Compare Car Insurance Rates for March 2023

Key Takeaways

• Car insurance rates can vary wildly from company to company, which means the best way to save money is to get quotes from multiple insurance companies.
• Factors like your age and gender, your driving history, the kind of car you drive, and where you live all play big factors in how much you’ll pay for car insurance.
• Using insurance comparison sites (like Compare.com) is the best way to quickly and easily compare quotes from multiple insurance companies at once.

The Complete Guide to Comparing Car Insurance

Shopping for car insurance can be confusing and time-consuming. There are so many different companies and options to choose from out there. How do you know if you’re getting the best deal?

The best way to find out is to compare auto insurance quotes from different companies side-by-side. That way, you can see which company offers the best rate for the coverage you need. It’s quick and easy to do, and it could save you some serious cash.

To start comparing car insurance quotes, you can visit a site like Compare.com, which allows you to easily compare rates from multiple companies at once. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest rates or just need some extra coverage, Compare.com has got you covered. With just a few clicks of your mouse, you’ll be able to find the best deal on car insurance that meets your needs and budget. So why wait? Start comparing quotes today and see how much you can save!

And if you’re not quite ready to purchase a new policy, but want to know more about how much you can expect to pay and how you can save, keep reading to check out our in-depth guide with everything you need to know to compare car insurance quotes.

In This Article

• Why It’s Important to Compare
• Average Rates by Company and Driver Profile
• How to Compare Quotes for Free
• The Best Sites to Compare Car Insurance Online
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why You Need to Compare Quotes Before You Buy

When it comes to car insurance, it’s not always easy to know if you’re getting the best deal. There are so many different companies and options out there, each with its own rates and coverage options. Comparing quotes from different providers is the best way to ensure you’re getting the right coverage at the right price.

So why is it so important to compare insurance quotes? Some of the key benefits include getting access to better rates, finding great coverage options that you might not have been aware of, and being able to save money on your premiums. By taking the time to shop around and compare quotes from different providers, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best deal for your needs. So what are you waiting for? Start comparing car insurance quotes today!

The Top Factors That Determine Your Auto Insurance Rates

Did you know that there are over a dozen different factors insurance companies use to calculate your car insurance premium? Some, like your driving record, might be obvious, but companies also look at things like your credit score, where you live, and how much you drive before offering you rates.

You’re probably wondering how each of these different factors affects your insurance rates, but don’t worry, we’re way ahead of you! We’ve broken down average rates by the top 10 car insurance companies for each of the most important factors. Just click on the links below to jump to the section for each one.

• Age
• Gender
• Coverage Level
• Driving Record
• Credit Score
• Where You Live
• How Much You Drive

How We Chose the Rates You See

We analyzed more than 2 million auto insurance quotes in conjunction with Quadrant Information Systems in order to calculate the rates you’ll find in the following sections. All of the information seen here is reported directly from the companies themselves to each state’s bureau of insurance, so you can rest assured all prices are accurate.

Want to learn more about how we use data in our articles? Check out our data methodology section for more information.

Compare Auto Insurance Rates from America’s Biggest Companies

Just about every auto insurance company out there have advertisements on TV or online about saving you money on car insurance, but how are you supposed to know which one really offers the cheapest rates? While rates can vary quite a bit from driver to driver, the same can be said for insurance companies.

In the table below, you’ll see the national average rates for 10 of the top insurance companies in the U.S.

As you can see, rates can vary wildly from one company to the next. Companies like American Family, Erie Insurance, and State Farm have some of the cheapest average rates, while other companies’ prices can be over twice as expensive. That’s why it’s so important to compare auto insurance rates.

But looking at the national averages doesn’t necessarily paint the whole picture. Car insurance pricing can vary drastically from person to person. Since no two drivers are the same, just because one company has the cheapest average rates, it doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily be the cheapest for you.

Compare Auto Insurance Rates by Age and Gender

Car insurance rates can vary significantly depending on the age and gender of a driver. Generally, drivers over the age of 25 are seen to be more responsible and accident-free, making them eligible for lower premiums compared to younger drivers. Similarly, female drivers tend to receive lower car insurance premiums than male drivers due to their statistically lower risk profile.

But how much do age and gender affect your actual rates? Check out the sections below for each age group to see average rates among the nation’s top carriers.

Compare Car Insurance Quotes for Teens

Teen drivers pay significantly higher rates than adults due to their lack of experience, and the rates between different companies can vary greatly. See how much rates can differ below:

Companies like American Family and Erie Insurance offer the lowest premiums for teen drivers compared to other major carriers such as State Farm, GEICO, and Nationwide. For instance, American Family offers an average rate of $311 per month for teen drivers, while AAA charges more than double at $689 per month.

Compare Car Insurance Quotes for Young Drivers

Luckily, rates tend to go down significantly by the time drivers turn 25. Just check out the table below to see how much they drop.

Usually, 25-year-old drivers enjoy lower car insurance premiums than teen drivers due to the increased experience, safety record, and responsibility associated with being an older driver. Out of the major companies listed, American Family offers the lowest rate at $121 per month on average. This is followed by Travelers, State Farm, Progressive, and Erie Insurance which all offer similar rates in the same ballpark.

On the other hand, some of the more expensive options like Allstate, GEICO, and AAA can offer higher premiums for young drivers due to their added services and coverage. For instance, Allstate often offers accident forgiveness as part of their policies. Additionally, AAA offers a variety of discounts such as multi-car and home insurance bundles which can help to lower the monthly premium. Ultimately, young drivers should make sure to compare rates between different companies in order to get the best deal possible.

Compare Car Insurance Quotes for Seniors

When it comes to auto insurance, experience pays off. Senior drivers often pay some of the lowest rates out there for car insurance. Check out the table below to see average rates from top companies for 65-year-old drivers.

Senior drivers are typically seen as a lower risk by car insurance companies, making them eligible for lower premiums than younger drivers. Out of the major companies listed, American Family offers the lowest rate at $107 per month on average. This is followed by State Farm, Erie Insurance, Nationwide, and Progressive, which all offer similar rates in the same ballpark.

Compare Car Insurance Rates for Men vs. Women

Gender is another factor that can play a role in how much you pay for auto insurance. Generally, men will pay a little bit more each month compared to women – this is because they’re statistically more likely to cause a collision or get a ticket.

Looking at the table above, that difference is usually around 5% for most companies. It may not be huge, but even a few dollars a month can add up to something significant over the length of your policy.

Compare Car Insurance Rates by Coverage Type

When it comes to car insurance, most drivers are looking for either basic liability or “full” coverage in order to protect themselves financially. Liability insurance is the minimum required by law (in all states except New Hampshire and Virginia). It covers costs associated with property damage and bodily injury when the driver is at fault in a collision. “Full coverage,” on the other hand, often includes liability, plus additional protection such as comprehensive and collision coverages to cover repair costs in case of an accident.

The cost of full coverage insurance can vary greatly depending on which company you choose. Check out the sections below to learn how rates differ.

Compare Liability Car Insurance Quotes

If you’re looking for the cheapest car insurance possible and just want to meet the minimum limits required by law, liability-only policies are for you. Here’s how some of the top companies compare when it comes to state minimum liability rates.

Looking at the list of top companies, Erie Insurance offers the best rates of the group at $91/month, with American Family and State Farm not far behind.

But basic liability coverage is only really meant for older vehicles that aren’t worth much. If you cause an accident, this coverage will only pay for injuries and property damage to the other drivers involved, not you. If you want to make sure your own property is covered in case of an accident, full coverage is likely a better (albeit more expensive) option.

Compare Full Coverage Car Insurance Quotes

Now you might be wondering how much more you’ll pay if you want to add “full” coverage with comprehensive and collision to your policy. Luckily for you, we’ve broken down rates below.

Unfortunately, adding comprehensive and collision coverages isn’t necessarily cheap, but it does pay if you own a car that’s less than 5-10 years old. Of the companies listed, American Family offers the best full coverage rates at $185/mo. Erie and State Farm are about $30/mo. more expensive, and the most expensive option, AAA, is almost $300 more each month. That’s why it’s so important to compare rates before you buy. You could be leaving massive savings on the table each month otherwise.

Compare Car Insurance Rates by Driving Record

It’s no secret that if you get into an accident or get a ticket, your auto insurance rates will most likely go up. But exactly how much of an increase will it be?

Judging by the average rates of the carriers mentioned above, a ticket will be the least costly negative mark on your record, with DUIs causing the largest increase in rates. On average, a ticket will cause your rates to increase by about 25%, while an at-fault accident will lead to a little more than a 40% rate hike. A single DUI charge will likely cause your rates to nearly double or your auto insurance company could choose not to renew your policy.

So, which carrier offers the best rates for drivers with spotty records? Generally, American Family has the cheapest rates for many drivers with points on their record, but Erie Insurance, State Farm, Travelers, and Nationwide all offer competitive rates.

At the end of the day, the only way to know for sure which company is the cheapest is to compare car insurance rates. And don’t just settle for increased rates after an accident, ticket, DUI, or other driving infraction.

Following an incident like this is the perfect time to shop around for insurance. In fact, many companies (often referred to as “non-standard” carriers) specialize in auto insurance policies for drivers with less-than-ideal driving records. Going with one of these companies instead of the big names could save you hundreds.

Compare Car Insurance Rates by Credit Score

You’re probably already aware that things like your driving record play a big role in how much you pay for car insurance, but did you know that many auto insurance companies look at your credit score to determine your rates?

You might be asking, “What does my credit score have to do with car insurance?” Carriers argue that your credit score has a direct impact on your overall risk, and the more risk a company takes on to insure you, the more they’ll charge for your policy. They say that drivers with bad credit are less likely to pay their car insurance bill on time and more likely to file a claim, which means they’ll charge you extra for a policy.

Like it or not, this is the case in many situations. However, some states – like California, Massachusetts, Michigan, and a few others – have outlawed the use of credit scores as a rating factor. There are also a few companies that don’t look at credit scores, regardless of where you live, including Root Insurance, Metromile, and others.

So, exactly how much does your credit score affect your monthly bill? Let’s check out some average rates:

As you can see, your credit score can have a lot bigger impact than you might have thought. Looking at overall average rates, a driver with “poor” credit can expect to pay more than double that of one who has an “excellent” credit score.

With that in mind, you’re probably wondering which company is the cheapest option for drivers with varying credit scores. Generally, State Farm has better rates for drivers with higher credit scores, while American Family offers the cheapest average rates for drivers with low credit scores.

But that doesn’t mean you should go straight to those companies for the cheapest rates. Since some companies don’t use credit scores at all, drivers with bad credit might be better off elsewhere. Once again, the only way to know you’re getting the best rates is to shop around and get quotes from multiple companies.

Compare Car Insurance Quotes by Where You Live

Where you live can make a huge difference on how much you pay for car insurance. When calculating your rates, insurance companies factor in the costs of repairs, medical bills, and potential lawsuits for each region. Areas that are deemed to be riskier – due to higher crime rates or steeper repair expenses – will generally have more expensive car insurance than regions with fewer risks and lower repair prices.

Additionally, different states have different minimum requirements for coverage, which can also affect your rates. For example, some states may require more liability coverage than others, leading to higher premiums. Ultimately, auto insurance rates differ based on an area’s risk factors and the legal requirements associated with that area.  But how much does where you live affect rates? Just check out the sections below to find out.

Compare Car Insurance Rates by State

Did you know that the state you live in is perhaps the most important factor when it comes to how much you can expect to pay for car insurance – sometimes even more than your driving record? Since auto insurance is regulated at the state level, rates can vary drastically from one state to the next. Keep reading to see how your state stacks up compared to the rest of the country.

In the above table, you’ll see average prices for both liability and full coverage insurance for each state. As you can see, the differences can be massive. For example, if you live in New York or New Jersey, you might have to pay as much as 5x what drivers in Idaho or Iowa might pay (or even more!). Even two neighboring states can have big differences – North Carolina’s average rates are nearly 25% cheaper than South Carolina’s, for instance.

So, if you’re planning on moving across state lines, you’ll definitely want to take the time to compare car insurance. It could make a huge difference in your monthly budget at your new home.

Compare Car Insurance Rates for Urban vs. Rural Areas

We already talked about how the state you live in can have a big impact on your car insurance rates, but the actual area you call home can also make a difference.

Because urban areas are much more densely populated – both with people and with cars – people who live in these areas tend to pay more for car insurance than drivers in less populated areas.

As you can see in the above table, people who live in urban ZIP codes tend to pay over 40% more for their car insurance than those who live in rural areas. You’ll also see that certain companies offer better rates for drivers in urban vs. rural areas – yet another reason to compare auto insurance rates. You never know which companies might specialize in insuring drivers like you.

Compare Rates by How Much You Drive

One of the often-overlooked factors that affect your car insurance rates is how much you drive. Any time you get an auto insurance quote, companies will ask about your commute and/or how many miles you drive each year. The reason they ask about your annual mileage is that the more you’re on the roads, the more likely you are to get into an accident and file an insurance claim.

Check out the table below to see exactly how much annual mileage affects rates.

On the other hand, if you drive less than the national average (usually around 12,000 miles a year), you can save some money on your car insurance policy. But this isn’t always the case.

As you can see above, not all companies put a big emphasis on annual mileage. Some – like Progressive and Farmers – offer the same rates, whether you drive 6,000 miles a year or 12,000. Others – like Nationwide or Allstate – have a difference of less than $5 a month.

If you’re looking to save some money because you don’t drive much (such as if you work from home), a better option might be “pay-per-mile” or usage-based car insurance. With these policies, you pay a low base rate each month and are then charged based on how many miles you drove that month. If you drive far below the national average, it might be worth looking into a policy like this (often offered by companies like Metromile or Progressive Snapshot).

How to Compare Auto Insurance Quotes for Free

When it comes to car insurance, many people simply go with the first company they find and call it a day. But choosing the right insurance provider is crucial if you want to get the best coverage for your needs and budget. Here are some tips for choosing the right car insurance company:

1. Start with an insurance comparison site: Several different car insurance comparison sites can help you compare rates from multiple companies at once, such as websites like Compare.com. By entering some basic information about yourself – such as your age, driving record, and location – you can get quotes from several different providers in just a few minutes. It’s by far the easiest and quickest way to compare quotes.
2. Consider things like coverage options, customer reviews, and discounts or perks offered by each company: Different car insurance providers offer different coverage options, benefits, and other features that can help make your policy more affordable. Additionally, it’s important to check out what customers are saying about their experiences with a particular company – both good and bad – so you can get a better idea of what to expect.
3. Compare rates and other details with at least 3-4 different companies: It’s important not just to get quick quotes, but also to compare the rates, deductibles, and coverage options that each provider offers. This will help you find the best overall value for your car insurance needs.
4. Choose the policy that’s the best fit for you: Once you’ve found a company that seems like a good fit, go ahead and purchase your new policy with them. From there, be sure to keep your policy up to date by regularly (we recommend every 6 months) comparing quotes from different providers, so you can always get the best deal possible on car insurance.

The Best Sites to Compare Car Insurance Quotes Online

There are a lot of sites out there these days offering to save you money on car insurance. Some even say they’ll help you compare rates from several companies at once, but not all car insurance comparison sites are equal.

Many sites offering to compare car insurance don’t show actual rates and are actually just lead-generation sites that sell ads from insurance companies. Others will show you rates, but you’ll sometimes get bombarded with phone calls from the insurance companies that they pass your information on to.

It can sometimes seem like the sites out there that advertise as tools to compare auto insurance quotes are just a scam. But some sites, like Compare.com, are legit. With Compare.com, you get real rates from real companies. Keep reading to see why Compare.com is the best place to compare car insurance.

Why You Should Use Compare.com to Compare Quotes from Multiple Companies

Compare.com is the first comparison site in the United States to have direct integrations with auto insurance carriers. That means you get real rates in real-time, not just ads.

These days, Compare.com works with more than 75 top insurance companies, which means that when you get a quote, you know you’re getting the best price. And unlike other sites, Compare.com asks the right questions, which means the quotes you receive are accurate, not just ballpark estimates.

Compare.com users save an average of $720 a year on their car insurance policies. And the process only takes 10 minutes. So, what are you waiting for?

FAQs About Comparing Car Insurance

What websites compare car insurance rates?

There are dozens of websites out there offering you the chance to compare insurance rates for free, but only a handful actually give you prices, not ads. Compare.com is rated by customers as the best option of the bunch. The average Compare.com customer saves $720 a year on their car insurance, so it’s the perfect option for drivers wanting to save money on their next policy

What’s the best car insurance right now?

Because car insurance prices vary so much from driver to driver, there isn’t one company that’s the best option for everyone. We recommend you look into companies both big and small and compare rates from as many as possible to find the best company for you.

Which company gives the cheapest car insurance?

Again, rates from driver to driver can be so different that there isn’t a single company offering the cheapest rates to everyone. The only way to find which company has the cheapest rates for your unique profile is to use sites like Compare.com to compare quotes from as many insurance companies as possible.

What’s the best way to compare car insurance online?

Comparison sites are by far the easiest (and quickest) way to compare auto insurance online. Instead of spending hours going from company to company, sites like Compare.com let you enter your information once and compare real, accurate quotes from dozens of top companies.

Is it free to compare auto insurance quotes?

Yep! Sites like Compare.com let you compare quotes from dozens of America’s top insurance companies all for free. It doesn’t cost anything to get a quote, so even if you’re happy with your current insurance company, it doesn’t hurt to shop around every 6 months or so to make sure you’re still getting the best deal.