Finance & accounting · Ranked by price to features
10 Best Car Insurance for Older Cars of 2026
By the Rankozo research desk · Updated November 11, 2026 · Next review December 26, 2026
Progressive is the best car insurance for a 10-year-old car in 2026 because it publishes what liability-only cover costs, $87.56 to $165.02 a month on average, and that collision averages $45 a month, so you can see what dropping it saves. State Farm suits used-car owners who want an agent (switchers save $740 on average), and Lemonade Car has the lowest advertised price at $30 a month for low-mileage drivers, as of November 2026. Military families should quote USAA first.
- Tools ranked
- 10
- With free plan
- 0
- Cheapest paid plan
- Lemonade Car, $30
- per month
Comparison table
| Tool | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | 01 | 9.1 | 9.2 | Customper month, average liability-only policy | No |
| State Farm | 02 | 8.9 | 9.0 | Custompremium by quote, average savings when switching | No |
| USAA | 03 | 8.8 | 9.0 | Custompremium by quote, average yearly savings when switching | No |
| Erie Insurance | 04 | 8.7 | 9.0 | Check price | No |
| AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford | 05 | 8.6 | 8.6 | $87per month | No |
| American Family Insurance | 06 | 8.4 | 8.4 | Check price | No |
| Lemonade Car | 07 | 8.4 | 8.8 | $30per month | No |
| Allstate | 08 | 8.2 | 8.0 | Custompremium by quote, average savings when switching | No |
| Root | 09 | 8.0 | 8.2 | Custompremium by quote, monthly savings for best drivers | No |
| Dairyland | 10 | 7.6 | 8.0 | Check price | No |
Click a column to sort. Prices are the cheapest paid plan quoted from each vendor's US pricing page; "Check price" means the US price check is pending.
How this ranking works
One method for every tool. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not run hands-on tests. Value carries the most weight.
Full methodThis list is for owners of 10-year-old and second-hand cars who want to pay less without dropping coverage they still need. We compared ten US auto insurers using each company's own pages in November 2026; we compared documented features and published prices and did not buy policies. Rankozo weights value at 40%, features at 35% and ease of use at 25%. Car insurance is priced per driver, so most insurers publish no starting rate; where one publishes a price, an average or a savings figure, we show it with the source. GEICO, Nationwide and Auto-Owners were left out because their pages could not be checked from our location.
The verdict
Start with Progressive: it is the only insurer here that publishes average liability-only prices and the average cost of collision, the two numbers you need to decide how much to insure an older car. State Farm is the best alternative if you want an agent and a low-mileage discount, USAA is the first call for military families, and Erie is the pick if you keep comprehensive, because glass repair comes with the deductible waived. Low-mileage drivers should compare Lemonade Car, from $30 a month, and AARP members The Hartford, from $87 a month.
- 01Top value
Progressive
9.1/10National auto insurer that publishes its average liability-only prices by state group.
Price
Customper month, average liability-only policy
Average liability-only policy $87.56 to $165.02 a month, depending on the state group
“Car insurance on average is $87.56 per month in low-cost states, $112.80 per month in medium-cost states, and $165.02 per month in high-cost states.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 9.2
- Features (35%)
- 9.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 9.0
Best forowners of paid-off older cars who want liability-only coverage
Progressive is the most useful first quote for a 10-year-old car because it tells you, in dollars, what the main choices cost. Its own data puts a liability-only policy at $87.56 a month on average in low-cost states, $112.80 in medium-cost states and $165.02 in high-cost states, and it says collision coverage averages $45 a month. That makes the key decision for an older car easy to price: if your car is worth $2,000 and your deductible is $1,500, Progressive's own example shows collision could pay out no more than $500. Progressive also reminds owners that once a loan is paid off, the lienholder no longer requires comprehensive and collision, while liability stays mandatory in every state but New Hampshire. New customers in some states get small accident forgiveness on a first claim of $500 or less. The limits: published figures are averages, not quotes, and the rate depends on many factors including your credit-based insurance score.
- ✓The only insurer here that publishes average liability-only prices by state group
- ✓Publishes the average cost of collision ($45 a month), so you can judge whether to keep it
- ✓Explains the value-versus-deductible test with worked examples
- ✕Averages are not quotes; your price depends on age, location, record and credit-based insurance score
- ✕Small accident forgiveness is limited to new customers in some states
- ✕Liability-only averages exclude any cover for damage to your own car
- Average liability-only cost:
- $87.56 to $165.02 a month by state group
- Average collision cost:
- $45 a month
- Customers adding collision:
- 80%
- Small accident forgiveness:
- First claim of $500 or less, new customers in some states
Bottom line: Progressive is the best car insurance for older cars because it publishes average liability-only prices from $87.56 a month and the $45 average cost of collision, so you can see what dropping coverage saves. Get its quote first, then compare.
- 02
State Farm
8.9/10The largest agent-based auto insurer, with telematics and low-mileage discounts.
Price
Custompremium by quote, average savings when switching
Premium by quote; drivers who switch save an average of $740, State Farm says
“Drivers who switch to State Farm save an average of $740.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 9.0
- Features (35%)
- 8.8
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.8
Best forused-car owners who want a local agent and a low-mileage discount
State Farm is a strong fit for second-hand car owners who prefer to talk the decision through with an agent. Its auto page lists the full range of coverages, from liability through comprehensive, collision and uninsured motorist, so an agent can strip a policy back to liability on an old car or keep comprehensive for theft and hail. The savings claims are specific: drivers who switch save an average of $740, Drive Safe & Save can lower premiums by up to 30%, and bundling auto with renters could save up to $900. Low mileage is listed among its lesser-known discounts, which helps owners of a second car that rarely leaves the driveway. To quote, State Farm asks for the car's year, make, model, VIN and mileage. What it lacks is published price data: there is no starting rate or liability-only average on its pages, so you need a quote to compare it with Progressive.
- ✓State Farm says switchers save an average of $740
- ✓Agents can walk through dropping collision on an older car
- ✓Serves 96M+ policies and accounts
- ✕No published starting price or liability-only average
- ✕Drive Safe & Save savings depend on driving data
- ✕Discounts vary by state and need an agent conversation
- Average savings when switching:
- $740
- Drive Safe & Save:
- Up to 30%
- Auto and renters bundle:
- Up to $900 savings
- Policies and accounts:
- 96M+
Bottom line: State Farm is the best choice for used-car owners who want an agent, because switchers save an average of $740 and Drive Safe & Save can cut up to 30%. Ask your agent about the low-mileage discount.
- 03
USAA
8.8/10Auto insurer for the military community, with mileage-based and storage discounts.
Price
Custompremium by quote, average yearly savings when switching
Premium by quote; members saved an average of $960 a year after switching, USAA says
“A survey showed that our members saved an average of $960 per year when they switched to USAA Auto Insurance.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 9.0
- Features (35%)
- 8.8
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.6
Best formilitary members and veterans with an older or rarely driven car
If you are eligible, USAA deserves a quote for any older car. A USAA survey found members saved an average of $960 a year when they switched, and two driving programs target the costs that matter on an aging vehicle. SafePilot Miles adjusts the monthly rate by mileage, with up to 20% savings for lower mileage and up to 20% more for safe driving, while SafePilot gives up to 15% off on enrollment. A storage discount lowers the premium on a car you put away for a season, and garaging on base can save up to 15%. The app handles ID cards, coverage changes and roadside requests. The limit is eligibility: USAA Auto Insurance is for active-duty military, Guard and Reserve members, honorably served veterans, contracted ROTC cadets and eligible family. SafePilot is not offered in California.
- ✓Members saved an average of $960 a year after switching, per a USAA survey
- ✓A storage discount suits a seldom-used older car
- ✓Two telematics programs, one priced by mileage
- ✕Only for active-duty military, Guard and Reserve, honorably served veterans, ROTC cadets and eligible family
- ✕SafePilot is not available in California
- ✕Telematics discounts need a mobile app for each driver
- Average savings when switching:
- $960 a year
- SafePilot Miles:
- Up to 20% for lower mileage
- Members:
- 14 million
- On-base garaging discount:
- Up to 15%
Bottom line: USAA is the best choice for military families with an older car because SafePilot Miles saves up to 20% for lower mileage and members saved $960 a year on average after switching. Everyone else is not eligible.
- 04
Erie Insurance
8.7/10Regional agent-sold insurer whose base auto policy includes extras other insurers charge for.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 9.0
- Features (35%)
- 8.8
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.0
Best forolder-car owners in Erie's states who keep comprehensive coverage
Erie suits owners who decide to keep comprehensive on an older car, because its comprehensive coverage includes more than most. Glass repair is included with the deductible waived, locksmith costs are covered up to $75, and with physical damage coverage personal items in the car are covered up to $350. If your pet is hurt in a crash, Erie helps with vet costs up to $500 per pet. The optional Diminishing Deductible lowers your deductible by $100 for each claims-free year, up to $500 off. Erie also gives a clear rule for deciding when to drop comprehensive, citing the Insurance Information Institute: multiply the comprehensive premium by 10, and if the car is worth less, it may be time to drop it. Erie sells through its more than 14,500 agents, not all coverages apply in every state, and it publishes no prices, so we could not verify a rate.
- ✓Comprehensive on an old car still pays for glass repair with no deductible
- ✓Pet injury cover up to $500 per pet in an accident
- ✓Erie's guide gives a simple test for when to drop comprehensive
- ✕Not all coverages and benefits apply in every state
- ✕No published prices; quotes go through an agent
- ✕YourTurn rewards are not available in KY, DC, NY or NC
- Diminishing Deductible:
- $100 per claims-free year, up to $500
- Locksmith cover:
- Up to $75
- Agents:
- More than 14,500
- Personal item cover:
- Up to $350
Bottom line: Erie is the best choice for older-car owners who keep comprehensive, because glass repair comes with the deductible waived and locksmith costs are covered up to $75. Ask an Erie agent which benefits apply in your state.
- 05
AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford
8.6/10Auto insurance program for AARP members, sold by The Hartford.
Price
$87per month
From $87 a month
“Pay as little as $87*** a month for AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.6
- Features (35%)
- 8.6
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.4
Best forAARP members over 50 who drive an older, paid-off car
The Hartford's AARP program is a sensible pick for drivers over 50 with an older car. It advertises a price of as little as $87 a month, and its guide to full coverage versus liability says liability-only may be best for older cars that are less expensive to repair or replace, as long as you own the car outright. The Hartford says its customers pay between $121 and $162 a month on average. Discounts stack in ways you can check: up to 10% for AARP members, 8% for starting the quote online, a 5% defensive driving discount for an approved course and up to 10% for paying on time. RecoverCare helps pay for house cleaning and similar services if a crash injury keeps you from doing them. The catches are the AARP membership requirement and that coverage is not available in all states.
- ✓Published starting price of $87 a month
- ✓Its liability guide names older cars as the best fit for liability-only cover
- ✓Customers pay $121 to $162 a month on average, The Hartford says
- ✕Requires AARP membership
- ✕Coverage is not available in all states
- ✕New car replacement does not help an older car
- Starting price:
- $87 a month
- Customer average:
- $121 to $162 a month
- AARP member savings:
- Up to 10%
- Online quote discount:
- 8%
Bottom line: AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford is the best choice for AARP members with an older car because it starts at $87 a month and stacks an 8% online quote discount with up to 10% AARP savings. You need an AARP membership.
- 06
American Family Insurance
8.4/10Midwest-based insurer with usage-based programs and plain guidance on aging cars.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.4
- Features (35%)
- 8.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.2
Best forowners of 10-year-old cars who also insure a home
American Family is candid about older cars. Its guide says there are no automatic discounts for driving an older car and that premiums may not fall with age because old parts can be harder to find. It also says some clients remove physical damage coverage when the vehicle is 10 years old, and others when the car's value is less than the cost of that coverage, which is a useful benchmark for owners of a decade-old car. The policy menu covers what you need to tune a used-car policy: collision, comprehensive, gap, rental reimbursement, accident forgiveness and a Diminishing Deductible. MilesMyWay prices by mileage and DriveMyWay by driving behavior. The biggest lever is bundling, with up to 40% off when you insure home and auto together. American Family publishes no prices, so we could not verify a rate.
- ✓Its own guide says some clients drop physical damage coverage when the car is 10 years old
- ✓Bundle savings of up to 40% with home insurance
- ✓MilesMyWay suits a car that is rarely driven
- ✕No published prices
- ✕Says there are no automatic discounts for driving an older car
- ✕Coverages are not available in every state
- Auto and home bundle:
- Up to 40%
- Usage-based programs:
- DriveMyWay, MilesMyWay
- Older-car rule of thumb:
- Some clients drop physical damage cover at 10 years
Bottom line: American Family is the best choice for homeowners with an older car because bundling saves up to 40% and MilesMyWay prices by mileage. Get a quote, since no rates are published.
- 07
Lemonade Car
8.4/10App-based car insurance priced partly on how much and how well you drive.
Price
$30per month
As low as $30 a month
“As low as $30/mo, based on your driving profile” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.8
- Features (35%)
- 7.6
- Ease of use (25%)
- 9.0
Best forlow-mileage drivers of older cars who are happy to use an app
Lemonade Car is worth a quote if your older car spends most days parked. It advertises prices as low as $30 a month based on your driving profile and says its rates factor in how much you drive, so a low-mileage second car can cost less than it would on a standard policy. Roadside help is free, covering tows, jump starts, tire changes and winching, which matters more as a car ages. You can raise deductibles or change limits in the app or on the site at any time, a quick way to trim coverage as the car's value falls. The tradeoff is data: Lemonade uses location-based technology, and in some states not using the app can affect your price. Rideshare coverage is available only in select states. If you drive a lot, a mileage-based price works against you.
- ✓Lowest advertised price on this list at $30 a month
- ✓Low-mileage drivers pay less
- ✓Roadside assistance included free
- ✕Uses location data; in some states not using the app can affect your price
- ✕Rideshare coverage only in select states
- ✕The $30 price depends on your driving profile
- Starting price:
- As low as $30 a month
- Roadside assistance:
- Free
- Mileage pricing:
- Yes, factors in how much you drive
Bottom line: Lemonade Car is the best choice for low-mileage owners of older cars because it starts as low as $30 a month and includes free roadside assistance. High-mileage drivers should look elsewhere.
- 08
Allstate
8.2/10National insurer with Drivewise telematics and discounts for anti-theft devices and low mileage.
Price
Custompremium by quote, average savings when switching
Premium by quote; customers who switched saved $900, Allstate says
“Customers who switched their car insurance to Allstate saved $900¹ on their premium with various discounts.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.0
- Features (35%)
- 8.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.2
Best fordrivers switching from another big insurer who want discounts on an older car
Allstate is worth comparing if you are switching from another large insurer. It says customers who switched saved $900 with various discounts, and it breaks that down by prior insurer: $939 on average for those coming from Progressive and $928 for those coming from State Farm. Several discounts fit used cars well. Vehicles with an anti-theft device or anti-lock brakes can qualify for a discount, low mileage drivers get lower premiums, and paying the policy in full saves more. Drivewise sets a rate based on safe driving. Coverage runs from liability through collision and comprehensive, so you can drop physical damage cover when the car's value falls. The weak spot is transparency: Allstate publishes no starting price, and its savings figures describe only customers who switched and saved.
- ✓Allstate says switchers saved $900
- ✓Safety-equipment discounts apply to many older cars with anti-lock brakes
- ✓Publishes switcher savings by former insurer: $939 from Progressive, $928 from State Farm
- ✕No published starting price
- ✕Savings figures cover only customers who switched and saved
- ✕Drivewise pricing depends on driving data
- Average savings when switching:
- $900
- Switching from Progressive:
- $939 average savings
- Switching from State Farm:
- $928 average savings
Bottom line: Allstate is the best choice for drivers leaving Progressive or State Farm, who saved $939 and $928 on average, and its anti-lock brake discount fits most older cars. Compare its quote against the top three.
- 09
Root
8.0/10App-based insurer that prices policies on how you drive.
Price
Custompremium by quote, monthly savings for best drivers
Premium by quote; Root says its best drivers save up to $109 a month
“Our best drivers save up $109 a month.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 11, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.2
- Features (35%)
- 7.2
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.6
Best forcareful drivers who are happy to share driving data
Root suits careful drivers of older cars who want the price to reflect how they drive rather than what they drive. Drivers who share their driving data could qualify for a better rate, and Root says its best drivers save up to $109 a month. Everything runs in the app, from the quote to the policy and insurance cards, and Root says you can be on the road in less than 5 minutes. It reports that over 3 million drivers have switched and that its app held a 4.7-star average in the App Store as of May 2026. For a 10-year-old car, the appeal is a quick liability or full-coverage quote you can adjust on your phone. The limits are that the price depends on your driving data, Root publishes no starting rate, and its pages list fewer extras than Erie or American Family.
- ✓Root says its best drivers save up to $109 a month
- ✓Fast app quote
- ✓4.7-star app rating in the App Store as of May 2026
- ✕Price depends on sharing driving data
- ✕No published starting price
- ✕Its pages list fewer optional coverages than Erie or American Family
- Best-driver savings:
- Up to $109 a month
- Drivers switched:
- Over 3 million
- App rating:
- 4.7 stars, App Store, May 2026
Bottom line: Root is the best choice for careful drivers who want an app-only policy because its best drivers save up to $109 a month. Skip it if you will not share driving data.
- 10
Dairyland
7.6/10Budget-focused insurer for drivers who need basic coverage and flexible payments.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.0
- Features (35%)
- 7.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 7.8
Best forbudget drivers who want flexible payment terms on an older car
Dairyland is a budget option for drivers who need basic cover on an older car and want control over how they pay. Its own guide says older vehicles may cost less to insure for physical damage coverage because their market value is lower, and it walks through the deductible tradeoff with the common $250, $500 and $1,000 choices. Payment flexibility is the main draw: Dairyland offers a range of payment terms, including quarterly and six-month options, and a bigger discount if you pay the full premium upfront. Discounts include anti-theft devices, homeowners and multiple cars. Car Loan Protection works like gap insurance for a used car that is still financed. Dairyland publishes no prices, so we could not verify a rate, and its coverage list is shorter than the mainstream insurers above.
- ✓Says older vehicles may cost less to insure for physical damage
- ✓Flexible payment schedules for fixed incomes
- ✓Explains deductible tradeoffs with $250, $500 and $1,000 examples
- ✕No published prices
- ✕Its pages list fewer optional coverages than Erie or American Family
- ✕Discounts and payment terms vary by policy and state
- Payment terms:
- Quarterly, six-month and longer options
- Common deductibles:
- $250, $500, $1,000
- Phone:
- 1-800-334-0090
Bottom line: Dairyland is the best choice for budget drivers who need flexible payment terms on an older car, with quarterly and six-month options. Compare it with Progressive before buying.
What to check before you pay
Compare the car's value with the deductible
Collision pays the car's actual cash value minus your deductible. Progressive's example: a car worth $2,000 with a $1,500 deductible pays out no more than $500 on a collision claim. If that payout is close to a year of collision premium, dropping it usually makes sense.
Use the 10x rule for comprehensive
Erie cites an Insurance Information Institute test: multiply your comprehensive premium by 10, and if the car is worth less than the total, it may be time to drop comprehensive. Put the savings aside for repairs instead.
Check the loan before you cut coverage
Lienholders generally require comprehensive and collision until the loan is paid off. Once the lienholder is removed you can drop them, but liability stays required in every state except New Hampshire, according to Progressive.
Ask for mileage and safety discounts
American Family notes there are no automatic discounts for an older car, so ask. State Farm and Allstate list low-mileage discounts, USAA SafePilot Miles saves up to 20% for lower mileage, and Allstate gives discounts for anti-lock brakes and anti-theft devices.
FAQ
Which insurance is best for a 10 year old car?
Progressive is the best insurance for most 10-year-old cars. It publishes average liability-only prices of $87.56 to $165.02 a month by state group and says collision averages $45 a month, so you can price dropping physical damage cover. American Family says some clients drop that coverage when the car turns 10.
Which insurance is best for a second-hand car?
State Farm is the best choice for most second-hand cars if you want an agent, and Progressive if you want to compare prices online. State Farm says drivers who switch save an average of $740, and it quotes using the car's VIN, mileage and year.
What type of insurance is best for a used car?
Liability-only is usually best for a paid-off used car worth only a few thousand dollars, and full coverage is best if the car is financed or you could not replace it. Lienholders generally require comprehensive and collision until the loan is paid off, Progressive notes.
What is the best insurance company for older cars?
Progressive ranks first on our list for older cars, followed by State Farm, USAA and Erie. Progressive publishes average liability-only prices, State Farm offers a low-mileage discount, USAA has a storage discount and Erie waives the deductible on glass repair.
When should I drop full coverage on an older car?
Drop collision and comprehensive when the car's value is low compared with your deductible and the premium. Erie cites the Insurance Information Institute rule: if the car is worth less than 10 times the comprehensive premium, it may be time to drop comprehensive.
Is car insurance cheaper for older cars?
Not automatically. American Family says there are no automatic discounts for driving an older car, because old parts can be harder to find, but you can save by removing physical damage coverage, raising the deductible or using a low-mileage program.
What is the cheapest car insurance for an old car?
Lemonade Car has the lowest advertised price on this list, as low as $30 a month based on your driving profile. The Hartford's AARP program starts at $87 a month, and Progressive's average liability-only policy is $87.56 a month in low-cost states.
Questions or corrections: editorial@rankozo.comSee our disclosure. Prices change; confirm on the vendor page before buying.
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