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Beth Swanson

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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…

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Nathan is an insurance professional with a focus on creating positive customer experiences with more than 10 years of industry experience.

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Kristine Lee

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

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…

How much does car insurance cost in Fort Wayne?

The average cost of car insurance in Fort Wayne is approximately $616 for a six-month policy or about $103 per month. In 2023, our analysis shows that USAA offers the cheapest car insurance rates in Fort Wayne, with policies starting at $459, or approximately $77 per month.

In Fort Wayne, the cost of car insurance is slightly below the average for Indiana (at $633 every six months) as well as the national average of $742. Despite the lower costs compared to other Indiana cities, some of our clients in Fort Wayne are still worried about their auto insurance rates. 33% of our customers said they're paying too much for auto insurance. If you feel the same way or want to learn more about coverage and options, keep reading to discover more about fair rates in Fort Wayne and the factors that influence insurance costs.

Car Insurance in Fort Wayne vs. Indiana Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Fort Wayne Average $616
Indiana Average $633
Updated: 09/21/23.

The cheapest car insurance companies in Fort Wayne

1st place medal
1st place: USAA

USAA offers the most affordable auto insurance in Fort Wayne, with rates at $459 for a six-month policy or $77 per month. USAA typically offers great rates, but it is also only available to military members and their families 

2nd place medal
2nd place: GEICO

GEICO is the second cheapest option on our list, with rates at $80 per month or $482 for a six-month policy.

3rd place medal
3rd place: Travelers

Rounding out the list is Travelers as the third-cheapest insurance company. On average, a Travelers policy in Fort Wayne costs $529 per six-month policy ($88 per month).

The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Fort Wayne:

  • The average cost of a car insurance policy in Fort Wayne is $616 per six-month policy — $103 per month.
  • The cheapest company in Fort Wayne is USAA ($459).
  • 33% of Zebra customers in Fort Wayne stated they used our product because they were paying too much for car insurance.

Are you paying too much for auto insurance?

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Fort Wayne car insurance rates by company

Based on our 2023 investigation, the most economical auto insurance provider for full coverage in Fort Wayne, IN, is USAA, which charges $77 per month or $459 for a six-month plan. GEICO is the second cheapest company on our list, with a monthly cost of $80 or a six-month rate of $482.

Learn more about the highest-rated auto insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

 

Cheapest car insurance companies in Fort Wayne, IN
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $459
GEICO $482
Travelers $529
Indiana Farmers Mutual Ins $532
State Farm $548
Progressive $718
Allstate $1,276
Updated: 09/21/23.

Dynamic auto insurance data methodology

Methodology: The auto insurance rates displayed above and throughout this page are dynamic, meaning the data will refresh when the most recent information is made available. Rates are based on a sample driver profile — a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord and full coverage. This profile was adjusted based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies, like age, coverage level, driving record and others.


Shop around for the best rates


Getting the greatest car insurance rates is simple with comparison shopping. Not all insurance providers are alike, so allow The Zebra to do the research for you. To see rates from top insurers like Nationwide, Travelers, GEICO, and others in Fort Wayne, enter your ZIP code.

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Average car insurance in Fort Wayne by rating factor

The factors that go into determining your personalized car insurance rates are known as rating factors. These factors help insurance companies evaluate your risk and establish what you will pay for your insurance premium. Although most companies use the same rating factors, they may weigh them differently. For example, one company may focus more on claims history while another might emphasize credit score or ZIP code. Learn how these rating factors impact your rates in Fort Wayne.

Keep in mind that as your life changes, so do your rating factors. It's a wise idea to check in periodically and get new quotes to ensure you're getting the best rates and coverage as your personal situation evolves. The company that was the perfect fit for you in your 20s may not be the ideal choice for you in your 40s. Check in and discover how your rating factors impact your rates and coverage in Fort Wayne.

Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?

A: End-of-year earnings (revenue of premiums versus the cost of paying insureds' claims) is a significant rating factor for determining how much you will pay for car insurance in most cities, including Fort Wayne. Even if you have an excellent driving record with no claims, if the cost of doing business in your area has increased, this may not matter. Some companies pay more to operate in certain locations, and this cost is passed on to their customers in the form of higher rates.

Auto insurance premiums by age in Fort Wayne

As you acquire more experience driving, you may find that you pay less for car insurance, which can be a silver lining to getting older. Age is a significant factor in car insurance expenses, and teen drivers generally pay much higher premiums than older drivers due to data indicating they are more likely to be involved in accidents. In Fort Wayne, for example, residents experience a $2,082 yearly difference in rates when comparing premiums for teens to those for people in their 20s.

While it may seem harsh, insurers must consider such risks when calculating prices as it's just business, not personal. One way to mitigate some of the added costs for teens is to be added to the policy of their parent or guardian instead of starting from scratch with their own policy in Fort Wayne.

 

Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Fort Wayne, IN
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Indiana Farmers Mutual Ins $991
USAA $1,195
GEICO $1,320
Travelers $1,562
State Farm $2,153
Allstate $2,435
Progressive $2,492
Updated: 09/21/23.
Age Bracket Cheapest Companies Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s GEICO $574
30s USAA $435
40s USAA $409
50s USAA $388
60s USAA $405
70s USAA $512

Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for Fort Wayne drivers between 20-40 are USAA, GEICO and Indiana Farmers Mutual


According to our research, the majority of drivers in Fort Wayne are aged between 20 and 40. On average, this group pays $707 every six months for their car insurance, but choosing one of these insurance companies may potentially help them save 25%.

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Fort Wayne

Our research shows that in Fort Wayne, 35% of drivers are carrying minimum coverage for car insurance. While this may be the most affordable option, it's important to consider whether it provides adequate protection in the event of an accident. Adding collision coverage or comprehensive coverage (commonly known as "full coverage" when purchased together) can provide additional peace of mind and protection.

If you're struggling to afford car insurance in Fort Wayne, consider raising your deductible level. While this means paying more in the event of an accident, it can help you save money on monthly premiums and make your coverage more affordable.

Optional extras like roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage can offer added peace of mind for drivers in Fort Wayne. While they may increase your rates somewhat, they can be a worthwhile investment in your safety and protection.

 

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

If you're leasing or financing a car, you may need to maintain specific levels of coverage on the vehicle. However, if you own your car outright and want to save money, you might consider if eliminating comprehensive or collision coverage is a viable option. We highly recommend obtaining an accurate valuation of your car's worth from a reliable source such as Kelley Blue Book, and typically, collision coverage isn't needed for cars valued at less than $4,000. When you drop collision coverage, it's crucial to understand that you'll be liable for the costs of repairing any damage caused by an accident.

Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Fort Wayne, IN
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $157
GEICO $160
Indiana Farmers Mutual Ins $169
State Farm $200
Travelers $223
Progressive $268
Allstate $389
Updated: 09/21/23.
  • Minimum: State liability coverage only
  • Basic: State liability + collision and comprehensive (full) coverage
  • Better: Better liability limits at 50/100/50. Full coverage included with towing and rental car benefits. May include additional personal medical benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
  • Best: Best liability limits at 100/300/50. Full coverage included with better towing and rental car benefits and better personal medical benefits and increased uninsured/underinsured coverage.

35% of our customers in Fort Wayne opt for the minimum level of coverage, but it isn't necessarily the best option for every driver in the area. We also understand that saving money can be a big part of your decision to go with a particular company but remember that it does leave you at risk for damages that exceed your liability limits. Indiana's 25/50/25 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $25,000 per person in bodily injury, $50,000 per accident in bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. While this may be sufficient for most standard car accidents, it might not be for bodily injury claims or accidents involving multiple vehicles.

Learn more about insurance laws in Indiana.

Fort Wayne car insurance rates by credit score

In Fort Wayne, insurance companies use credit score to determine auto insurance rates, much like many other states. Drivers with poor credit history may face higher rates due to their higher risk of claims, risky driving behavior, and lapses in coverage.

A great way to start saving money on car insurance is by improving your credit score. Fort Wayne drivers with poor credit (300-579) pay 97% more than those with excellent credit (800-850). The majority of Fort Wayne drivers have an average (580-679) credit score. The cheapest option for drivers in this category in 2023 is USAA.

car insurance in fort wayne by credit score
Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in Fort Wayne, IN
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $679
USAA $862
Travelers $871
Indiana Farmers Mutual Ins $907
Progressive $1,198
State Farm $1,282
Allstate $1,599
Updated: 09/21/23.

Zebra Tip: If you recently improved your credit score, shop around for car insurance!


Your credit score can have a significant impact on the cost of your car insurance. Fort Wayne drivers with "Fair" credit pay $592 less per year than those with "Poor" credit. If you've made any changes to improve your credit score, now may be a great time to compare auto insurance rates and potentially save some money.

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

Accidents are an unfortunate reality of driving, so it's crucial to be prepared with insurance coverage and knowledge. At-fault accidents and collisions are the most frequently filed insurance claims, and having either on your driving record can cause a significant increase in your insurance rate. Our 2023 analysis found that at-fault accidents in Fort Wayne raised insurance rates by about $40 per month. If you're looking for cheap auto insurance after an accident, consider Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance.

Avoiding accidents is the best method to prevent a rise in rates. We understand that this may not always be possible, but driving safely is an essential element that you can manage for a significant amount of time. Make an effort to steer clear of violations and tickets — actions like driving over the speed limit, reckless driving, and DUI or DWI can lead to rate increases that can last for three to five years. There are times when a DUI can have an impact on your rates for even longer periods.


Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Fort Wayne, IN
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Indiana Farmers Mutual Ins $633
USAA $662
Travelers $697
State Farm $747
GEICO $794
Progressive $1,197
Allstate $1,852
Updated: 09/21/23.

Fort Wayne car insurance rates by violation

Here's a breakdown of how much your rate in Fort Wayne may go up for different violations and claims.


Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Fort Wayne, IN
Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $616 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $617 0% $2
Not-at-fault accident $652 6% $36
Two Med/PIP claims $658 7% $42
One comp claim $661 7% $46
Two comp claims $703 14% $87
Failure to show documents $726 18% $110
Failure to wear a seat belt $726 18% $110
Child safety restraint $740 20% $125
Driving without lights $740 20% $125
Driving with expired registration $743 21% $127
Cell phone violation $768 25% $153
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $770 25% $154
Texting while driving $771 25% $156
Driving too slowly $772 25% $156
Speeding in school zone $772 25% $156
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $775 26% $159
Illegal turn $779 27% $163
Failure to yield $780 27% $164
Following too closely $780 27% $164
Failure to stop at a red light $781 27% $165
Wrong way/wrong lane $782 27% $166
Improper passing $784 27% $169
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $785 27% $169
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $795 29% $179
Passing school bus $811 32% $195
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $855 39% $239
In 65 MPH zone $880 43% $264
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $893 45% $277
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $907 47% $292
Open container $965 57% $350
Operating a vehicle without permission $970 58% $355
Racing $1,162 89% $546
Reckless driving $1,163 89% $547
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $1,170 90% $554
DUI $1,186 93% $571
Driving with a suspended license $1,202 95% $587
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $1,222 99% $607
Updated: 09/21/23.

Why is car insurance in Fort Wayne so expensive?

Fort Wayne may not have the highest insurance rates in the state, but it can still be an expensive expense. Insurance in Fort Wayne, as well as other cities, can be costly for various reasons. One factor is the high cost of living in a popular city. Like Fort Wayne residents pay more to live in the city versus more rural areas of Indiana, insurance companies also have to cover their overhead expenses to operate in Fort Wayne. This results in an increase in insurance premiums. Auto insurance can also be expensive due to reasons other than your credit score and driving record. Let's take a closer look at some of these factors.

location
Location

The place of your residence affects your insurance premiums, and it's more than just the city and state. Fort Wayne has several ZIP codes, some of which are more prone to crime and theft than others. Some areas have a higher concentration of uninsured drivers as well. Drivers who live in higher-crime neighborhoods typically pay more than those who live in safer ones. The good news is that the most expensive and least expensive ZIP codes in Fort Wayne vary by less than $10 difference per month. 

weather
Weather risk

The damage caused by tornadoes and other similar weather-related damage can and has bankrupted insurance companies. Indiana has a fairly mild climate as far as natural disasters go, but it does regularly experience things like hail and flooding. Insurance companies have to take this into consideration when they determine rates, so if you live in a particularly risky area you may be paying higher rates due to weather risk.

drivers
Number of drivers

Fort Wayne, a city with a population of approximately 270,000 in 2021, has a lot of traffic on its roads, which can increase the likelihood of accidents. When insurance companies insure drivers, they take on risk, which leads to higher premiums for everyone. Sometimes, the increased costs have nothing to do with individual driving habits. In Fort Wayne, about 36% of drivers are uninsured, which means that you may have to pay for damages if an uninsured driver hits you.

Zebra Tip: Consider uninsured property damage coverage

If you're living in an area where there are many uninsured drivers, it's advisable to think about adding uninsured motorist coverage (UMPD) to your insurance policy. Your UMPD coverage can be beneficial in the event of an accident with a driver who doesn't have enough insurance to cover the damages. UMPD usually costs less than collision coverage and may also have a lower deductible. In addition, the rate increases after filing a UMPD claim are usually not as significant as those for a collision claim.


Bundling insurance policies in Fort Wayne

Despite the rising cost of car insurance across the nation, there are still ways to save in Fort Wayne. Bundling is one of the easiest ways to receive a discount. Most of us have a homeowners or renters policy as well as our car insurance policy. If they're with different insurance companies, consider combining them. When shopping for new rates, ask about bundling discounts — you could save up to 10% by combining your policies with one insurer.

Asking your current insurance company about bundling or comparing rates with others won't take long and could reveal potential savings. Find out more about bundling home and car insurance.

bundling home and auto insurance in fort wayne
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Fort Wayne, IN
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $437
State Farm $446
GEICO $454
Travelers $476
Indiana Farmers Mutual Ins $479
Progressive $629
Allstate $1,083
Updated: 09/21/23.

While some things may be out of your control, drivers can work to make their profiles more appealing to insurers. The best advice we offer is to shop around and compare auto insurance quotes with as many companies as possible to ensure you're getting the most affordable rate that doesn't compromise coverage and service — especially if any personal factors have changed (like moving, celebrating a birthday or improving your credit). Try as you might, some companies are just more expensive than others; don't be afraid to switch.

While there will always be factors outside of your control that impact your insurance rates in Fort Wayne, you can try to keep your profile looking good as you shop for insurance. Also, keep in mind that you have options when it comes to your insurance company! Even if you've been with the same company since you got your first car, it's worth checking out other auto insurance quotes to find the lowest premium that also meets your coverage needs. While switching companies may be awkward, some tend to be more expensive than others, and you always have the option to switch.

Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!

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Frequently asked questions

Fort Wayne drivers pay less than the national and Indiana state averages for auto insurance, with an average cost of $616 for a six-month policy or $103 per month.

Fort Wayne drivers can obtain the most inexpensive rates from USAA, which has an average cost of $459 per six-month policy. Keep in mind that USAA coverage isn't available to everyone.

Fort Wayne's average car insurance rates are actually lower than both the Indiana state average ($633) as well as the national average for car insurance ($742). It may be higher than in rural areas, but coverage in Fort Wayne tends to be lower than many other cities in the region.


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How much is car insurance near me? — explore more cities near Fort Wayne, Indiana


Recently answered questions about car insurance in Fort Wayne from real Zebra customers

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 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.