Best Automobile insurance rates

Car insurance rates vary widely from one insurer to the next, which is why shopping around and comparing estimates is so important. To help drivers find cheap car insurance quotes in Minnesota, NerdWallet researched the three lowest premiums in the state for a variety of motorist types.

Below you’ll find the cheapest rates for:

Cheapest for good drivers

For drivers with no at-fault accidents, DUIs or moving violations; range of average prices: $1, 141 to $5, 368 a year

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The average price for good drivers among the three cheapest insurers was $1, 212 per year. Although American Family and Western National both scored lower prices than State Farm, their service area is much smaller. Drivers may end up having to switch companies if they move away from Minnesota. All three companies offer a wide selection of discounts, with State Farm holding a slight edge in this category.

Cheapest for young drivers

For drivers in their early 20s; range of average prices: $888 to $3, 771 a year

Young drivers in Minnesota often have fewer coverage needs than drivers with families or valuable assets to protect. As a result, they can get some of the most affordable rates in the state. All three of the cheapest companies in our study offer similar discounts to help drivers save even more. Auto Owners Insurance Co. has the largest service area, which could make the difference for shoppers who don’t want to be forced to switch insurers if they move states.

Cheapest for families with a teen driver

Based on middle-aged couples with one teen driver; range of average prices: $2, 448 to $14, 723 a year

Teen drivers bring added accident risk to their parents’ policy, which usually translates to higher-than-average quotes. The good news is there’s still plenty of room to save by shopping around — this category had the widest range of average prices of any we sampled. Roughly $12, 000 separated the lowest and highest rates, so it definitely pays to stay patient and compare prices. American Family and State Farm both have dedicated hubs on their site for teen driver statistics, tutorials, promotions and more, which could be attractive to parents who take a hands-on approach to their child’s driving.

Cheapest for drivers with poor credit

For drivers placed in the lowest credit tier as determined by the industry; range of average prices: $1, 027 to $5, 368 a year

Car insurance companies often charge more for drivers with poor credit. Minnesotans with poor credit may not be dinged as badly as others around the country. Our research showed surprisingly affordable rates from Travelers: nearly $900 a year lower on average than the next closest competitor. Minnesota law prohibits insurers from canceling a current car insurance policy because of poor credit.

Cheapest for drivers with one at-fault accident

Range of average prices: $1, 149 to $6, 868 a year