The Cheapest Auto Insurance in Nebraska in 2023

Like most states, Nebraska requires owners to show proof of financial responsibility to register a vehicle. While there are a few ways to show proof of financial responsibility, including putting up a bond or a certificate of deposit, most people opt to purchase car insurance.

Car insurance is relatively affordable in Nebraska. The average monthly rate is $95 — lower than the national average of $129 — making the Cornhusker State the 14th-cheapest in the U.S.

If you’re ready to start shopping, we’ll show you which companies offer the cheapest car insurance in Nebraska and how to lower your rate even more.

Key Takeaways:

• EMC Insurance offers the cheapest car insurance rates in Nebraska for teen drivers, seniors, and drivers with a ticket, accident, or DUI on their record.
• Omaha, Lincoln, and Bellevue are the cheapest cities in Nebraska for car insurance, with average monthly rates below $90.
• Nebraska law requires drivers to have liability insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to legally drive in the state.

Nebraska’s Cheapest Car Insurance Companies

Even though Nebraska’s average auto insurance rates are $95 per month, you can save even more on your insurance by finding the right company.

Let’s start with the top five insurance companies offering cheap auto insurance in Nebraska, according to Compare.com data.

EMC Insurance offers the lowest monthly premium, on average. But there isn’t a huge difference between EMC and the rest of the insurers, where monthly premiums range between $58 to $65. Still, that difference of $7 to $14 per month can translate into an annual savings of $84 to $168.

It’s worth noting that all five companies have average rates well below the statewide average of $95 per month, so it’s a good idea to shop around for multiple quotes.

Later in this article, we’ll break down the companies offering the cheapest insurance for different rating factors, including age, driving record, and locations within Nebraska.

The Average Cost of Nebraska Car Insurance

Now, let’s take a more detailed look at how your location affects insurance rates.

The table below shows how Nebraska’s average rate of $95 per month compares to its neighbors in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

Nebraska has the 14th-cheapest auto insurance costs across all U.S. states. Rates in Nebraska may be lower than the national average because of its large rural population and low percentage of uninsured drivers.

Location can significantly affect car insurance in many ways. For example, in states with extreme weather, car insurance rates tend to be higher due to an increased risk of accidents and other car insurance claims. Case in point: Icy mountain roads could be one of the reasons car insurance is so expensive in Colorado.

Other location-specific factors affecting car insurance rates in a state include the state’s insurance laws, the rate of uninsured drivers on the road, homeowner status, credit scores, and more. We’ll look at more of those factors and how they influence car insurance rates below.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for State-Minimum Insurance: EMC Insurance

The coverage levels you purchase influence your car insurance rates. Like most states, Nebraska requires drivers to have a minimum amount of bodily injury and property damage liability to cover injuries and damage to other people and their property in an accident.

Opting for the state-minimum coverage only can result in lower monthly premiums — but this also limits the protection available when you’re involved in an accident.

The table below shows the five most affordable car insurers in Nebraska for state-minimum insurance.

Again, EMC comes out on top as the cheapest company. But rates are pretty comparable amongst the top five companies — ranging from $21 to $33 per month for the state-minimum coverage.

In the next section, we’ll look at which Nebraska car insurance companies offer affordable full-coverage policies.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Full-Coverage Insurance: American National

Full-coverage car insurance provides bodily injury and property damage liability insurance, but it also includes comprehensive and collision coverage.

These additional coverages pay for car repairs if you’re in an accident or your vehicle is stolen or damaged by vandalism, hail, and other covered events. This broader coverage is more expensive than liability-only coverage but provides greater financial protection.

The following table shows the five cheapest companies for full-coverage insurance in Nebraska.

American National offers the cheapest full-coverage insurance in Nebraska. Monthly premiums range from $80 to $99 — a 19% difference between American National and Auto-Owners.

This disparity highlights how each insurance company weighs each rate factor differently. For example, one company might charge more for liability insurance, while another might charge higher rates for collision coverage.

The key takeaway is that no two insurance companies evaluate risk the same, so it’s essential to shop around and compare quotes from different companies.

Compare Nebraska Auto Insurance Rates by Age

Age is a major factor car insurance companies use when determining premiums. In general, younger drivers pay higher rates than more experienced ones.

Remember that while age is an important factor, it’s not the only one. Insurance companies also take your driving record into account, among other factors. So, someone with a poor driving record might still face high rates despite their age, for example.

Below, we look at the cheapest car insurance for different age groups.

Cheapest car insurance for Nebraska teens: EMC Insurance

Young drivers, particularly teenagers, often pay higher rates because they’re statistically more likely to be involved in car accidents because of their lack of experience and inclination toward risky behaviors such as speeding or distracted driving.

In fact, the risk of motor vehicle crashes among teens aged 16 to 19 is almost three times as high as drivers aged 20 or older per mile driven, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

But as drivers enter their 20s and gain more experience behind the wheel, insurance rates typically begin to decrease.

The table below shows the cheapest car insurance for Nebraska teens, based on 18-year-old drivers, sorted by liability rates.

EMC Insurance offers the most affordable liability-only rates for teens, while GEICO offers the lowest full-coverage rates.

Based on the data in the table, average rates for both liability and full coverage are much higher for teen drivers than they are, on average, for drivers of all ages. These higher rates reflect the increased risk that teen drivers represent.

Now, let’s see how age affects rates on the other end of the spectrum — senior drivers.

Cheapest car insurance for Nebraska seniors: EMC Insurance

As drivers approach retirement, they often enjoy some of the most affordable car insurance rates. Years of driving experience, safer driving habits, and less time spent on the road often result in lower premiums.

But that trend typically reverses for drivers older than age 70. This age group has higher crash death rates per 1,000 crashes than middle-aged drivers, according to the CDC. Age-related changes to their vision and reaction times may affect their driving abilities.

Below, we’ve summarized the cheapest insurance companies for senior drivers in Nebraska based on 65-year-old drivers.

Interestingly, while companies are relatively comparable for liability-only coverage, one company — North Star Mutual — has significantly higher premiums for full-coverage insurance. Its rates are $128 per month, compared to EMC Insurance’s $69 per month.

This disparity could indicate that North Star Mutual’s rating system is more sensitive to senior drivers than other companies.

Compare Nebraska Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record

Driving record is perhaps the most important factor insurance companies consider when setting car insurance rates. Insurance companies consider driving history a reliable indicator of a driver’s future behavior on the road.

Next, we’ll look at the cheapest companies for different driving records.

Cheapest car insurance for good drivers in Nebraska: EMC Insurance

Drivers with a clean record — meaning no tickets or at-fault accidents — are generally perceived as less risky and rewarded with lower insurance rates.

The table below shows the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with clean records, based on drivers with no accidents or tickets.

Once again, EMC comes out as the cheapest insurer. North Star Mutual premiums take a big leap from liability-only to full-coverage insurance, indicating the company charges a premium for comprehensive and collision insurance.

Next, we’ll explore how rates are affected for drivers with a speeding ticket.

Cheapest car insurance in Nebraska after a ticket: EMC Insurance

Getting a speeding ticket can also cause your car insurance premiums to increase. Insurance companies consider tickets as evidence of risky driving behavior, increasing the probability of being involved in an accident.

Rates go up by an average of 37% after one ticket, according to Compare.com data. And the increase in your rates can be even more dramatic for subsequent moving violations.

The table below shows the five cheapest car insurance companies for Nebraska drivers with one speeding ticket.

While EMC is the cheapest option for liability-only coverage for drivers with one speeding ticket, American National offers the cheapest premiums for full coverage after a ticket. This could indicate the company is more forgiving of drivers who make an error in judgment behind the wheel.

Now that we’ve covered how rates change based on a speeding ticket, we’ll look at how rates can change after an accident.

Cheapest car insurance in Nebraska after an accident: EMC Insurance

Being involved in an at-fault accident causes insurance companies to view you as a higher risk, and you’ll likely see an increase in your car insurance rates because of it. Rates go up by 44%, on average, after one at-fault accident, according to Compare.com data.

Fortunately, having an accident on your record doesn’t mean you’ll pay high rates forever. It’ll usually drop off your record after three to five years.

In the meantime, you can lower your premiums by comparing the rates of different companies — starting with the five below. Here are the cheapest insurers in Nebraska for drivers with an at-fault accident on their record.

Although GEICO is in the top five companies offering affordable coverage after an accident, its premiums are quite a bit higher than the other four companies on the list. For example, GEICO’s premiums are more than double that of EMC Insurance’s liability-only coverage and 44% higher for full-coverage car insurance.

Let’s look at how a DUI can affect car insurance rates.

Cheapest car insurance in Nebraska after a DUI: EMC Insurance

Driving under the influence (DUI) is considered one of the most severe traffic violations. A DUI can significantly increase your insurance rates by an average of 94% after a DUI, according to Compare.com data.

Despite this reality, a DUI conviction doesn’t have to mean affordable car insurance is entirely out of reach.

The following table shows the most affordable car insurance companies for Nebraska drivers with a DUI on their record.

Even among the state’s top five cheapest insurance companies, average premiums can vary widely. For example, Farmers Mutual of Nebraska’s rates are more than double the rates offered by EMC Insurance.

The Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance in Nebraska

Not only is the cost of car insurance influenced by factors such as your driving history and age, but it’s also affected by where you live. Your insurance rates are based on the accident rates, crime levels, and population density in your city and ZIP code.

Also, insurance rates tend to be higher in densely populated cities than in rural areas due to increased traffic and a higher risk of accidents and theft.

The table below shows the average monthly auto insurance premiums for the three cheapest cities in Nebraska.

Although Lincoln is the state capital, Omaha has a much larger population of around 485,000 people. As a result, insurance premiums tend to be higher in Omaha than in Lincoln or Bellevue, a smaller suburban city with a population of around 63,000 on the outskirts of Omaha.

5 Ways to Get Cheap Car Insurance in Nebraska

Finding affordable car insurance in Nebraska may be easier than you think. Jeffrey L. Brewer, vice president of public affairs at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, provides the following tips:

• Increase your deductible: Your deductible is paid out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premiums since you agree to take on more risk.
• Consider usage-based insurance: Usage-based insurance uses technology to track your driving habits and adjust your rates accordingly. This can lead to more savings for drivers who practice safe driving habits and rarely use their vehicles.
• Ask about discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for safe driving, bundling multiple policies, or maintaining good grades. Ask about available discounts when shopping for car insurance.
• Ask for a policy review: If you like your current insurance company, ask your agent or a customer service representative for a policy review. They may be able to suggest discounts, different billing methods, coverage changes, or other ways to reduce your premiums.
• Shop around: The best way to find affordable coverage is by comparing quotes from multiple companies. However, “Buying the cheapest policy is not necessarily the best option for every driver,” notes Brewer. “Consider the vehicle type being insured and the assets you need to protect.”

Nebraska Auto Insurance Requirements

In Nebraska, car owners are legally required to buy liability insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Liability insurance, which covers damage you cause to others in an accident, must include at least $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.

These are the minimum requirements, and it’s a good idea to opt for higher limits to ensure you’re adequately insured.

Penalties for driving without auto insurance in Nebraska

Driving without insurance in Nebraska is a serious offense that can result in a misdemeanor conviction and a suspension of your driver’s license and registration. You’ll also have to pay a $50 fee to reinstate your license once you get insurance.

SR-22 auto insurance in Nebraska

After a DUI or getting caught driving without insurance, the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles will require you to have an SR-22 for three years.

An SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance. It’s a form filed by your insurance company with the state confirming you have at least the minimum-required liability insurance and promising to notify the state if your insurance is canceled or lapses for any reason.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance (or doesn’t have sufficient limits). Nebraska law requires drivers to have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

Nebraska Auto Insurance FAQs

To help you better understand Nebraska’s auto insurance and how to secure affordable coverage, here are answers to frequently asked questions.

What is the cheapest auto insurance company in Nebraska?

EMC Insurance offers the cheapest auto insurance, at $51 per month — the cheapest of any other insurance company operating in the state. However, your rates may vary depending on your driving history, age, and location.

How much is car insurance in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, car insurance averages $95 per month, making it a relatively affordable state in which to secure coverage. Keep in mind that rates vary depending on the type of coverage you purchase and other rating factors.

Which city has the cheapest car insurance in Nebraska?

Lincoln has the cheapest car insurance in Nebraska, at $71 per month — compared to Bellevue and Omaha’s rates of $78 and $89, respectively, according to Compare.com data. This is likely due to Lincoln’s small size and comparatively small population.

What is the minimum car insurance required in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, vehicle owners must buy liability insurance with limits of at least $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.

The state also requires owners to buy uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

What happens if you get caught driving without insurance in Nebraska?

If caught driving without insurance in Nebraska, you could face a misdemeanor on your criminal record and suspension of your driver’s license and registration. You must also pay a fee to reinstate your license once you show proof of insurance.

Methodology

Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance rates from more than 75 partner insurance providers to compile the quotes and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.

All  quotes listed in this article have been gathered from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide drivers with insight into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.

Sources

1. Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, “Insurance Requirements,” accessed October 4, 2023.
2. Insurance Information Institute, “What is covered by a basic auto insurance policy?,” accessed October 4, 2023.
3. Centers for Disease Control, “Teen Drivers and Passengers: Get the Facts,” accessed October 4, 2023.
4. Centers for Disease Control, “Older Adult Drivers,” accessed October 4, 2023.
5. Insurance Information Institute, “Automobile Financial Responsibility Laws by State,” accessed October 4, 2023.
6. Nebraska Legislature, “Nebraska Revised Statute 60-3,167,” accessed October 4, 2023.
7. Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, “No Proof of Insurance Conviction,” accessed October 4, 2023.