Guides & Tips

Cheapest Car Insurance in the U.S. 2025: Save Big on Coverage

 

 

In the crowded market of auto insurers, finding the Cheapest Car Insurance for 2025 requires careful comparison, state-specific research, and smart use of discounts. This article breaks down nationwide averages, coverage types, money-saving tactics, and a full state-by-state table of the cheapest insurers and median annual rates (full coverage).

We include numbered guidance, dotted paragraphs for quick scanning, and an exhaustive state table so you can immediately find likely low-cost carriers in your state.

Quick Snapshot: National Averages (Q4 2025)

  • Full coverage average: $1,056 to $1,200 annually (~$88–$100/month).
  • Liability-only average: $300 to $400 annually (~$25–$33/month).
  • Top affordable carriers: Travelers, State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, USAA (military only).

What This Guide Covers

  1. Who the cheapest insurers are nationally and by state.
  2. Differences between full coverage and liability-only policies.
  3. Actionable tips to reduce your premium.
  4. A complete state-by-state table (all 50 states + D.C.).

1. Why Rates Vary So Much by State

Insurance premiums reflect local risk: traffic density, weather (hail, hurricanes), litigation climate, and state insurance regulations. That’s why the Cheapest Car Insurance in one state can be radically different from the next.

Key Drivers

  1. Claims frequency: more accidents = higher premiums.
  2. State regulations: minimum liability limits and tort rules affect costs.
  3. Fraud and litigation: states with more legal claims see higher prices.
  4. Weather exposure: coastal and storm-prone states typically pay more for full coverage.

2. Full Coverage vs. Liability — Which Is Right for You?

Full coverage combines liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. Liability-only meets state minimums and protects others, not your vehicle. The cheapest route is usually liability-only, but it may leave you underinsured if your car is worth more than a few thousand dollars.

When to Choose Full Coverage

  1. Your car is newer or financed.
  2. You can’t afford a large out-of-pocket repair or replacement cost.
  3. You want comprehensive protection for theft, fire, or weather damage.

3. How to Find the Cheapest Car Insurance — 7 Proven Steps

  1. Shop and compare quotes: Use comparison sites and get at least three personalized quotes.
  2. Bundle policies: Multi-policy discounts (auto + home/renter) often reduce costs substantially.
  3. Look for discounts: Good driver, low mileage, telematics, student, and professional discounts.
  4. Raise deductibles: A higher deductible typically lowers your premium — but keep emergency affordability in mind.
  5. Maintain good credit: In most states, credit-based scores influence premiums.
  6. Limit add-ons: Remove roadside or rental reimbursement if you don’t need them, or shop them separately.
  7. Review annually: Rates change. Re-quote every 6–12 months to lock in the cheapest option.

4. Cheapest Car Insurance Companies: National Leaders

Across many markets in 2025, several insurers consistently offered the lowest median full-coverage rates:

  • Travelers — noted as the cheapest large insurer for full coverage in many states.
  • State Farm — strong liability pricing and broad agent network.
  • GEICO — competitive online quotes and efficient signup.
  • Progressive — strong for drivers who benefit from usage-based discounts.
  • USAA — often the cheapest overall but restricted to military families.

5. State-by-State: Cheapest Insurers & Median Annual Rate (Full Coverage)

Below is an exhaustive table listing the cheapest insurer and median annual full-coverage premium for every U.S. state and Washington, D.C. Use Ctrl+F (or ⌘+F on Mac) to jump to your state.

State Cheapest Insurer Median Annual Rate (Full Coverage)
Alabama Travelers $1,323
Alaska GEICO $1,402
Arizona Travelers $1,838
Arkansas Travelers $1,513
California GEICO $1,291
Colorado American National $1,253
Connecticut Travelers $1,327
Delaware Travelers $1,915
Florida State Farm $2,089
Georgia Georgia Farm Bureau $1,596
Hawaii GEICO $1,269
Idaho Travelers $860
Illinois Travelers $1,529
Indiana Indiana Farm Bureau $1,090
Iowa State Farm $1,488
Kansas Travelers $1,751
Kentucky Shelter $2,022
Louisiana Louisiana Farm Bureau $3,396
Maine Progressive $1,069
Maryland Travelers $1,369
Massachusetts GEICO $1,172
Michigan GEICO $1,283
Minnesota Travelers $1,310
Mississippi Shelter $1,907
Missouri Shelter $1,675
Montana State Farm $1,626
Nebraska American National $866
Nevada Progressive $1,414
New Hampshire MMG $1,287
New Jersey GEICO $1,578
New Mexico Central Insurance $1,421
New York NYCM $1,282
North Carolina Progressive $1,188
North Dakota Nationwide $1,406
Ohio Central Insurance $943
Oklahoma American Farmers & Ranchers $2,018
Oregon Progressive $1,334
Pennsylvania Encova $1,548
Rhode Island Travelers $1,779
South Carolina American National $880
South Dakota Kemper $969
Tennessee Travelers $1,378
Texas Texas Farm Bureau $1,286
Utah Nationwide $1,468
Vermont Union Mutual $764
Virginia Virginia Farm Bureau $944
Washington Kemper $1,087
Washington, D.C. Erie $1,830
West Virginia Encova $1,762
Wisconsin Travelers $1,019
Wyoming American National $936

6. Value Checklist: Beyond the Cheapest Quote

A low rate is valuable only if the insurer performs well when you file a claim. Use this quick checklist before buying:

  1. Check customer satisfaction and claims handling (J.D. Power, Consumer Reports).
  2. Confirm financial strength (A.M. Best rating).
  3. Read the policy for exclusions and limits.
  4. Ask about common discounts and how to qualify.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who offers the absolute cheapest car insurance?

A: USAA often offers the lowest rates overall but is restricted to military families. For the general public, Travelers, GEICO, and State Farm frequently show the most affordable median rates in many states.

Q: Can I get cheaper insurance if I switch mid-term?

A: Yes. Many insurers offer pro-rated refunds and the potential to lower your premium when switching—just ensure there’s no coverage gap during the transfer.

Q: Is liability-only insurance ever the best choice?

A: For older cars with low market value, liability-only is often the most cost-effective choice.

 

Methodology: This article synthesizes data reported by industry sources in 2025, including NerdWallet, Bankrate, MarketWatch, Insurify, and U.S. News. Rates shown are median annual full-coverage figures and are intended as a directional guide; your personalized quote may vary based on age, driving history, credit, vehicle, and ZIP code.

 

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David Reynolds

David is passionate about simplifying complex insurance topics. With a decade of experience in financial journalism, he creates practical guides and step-by-step tips that help drivers save money and understand their coverage better.

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