The best full coverage auto insurance doesn’t just protect your loved ones when you’re on the go — it makes saving time and money both simple and convenient. Whether you’re insuring the family minivan or a cherished sports car, we’ve used the award-winning providers in J.D. Power’s 2022 Auto Insurance Study to help identify the best full coverage auto insurance for you.
Highest-Rated Full Coverage Auto Insurance
- Best for In-Person Service: State Farm
- Best for Online Service: GEICO
- Best for Usage-Based Savings: American Family Insurance
- Best for Discounts: Travelers Insurance
- Best Premium Insurance: Amica Mutual
- Best for Older Drivers: The Hartford
Key Features
- The average cost of full coverage is $100 per month in the U.S.
- Full coverage is a catchall term for liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.
- Most lenders require full coverage until an auto loan balance is paid in full.
- Compare rate quotes from several providers to get the full coverage that’s best for you.
Insurance Companies We Recommend for Full Coverage
Best for In-Person Service: State Farm
Drivers who want the peace of mind that working with a traditional agent provides, may have a lot to like about this carrier. State Farm is, hands down, the largest underwriter of auto insurance policies in the U.S., according to data from the Insurance Information Institute.
Considering the size and scope of the company, it’s remarkable that State Farm offers such an extensive nationwide network that provides each policyholder with a dedicated agent to work with through phone calls, emails, and in-person service.
State Farm provides the full coverage most would expect from a major carrier — collision, comprehensive, liability, medical payments, and uninsured motorist. But you’ll also find valuable options for emergency roadside assistance, rental car and travel expense coverage, and rideshare insurance for gig drivers.
You’ll enjoy a roster of money-saving discounts for bundling policies, smart account management, and insuring a vehicle with select safety features. Teen drivers have several discounts available to them, and young drivers under the age of 25 may qualify for State Farm’s Steer Clear program, which awards savings of up to 15 percent. Lastly, when you enroll in the app-based Drive Safe & Save program, your safe driving habits could cut upwards of 30 percent from your premium.
However, those who prefer a wholly online experience will likely find State Farm’s commitment to in-person service fusty and old-fashioned. The underwriter doesn’t publish rates online, provides little information on its website, and requires potential customers to speak with an agent for a rate quote and additional details. Still, this could be a benefit for some owners. It really comes down to how you like to do business.
State Farm has an above average amount of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Yet this could be partially explained by the sheer volume of policies it underwrites each year. In any event, State Farm regularly appears in the top spots for customer satisfaction in multiple regions of the country, according to J.D. Power’s latest study.
Pros
- Extensive nationwide agent network
- Rideshare coverage available
- Available in all 50 states
Cons
- Need to work directly with an agent
- Online quotes not available
- Limited information on website
Best for Online Service: GEICO
When it comes to adapting to the fast-paced lifestyle of many modern automobile owners, GEICO is a cut above the competition. Not only has this insurance company reinvented itself for the digital era, it is one of the first wholly mobile insurers. You get rate quotes, sign up for coverage, file a claim, store your ID cards, and pay your bill — all from GEICO’s “#1 rated insurance app.” And if you have any questions, customer support is available via chat, email, Twitter, and phone call.
Additionally, GEICO’s full coverage policies have some of the lowest rates on the market, depending on your limits and deductibles. The underwriter also offers additional protections for emergency road service, mechanical breakdown, and rental reimbursement.
GEICO also gives customers access to multiple money-saving discounts that can further lower the cost of coverage. You can save money on vehicle safety features, like airbags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, and anti-theft devices. Similarly, loyal customers, safe drivers, good students, military service members, and federal employees can also qualify for exclusive discounts.
Still, those who aren’t impressed by an all-online experience may find more traditional insurers like State Farm or Amica Mutual more agreeable. While GEICO excels with its online platform, it struggles to offer the many benefits of an agent network. Some people will always want the personal touch of a phone call or face-to-face meeting with a trusted insurance agent.
GEICO has a surprisingly low volume of complaints, especially considering that it’s the second-largest insurance underwriter in the U.S. According to the NAIC, GEICO only had 89 complaints in the last calendar year — that’s out of millions of policies. This could be one reason why the provider ranks well in J.D. Power surveys for customer satisfaction and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Pros
- Low rates
- Low number of complaints
- Ranks high for customer service
Cons
- No agent network
- Not ideal for those who aren’t great with technology
Best for Usage-Based Savings: American Family Insurance
If you’re chasing savings on auto insurance, but don’t want to skimp on coverage, then you may find what you’re looking for with American Family Insurance — specifically its usage-based insurance program.
Similar to other usage-based platforms, American Family’s KnowYourDrive uses an app to track your driving behavior and prices your policy accordingly. However, this particular telemetric program “offers up to a 20 percent discount based on how safe a driver you are.” That’s a significant savings for coverage that is already regarded to be affordable.
You can further drive down the cost of auto insurance by enrolling in autopay, paying your premium in full, and going paperless. American Family also offers discounts to those who drive less than 7,500 miles each year, have good driving records, and complete a defensive driving course. This is in addition to the usual roundup of discounts for multiple policies, bundling, loyalty, and vehicle safety features.
The primary drawback to American Family Insurance is that the provider is only licensed in 26 states. These include Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Obviously, if you live outside of American Family’s coverage area, you’ll need to use another underwriter. Yet if you do reside in one of these states, then this company may well offer you some of the best full coverage insurance at a reasonable price.
American Family Insurance is among the largest underwriters in the U.S. — ninth overall, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Moreover, it has few complaints with the NAIC for such a large company, and it receives high marks for customer satisfaction in both the Southwest and North Central regions of the U.S., according to J.D. Power. The provider also has an A rating with the BBB.
Pros
- Usage-based pricing available
- Multiple policy discounts available
- Excellent record of customer service
Cons
- Not available in all 50 states
Best for Discounts: Travelers Insurance
Motorists who prioritize auto insurance companies by the number of discounts they offer may find a friend with Travelers Insurance. This carrier provides its policyholders with multiple ways to save money on their premiums.
You can get a discount for smart account management such as paying in full, paying regularly, enrolling in autopay, and keeping your vehicle continuously insured. Likewise, safe drivers, good students, homeowners, and those who complete an approved driver education course will enjoy additional savings to boot. New cars earn a discount, too, as do hybrids and electric cars.
Those with good driving habits can enroll in the Travelers Intellidrive program. This app-based monitor tracks behaviors like speed, acceleration, braking, and more to help you save on the cost of “your car insurance policy’s first term.”
Besides its standard full coverage offering, Travelers provides a wide variety of additional protections including gap insurance, rental coverage, roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, new car replacement, umbrella insurance, and named non-owner. This insurer also features rideshare coverage to gig workers in Colorado and Illinois.
Unfortunately, this provider is only licensed to underwrite policies in 42 states. Motorists in Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming will have to look elsewhere for coverage.
Travelers received high marks for customer satisfaction in the latest J.D. Power survey, and it keeps an A rating with the Better Business Bureau. What’s more, this provider has an impressively low number of complaints registered with the NAIC — only four in the last calendar year.
Pros
- Multiple policy discounts available
- Broad range of policy options
- Behavior-based pricing available
Cons
- Not available in all 50 states
- Rideshare insurance limited to Colorado and Illinois
Best for Premium Coverage: Amica Mutual
Those who are in the market for premium auto insurance may find what they’re looking for with Amica Mutual. Established in 1907, this underwriter is the oldest mutual insurer of automobiles in the U.S. And it’s stayed in business by offering customers both excellent service and prestige protections for cars and trucks.
In addition to the full coverage policies one expects, Amica Mutual also offers optional gap coverage, 24/7 roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, full glass coverage, and accident forgiveness.
Those who want prestige coverage can opt for Amica’s Platinum Choice Auto plan that features an impressive lineup of premium protections such as no-deductible glass repair or replacement, no-limit rental car insurance, and new car replacement coverage, to name a few.
Although its premiums are higher than many of its competitors, Amica does offer a lineup of discounts to help customers save money on their policies. There are discounts for being accident free, completing a defensive driving course, having safety devices installed on your vehicle, and for sound account management. You can even save up to 30 percent by bundling all of your insurance policies under one roof.
Still, despite these discounts, drivers who are on a budget and those with excellent driving records may find more affordable rates with other providers. Similarly, Uber and Lyft drivers will need to look elsewhere for coverage. But for those who value customer service or premium protections, Amica Mutual may be ideal.
Amica has a below average number of complaints lodged with the NAIC, and it regularly enjoys accolades from J.D. Power and Associate surveys. As a matter of fact, Amica won the top spot for customer satisfaction in the New England region, and it’s an accredited A+ business with the BBB.
Pros
- Prestige insurance options
- Multiple policy discounts available
- Excellent record of customer service
Cons
- Higher than average rates
- No option for disappearing deductible
- No rideshare coverage
Best for Older Drivers: The Hartford
Older adults looking for quality full coverage insurance should know about The Hartford. This well-regarded provider only underwrites policies for those over the age of 50, but there’s no age requirements for adding a spouse or partner to a policy. However, eligible policyholders must also be a member of the AARP, which costs about $16 per year.
Still, that AARP membership will save you 10 percent on your premium, which will likely cover the cost of its annual dues. Plus, you can save up to an additional 20 percent when you bundle your other insurance needs with your auto policy.
The Hartford’s AARP Auto Insurance Program includes a selection of additional perks that come standard on all full coverage policies, including roadside assistance, new car replacement coverage, no-deductible windshield repair, and up to $2,500 in reimbursements to pay for household services that you are unable to perform in the event of an accident. That’s a lot of value for older drivers, especially those on a budget.
In addition, you can choose an optional accident forgiveness clause that forgives your first car accident without increasing premiums. There’s also a disappearing deductible that reduces your collision deductible every year you maintain a clean driving record.
The Hartford has only 14 complaints logged with the NAIC, which is below average. It also has an A+ rating with the BBB. Further, this provider frequently appears in the top positions for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power surveys. In fact, it received top honors in the state of Florida in the 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, scoring 860/1,000.
Pros
- Multiple perks for policyholders
- Optional accident forgiveness and disappearing deductible
- Available in all 50 states
Cons
- Must be 50 years or older
- Must have an active AARP membership
- Few policy discounts available
Average Cost of Full Coverage Auto Insurance
The average cost of full coverage insurance is $1,204 per year, which breaks down to about $100 each month. This is according to the most recent NAIC data available, and the estimate takes into account liability, comprehensive, and collision. Drivers who live in states that require additional protections will pay more, as will residents in states where auto insurance costs are inflated.
According to a separate study published by the Insurance Information Institute, motorists in Louisiana, Michigan, and New York pay well over $1,400 per year for full coverage insurance. On the other hand, residents in Idaho, Indiana, and Wyoming pay less than $800 annually for the same coverage.
Furthermore, while these national averages are a useful tool to help you understand your potential auto insurance costs, they don’t accurately represent the rates that you’ll pay.
Insurance companies will base your personal premium on a variety of factors, including your age, credit score, driving history, and the attributes of the vehicle you’re insuring. Additionally, the types of protections you select — and their policy limits and deductibles — will also influence what you’ll pay for full coverage.
How to Save on Insurance
Having sufficient car insurance is important. While full coverage policies will give you peace of mind, they also tend to cost more than liability-only coverage. So here are a few ways to cut the cost of full coverage auto.
Shop around
The best way to save on full coverage insurance is to compare your rate with multiple providers. Prices vary widely from carrier to carrier, so it pays to shop around. Getting quotes from three to five insurance companies will undoubtedly yield a lowest price. The price cut from an initially low rate will likely save more than any other money-saving tips.
Bundle all of your policies
Policy bundling is when you bring all of your insurance needs to a single provider, and it often results in significant savings. So prioritize companies that offer a range of policies such as homeowners, auto, term life, RV, motorcycle, and so on.
Increase your deductible
When you raise your deductible, you’re essentially agreeing to pay more out of pocket when you make a claim. However, doing so will lower your insurance costs. Just remember to set aside some of the savings to cover the cost of a higher deductible (should you ever actually need to make a claim).
Usage-Based Programs
Many insurance companies now offer usage-based programs that deploy an app or other telemetric device to monitor your driving habits. Those who make wise decisions on the road are rewarded with big savings — sometimes as much as 20 percent. A few examples of these programs are Drivewise with Allstate and Snapshot with Progressive.
Take Advantage of Discounts
Auto insurers offer additional savings in the form of discounts, which are small price reductions for behaviors like smart account management or safe driving. The good news is that you can stack discounts and potentially save a nice chunk of change each month.
Here’s how to look out for discounts and which ones we’d recommend.
- Safety features: Providers discount vehicles with safety features, like anti-lock brakes and daytime running lights. Similarly, policyholders who install anti-theft devices may also earn a discount.
- Payments and billing: Those with good account-management skills can potentially enjoy discounts for enrolling in paperless billing, setting up automatic payments, and paying their premiums in full.
- Continuously insured drivers: Motorists who have been insured for six months or more will be considered “continuously insured” and receive a modest discount. But those who have held this status for multiple years may receive even more savings.
- Good student: Young drivers with good grades could get rewarded with lower premiums. Typically, a grade-point average of a “B” or better will qualify for these types of discounts.
- Safe Driving: Owners can earn discounts for being accident-free for several years, completing a defensive driving course, or making smart choices behind the wheel like not accelerating or braking too quickly.
Essential Cost Variables for Insurance
As with everything, there are a host of variables that will affect the cost of your insurance as no two people are exactly alike. With that in mind, here are the variables that’ll change the cost of your insurance.
Age
By and large, mature drivers get into fewer traffic accidents than younger drivers, especially teens. In a recent report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 25 percent of young drivers had been involved in one or more crashes. This is why motorists under the age of 25 will pay more for full coverage than their more experienced counterparts.
Gender
Many studies show that women get into fewer traffic accidents than men. They also have fewer DUIs and less serious accidents, which is why women pay less for auto insurance than men do. Yet, using gender to determine the cost of insurance is coming under increased scrutiny, and some states now forbid insurance providers from using it to forecast risk.
Credit Score
Both insurance companies, lenders, and credit card issuers use your credit score to assess risk. While a bank looks at a credit report to calculate the odds that you’ll repay a loan, an insurance provider uses it to predict the likelihood that you’ll file a claim. Motorists with good credit will generally pay less for auto insurance, than those with lower credit scores.
Still, some states have legislation that prevents carriers from issuing credit-based insurance scores, and other states place restrictions on how an insurer can interpret your credit history.
Location
Urban drivers will pay more for full coverage than motorists in smaller cities or rural areas because of the greater risk of traffic accidents, theft, and vandalism. Also, insurance costs more in some states due to insurance laws and other local risk factors.
Whether you park your car on the street or in a secured garage as well as your vehicle’s security features can further influence the cost of your premium, too.
Vehicle/Model
Besides the age and value of your vehicle, providers predict the cost of repairs and replacement and the likelihood of theft. They’ll also consider the safety record of the specific model, its safety features, and how much damage it could cause in the event of an accident.
Type of Coverage
The types of protections in your full coverage policy will impact your bottom line. For example, if your state requires personal injury protection (PIP), then that additional policy will increase the cost of your coverage.
These are the common types of policies you may find in full coverage auto insurance.
- Liability: Liability is the minimum coverage required in most states, and this policy protects you in two ways. Bodily injury liability covers someone else’s medical costs when you’re at fault in an accident, and property damage liability covers the damage to somebody else’s car also when you’re at fault.
- Comprehensive: Covers your vehicle from non-accident damage such as fire, theft, or vandalism.
- Collision: Covers damage to your vehicle caused by an accident, regardless of fault.
- Medical payments: Covers medical costs, funeral expenses, and loss of wages for both you and your passengers, regardless of fault.
- Personal injury protection: Known as “no-fault insurance” or PIP, this covers medical bills, regardless of fault. Instead of medical payments insurance, PIP is usually found in no-fault states, like California.
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist: Covers medical and property damage expenses when the at-fault motorist is inadequately insured.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q. What is full coverage auto insurance?
A. Full coverage auto insurance is a blend of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. This is in contrast to liability-only coverage, which is the bare minimum required by law in most states.
“Full coverage” is more of a catchall phrase, and each insurance company will have their own definition. For example, Progressive defines full coverage as “comprehensive and collision, plus anything else your state mandates.” Yet, Allstate takes a more broad definition, also including uninsured/underinsured motorists and either personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments in its full coverage insurance policy.
Q. How much is full coverage auto insurance?
A. The average cost of full coverage auto insurance is $100 per month, or $1,204 annually. This is according to data published by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and it represents a countrywide average premium that is based on a mix of liability, comprehensive, and collision.
Yet the cost of your full coverage insurance will depend on a number of variables, including your driving record, credit history, and age, to name a few. In addition, each state has its own insurance laws and requirements, so your state of residence will also impact your bottom line.
Q. Which company has the cheapest full coverage auto insurance?
A. State Farm has the cheapest full coverage auto insurance, according to a Policygenius survey of data from Quadrant Information Services. The average monthly cost of a State Farm policy was $98. GEICO was a close second, with average monthly premiums of $99.
Of course, some specialty or local insurance providers can often beat the nationwide carriers. As an example, USAA offers veterans and active-duty service members rates as low as $87 per month. And if you live in one of the few states where either MAPFRE or Erie Insurance operate, you may be in line for lower premiums of $87 or $94 per month.
You can find the cheapest full coverage auto insurance in your area by getting quotes from at least three providers and comparing the results. Just remember to request quotes for similar policy limits and deductibles, so that your estimates are consistent.
Q. Do I need full coverage car insurance?
A. As a rule of thumb, you’ll need full coverage when you’ve purchased a vehicle with an auto loan. Full coverage is usually required until you pay off your loan balance. You should also consider full coverage when you have a new or luxury-model automobile.
In general, you do not need it when the difference between the annual premiums for liability-only and full coverage is greater than the value of your vehicle. In other words, you can forgo full coverage when insurance costs exceed the car’s value.
Our Methodology
To choose the best companies and products for this list, the team at The Drive looked at a large number of financial products from various providers. We focused on cost, product features and options, ease of use, customer service, and past customer ratings as the most important factors in our ratings.