Car Insurance for Drivers with Bad Credit

Best cheap car insurance for drivers with bad credit

Finding cheap car insurance with bad credit can be difficult. On average, drivers with poor credit (scores between 300 and 579) pay $105 more per month for car insurance than do drivers with very good credit (between 740 and 799). According to The Zebra's analysis, the following major insurance companies are the cheapest for drivers with bad credit.

What are some cheap car insurance companies for bad credit drivers?

Using a profile (check out our methodology here), we surveyed eight insurance providers to see which company offered the cheapest rates for drivers with generalized credit scores. Drivers with very poor credit (between 300 and 579) pay an average of $209 per month for auto insurance, across the surveyed insurers. That comes out to over $2,500 per year, or 77% higher than a driver with very good credit (between 740 and 799).

GEICO is the cheapest insurance company for car insurance for a driver with a credit score of 579 or less. GEICO is only the cheapest company for our specific user profile, which likely doesn't fit yours perfectly. The best way to find cheap auto insurance with bad credit is to compare rates from as many insurers as possible.

Insurance rates by credit score

Reference the chart below to see the degree to which your credit score influences how much you pay for an auto insurance policy. Or, enter your Zip Code above to get personalized quotes in minutes.

In order to help you find the best car insurance for bad credit drivers, we gathered sample car insurance quotes from major insurance companies in the U.S. Below, we detail the insurance companies with the cheapest rates for drivers with low credit scores and explore some other ways to find affordable car insurance.

Why do car insurance companies use credit history?

Car insurance companies use many data points to predict the risk presented by prospective customers. Using their own historical data and information from the Federal Trade Commission, companies have deduced drivers with poor credit ratings file more claims than do drivers with excellent credit.

Which car insurance companies don’t use credit score as a rating factor?

It depends on the state in which you reside and drive. As of 2021, California, Hawaii and Massachusetts do not allow insurance companies to use credit scores as a rating factor. If you live in those states, your insurance won't be impacted by your credit score. In other locations across the U.S., auto insurance companies are allowed to use your credit report as a factor when determining your car insurance rate. Learn more about the factors that go into calculating your premium.

Among the better insurance options for drivers with bad credit are telematics-based insurance companies. These companies track your driving and incorporate inputs from your behavior behind the wheel to price your premiums. Although credit score remains a rating factor in some of the programs, if you're a safe driver with a less-than-ideal credit history, telematics insurance might be a good option.

Auto insurance rates for drivers with bad credit by location

Below is a state-by-state breakdown of how much a poor credit report can impact your annual car insurance premium. On average, there is a $1,520 — slightly over 100% — difference in average insurance rates between drivers with very poor credit and drivers with exceptional credit. If you have bad credit, you can expect to pay double the premium a driver with great credit would.

Click on your state below to learn more.

How to save on car insurance if you have bad credit

Because your credit score is a pivotal non-driving rating factor, it would be difficult to negate its effects with a few discounts. But by doing your homework and trying to get as many discounts as possible, you could rack up some savings. Let's explore some ways to save money on car insurance with a poor credit score.

Look for these discounts

• Bundling discounts
• Good driver discount
• Electronic signature, paperless discount, payment by bank (EFT)
• Affinity membership (discount based on your organization loyalties)

File claims wisely

Being smart with your claims means you shouldn't file a claim unless the damages to your vehicle are greater than the rate increase you might receive in return.

Let's say you’re a driver in Texas who gets into an at-fault collision. The estimate for the repairs is $1,700. Last year, at-fault accidents raised car insurance rates by an average of $767 per year — and most insurance companies will charge higher rates for at least three years after a violation or claim hits your driving record. This $767 will amount to over $2,300 in total rate increases. If you include a typical $500 deductible, the average total cost of this claim would be over $2,800.

In this scenario, you would save yourself over $1,100 by paying out-of-pocket for the $1,700 in damage. 

So, when thinking if it’s worth it to file a claim, you should consider the estimated cost of repairs is versus what you would end up paying after your rate is increased.

Find the right coverage for your car

Unlike a fine wine, your car depreciates rapidly. What this means in terms of savings is that the insurance coverage you once had on your 1999 Geo might not be necessary anymore. Here how to decide on coverage:

• Do you have a loan on your vehicle?
  Vehicles that have a lien or loan are usually required to maintain physical coverage as the lienholder has a vested interest in the vehicle.
• What’s the value of your vehicle?
  You can determine this through Kelley Blue Book or NADA. If your vehicle is worth less than $4,000, you should drop your collision coverage and potentially your comprehensive. These coverages are optional if you own your vehicle and are designed to protect its physical integrity. If the car is not worth very much to begin with, you could be paying for coverage you do not need. If you decide to drop both of these coverages, consider adding uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. If you need to keep these coverage options, considering raising your deductible. Because they are inversely related, a higher deductible will equal a lower premium.

Find the right company

Follow our lead and shop with as many companies as possible in order to find the cheapest rate for you. Don’t be afraid to consider non-standard companies, i.e., the ones you haven’t heard of, as they may be more inclined to offer you a better rate than some of the bigger names.