Finding the cheapest car insurance can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With a bit of research and comparison shopping, you can find the best deal for your needs. According to NerdWallet's most recent analysis of minimum coverage rates, Geico is the nation's top cheapest auto insurance company. However, there are other smaller companies that may offer even lower rates.
When looking for car insurance, it's important to consider all of your options. Each insurance company calculates premiums slightly differently, so you may find that one company's quote is hundreds of dollars more expensive than another's. You can also get discounts if you insure several cars, own a newer vehicle, or install alarms and other approved anti-theft devices. Additionally, some states require insurers to give you a discount for completing a defensive driving course.
One way to keep rates low in the event of an accident is to buy accident forgiveness coverage with your car insurance. If your car insurance company offers it to you, you can also enroll in a usage-based telematics program that rewards you for your safe driving habits. In Michigan, although insurers can't use your credit score, they can use factors that contribute to your rating to calculate your rate. Central Insurance, MMG and Secura are smaller insurers that offer coverage in several states and have even cheaper car insurance rates than Geico.
Being labeled a high-risk driver can prevent you from experiencing the same low car insurance rate that drivers with a clean driving record have. If you want additional liability protection, but don't want to buy comprehensive and collision insurance, you should buy sole liability insurance with coverage levels higher than your state's minimum requirements. Full-coverage auto insurance offers the most financial protection, but if you're looking for the cheapest possible insurance, you can buy the cheapest state minimum insurance policy available to you.