Find cheapest insurance

If you’re an active member of the military or a veteran — or have an immediate family member who is — chances are good you’ll get a cheaper-than-average rate with USAA, an option that isn’t available to the general public. USAA is the cheapest auto insurance option for every driver type below, in many cases by a large amount. USAA customers also benefit from the insurer’s top-rated customer service.

Cheapest for good drivers

For drivers with no at-fault crashes, DUIs or moving violations.

NerdWallet is a free tool to find you the best credit cards, cd rates, savings, checking accounts, scholarships, healthcare and airlines. Start here to maximize your rewards or minimize your interest rates.

The cheapest options for drivers without a military connection are Geico and State Farm, respectively. Incident-free drivers can typically lower their rates with discounts for avoiding accidents and claims.

Cheapest for young drivers

For drivers in their early 20s.

Drivers in their early 20s tend to face high rates if they purchase the same level of coverage as middle-aged motorists. But since younger drivers typically have fewer savings and assets to protect, it’s reasonable for them to reduce their coverage to get lower costs, which is reflected in our analysis.

Geico was the cheapest option for the general population at $557 annually, or about $46 a month.

Cheapest for drivers with one at-fault crash

Range of average prices from the six largest insurers: $1, 079 to $3, 192 per year.

At-fault crashes usually trigger an increase in car insurance rates, either when you renew with your current company or shop around for a fresh policy. The cheapest quote we found for this group was $1, 079 per year — nearly $300 higher than the lowest rate for drivers with no crashes.

If you’re fretting about increased rates due to crashes, consider prioritizing companies that offer accident forgiveness. Farmers, for instance, says it will forgive one at-fault crash for every three years of incident-free driving.

Cheapest for drivers with poor credit

For drivers placed in the “Poor Credit” tier using the Quadrant Information Services rate tool; range of average prices from the six largest insurers: $793 to $2, 577 per year.

Insurers correlate poor credit to an increased likelihood of accidents and claims, which explains why those with credit issues tend to face steeper rates than many other motorists. With Geico, for instance, a poor credit rating triggered a rate increase of $213 a year.

Cheapest for retired drivers

For drivers in their mid-to-late 60s who no longer use their cars for commuting; range of average prices from the six largest insurers: $669 to $1, 857 per year.