+120 more)
)
)
)
)
)
Professor of Risk Management
25+ years in insurance
Former commercial lines underwriter
Updated
Liability car insurance covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident, but it doesn’t cover your own vehicle. Nearly every state requires minimum-liability car insurance. Still, even in states that don’t require it, experts recommend having liability coverage to protect you from financial risk.
The national average cost of bare-bones liability-only insurance is $98 per month, according to Compare.com data. But some companies — like Country Financial and Auto-Owners — offer even lower rates, especially for drivers with clean records and low-risk profiles.
We dive into everything you need to know about cheap car insurance for liability coverage.
Country Financial has the cheapest liability-only insurance rates, at just $44 per month.
USAA, GEICO, and Nationwide are some of the best companies for liability insurance.
Liability insurance may be a good option for you if you’ve paid off your vehicle and it has a low value.
Rates vary greatly between car insurance companies and change often. That’s why comparing rates before buying and at least every six months is so important.
The chart below highlights the cheapest companies on average for state-minimum car insurance and the average monthly premiums for each, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Country Financial | $44 |
| Auto-Owners | $47 |
| USAA | $52 |
| NJM | $54 |
| State Farm | $54 |
| Erie | $70 |
| Allstate | $74 |
| Mile Auto | $75 |
| American Family | $82 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $82 |
| GEICO | $82 |
| Progressive | $82 |
| Safeco | $84 |
| The General | $85 |
| National General | $88 |
| Direct Auto | $92 |
| Mercury | $93 |
| Nationwide | $95 |
| Dairyland | $96 |
| GAINSCO | $98 |
| Travelers | $98 |
| Bristol West | $105 |
| Elephant | $107 |
| Farmers | $108 |
| Root | $110 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $112 |
| Anchor | $114 |
| Chubb | $119 |
| Clearcover | $122 |
| Plymouth Rock | $128 |
| Liberty Mutual | $130 |
| 21st Century | $133 |
| Shelter | $134 |
| The Hartford | $141 |
| State Auto | $153 |
| CSAA | $158 |
| Amica | $250 |
Country Financial offers the cheapest liability premium on average, at a monthly rate of $44. But broad averages like these are no guarantee of the rates the companies will offer you. That’s because factors like your age, location, and vehicle can dramatically influence rates.
Compare quotes side by side and lock in cheaper rates.
)
Though basic liability coverage is the cheapest policy you’ll find, some insurers may stand out above the rest for certain demographics. Below, we’ve highlighted three of the best auto insurance companies offering liability car insurance based on a combination of customer reviews, coverage options, price, and other factors.
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.5 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $52/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $102/mo |
USAA's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.8 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.4 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.9 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the prompt customer service and claims handling but are frustrated by the significant and frequent price increases.
Designed for military members and their families, USAA is a highly rated and historically affordable car insurance company. In addition to affordable liability car insurance, you’ll also get access to membership perks, such as discounted travel and stays.
If you or your family members don’t have a military affiliation, you won’t be able to buy a USAA policy. The insurance company also has limited customer service hours and doesn’t offer online chat.
Generally low rates
Excellent claims and customer service[1]
Highly rated usage-based insurance program
Only available for military members
No vanishing deductibles
No customer service chat
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.6 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $82/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $149/mo |
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.4 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.3 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.3 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.3 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.4 | 2.9 |
Drivers appreciate the easy communication and good customer service, but many are unhappy with the regular and significant price increases.
If you want more control of your policy, you’ll enjoy GEICO’s online and mobile app features that let you easily access your insurance cards, pay your bill, and file and track your claims. GEICO offers low rates and generous discounts. You can earn up to 25% depending on the discount. Plus, its highly rated DriveEasy program can earn you up to 22% off your bill.
GEICO doesn’t offer gap coverage — but people who want liability-only insurance don’t usually need it. Still, the insurance company trails behind some competitors in terms of claims handling and customer service.
User-friendly website and app
Highly rated usage-based insurance
Plenty of discounts
Mixed customer satisfaction scores
Lower-than-average claims satisfaction[2]
No gap coverage
| User Reviews | 3.2 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.5 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $95/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $187/mo |
Nationwide's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.0 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.5 | 2.9 |
While Nationwide has policy perks like accident forgiveness and vanishing deductibles, it’s actually the highest-rated usage-based insurer with its SmartMiles program, according to J.D. Power.
That can mean a lot of additional savings for low-mileage drivers without the need to sacrifice service. Nationwide has a decent amount of discounts but doesn’t offer rideshare insurance.
Top-rated UBI program
Many insurance and financial products
Higher-than-average claims satisfaction
Low Trustpilot ratings[3]
Lower-than-average customer satisfaction
No rideshare coverage
Where you live plays a significant role in determining your auto insurance costs. For example, drivers who live in areas with high vandalism or crime rates pay more for car insurance. The map below outlines what you can expect to pay for car insurance in different states.
State | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $67 |
| Arizona | $96 |
| Arkansas | $76 |
| California | $94 |
| Colorado | $91 |
| Connecticut | $159 |
| Delaware | $147 |
| Florida | $137 |
| Georgia | $156 |
| Idaho | $62 |
| Illinois | $84 |
| Indiana | $67 |
| Iowa | $52 |
| Kansas | $74 |
| Kentucky | $120 |
| Louisiana | $99 |
| Maine | $76 |
| Maryland | $176 |
| Massachusetts | $110 |
| Michigan | $130 |
| Minnesota | $86 |
| Mississippi | $71 |
| Missouri | $91 |
| Montana | $62 |
| Nebraska | $67 |
| Nevada | $160 |
| New Hampshire | $53 |
| New Jersey | $185 |
| New Mexico | $63 |
| New York | $134 |
| North Carolina | $65 |
| North Dakota | $66 |
| Ohio | $68 |
| Oklahoma | $78 |
| Oregon | $90 |
| Pennsylvania | $88 |
| Rhode Island | $152 |
| South Carolina | $155 |
| South Dakota | $59 |
| Tennessee | $65 |
| Texas | $117 |
| Utah | $93 |
| Vermont | $59 |
| Virginia | $110 |
| Washington | $92 |
| District of Columbia | $170 |
| West Virginia | $80 |
| Wisconsin | $57 |
| Wyoming | $55 |
Liability car insurance, which includes bodily injury and property damage, covers damage you cause to others. Full coverage includes liability insurance and protection for your own vehicle through collision and comprehensive coverage.
There are good reasons for choosing either policy type, but it depends on your budget, your driving habits, and how much financial risk you’re comfortable with.
The table below shows the national average monthly rates for liability coverage and full coverage for different driver profiles. It shows how rates change depending on personal factors such as gender, age, driving record, and credit, according to Compare.com data.
Driver Type  | Average Monthly Liability Premium | Average Monthly Full-Coverage Premium |
|---|---|---|
| All Drivers | $98 | $182 |
| Men | $99 | $185 |
| Women | $96 | $178 |
| Teens | $184 | $341 |
| Seniors | $85 | $158 |
| Recent Ticket | $127 | $236 |
| Recent Accident | $131 | $243 |
| DUI Conviction | $142 | $263 |
| Excellent Credit | $86 | $160 |
| Poor Credit | $120 | $223 |
Liability-only policies can help you save money on car insurance, but they won’t make sense for everyone. Here are three situations where it might make sense.
You’ve paid off your car: Liability-only insurance is your best bet to meet your state’s minimum liability insurance requirements at the lowest possible cost. And, if you’ve paid off your car loan or no longer lease, you don’t have to purchase full coverage.
You can pay for your own repairs: If you have only liability coverage, it won’t cover your vehicle damage. So, you’ll need to be ready to pay out of pocket to repair your car. If an accident totals your vehicle, you’ll also cover the costs to replace it.
You own an older, less expensive car: A liability-only policy is ideal if your car isn’t worth much and you wouldn’t bother repairing it after an accident. Instead, you might save up to buy a new car instead.
A full-coverage policy may be worth it, depending on your situation. Here are three situations where it might make sense.
You have a car loan or lease: Lenders and leasing companies often require you to have a full-coverage policy to protect the company’s investment. It includes collision and comprehensive insurance, which pays for your vehicle damage.
You have a new or high-value car: New cars and cars with high market value are more expensive to insure than older vehicles because they cost more to repair. They also have more advanced technology and can be targets of theft. Full coverage will ensure you have more robust coverage to protect your investment.
You want more peace of mind: It’s up to you how much risk you’re willing to take on. But if you’d rather have the peace of mind of knowing your insurance will cover your vehicle damages, full coverage is a better choice.
)
Liability-only insurance is naturally less expensive than full coverage, but you have additional ways to find cheap car insurance. Your driving record, credit history, and even your age are some of the factors that determine your car insurance premiums.
For example, someone with a clean driving record will pay less for auto insurance than a driver with a history of DUIs or at-fault accidents. Here are four ways to find cheap liability-only car insurance:
Take advantage of discounts: Most auto insurance companies offer discounts to policyholders. For example, you could earn a discount for maintaining a good driving record, bundling auto insurance policies, owning a home, or taking an approved defensive driving class.
Choose a safer vehicle: The type of car you drive affects how much you pay for insurance. Buying a car with a high safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) can help you save money on insurance.
Maintain good credit: Car insurance companies consider your credit history when evaluating you for auto insurance. That’s because drivers with good credit typically file fewer claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute.[4] So, maintaining good credit can help you save on insurance.
Shop around: The price of car insurance can vary widely depending on the insurance company, so shop around often to find good, cheap coverage. Apply for car insurance quotes from at least three different companies — or use an insurance-comparison site — to find the best car insurance for your situation.
Get cheaper coverage in minutes by comparing rates from America’s top insurance companies.
Choosing between liability and full-coverage car insurance is a big decision. The following answers to common questions may help if you want to know more about liability-only insurance.
Country Financial offers the cheapest rates for liability car insurance, with a national average premium of $44 per month, according to our data. But the cheapest insurance company on average may not be your most affordable option, so always compare rates before buying.
Liability car insurance typically includes bodily injury and property damage liability. It’ll pay for any damages to the other driver’s vehicle, as well as their hospital bills and lost wages, if you cause an accident.
If you have a car that’s over 10 years old or is paid off, choosing liability-only insurance may be a good idea. But you should make sure you have enough money in your savings to cover any out-of-pocket expenses from an accident.
You may see insurance limits written as follows: 50/100/50. This means you have coverage limits of $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $50,000 per accident for property damage.
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates 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 the rates listed in this article have been collected 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 readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
)
Professor of Risk Management
25+ years in insurance
Former commercial lines underwriter
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
