the cheapest car insurance in California, at $87 per month for liability insurance. Review rates from up to 19 of the state’s top insurance companies, saving as much as $3,120 per year.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance in Connecticut in 2026
State Farm generally offers the lowest car insurance rates in Connecticut, but your personal rate depends on factors like your driving record, credit history, ZIP code, age, and coverage choices.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Iowa in 2026
State Farm has the cheapest average rates in Iowa, but your personal rate depends on factors like your vehicle, driving history, and more.
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Cheapest Car Insurance in Ohio (November 2026)
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance in Ohio, with average rates starting at $43 per month. Compare.com allows you to view real quotes from Ohio’s top auto insurance companies in one place.
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Cheapest Car Insurance in Michigan (November 2026)
Auto-Owners offers Michigan’s cheapest car insurance, at an average of $69 per month. Find out your rate by comparing real quotes from top insurers in one place, with no spam or sales pressure.
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The Complete Guide to Car Insurance in Oregon
State Farm and USAA are two of the cheapest insurance companies in Oregon. Find out which other companies offer rates below the statewide average.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Kentucky in 2026
Kentucky is a no-fault state that requires drivers to get personal injury protection, which can raise car insurance costs.
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Cheapest Car Insurance in Arkansas (November 2026)
State Farm has the cheapest car insurance in Arkansas, with rates averaging $38 per month. Compare real quotes from top insurers in one place, without sales pressure.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance in Missouri in 2026
USAA offers Missouri’s lowest average rates, but your actual premium could look different depending on your driving history, credit, and where you call home.
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Cheapest Car Insurance in Texas (November 2026)
State Farm has the cheapest car insurance in Texas, with an average rate of $63 per month for liability-only coverage. See what you’d actually pay by comparing real quotes from top insurers in one place, with no spam and no sales pressure.
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Cheapest Car Insurance in Georgia (November 2026)
Auto-Owners has the cheapest car insurance in Georgia, averaging $93 per month. Georgia drivers can compare real auto insurance quotes from multiple insurers in one place, without spam or sales pressure.
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Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington (November 2026)
State Farm is Washington’s cheapest car insurance option, with monthly rates averaging $63. Compare.com lets you compare real quotes from multiple insurers without spam or sales pressure.
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Compare Cheap Car Insurance in Atlanta, GA
With average rates of $121 per month, Auto-Owners offers the cheapest liability car insurance in Atlanta. Auto insurance rates in Atlanta are higher than in most Georgia cities due to congested roads and a high crash rate across the metro area.
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The Cheapest Car Insurance in Pennsylvania (November 2026)
Plymouth Rock, State Farm, and Erie offer the cheapest car insurance in Pennsylvania. Compare.com can help you find the cheapest insurer for you by comparing real quotes from top companies in one place — no spam or sales pressure.
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Cheapest Car Insurance in New Jersey (November 2026)
NJM offers the most affordable car insurance in New Jersey, with average rates starting at $114 per month. Compare real quotes from top insurers in one place, with no spam and no sales pressure.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in San Diego, California, in 2026
USAA is the cheapest car insurance company for San Diego drivers, with rates of $79 per month.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Idaho in 2026
Auto-Owners has the lowest car insurance prices in Idaho, but your rate could vary depending on your age, driving history, and credit.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Mississippi in 2026
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance rates, on average, but costs will vary depending on where you live, your driving history, and other factors.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Tampa, Florida in 2026
The cheapest car insurance company in Tampa is State Farm, with an average monthly rate of $130.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Roseville, California, in 2026
In Roseville, the cheapest auto insurance company is USAA, with an average premium of $83 per month.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance in Naples, Florida, in 2026
State Farm offers the cheapest average rates in Naples, but different factors will affect how much you pay. Discover the cheapest insurers in Naples to save on your policy.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Gainesville, Florida, in 2026
While State Farm offers the most affordable rates in Gainesville, your personal premium will likely differ based on your driving record, age, and other individual factors.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2026
Fort Worth drivers pay an average of $119 per month for liability insurance and $210 for full coverage. Read on to find some of the cheapest insurers in the city.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance in El Paso, Texas, in 2026
State Farm offers the lowest average monthly car insurance rate in El Paso, Texas, at around $54 per month.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Peoria, Illinois, in 2026
Auto-Owners has the cheapest car insurance rates in Peoria — just $46 per month. But your personal rates depend on factors like your ZIP code, driving record, and age.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Macon, Georgia, in 2026
Auto-Owners has the cheapest car insurance in Macon, at $104 per month. But your personal rate depends on several factors, like your age, driving record, and ZIP code.
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The Complete Guide to Car Insurance in Plano, Texas
Drivers in Plano, Texas, can find the cheapest car insurance rates from several insurers, including State Farm. Find out which other insurers top our list.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Long Beach, California, in 2026
USAA offers the most affordable car insurance rates in Long Beach, but your personal rates will vary widely based on your age, driving record, credit history, and other factors.
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The Complete Guide to Car Insurance in Killeen, Texas
State Farm, Progressive, and Mile Auto currently offer the lowest monthly premiums in Killeen. Here’s how Killeen drivers can find affordable car insurance.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Savannah, Georgia, in 2026
Auto-Owners offers the lowest car insurance rates in Savannah. But your rates will likely be different depending on your driving history, age, and coverage needs.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Idaho Falls, Idaho, in 2026
Auto-Owners offers the most affordable car insurance rates in Idaho Falls. But your personal rates will vary based on your driving record, age, and coverage needs.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Columbus, Georgia, in 2026
Auto-Owners is the cheapest car insurance company in Columbus, with an average monthly premium of $81. But your personal rate can vary widely depending on your age, driving record, and location.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in San Jose, California, in 2026
USAA has the cheapest auto insurance in San Jose. But how much you pay may vary based on several personal factors.
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Aurora, IL Car Insurance
On average, Aurora drivers pay around $51 a month for their car insurance. For more information refer to our guide below.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance in Miami, FL in 2026
The average Miami driver pays around $235 per month for car insurance, but State Farm offers the lowest car insurance rates in the city, at just $129.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Augusta, Georgia, in 2026
Auto-Owners offers the cheapest rates in Augusta, with an average premium of just $82 per month.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance in Seattle in 2026
Seattle drivers pay an average of $164 per month for car insurance, but your personal rates could be different, depending on your age, driving record, vehicle, and more.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 2026
State Farm has the lowest car insurance rates in Shreveport. But personal factors, like your age and driving record, affect how much you’ll pay.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Cleveland, Tennessee, in 2026
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance rates in Cleveland. Basic liability policies start as low as $44 per month.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Greenville, North Carolina, in 2026
Erie has the cheapest rates in Greenville, but personal factors like your age, driving record, and ZIP code will determine your premium.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2026
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance rates in Cleveland, but your personal costs will likely vary based on factors like your driving history, age, and coverage needs.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 2026
Plymouth Rock has the cheapest car insurance rates in Pittsburgh, but your actual premium will depend on your age, driving record, credit, and ZIP code.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Greenville, South Carolina, in 2026
USAA offers the lowest rates in Greenville, but your personal quote will vary based on your driving record, age, and coverage needs.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 2026
Baton Rouge drivers pay an average of $274 per month for car insurance, but State Farm offers much cheaper average rates.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Oklahoma in 2026
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance in Oklahoma. But your rates can vary depending on several personal factors.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 2026
Auto-Owners offers the cheapest car insurance rates in Lincoln, but the price you pay will depend on things like your age, driving record, and address.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2026
Progressive offers the cheapest average car insurance rates in Louisville. But your actual costs will depend on factors like your driving history, age, and where you live in the city.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 2026
State Farm has the most affordable rates on average in Knoxville, but your insurance costs will vary depending on your unique situation.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 2026
Philadelphia drivers can find the cheapest auto coverage with Plymouth Rock, at an average monthly rate of $91.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 2026
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance rates in Minneapolis, at $64 per month. But your exact rate will likely differ based on your driving habits and other factors.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Jackson, Mississippi, in 2026
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance in Jackson, with rates starting at $48.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Billings, Montana, in 2026
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance in Billings, with an average rate of $38 per month.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Lexington, Kentucky, in 2026
Progressive offers the lowest average rates in Lexington, but your personal rate will likely vary based on several factors.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 2026
Finding affordable car insurance in Indianapolis doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when companies like Auto-Owners tend to offer great prices. Basic policies start as low as $48 per month.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2026
USAA offers the cheapest car insurance rates in Baltimore, but your personal rate will vary based on factors like your driving history, age, and coverage needs.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2026
Auto-Owners offers the lowest average rate for car insurance in Omaha, at $52 per month.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Delaware in 2026
USAA is the cheapest car insurance company in Delaware, with rates starting at $USAA per month. But your rates can vary depending on factors like your age, driving record, and coverage needs.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance in Lubbock, TX, in 2026
Lubbock drivers pay an average of $156 per month for car insurance, but companies like State Farm may offer much cheaper rates. Read on to see which auto insurer offers the best rates.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Madison, Wisconsin, in 2026
USAA offers the cheapest car insurance rates in Madison. But your rates can vary by personal factors like age, gender, credit history, and driving record.
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Car Insurance Rates by Make and Model in 2026
The Subaru Forester is one of the least expensive cars to insure, with an average annual rate of $1,200. The Infiniti Q50 is the most expensive, costing an average of $2,736 per year.
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Car Insurance Rates by State: What You Can Expect to Pay in 2026
Car insurance rates can vary widely between states due to weather and traffic trends, state laws, and minimum car insurance requirements. See how your state stacks up.
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Most Expensive Cars to Insure (and How to Lower Costs)
High-performance sports cars, luxury SUVs, and electric vehicles top the list of the most expensive cars to insure. But you can still find ways to lower your premiums in several ways.
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Honda Car Insurance Quotes in 2026
Honda owners pay an average of $112 per month for liability and $189 for full coverage. USAA offers the cheapest average rate at $78 per month.
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GMC Car Insurance Costs & Cheapest Companies in 2026
GMC drivers pay an average of $96 per month for liability-only insurance. Mile Auto offers the cheapest GMC insurance rates, at $72 per month.
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Subaru Forester Car Insurance Cost: Average Rates, Cheapest Companies, and How to Save
Liability coverage for the Subaru Forester averages just $89 per month, while full coverage runs about $148. But some drivers pay as little as $67 per month through top insurers.
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Why Is Tesla Insurance So High in 2026?
Tesla insurance costs tend to run higher than average because of expensive repairs, advanced technology, battery replacement costs, and higher claim severity. But rates vary widely by driver and Tesla model.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Alaska in 2026
State Farm offers the lowest car insurance rates in Alaska, averaging $71 per month.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Chicago, Illinois, in 2026
Auto-Owners is the cheapest insurer in Chicago, with rates starting at $64 per month.
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The Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers After an Accident in 2026
While accidents will normally increase your rates, you can still find cheap car insurance. For example, NJM offers the cheapest average rates for drivers after an accident.
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9 Ways to Get Cheaper Car Insurance in 2026
Comparing quotes can save you up to $867* per year. But understanding these money-saving strategies could lead to even larger savings.
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How Car Insurance Works: Everything You Need to Know Before You Hit the Road
Car insurance is complicated but necessary. We go over everything you need to confidently set up and buy your next policy.
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The 10 Largest Auto Insurance Companies in 2026
State Farm, Progressive, and GEICO are the three largest auto insurers in terms of market share. But that doesn’t necessarily mean any of them will be the best choice for you.
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The Best Cheap Car Insurance for Young Drivers in 2026
NJM has the cheapest average rates for young drivers, starting at $103 per month. But it may not be the cheapest for your unique driver profile. Our latest guide covers everything you need to know to find the best car insurance for young drivers.
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How to Find Same-Day Car Insurance and Get Instant Coverage
Same-day car insurance coverage is available from many auto insurers, but not all. Find out what you need to get covered on the same day you get a quote.
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The Best Car Insurance Mobile Apps in 2024
The General has the highest-rated insurance app. See which car insurance apps made our 2024 list and what each app is best for.
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Luxury Car Insurance: Average Costs, Best Companies, and More
Luxury cars cost around 15% more to insure than the average vehicle. Chubb, Liberty Mutual, and Auto-Owners are our top picks for luxury car insurance.
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Car Insurance for Bad Drivers: How to Find Cheap Coverage
Rates for high-risk drivers vary widely by insurer, but companies like NJM, Country Financial, and Auto-Owners offer some of the lowest premiums for drivers with less-than-perfect records.
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The Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers Younger Than 25 in 2026
Drivers younger than 25 pay some of the highest car insurance rates, but the right company, discounts, and coverage choices can make a big difference.
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Compare Cheap Car Insurance in New York, NY
Car insurance in New York City averages $182 per month. Traffic congestion and the city’s high population density are major contributing factors to these higher-than-average rates.
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Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds: Costs, Cheapest Options, and How to Save
High car insurance rates are common for 17-year-olds, but teen-specific discounts and programs can help make premiums more manageable.
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Car Insurance With No License: What You Need to Know in 2026
Although you don’t need a driver’s license to get car insurance, most insurance companies won’t cover an unlicensed driver. Learn how you can get no-license insurance, even with a suspended license.
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The Best Car Insurance for Drivers With Bad Credit in 2026
With liability rates averaging just $59 per month, NJM is the cheapest car insurance company for drivers with bad credit. State Farm and Root are also great choices.
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Usage-Based Car Insurance: Everything You Should Know
Usage-based car insurance uses telematics to track how you drive and reward safe habits. It’s best for safe and low-mileage drivers, as risky driving can be costly.
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The Cheapest Van Insurance Companies of 2026
GEICO is the cheapest car insurance company for vans, with an average premium of $73 per month.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance in Springfield, MO in 2026
Rates for liability coverage start at $53 per month in Springfield, but many factors influence how much you’ll pay. Find the cheapest insurers in Springfield to save on your next policy.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance in Brooklyn in 2026
The average full-coverage policy in Brooklyn starts at $249 per month, but you might pay more or less based on your driver profile. This guide will highlight some of the best and cheapest insurers in Brooklyn.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Detroit, Michigan, in 2026
Auto-Owners has some of the cheapest auto insurance rates in Detroit, starting at $133 per month.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance in Oklahoma City in 2026
Oklahoma City drivers pay an average of $141 per month for car insurance, but the cheapest company for you depends on a variety of insurance-related factors.
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How to Find the Cheapest Car Insurance in Texas for Low-Income Drivers
State Farm offers the cheapest liability car insurance in Texas, averaging $63 per month.
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Every State Farm Discount in 2026
State Farm offers 18 car insurance discounts, though availability can vary by state. Find out which discounts are available and how to qualify.
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Every Allstate Car Insurance Discount in 2026
Allstate offers 12 car insurance discounts to help lower your auto insurance premiums. Learn more about the available discounts and other ways to save.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance in Colorado Springs in 2026
State Farm offers the cheapest average rates in Colorado Springs, but your age, driving record, and other factors can influence how much you pay.
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The Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Buffalo, New York, in 2026
Erie has the cheapest rates in Buffalo, on average. But your personal rates depend on your unique driving profile.
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Cheap Liability Car Insurance: Cheapest Companies, Average Rates, and How to Save in 2026
The lowest average liability coverage premium is $48 per month from NJM, according to Compare.com data. But rates can shift substantially based on where you live, what you drive, and your personal record.
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The Complete Guide to Car Insurance Discounts in 2026
Looking for a break on your monthly auto insurance bill? You might qualify for some of these discounts.
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Multi-Car Insurance: A Guide for Households With Multiple Vehicles
Multi-car insurance helps you manage coverage more easily, with most companies offering 12%–25% in savings when you insure multiple cars with the same insurer.
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Liability vs. Full Coverage: Differences, Costs, and More
Liability insurance is cheaper and covers damages you cause to others. Full-coverage insurance costs more but protects your vehicle, too.
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Can You Get Car Insurance Without a License?
You can get car insurance without a driver’s license, but your options depend on why you don’t have a license and your state’s insurance rules. We’ll give you clear, judgment-free information to help you understand your options and choose the right next step.
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FR-44 Insurance: What It Is, When You Need It, and Ways to Save
FR-44 isn’t a type of insurance. It’s a form you might need if you’re a high-risk driver in Florida or Virginia.
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Lease Car Insurance: What It Is, What You Need, and How to Save
Most lenders require you to have full-coverage car insurance on leased vehicles. You may also have to meet higher coverage limits.
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The Complete Guide to Personal Breathalyzers in 2026
Personal breathalyzers estimate your blood alcohol level through the amount of alcohol vapor you exhale. But their accuracy varies widely.
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Insurify Car Insurance Review: Spam Risk, Customer Reviews, and More in 2026
Insurify is a digital insurance marketplace and a legit way to compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurers. It gets high marks from users for ease of use and savings.
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The Complete Guide to Used Car Insurance in 2026
Used car insurance costs an average of $117 per month. Used cars typically cost less to insure than new cars because they have lower values to protect.
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New-Car Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide
The process of insuring a new car is the same as any other vehicle, but higher values and lender rules often mean you’ll need more protection.
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Do You Need Insurance for a Car in Storage?
Car storage insurance protects your vehicle from theft or weather-related damage while you’re not driving it for an extended period of time.
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The Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers with a Suspended License
If the state suspends your license, you’ll still need car insurance to meet your state’s legal license requirements and avoid a coverage lapse. Learn about your options and where to get the cheapest coverage.
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Why Are Car Insurance Rates by State Different?
You may have noticed that car insurance rates by state vary. Find out why where you reside is one of the biggest factors in your rates.
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When to Insure a New Car
Learn what car insurance you need, how to get it, and the best coverages when you buy, lease, or finance a new car.
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Pay-Per-Mile Car Insurance: How It Works & Who Saves
Pay-per-mile insurance can help low-mileage drivers cut costs. But it’s not for everyone, and only some insurers offer it. Learn how it works and what to know before switching.
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Root Insurance and Other New Companies that are Changing the Industry
Here is a list highlighting Root Insurance and other new companies that are changing the industry. Find out how they can help you!
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New Car Replacement Insurance: Everything You Need to Know
You may have heard about new car replacement insurance, but how does it work? How much does it cost? Learn more about this special coverage.
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How an At-Fault Accident Affects Your Car Insurance Rates
These real examples of how much insurance increases after an accident will give you a good idea of what to expect for your own policy.
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Gap Insurance in California: Is It Worth It?
Gap insurance covers the difference between your loan balance and your car’s value. Find out if gap coverage makes sense for you and where you can get it.
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