Car Insurance in Alabama

  • GEICO offers the cheapest liability and Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage auto insurance in AL
  • Compare the cheapest car insurance quotes in AL from Progressive, Allstate, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide (+ other top companies)
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Why you can trust The Zebra

The Zebra partners with some of the companies we write about. However, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of editors and licensed agents. Reference our data methodology and learn more about how we make money.

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Beth Swanson

SEO Content Strategist

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. She is a licensed insurance agent whose goal is to make insurance content easy to r…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

Ross h…

Credentials
  • 5+ years in the Insurance Industry
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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Car insurance quotes in Alabama

The average car insurance rate in Alabama is $983 per six-month policy —10% cheaper than the U.S. average.[1] If a cheap rate on full coverage is your main priority, start your insurance search with a quote from Travelers. 

Our data shows that 33% of Alabama drivers feel they are paying too much for car insurance, but some are willing to pay more for better service and coverage options.[2] We suggest taking a closer look at Auto-Owners and State Farm for these customers. 

Cheapest liability coverage in AL
Cheapest liability coverage in AL
Cheapest full coverage in AL
Cheapest full coverage in AL
Best Customer Service in AL
Best Customer Service in AL
The Zebra's Recommendation for best car insurer - State Farm
Best car insurance in AL — overall

Cheap liability insurance in Alabama

The average cost for liability insurance in Alabama is $323 for a 6-month policy, which is relatively cheap compared to the national average for minimum coverage ($597).[1] According to our data, 41% of Alabama drivers only insure their vehicles with liability coverage. This meets legal requirements to drive in the state, but it may not be enough if you're involved in a serious accident.

If you decide that liability coverage is right for you, GEICO and Auto-Owners are the cheapest options for Alabama drivers. The table below shows monthly and 6-month liability insurance quotes from other reputable Alabama companies.

Cheapest Liability Coverage in AL

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
GEICO $199 $33
Auto-Owners $226 $38
Travelers $229 $38
USAA $246 $41
State Farm $293 $49
Progressive $402 $67
Nationwide $434 $72
Allstate $557 $93

Source: The Zebra

The Alabama minimum liability limit is 25/50/25, meaning $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage per accident. Carrying only the state-required minimum liability coverage is significantly cheaper than full coverage but can leave you at risk of being underinsured if you ever have a claim. 

See our guide for more detailed information about Alabama auto insurance requirements. 

The Zebra’s auto insurance data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.

Find the best coverage and price in Alabama with The Zebra.

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Beth Swanson
Is Alabama liability insurance enough?

Alabama’s insurance minimum keeps you legal on the road, but it might not cover everything if you’re in an accident, especially an at-fault accident. Liability coverage won’t help with damage to your car from a crash or natural disaster, so it’s wise to consider comprehensive and collision coverage. If you want to save money, consider raising your deductible, checking for discounts, and shopping around. And remember, not everyone on the road has insurance, so having uninsured motorist coverage can really come in handy​.

Beth Swanson, content specialist at The Zebra

Cheapest Liability & Full Coverage Quotes in Alabama

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Company Liability Coverage Full Coverage
GEICO $160 $702
Auto-Owners $170 $727
Travelers $214 $627
USAA $223 $729
Nationwide $232 $815
State Farm $263 $820
Allstate $307 $837
Progressive $383 $1,102

Source: The Zebra


Cheap full coverage insurance in Alabama

In 2024, full coverage insurance in Alabama costs an average of $983 for a 6-month policy. 59% of The Zebra's Alabama customers are looking for full coverage auto insurance quotes.[2]

Although it is more expensive than carrying the minimum state coverage, full coverage can provide much more peace of mind behind the wheel. If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents.

Some of the cheapest full coverage rates are from Travelers, GEICO, and Auto Owners.

Full coverage quotes in AL

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Travelers $643 $107
GEICO $748 $125
Auto-Owners $765 $127
USAA $823 $137
State Farm $929 $155
Nationwide $1,060 $177
Allstate $1,205 $201
Progressive $1,279 $213

Source: The Zebra


What are the best car insurance companies in Alabama?

We named State Farm the best car insurance company in Alabama for several reasons, including consumer reviews, third-party ratings (J.D. Power, Trustpilot, and AM Best), average rates, and details such as discount information and coverage options. 

Below are the pros and cons of State Farm, plus additional companies that offer the right mix of quality service and reasonable rates in Alabama. Remember that every driver's rating factor is different, so getting multiple quotes is important.

State Farm logo
Overall best car insurance company in Alabama — State Farm

State Farm has a solid reputation for customer satisfaction. Although the company doesn't always have the cheapest rates in the state, the costs are pretty reasonable compared to other major companies.[3] The insurer also has strong financial stability, which confirms they can pay out claims reliably and sustain their operations over the long term.[4]

Pros
  • Quality customer service ratings

  • Personalized service and local agents

  • Available nationwide

Cons
  • May not be the cheapest option

Best car insurance in Alabama — honorable mentions

To determine the best companies, we looked at J.D. Power Auto ratings and consumer reviews we collected from nearly 3,000 drivers across Alabama and the US.

Best car insurance companies in Alabama

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
GEICO $748 $125
Auto-Owners $765 $127
USAA $823 $137
Nationwide $1,060 $177

Source: The Zebra

How did we pick what company has the "Best Value" in Alabama?

The author's recommendation for "best value" is based on:

  • The Zebra's 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey
  • J.D. Power's 2024 Regional Customer Satisfaction Study
  • Each company's average cost of car insurance in Alabama
  • Available coverage options
  • The author's 5+ years of insurance industry experience

Our reviews are based on The Zebra's unbiased and impartial editorial standards. Our ratings of insurance companies are never commissioned-based nor is our content impacted by any partnerships.

For more information, see our editorial standards page.


Cheap auto insurance for teens and young drivers in Alabama

Young drivers, especially those between 16 and 25, face very high car insurance rates, with 16 to 19-year-olds paying the most within that group. Due to the higher liability risk posed by inexperienced drivers, teens pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Alabama, these rates are particularly steep, with teen drivers paying an average of $6,613 per year for full coverage — 31% higher than the national average.

For more affordable options, consider Travelers or USAA if you're eligible.

Cheapest car insurance quotes for young drivers in AL

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Progressive $6,081 $1,013
Farmers $4,177 $696
State Farm $3,075 $512
Allstate $2,574 $429
Nationwide $2,364 $394
GEICO $2,144 $357
USAA $1,895 $316
Travelers $1,763 $294

Source: The Zebra

Top companies in Alabama for Teens
Filter by:

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Travelers $2,268 $378
Nationwide $2,595 $433
Auto-Owners $2,637 $439
USAA $2,848 $475
GEICO $2,879 $480
Allstate $3,362 $560
State Farm $4,135 $689
Progressive $7,938 $1,323

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: 3 ways young drivers can save on car insurance

  1. Take a certified defensive driving course to qualify for discounts and lower your chances of being in an accident.
  2. Opt for a more affordable car with excellent safety ratings and low repair costs instead of a high-performance vehicle.
  3. Remain on a parent’s insurance policy to save money and take advantage of their positive insurance history.

Find your best value insurance match with The Zebra.

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Car insurance in popular Alabama cities

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, including the vehicle's location. Of the cities we looked at, Huntsville had the cheapest rates, and Birmingham had the highest rates.

The table below shows average car insurance costs in some of Alabma's biggest cities.

Auto insurance quotes in Alabama's biggest cities

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City Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Huntsville $853 $142
Tuscaloosa $881 $147
Montgomery $903 $151
Mobile $955 $159
Birmingham $987 $165

Source: The Zebra


Alabama auto insurance quotes after an accident or ticket

Finding affordable car insurance in Alabama after an accident can be challenging. Insurers often review your history of accidents and traffic violations to assess your risk as a customer. If you're found at fault in an accident, your annual car insurance premiums could rise to as high as $2,924.

Here’s a look at what the leading insurance companies in Alabama might charge you following an at-fault accident.

Best insurance companies in AL after an accident

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Travelers $846 $141
Auto-Owners $977 $163
USAA $1,174 $196
State Farm $1,242 $207
GEICO $1,320 $220
Allstate $1,843 $307
Progressive $1,912 $319
Nationwide $2,009 $335

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: Don't forget about claims satisfaction

While it's ideal never to file an insurance claim, having a smooth experience when you do is essential. Our 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey assessed the experiences of those who filed claims, and Auto-Owners performed well, making it a solid option in Alabama.

A bad driving record in Alabama can cause your insurance rates to skyrocket. Getting a ticket or citation will likely lead to higher auto insurance premiums. The extent of the increase depends on the violation, your insurer’s pricing policies, and varying local insurance rules and risks. This is why the impact of tickets on insurance can differ in your state compared to the national average.

Alabama auto insurance quotes by violation

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Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium $ Rate Increase
None $1,966 $0
One Med/PIP claim $1,966 $0
Two Med/PIP claims $2,027 $60
One comp claim $2,028 $62
Not-at-fault accident $2,041 $75
Two comp claims $2,138 $171
Driving without lights $2,342 $376
Failure to wear a seat belt $2,365 $399
Failure to show documents $2,379 $413
Child safety restraint $2,385 $418
Cell phone violation $2,423 $456
Driving with expired registration $2,426 $460
Texting while driving $2,430 $464
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $2,441 $475
Driving too slowly $2,441 $475
Speeding in school zone $2,441 $475
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $2,454 $487
Wrong way/wrong lane $2,465 $499
Following too closely $2,468 $501
Failure to yield $2,469 $502
Illegal turn $2,469 $503
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $2,474 $507
Failure to stop at a red light $2,481 $514
Improper passing $2,482 $515
Passing school bus $2,573 $606
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $2,575 $609
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $2,606 $639
In 65 MPH zone $2,640 $674
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $2,843 $877
Operating a vehicle without permission $2,898 $931
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $2,924 $958
Open container $2,989 $1,022
Reckless driving $3,311 $1,345
Driving with a suspended license $3,455 $1,488
Racing $3,503 $1,536
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $3,531 $1,564
DUI $3,603 $1,637
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $3,738 $1,771

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra's guide to Alabama car insurance laws for high-risk drivers

Some of the violations above, such as a DUI or driving without insurance, can lead to more complicated insurance implications. Below are more in-depth guides to Alabama car insurance laws and regulations.

Learn more about car insurance requirements in Alabama with our helpful guide.

Alabama DUI laws

In Alabama, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $1,637. Finding affordable auto insurance after a DUI violation isn’t simple. A DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

 
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Alabama

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Alabama, it’s critical to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, Travelers, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Alabama, advertises annual rates 49% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Alabama is State Farm, while the priciest firm is Nationwide, with prices 49% above average.

Alabama car insurance quotes with a DUI

Updating data...

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Travelers $1,828
State Farm $2,901
Auto-Owners $2,929
Progressive $3,148
Allstate $3,294
USAA $3,645
GEICO $3,749
Nationwide $5,368

Source: The Zebra

No car insurer, in particular, offers inexpensive car insurance after a DUI. The recommended way to save after a DUI citation is to shop around.

You can compare and buy car insurance online or contact an insurance agent to assess your choices and find a cost-effective policy.

Learn more about car insurance and DUI infractions.

Alabama SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Alabama to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Alabama might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

 

How to acquire an SR-22 in Alabama

For currently insured drivers

If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company and ask them to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new one.

 

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would happily sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more challenging to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owner car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owner auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.

Find an affordable policy in Alabama in minutes!

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How have car insurance costs in Alabama changed?

In Alabama, average annual auto insurance costs increased by $226 in the past year. Car insurance rates in Alabama have been trending upward over the past decade. There have been a few years when rates dipped briefly but then increased significantly the following year. Don't count on cheap rates next year, but focus on shopping for the best rates from among multiple companies.

Car insurance costs in Alabama since 2014
Year Avg. Annual Premium Yearly Change
2024 $1,792 $226
2023 $1,566 -$204
2022 $1,770 $391
2021 $1,379 $82
2020 $1,297 -$148
2019 $1,445 -$13
2018 $1,458 -$16
2017 $1,796 $234
2016 $1,562 -$323
2015 $1,885 $216
2014 $1,669 $155

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.


Alabama car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Alabama auto insurance.

On average, Alabama drivers pay $1,792 annually for car insurance. Travelers is the cheapest insurance company in Alabama, offering full coverage for about $107 a month or $643 for a six-month policy.

The average monthly premium in Alabama varies. The average driver pays about $150/month for car insurance in Alabama ($1,792 annually). Our estimate could be low or high, depending on your driving profile. Use our comparison tool to find multiple options for you.

The Alabama minimum liability limit is 25/50/25, meaning $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage per accident. You are responsible for having at least this amount of coverage as an Alabama driver, but many people opt for higher limits.

Alabama is not a no-fault state. No-fault car insurance means that after an accident, each driver’s insurance pays for their own medical expenses and damages, regardless of who caused the accident. This system speeds up claims by avoiding fault determination, though drivers can still be liable for severe damages or injuries depending on state rules.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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Sources
  1. Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool

  2. Anonymized User Surveys. The Zebra

  3. 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. J.D. Power

  4. 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey. The Zebra

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.