Car Insurance with No Insurance History
- Getting car insurance without a prior policy is possible, but rates will be higher.
- USAA and Travelers offer the lowest rates for previously uninsured drivers.
Use The Zebra to get car insurance with no insurance history from top companies.
Can I get car insurance with no insurance history?
Obtaining an auto insurance quote if you've never had car insurance before is possible — but your rates might be more expensive than average (which is about $880 for a six-month policy, as of 2025)[1]. The typical difference in premium between an auto insurance policy for a previously uninsured driver and a currently insured driver is 6% (about $53) more per six-month policy period.Â
Good news—after a few years of continuous coverage, your rates may drop, as long as you maintain a clean driving record and keep your policy active. For now, let's explore affordable car insurance options for those previously uninsured.
How to get car insurance with no insurance history
Read on or use these links to jump to each section:
- Step 1: Explore companies that offer affordable rates for drivers with no previous coverage.
- Step 2:Â Find more ways to save with our helpful tips.
- Step 3: Still can't find coverage? Try a non-owners policy for a while.
Cheap car insurance companies for a previously uninsured driver
We tracked down the cheapest providers for a previously uninsured (and often new) driver and found reputable names offering policies that could fit your needs as a newly insured driver. We've compiled a list below that will help you get started as you shop for car insurance.

USAA
For military members and their families, USAA is the cheapest for previously uninsured drivers, with premiums at $741 for 6-months.

Travelers
Another option for affordable coverage is Travelers, offering six month policies for drivers with no insurance history at $781.

State Farm
State Farm's rates are competitive, as well, with premiums at $785 for a six-month policy.
Check out these companies for average rates on policies without prior insurance. Some, like Bristol West and Infinity, specialize in non-standard coverage for hard-to-insure drivers. Rates and availability vary, but this list is a great starting point.
Updating data...
Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|
USAA | $741 | $124 |
Travelers | $781 | $130 |
State Farm | $785 | $131 |
GEICO | $838 | $140 |
Nationwide | $877 | $146 |
Infinity | $885 | $148 |
Progressive | $1,023 | $171 |
Farmers | $1,139 | $190 |
Allstate | $1,339 | $223 |
Bristol West | $1,980 | $330 |
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.
Average rates based on length of continuous insurance history
Insurance companies favor continuous coverage. While those without prior coverage pay more initially, rates can drop every six months if they stay insured. On average, having three years of insurance saves $86 per six months ($14 per month). Here's what drivers might pay based on their insurance history.
Updating data...
Insurance History | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|
None | $967 | $161 |
6 Months | $902 | $150 |
1 Year | $897 | $149 |
3 Years | $880 | $147 |
5 Years | $871 | $145 |
Source: The Zebra

Find affordable insurance coverage with no history in minutes.
Why is insurance history used as a rating factor?
Car insurance rates aren’t just based on driving history—factors like credit score, age, homeownership, and insurance history also play a role.
Insurers may see a gap in coverage as a risk factor, similar to bad credit or a poor driving record. If you've experienced a gap, you’re not alone—33% of our customers are uninsured, and 20% come to The Zebra needing coverage ASAP.[2]

"If you are viewed as uninsurable, it may be more than not having any insurance history. It may be your driving record, credit score, etc. It also depends on your location; some ZIP codes are more expensive. If you can't find insurance on your own, try getting a non-owner policy which will be less expensive, or be added to a roommate's or relative's policy. The most important thing is to build that insurance history to at least 6 months of continuous coverage, so you'll have that discount on your future rate at renewal."
Hunter Black, Licensed Insurance Agent and Sales Manager at The Zebra
How to save on car insurance if you lack insurance history
If you're currently uninsured, we suggest getting coverage as soon as possible so you can begin to have a record of car insurance. There’s not much you can do to change your history, but there are ways to help save you money on your new policy. Let’s break down some cost-cutting solutions.
Important car insurance terms to know
If you're a new driver or if you've never purchased your own auto insurance purchase before, there will be terms that could be unclear. One important tip is to familiarize yourself with car insurance lingo. Here are a few important terms you'll see as you shop for car insurance.
- Collision refers to coverage if your car physically collides with something (like another vehicle, your neighbor's fence, a tree, etc.).
- A comprehensive claim is for anything that isn't a collision and is outside of the driver's control, such as a natural disaster, theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, and striking an animal like a deer. These two types of coverage are often lumped together under the term "full coverage."
- Liability coverage is there to help cover damage to another person (if they are injured and you're at fault) or someone else's property (such as that hypothetical fence we mentioned). It's required in all states (and Washington, D.C.) except New Hampshire.
- Your deductible is the amount you'll pay before your insurance kicks in to help. You can adjust this amount to help save money, too; the higher your deductible, the lower your monthly payment will be, and vice-versa.


Shopping around is the best way to save on car insurance. After you complete your first policy term with no claims, your rates should drop—but another provider may offer a better deal. Compare options to find the best fit for your budget and coverage needs. Getting at least three quotes is ideal.[3]

Bundle your auto policy with another offered by the same carrier, like home or renters insurance, to unlock a multi-policy discount and save on both.
If you don’t have renters or home insurance, consider getting one—it’s affordable and protects your assets in case of major loss or liability.

If your car is worth less than $4,000, you might not need collision and comprehensive coverage—dropping them could save you money. Check Kelley Blue Book or NADA to assess your car’s current market value— if you keep full coverage, raising your deductible can lower your premium.
Consistency is key. If you sell your car, consider a non-owner policy to maintain coverage and stay insured while driving.

Unless you have accident forgiveness, insurers will raise your rates after an at-fault accident or moving violation like a speeding ticket (typically for three to five years), costing you more than your original premium. Before filing, get a damage estimate from an auto repair shop and evaluate if paying out-of-pocket is cheaper.
Use our claims calculator to decide whether filing a claim is your best move.

Discounts can help significantly reduce your rates if you qualify. Here are a few to ask about:
- Multi-policy discount (bundling)
- Good driver discount
- Paperless discount
- Payment by bank account
- Paid in full discount (paying your premium in one payment)
- Multi-car discount
- Good student discount (under 25)
- Telematics discount
What are telematics?
Telematics are in-car devices that monitor the way you drive to price your insurance policy. In theory, the safer of a driver you are, the lower your car insurance rates will be.Â
Safe driving habits include:
- Slow braking
- Slow acceleration
- Daylight driving
- Slow overall speeds

Company | Estimated Savings |
---|---|
Progressive SnapShot | Average of $130 |
Allstate DriveWise | Average of 10-25% |
State Farm Drive Safe and Save | Up to 15% |
Esurance DriveSense | Varies |
Nationwide SmartRide | Up to 40% |
Liberty Mutual RightTrack | Average of 5-30% |
Root Car insurance | Varies |
Metromile | Varies |
GEICO DriveEasy | Varies |
Frequently asked questions: car insurance with no history
No prior coverage? No problem. Get quotes from top insurers quickly with The Zebra.
Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool
Anonymized User Surveys. The Zebra
Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs. Insurance Information Institute
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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.