Best Ways to Get the Cheapest Car Insurance Rates?
On February 25, 2026 By newsroom Topic: Automotive
Here’s a practical guide to finding affordable car insurance without sacrificing essential coverage:
1. Compare Rates from Multiple Companies
- No one insurer is the cheapest for everyone. Rates vary by driver profile and location.
- Shop around with both national and regional companies for the best deals.
- Tip: Use comparison tools to find tailored rates quickly.
2. Consider Local and Regional Insurers
- Smaller companies like Auto-Owners Insurance and Erie Insurance often have competitive rates and higher customer satisfaction compared to major players.
3. Look for Discounts
- Common discounts include:
- Bundling: Combine car insurance with homeowners or renters insurance.
- Multi-Vehicle: Insure multiple cars on one policy.
- Good Driving Record: No recent accidents or violations.
- Safety Features: Cars with anti-theft devices or airbags.
- Online Documents: Opting for paperless billing.
- Paid-in-Full: Paying your premium upfront rather than in installments.
- Tip: Don’t rely solely on discounts—compare rates across providers.
4. Improve Your Credit Score
- Why it matters: Many states allow insurers to use your credit score to determine rates.
- Poor credit can significantly raise premiums.
- Exceptions: California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts don’t allow credit-based insurance pricing.
- Tip: Pay bills on time and reduce debt to improve your score.
5. Drop Comprehensive & Collision Coverage on Older Cars
- If your car’s value is low, paying for comprehensive and collision may not make sense.
- These cover damages to your car from theft, weather, or accidents, but payouts are limited to your car’s market value.
- Tip: Compare the premium costs to your car’s value to decide.
6. Increase Your Deductible
- Higher deductibles lower your premium but increase your out-of-pocket cost in a claim.
- Example: Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can save on monthly premiums.
- Tip: Choose a deductible amount you can afford to pay upfront in case of an accident.
7. Explore Usage-Based or Pay-Per-Mile Insurance
- Programs like Allstate Drivewise, Progressive Snapshot, or State Farm Drive Safe & Save reward safe and low-mileage drivers with discounts.
- Pay-Per-Mile options (e.g., Metromile, Allstate Milewise) are great if you drive infrequently.
- Note: These programs track driving habits through apps or car-installed devices.
8. Factor Insurance Costs When Buying a Car
- Certain vehicles are cheaper to insure, such as the Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V.
- Cars with higher safety ratings or lower repair costs often come with lower premiums.
- Tip: Check insurance rates before purchasing your next vehicle.
Additional Tips for Lower Rates
- Maintain a clean driving record.
- Avoid lapses in coverage.
- Regularly review your policy for unnecessary add-ons.
- Consider minimum coverage for older vehicles or low-risk drivers (but know the trade-offs).
By using these strategies, you can find quality car insurance that fits your budget and driving needs.
