Best Cheap Car Insurance (quotes from $94/mo)

The best cheap car insurance

The Zebra analyzed rates from top car insurance companies to see who has the cheapest rates in 2023. View the cheapest car insurance rates from some of America's most popular insurance companies below, or continue reading to see rates from more large insurance companies.

How to find the cheapest car insurance

With so many companies to choose from, the task can seem overwhelming. Through this handy guide, finding the right car insurance company at the best price is simplified. The Zebra has compiled lists of car insurance companies by price for a variety of rating factors like driving history, demographic data, and other factors. 

Top 10+ cheapest car insurance companies

There are hundreds of car insurance companies in the US. While you may believe it's always cheaper to go with the big brand, below you can see the cheapest car insurance options are actually from smaller companies. 

Cheapest car insurance companies after an accident

It's the "golden rule" of car insurance: as a driving profile changes, so does a driver's premium. Not every company assesses accidents in the same way, so it's worth comparing insurance quotes occasionally to find the best prices.

An at-fault accident raises insurance rates by an average of 45%. The cheapest car insurance company in this situation is USAA, which still offers eligible drivers affordable rates after an accident ($144 per month). However, only members of the military community are eligible.

Cheapest car insurance companies after a ticket

Car insurance rate increases may occur after a driver receives a ticket.

Included in the below insurance price analysis are violations with major insurance implications:

• DUI/DWI
• Driving with a suspended license
• Hit-and-run
• Reckless driving

Cheapest insurance companies after a DUI

A DUI can raise a driver's car insurance rates by $80 per month. Progressive is the most affordable choice after a DUI or DWI offense, while Allstate raises rates the most after a DUI citation.

Progressive and Farmers assess relatively small penalties against drivers with DUIs, upping rates by less than $70 per month. Progressive's $50-per-month increase is well under the national average rate hike following a DUI conviction.

Cheapest insurers after a driving with a suspended license ticket

The average monthly rate increase after a ticket for driving with a suspended license is $75. USAA and GEICO are the cheapest companies after a citation for driving with a suspended license.

Cheapest insurance companies after a hit-and-run

In most states, a hit-and-run incident is the most costly citation for insurance — even pricier than a DUI. Drivers ticketed for a hit-and-run should consider State Farm, a relative bargain after a citation at $218 per month.

Cheapest insurance companies after reckless driving

The definition of reckless driving varies by state, but regardless of location, it comes with a hefty insurance penalty. On average, a reckless driving charge raises insurance rates by around $75 per month. 

If you don't qualify for USAA, State Farm is the second-cheapest insurer after a reckless driving citation, at $215 per month.

Cheapest insurance companies for drivers with bad credit and good credit

Equipment discount

If your car comes with an anti-theft device or a service like LoJack, your insurance company may provide a discount. The discounts tend to be smaller than a multi-policy or defensive driver discount. In our survey, we found systems such as night vision devices, park-assist devices and rearview cameras did not earn discounts.

Good driver discount

This discount is available to drivers with clean driving records. Good driver discounts can be added when your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) or CLUE report is pulled at the inception of your auto policy. If you're convinced your record is clean (no at-fault accidents or violations) and you aren't receiving a discount, speak with your insurance company and inquire about a discount. By keeping a clean slate, you can earn a discount of approximately 10%.

Military discount

Many companies offer discounts for active or former military members and their families. The amount and qualifications differ per company but you should ask if your current company has this discount.

Occupation discount

Some insurance companies will offer a discount based on your occupation. Statistically, some occupations — teachers, physicians or police officers — are less likely to file a claim and thus pose less risk. Because of this, some insurance companies return the savings back to you. Usually, they will require proof of your profession, such as a photocopy of your professional degree or certification.

For more information on cheap car insurance and profession-based discounts, see our guides:

• Doctors
• First responders
• Teachers
• Government employees

Good student discount

If you're responsible for insuring a young driver, you understand how expensive this can be. Given the number of claims they cause, teen drivers are considerable risks for insurance companies. If your son or daughter has the grades — typically a GPA of 3.0 or better — speak with your insurance company about a good student discount. Normally, they’ll ask for a transcript every policy period as proof.

Cheap car insurance near you: comparing rates by state

Because each driver, location and situation differs, it's hard to say which insurance company has the cheapest rates.

To find out which company offers the best cheap car insurance for you, compare auto insurance options every six months from multiple insurance companies.

Find cheap car insurance by state: