Car Insurance Discounts

  • Bundling and telematics discounts offer the biggest savings.
  • GEICO and Farmers offer the most comprehensive list of discounts.
  • While it’s tempting to focus on flashy discounts, what really matters is your bottom-line price.

The best way to get the lowest price on car insurance? Compare quotes and save!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

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.

Author profile picture

Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 5+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry
Author profile picture

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
Author profile picture

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
  • Associate in Insurance

How to find the best car insurance discounts

With car insurance premiums seemingly rising every year, saving money becomes more and more important. Thankfully, lots of insurance companies offer discounts to help slash those premiums. Discounts will differ from company to company (we'll break them down, don't worry), so it's important to shop around with multiple companies to see which one offers the best value for your unique circumstances. 

A Marble app survey concluded that nearly 40% of people didn’t ask their insurer about discounts the last time they shopped.[1] With auto insurance rates as high as they are—$880 per six-month policy in 2025, in fact— we can't afford to leave money on the table.[2]

Check out our comprehensive list of common auto insurance discounts to find out which insurance company might provide you the best value. 

Don't forget: The biggest discounts don’t always mean the best price

  • Every insurer sets their individual discount amounts, so there's no easy way to say just how much you can save with discounts, but it's always worth exploring.
  • Ultimately, what really matters is the final price—a 25% discount off an already high rate could still cost more than a smaller discount from a lower-priced insurer.

Jump to:

↓ Payment discounts

↓ Driver-based discounts

↓ Vehicle features discounts 

↓ Additional discounts

location icon

Payment Discounts

Lots of companies offer discounts based on how you pay for your car insurance. The savings precenrage is usually minimal, but if offered, they're easy to obtain and stack up. 

cash icon
Advance purchase discount

Some insurance companies reward careful planning with discounts if you purchase your new policy seven days before your next premium is due to your current insurer — potentially saving from 2% to 4%. 

cash icon
Autopay discount

Many insurers offer a discount when you enroll in autopay, helping you avoid missed payments while keeping more money in your pocket.

cash icon
E-Pay/Paperless discount

Go paperless and save! Some insurers offer discounts for customers who e-sign policy documents and opt for paperless billing. It's good for the planet, your business, and your wallet.

cash
Pay-in-Full Discount

Paying your annual premium upfront earns a discount with nearly half of insurers—plus, no monthly payments to worry about!

Average rates with payment discounts

Updating data...

Payment discount type Avg. Monthly Premium Average savings
Autopay $138 -1%
Advance purchase $139 -2%
Payment Type - Paid In Full $141 -2%
No discounts $144

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool 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.

Payment discount availability by company
Company
Advance purchase
Electronic pay/Paperless
Pay-in-full
Autopay
Allstate
✓
✓
✓
AAA
American Family
✓
✓
✓
✓
Farmers
✓
✓
✓
GEICO
✓
✓
✓
Nationwide
✓
✓
Progressive
✓
✓
✓
State Farm
✓
Travelers
✓
✓
✓
USAA

Driver-based discounts

These discounts are based on you: your driving habits, your lifestyle, and your general situation. You may qualify for more than one of the following discounts, so be sure to ask your insurance provider what they offer. 

✦ Affinity discount: Your job, school, or memberships may earn you car insurance discounts, especially in low-driving or select professions like police, healthcare, and teaching.

✦ Annual mileage: Driving less lowers your risk, making you more appealing to insurers. Ask about low-mileage discounts—some may require mileage tracking.

✦ Defensive driver class: Completing a defensive driving course may earn you a discount. Check with your insurer for approved courses and eligibility.

✦ Distant student: College students far from home without a car may qualify for a Distant Student Discount, saving up to 30%. Eligibility varies by carrier.

✦ Good driver: Safe drivers with clean records (3–5 years accident-free) can save 10–26% with a good driver discount. Savings grow over time.

✦ Good student: Students under 25 with a 3.0+ GPA can earn a good student discount. Proof of GPA is required, and savings increase when combined with a safe driver discount.

✦ Homeowner: Homeowners are seen as lower risk by insurers and may qualify for a discount on their premiums.

✦ Multi-policy:Bundle auto with home, renters, or condo insurance for discounts and easier policy management.

✦ Multi-vehicle: Insure multiple vehicles under one policy for a discount. Rules vary, but cars must be in use and owned by the same household.

Driver-based discount availability by company
Company
Mileage
Defensive driving
Affinity
Distant student
Good student
Good driver
Homeowner
Multi-policy
Multi-vehicle
Allstate
✓
✓
✓
AAA
✓
✓
✓
✓
American Family
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Farmers
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
GEICO
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Nationwide
✓
✓
✓
✓
Progressive
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
State Farm
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Travelers
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
USAA
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Average car insurance rates by homeowner status with multiple policies

Updating data...

Company Rate with homeowner bundle Rate with renter bundle No bundle
Allstate $177 $191 $195
American Family $106 $121 $129
Auto Club $138 $147 $158
Farmers $121 $136 $146
GEICO $122 $125 $128
Nationwide $109 $116 $123
Progressive $140 $149 $154
State Farm $110 $124 $131
Travelers $101 $107 $112
USAA $109 $111 $114

Source: The Zebra

*In this table, "Auto Club" refers to AAA insurance company.

agent icon
Zebra tip: Give our agents a call!

"Agents have a closer knowledge of carriers and their specific discounts. The conversation itself can lead to more savings."

Amber Vigil — Licensed agent and sales manager at The Zebra


Vehicle-based discounts

These are just what you think: they're based on the vehicle, instead of the person. Many new cars come standard with some features, such as anti-lock brakes. There are also perks if you have a hybrid vehicle, a newer model car, or allow a telematics device to be installed.

Anti-theft discount

Anti-theft devices can prevent theft and lower premiums. Advanced systems may save you 10–25%

Green vehicle

Owning a hybrid or EV may earn you a 10% discount. Advanced safety features can unlock more savings.

New vehicle

Savings between 10% to 30% are up for grabs if you’re covering a new car — or sometimes a vehicle less than three years old.

Passive restraint discount

Factory safety features like airbags and ABS can lower premiums. Check with your insurer for available discounts.

Telematics

Telematics-based insurance tracks driving habits to adjust premiums. Safe drivers can save, with rates recalculated in as little as six months

Vehicle-based discount availability by company
Company
Anti-theft
Green vehicle
New car
Passive restraint
Telematics
Allstate
✓
✓
✓
AAA
American Family
✓
Farmers
✓
✓
GEICO
✓
✓
✓
✓
Nationwide
✓
✓
Progressive
✓
State Farm
✓
Travelers
✓
USAA

Please note that telematics savings vary by company, state and driver. 

Average rates and possible savings based on device

Updating data...

Anti-theft Device Avg. Monthly Premium Percent Savings
None $160 0%
Tracking Device $157 -1%
Active Disabling Device $153 -4%
Audible Alarm $149 -6%

Source: The Zebra

Improve your discount eligibility by:

✅ Maintaining a good driving record

✅ Taking a defensive driving course

✅ Consulting with your insurance agent to help identify all discounts

Meet the experts

Connect with one of our agents to discover all possible discount opportunities. Call us at 1-888-419-3716

Author profile picture

Amber Vigil

Sales Manager

Amber Vigil has three years of experience in the insurance industry and joined The Zebra in 2024. As manager, she leads a group of sales agents, ensu…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
Author profile picture

Jordan Lazare

Digital Manager of Agency

With a 10-year career in the insurance industry, Jordan brings a wealth of experience in property and casualty insurance. He has experience in both c…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Life, Health and Variable Annuities
  • 10+ insurance experience
Author profile picture

Alejandro Rojas

Customer Service Escalations Specialist

Alejandro joined The Zebra in 2019 with over a decade of insurance experience. He began his career as a bilingual sales agent at Progressive Insuranc…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Do car insurance companies offer seasonal promotions?

Like any product, auto insurance prices fluctuate from time to time. While seasonal auto insurance promotions are uncommon, car insurance companies frequently modify their pricing strategies based on industry-wide data and adjustments to rating factors.

The best way to get the lowest rates — regardless of whether you can find a car insurance promotion — is to shop around at every opportunity. By seeking quotes every six months, you can keep your finger on the pulse of insurance prices and ensure you don't pass up an opportunity to save.

Other types of discounts

Some discounts are less common and not explicitly mentioned by insurance companies but can still save you money. Those include:


More ways to save

Inquiring about discounts for which you're eligible is a great start to saving on car insurance. Still, there are even more ways to unlock savings that should be considered. 

bullet
Shop around

While many insurance companies offer a loyalty discount, sticking with the same provider may actually be costing you— even the Insurance Information Institiute agrees[3]. The best way to guarantee you're getting the best rate possible is to shop around with different companies at renewal. Don't forget to ask about which discounts may apply to you!

bullet
Raise your deductible

We understand that paying more out of pocket in an emergency situation is not appealing, but if monthly savings are important to you and you can afford a higher deductible in case of an incident, raising your deductible is a great way to lower your car insurance premium. 

bullet
Maintain good credit & driving habits

Drivers with good credit often pay less in premiums because insurers see them as lower risk. The same goes for safe drivers— accidents and tickets are two of the most expensive penalties on car insurance premiums. Keeping a clean driving record and good credit helps keep rates low. 

Final verdict: Auto insurance discounts

Discounts are a great way to save some money on car insurance, but what's most important to focus on is bottom-line pricing for your needs. You may qualify for a ton of discounts from a certain comapny— but if their rates are already high, their coverage is unsatisfactory, or you have to compromise on deductible amounts in order to validate the price point— another insurer might be better suited for you. 

Compare auto insurance quotes today.

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Frequently asked questions

It's as simple as asking your insurance agent! This is especially important when your life circumstances have changed— if you bought a house, more cars, got married, and more. When applying for a new policy or renewing, verify discount opportunities with your agent to make sure you're maximizing your savings potential.

GEICO and Farmers offer the most discounts, followed closely by American Family.

In addition to seeking discount opportunities, acts like raising your deductible, lowering your limits, and shopping around can help you save on premiums. Be aware, though, that adjusting limits and deductibles will impact your out-of-pocket costs in the event of an accident.

Sources
  1. Monthly user surveys via the Marble App. The Zebra

  2. Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool

  3. How to save money on car insurance. Insurance Information Institute

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Are 911 dispatchers eligible for insurance discounts as first responders?

Every car insurance company has different discounts available to its customers, so it's hard to give a blanket statement about your eligibility. Generally just know that car insurance for first responders is something that's an option.If it's helpful, The Zebra can gather auto insura…
Jun 9, 2019 Gnaw Bone, IN

Can I get a refund if I was double insured?

Thanks for reaching out to The Zebra! I can see how this is confusing for you.Now, it's normal for other drivers to be listed on a policy if they live in the same house as the insured and could possibly drive their car, but insurance laws prohibit someone from having duplicate car insurance co…
Jul 19, 2023 Joliet, IL

If I am buying car insurance and already have motorcycle insurance, will I be eligible for a prior insurance discount?

With the majority of companies, a prior insurance discount for auto coverage is based on being previously insured under an auto policy. Unfortunately, most companies won't consider an existing motorcycle policy to be sufficient to qualify for a continuous insurance discount. It may be possible…
Jun 6, 2017 Peoria, AZ

Why didn't my insurance company give me a defensive driving discount for completing the course?

Discounts vary by company, state, and situation so there is no guarantee that a carrier will provide a discount just from completing the course. Because taking a defensive driving course costs money, you always want to check with your company to see if they offer a discount before wasting your mone…
Apr 8, 2016 Waterloo, IA

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.