Cheap Full Coverage Car Insurance

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.

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.

How much does full coverage car insurance cost?

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.

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 uninsured motorist coverage on your policy, you can use the property damage portion of this coverage 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.

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:

• Theft and vandalism
• Weather
• Collision with — or damage caused by — an animal

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

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 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.

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.

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.

Full coverage insurance FAQs