The cheapest companies for full coverage car insurance
The average cost of full coverage car insurance is $133 per month. According to The Zebra's analysis, Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage insurance at an average of $112 per month. Find other cheap full coverage carriers below.
Travelers' full coverage averages $112 per month for comprehensive and collision coverages.
USAA full coverage averages $114 per month for comprehensive and collision coverages.
Nationwide full coverage comes in slightly higher at $123 per month, on average.
- Full coverage is a generic term for a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage
- Full coverage is required for drivers of leased or financed vehicles but encouraged for vehicles worth more than $4,000
- Full coverage can cost up to double the amount of a liability-only policy
- Travelers offers the cheapest full coverage on average at $112 per month
How to find the best cheap full coverage car insurance
The best way to find affordable full coverage car insurance is to compare rates from multiple carriers. While Travelers and USAA were the cheapest according to our rate analysis, many other companies offered affordable full coverage. To get a sense of where to start your search, review the cheapest full coverage auto insurance companies.
| Company | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $112 |
| USAA | $114 |
| Nationwide | $123 |
| GEICO | $129 |
| American Family | $131 |
| State Farm | $131 |
| Farmers | $149 |
| Progressive | $157 |
| Allstate | $201 |
Auto insurance data methodology
The auto insurance rates published in this guide are based on the results of The Zebra's State of Insurance car insurance pricing analysis. This analysis of more than 83 million insurance rates spans every U.S. ZIP code, using a sample user profile: a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord, good credit and full coverage at these levels:
- $50,000 per person/$100,000 per incident for bodily injury liability
- $50,000 per incident for property damage liability
- $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage
To generate pricing for particular rating factors, we adjusted the driving profile based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies. These factors include credit score, coverage level, driving record and others.
In some instances, average rates from Liberty Mutual were derived from internally sourced sales data.
Zebra Tip: Look for insurers with good customer satisfaction ratings
Remember that the cheapest full coverage may not always be the best coverage. Take a look at the 2022 results of The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey to see which companies deliver the highest levels of service and satisfaction to their customers.
While USAA is only available to military members and their families, this company is renowned for its customer service and came in first place for auto insurance in The Zebra's customer satisfaction survey. We also found it has the second-cheapest average rate for full coverage.
Erie is a regional insurance company that serves the Northeast and Midwest, but it could be a great option if it's available for you. While finding affordable car insurance for teen drivers is always a challenge, our data indicates Erie is cheaper than many of its competitors. The company also has a great reputation for good customer service, coming in seventh place in The Zebra's customer satisfaction survey for auto insurance.
With coverage available in every state, State Farm came in first place for claim satisfaction in our customer satisfaction survey. For those who prefer personalized service, State Farm also has local agents available to help you with your car insurance policy.
How much does full coverage car insurance cost?
The average cost of full coverage auto insurance is $133 per month (with liability coverage limits of 50/100/50).
In general, upgrading from a liability-only policy to a full coverage policy — with $500 collision and comprehensive deductibles — will increase the typical driver's monthly auto insurance premium by about $88. While liability may be the only coverage required in your state, experts strongly suggest adding further coverage to protect you and your property.
Have a look at the average costs of full coverage vs. liability-only below.
What is liability coverage?
Liability coverage kicks in when you cause an accident that injures others or destroys property. It does not pay for your injuries or damages to your property.
| Insurance Coverage Level | Avg Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Liability-only | $45 |
| Full coverage | $133 |
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What is full coverage car insurance?
The term "full coverage" is somewhat misleading, as it actually comprises other coverage types such as comprehensive, collision and even higher liability limits. For most people, full coverage insurance is commonly understood as physical protection for a vehicle and coverage for injuries and property damage.
When looking for full coverage auto insurance quotes, remember that the term full coverage refers to the combination of two types of physical damage coverage:
- Collision coverage: Protects your vehicle if you collide with another object.
- Comprehensive coverage: Protects your vehicle from non-driving-related incidents and animal collisions.
These coverage options, when paired with state-mandated liability coverage, comprise a full coverage car insurance policy.
Check out The Zebra's video on full coverage car insurance to learn more.
Zebra Tip: Get more than just the bare minimum of liability coverage
While full coverage mostly entails having a policy with comprehensive and collision coverages, don't neglect to increase your liability limits above the state minimum. A true "full coverage" policy will also have bodily injury and property damage liability limits that are high enough to provide adequate protection should you cause serious injury or property damage in an accident.
Collision insurance coverage basics
Collision coverage insures against damages sustained by a vehicle in a collision. Below are common scenarios in which collision claims are filed:
- Rear-ending someone
- Running into a fixed, inanimate object
- Damage to your car via a hit-and-run*
*If you have on your policy, you can use the property damage portion of this rather than collision. We recommend you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to cover collisions involving uninsured drivers.
Collision coverage includes a deductible — the amount owed by the insured. The remaining balance of the claim is covered by the car insurance company. The amount of the deductible is variable, with most deductibles falling between $500 and $1,000.
As far as collision coverage is concerned, coverage will apply regardless of fault. Most collision claims are seen as at-fault accidents. This is why using your collision coverage will cause your insurance premium to increase. Because insurance companies consider collision claims and at-fault accidents as very similar events, insurers tend to raise drivers' premiums after a collision claim of any kind. This rate penalty can last as long as three years.
| 6-Month Increase | 12-Month Increase | 36-Month Increase |
|---|---|---|
| $333 | $665 | $1,995 |
Comprehensive insurance coverage basics
Another facet of full coverage car insurance is comprehensive insurance. Comprehensive coverage, sometimes known as “other than collision” (OTC), covers non-collision-related insurance claims. The list of qualifying circumstances is lengthy.
Comprehensive coverage covers damages resulting from:
Deductibles also apply to comprehensive auto coverage. However, because many auto insurance companies don't see comprehensive claims as the result of driver error, rates typically don't undergo much of a hike after a comprehensive claim — typically about $40 a year.
What full coverage doesn't cover
While "full coverage" may sound like it covers you in every situation, that's simply not the case. The term "full coverage" is somewhat misleading, as it often only refers to policies that contain collision and comprehensive coverages. To truly be fully covered, experts suggest that you maintain high liability limits for bodily injury and property damage coverage. Also, drivers should consider adding optional coverages that can go further in protecting both you and your vehicle. Coverage such as Personal Injury Protection may be required — especially in no-fault states — but are even worth considering if not.
Below you'll find a selection of other types of car insurance that are typically available from most insurers that may go further in providing "full coverage."
- Uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage
- Medical payments coverage
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Roadside assistance and towing
- Rental car reimbursement
- Gap insurance
- Custom coverage for modified parts
Zebra tip: Consider gap insurance for leased or financed vehicles
Gap insurance covers the difference between what your totaled vehicle is worth and what you still owe on a loan. It is a particularly helpful coverage if your vehicle is new or especially valuable. In order to carry gap coverage, you need collision and comprehensive. Gap coverage can be a part of your lease agreement if you’re leasing a vehicle. If so, make sure your insurance covers this.
Is full coverage auto insurance required?
Unlike liability coverage, full coverage is not legally required by states. However, there are situations when full coverage auto insurance is recommended or — in some cases — required, as you'll find listed below.
Full coverage requirements for a leased or financed vehicle
Full coverage is required for drivers of financed or leased vehicles. With a lease, the driver does not own the vehicle outright and doesn't have the option of forgoing full protection. If a driver has a loan on a vehicle, they must ensure it’s protected to the lender's specifications.
Drivers financing a vehicle who forgo full coverage can find themselves at odds with their lender, who can add "force place" or "collateral protection" insurance to loan payments to protect their investment.
Full coverage insurance is recommended or required when:
- A vehicle is leased or financed
- A vehicle is worth more than $4,000
- A vehicle will be eventually resold
Full coverage requirements for a vehicle worth more than $4,000
If a vehicle is worth more than $4,000, insurance experts advise purchasing full coverage insurance. Determine the value of your vehicle by using the Kelley Blue Book or NADA online.
Full coverage recommendations for vehicle resale
If the vehicle will be resold in the future, full coverage insurance is a wise investment. If the vehicle were totaled — either in a collision or in adverse weather — the insured party would have no recourse.
Other full coverage considerations
Consider whether drivers included on the insurance policy might be considered more likely than usual to damage the vehicle. Although age does not always equate to driving skills, young drivers and teens can sometimes necessitate the addition of collision coverage. Because of young drivers' propensity for risky driving, car insurance companies charge them nearly twice as much as the average client.
Full-coverage protection is intended to protect a car. If the vehicle isn’t worth much, full coverage might be a waste of money.
Full coverage insurance vs. state-minimum insurance — which is better?
Full coverage offers extra coverage — but it costs more. If you don't need comprehensive coverage, carrying only basic state-minimum liability coverage is still not the best option, as it can leave you heavily exposed to risk. Have a look at some instances where full coverage may come in handy below.
For leased and financed vehicles: full coverage is required
You will be required to carry “full coverage” car insurance if you’re financing your vehicle. Since another entity — usually a bank or auto dealership — maintains an interest in the vehicle, they get to decide how the car is insured. Auto leasing and financing companies generally require collision and comprehensive coverage with low deductibles.
If you lease your car, you don't own the vehicle outright and you will be required to carry additional auto insurance coverage to protect the asset. This often includes collision, comprehensive, and gap insurance.
For owned vehicles: full coverage may be optional, depending on state laws
If you own your vehicle, you may have more control over your insurance. If you’re unsure of what coverage to select, consider your vehicle's value. Use an estimator like the Kelley Blue Book to assess the value of your vehicle and determine how much coverage you need.
Zebra tip: Consider your vehicle's value to determine necessary coverage
If your vehicle is worth more than $4,000, collision and comprehensive coverage are recommended. Without physical damage coverage, you would not receive compensation if your vehicle were severely damaged or totaled. A cost estimator like Kelley Blue Book is a good resource to help you understand the value of your car and the level of coverage that's best for you.
Which is more expensive: full coverage vs. basic liability auto insurance?
If you opt to boost your coverage from the minimum amount to add collision and comprehensive insurance, expect to pay over double what you were paying for just the state-required minimum amount of liability insurance.
This disparity in pricing is less apparent if you already carry comp and collision coverage. Whether you have a $500 or $1,000 deductible, the difference in premium between coverage levels maxes out at about 15%.
Insurance rate comparison
If you're looking to save the most on full coverage, consider lowering your liability limits to your state's minimum required amount to offset the cost of comp and collision. USAA was the cheapest car insurance company for this level of coverage, with GEICO second. These values are estimates. Keep in mind: your location, vehicle, age and driving record will impact your car insurance rate. Use The Zebra to instantly find the cheapest car insurance for you, online.
| Company | Full Coverage | Liability-only |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $201 | $61 |
| American Family | $131 | $55 |
| Farmers | $149 | $60 |
| GEICO | $129 | $38 |
| Liberty Mutual | $143 | $52 |
| Nationwide | $123 | $50 |
| Progressive | $157 | $58 |
| State Farm | $131 | $49 |
| Travelers | $112 | $41 |
| USAA | $114 | $36 |
State-by-state cost analysis
Below are average monthly premiums for basic liability coverage versus full coverage.
In this instance, full coverage refers to 50/100/50 liability limits and comprehensive and collision deductibles at $500 each — a fairly typical coverage level in the U.S.
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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 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.