9 Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies of 2026

This list is for drivers who want the lowest premium they can get without ending up with an insurer that is slow on claims or financially weak. We compared documented features, discounts, claims service and published prices on each insurer's own pages in November 2026. Rankozo weights value at 40%, features at 35% and ease of use at 25%. Car insurance is priced per driver, so most insurers do not publish a starting price; where an insurer does publish a floor or an average, we quote it word for word, and the rest are marked as pending. Your own quote depends on your state, car, age and driving record, so use this list to pick which three or four insurers to quote.

1. 01Top value

   

   Progressive

   9.0/10

   National auto insurer that sells online, by phone and through agents, with usage-based pricing and a built-in rate comparison tool.

   Price

   Customper month, average liability-only policy

   Progressive's published average for a liability-only policy is $87.56 a month in low-cost states, $112.80 in medium-cost states and $165.02 in high-cost states; your quote depends on your profile

   “The average cost of Progressive car insurance ranges from $87.56 per month in low-cost states to $165.02 per month in high-cost states for a liability-only policy.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   8.8

   Features (35%)

   9.0

   Ease of use (25%)

   9.2

   Best forDrivers in most states who want a low liability price, many discounts and 24/7 claims from a large, A+ rated insurer.

   Progressive is the easiest large insurer to price before you call anyone. Its auto page states that a liability-only policy averages $87.56 a month in low-cost states, $112.80 in medium-cost states and $165.02 in high-cost states, and it lists which states sit in each group. That is more cost detail than any other carrier on this list publishes. The discount list is long: multi-policy, accident-free and claim-free, online signing, paying in full, paperless, autopay and several student discounts, and Progressive says customers earn an average of 7. Snapshot prices you on how you actually drive, and the Name Your Price tool shows coverage options for a budget you set. Progressive is rated A+ by A.M. Best, offers 24/7 claims support online and by phone, and says more than 40 million drivers use it. The trade-offs are that the published averages cover liability only, and Snapshot can work against drivers with hard braking or late-night trips.

   • ✓Publishes average monthly costs by state group, which few insurers do
   • ✓Rated A+ by A.M. Best
   • ✓Customers earn an average of 7 discounts, applied automatically

   • ✕Its published averages are for liability-only cover; full coverage costs more
   • ✕Snapshot can raise or lower your rate depending on how you drive
   • ✕Advertised savings come from customers who switched and saved, not all quotes

   Published average:

   $87.56 to $165.02 a month, liability only

   Financial strength:

   A+ from A.M. Best

   Claims:

   24/7 online and by phone

   Drivers insured:

   More than 40 million

   Bottom line: The only insurer here that publishes its own average monthly cost by state group.

   Visit progressive.com ↗

2. 02

   

   Erie Insurance

   8.8/10

   Agent-based regional insurer with a rate lock option and many coverages included in its standard auto policy.

   Price

   Check price

   See vendor pricing (USD check pending)

   US price check pending. Vendor pricing page

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   9.2

   Features (35%)

   9.2

   Ease of use (25%)

   7.6

   Best forDrivers in Erie's 12 states and Washington, DC who want stable rates and generous built-in coverage through a local agent.

   Erie is a strong pick if you live where it sells. Its insurers are licensed in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington, DC. The headline feature is ERIE Rate Lock: your rate changes only if you add or remove a car or driver or change where the car is usually parked, which matters when premiums rise every year. Erie's standard policy also includes more than many rivals: deductible-free glass repair with comprehensive, locksmith costs up to $75, personal items up to $350 and pet injuries up to $500 per pet. Accident forgiveness applies after three years, and a diminishing deductible drops $100 per claim-free year. Multi-policy discounts run 15% to 25% by state, and Erie says more than 87% of customers stay each year. The limits are geography and process: there are no published prices, and you buy through one of Erie's more than 14,500 agents.

   • ✓Rate Lock protects against routine yearly increases
   • ✓Multi-policy discounts of 15% to 25% when you insure auto and home
   • ✓More than 14,500 agents for claims help

   • ✕Licensed only in 12 states and Washington, DC
   • ✕No published prices; quotes go through an agent
   • ✕YourTurn driving rewards are not offered in KY, DC, NY or NC

   Where it sells:

   12 states plus Washington, DC

   Rate Lock:

   Yes, not in all states or programs

   Agents:

   More than 14,500

   Retention:

   More than 87% stay year after year

   Bottom line: Rate Lock keeps your premium flat unless your cars, drivers or garaging address change.

   Visit erieinsurance.com ↗

3. 03

   

   State Farm

   8.6/10

   The largest agent network in U.S. auto insurance, with telematics and young-driver discounts.

   Price

   Check price

   See vendor pricing (USD check pending)

   US price check pending. Vendor pricing page

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   8.6

   Features (35%)

   8.6

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.6

   Best forDrivers who want a local agent, strong customer service and savings for safe or young drivers.

   State Farm combines a large agent network with two discount programs that can bring a premium down sharply. Drive Safe & Save rewards safe driving with discounts of up to 30%, though it is not offered in California, Massachusetts or Rhode Island. Steer Clear can save drivers under 25 up to 20% if they have no at-fault accidents or moving violations in the past three years, which makes State Farm worth a quote for families adding a teen. The company says it serves 96M+ policies and accounts, has more than 19,000 auto agents, and handles millions of auto claims a year, with claims filed online, in the app or by phone. It cites USA Today's America's Best Customer Service 2026 ranking. Drivers who switched saved an average of $740 in State Farm's 2025 survey of new policyholders. State Farm does not publish prices, and it does not sell gap coverage, so lease and loan holders need that elsewhere.

   • ✓USA Today's America's Best Customer Service 2026
   • ✓Switchers save an average of $740, per State Farm's 2025 survey
   • ✓Mutual company owned by policyholders

   • ✕Does not publish prices; says cost depends on your profile
   • ✕Drive Safe & Save is not available in CA, MA or RI
   • ✕Does not sell gap insurance

   Agents:

   More than 19,000

   Telematics discount:

   Up to 30% with Drive Safe & Save

   Young driver savings:

   Up to 20% with Steer Clear

   Policies and accounts:

   96M+

   Bottom line: Up to 30% off for safe driving plus up to 20% off for clean drivers under 25.

   Visit statefarm.com ↗

4. 04

   

   Amica

   8.5/10

   Customer-owned mutual insurer known for service, with dividend policies in some states.

   Price

   Check price

   See vendor pricing (USD check pending)

   US price check pending. Vendor pricing page

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   8.2

   Features (35%)

   8.8

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.6

   Best forDrivers who put claims service and financial strength first and want some premium back through dividends.

   Amica fits the angle of this list best on service and stability rather than the lowest headline price. It is a mutual insurer owned by its customers, and its auto page notes over 100 years of A ratings for financial strength from AM Best, currently A+ (Superior). Amica says 94% of its auto and home customers stay each year and that its representatives have more than twice the industry-average experience. The savings come from three places: bundling discounts of up to 30%, the StreetSmart safe-driving program at up to 20% off, and dividend policies that can return part of your premium at every renewal. Dividends are not guaranteed, are not offered in every state, and you must still be a policyholder when they are declared. Amica does not publish prices, so you need a quote to compare. Phone representatives are available 24/7, and auto quotes can be started online.

   • ✓94% of auto and home customers stay each year
   • ✓A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best
   • ✓Representatives with over twice the industry-average experience, per Amica

   • ✕No published prices
   • ✕Dividends are not guaranteed and not offered in every state
   • ✕Top bundle discount needs auto, home and a third product line

   Financial strength:

   A+ (Superior) from AM Best

   Retention:

   94% of customers stay each year

   Safe driving discount:

   Up to 20% with StreetSmart

   Ownership:

   Mutual, customer owned

   Bottom line: A mutual insurer that can pay dividends back to auto policyholders.

   Visit amica.com ↗

5. 05

   

   Lemonade Car

   8.4/10

   App-based car insurance priced on how much and how safely you drive.

   Price

   $30per month

   As low as $30 a month, based on your driving profile

   “As low as $30/mo, based on your driving profile” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   8.8

   Features (35%)

   7.6

   Ease of use (25%)

   9.0

   Best forLow-mileage and EV drivers who want the lowest published starting price and app-only service.

   Lemonade Car is the only insurer here that publishes a starting price: as low as $30 a month, based on your driving profile. Its pricing uses location-based technology from the Lemonade app, so low-mileage, safe drivers pay less, and EV and hybrid owners get an extra discount plus emergency charging and charger coverage. Roadside assistance for tows, jump starts, tire changes and winching is included free, and the app can detect a crash and send help. Claims are filed in the app. Lemonade is a public insurance carrier on the NYSE and says it is rated A-Exceptional for financial stability. The catch is the data trade: depending on the state, every driver may need the app, and turning off location services can raise your price. Rideshare coverage is limited to select states and companies, and the $30 floor is a best case that depends on your car, location and driving history.

   • ✓Lowest published starting price on this list
   • ✓Roadside assistance included at no cost
   • ✓Rated A-Exceptional for financial stability, per Lemonade

   • ✕Drivers may need the app on their phones, depending on the state
   • ✕Turning off location services can affect the price in some states
   • ✕Rideshare coverage only in select states

   Starting price:

   As low as $30 a month

   Roadside assistance:

   Free

   Financial stability:

   A-Exceptional, per Lemonade

   App rating:

   4.9 stars in the App Store

   Bottom line: A published starting price of $30 a month with free roadside assistance.

   Visit lemonade.com ↗

6. 06

   

   Travelers

   8.2/10

   Large insurer sold mainly through independent agents, with 24/7 claim reporting and app-based policy management.

   Price

   Check price

   See vendor pricing (USD check pending)

   US price check pending. Vendor pricing page

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   8.2

   Features (35%)

   8.4

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.0

   Best forDrivers who want an independent agent to compare Travelers with other carriers and a strong claims team.

   Travelers sells car insurance mostly through independent agents, which helps price shoppers because the same agent can quote other carriers too. Travelers says it works with 15,000 independent agents and brokers and is the only property casualty company in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Its claims process starts with 24/7 reporting, and you can follow progress in your MyTravelers account, then receive payment electronically or by check after the deductible. The app also stores ID cards, adds or removes vehicles and tracks roadside help. Discounts include a Safe Driver Discount for households with no accidents, violations or major comprehensive claims in three to five years, a good student discount for a B average, and multi-policy savings. Optional loan or lease gap coverage is useful for financed cars, since some rivals do not sell it. Travelers does not publish prices, the safe driver discount is unavailable in California and New York, and in some states you must buy through an agent.

   • ✓Sold through independent agents who can compare other insurers
   • ✓Claim payments sent electronically or by check
   • ✓MyTravelers app handles ID cards, vehicle changes, claims and roadside tracking

   • ✕No published prices
   • ✕Safe Driver Discount is not available in CA or NY
   • ✕In some states, including California, you must buy through an independent agent

   Sales channel:

   Independent agents and direct

   Claims:

   24/7 reporting

   Gap coverage:

   Yes, loan or lease gap

   Agents and brokers:

   15,000 independent agents and brokers

   Bottom line: Gap coverage and independent agents in one large national insurer.

   Visit travelers.com ↗

7. 07

   

   AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford

   8.1/10

   Auto insurance endorsed by AARP, built for members and experienced drivers.

   Price

   $87per month

   As little as $87 a month; The Hartford says customers average $158 to $196 a month

   “With The Hartford, you can pay as little as $87 a month for car insurance.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   8.0

   Features (35%)

   8.4

   Ease of use (25%)

   7.8

   Best forAARP members and older drivers who want member discounts, accident forgiveness and lifetime repair guarantees.

   The Hartford has sold auto insurance to AARP members since 1984 and is the only auto insurer endorsed by AARP. It is unusually open about cost: you can pay as little as $87 a month, and its customers pay an average of $158 to $196 a month. Discounts are where it earns its place on a cheap list. AARP members save up to 10%, starting a quote online saves 8%, paying on time can save up to 10%, and a defensive driving course adds 5%. The TrueLane telematics program gives up to 15% for joining and up to 40% at renewal. Coverage extras suit drivers with long records: new car replacement without depreciation, RecoverCare for home help after an injury, a disappearing deductible and lifetime repair guarantees at 1,600 authorized shops. Claims are handled 24/7. The best rates need an AARP membership, and accident forgiveness requires five accident-free years with The Hartford.

   • ✓Published floor of $87 a month and published averages
   • ✓Claims team available 24/7
   • ✓Several discounts stack for safe, experienced drivers

   • ✕Member pricing requires an AARP membership
   • ✕Average customer pays $158 to $196 a month, well above the floor
   • ✕Accident forgiveness needs five accident-free years with The Hartford

   Starting price:

   As little as $87 a month

   Customer average:

   $158 to $196 a month

   AARP discount:

   Up to 10%

   Claims:

   24/7

   Bottom line: Publishes both a monthly floor and its customers' average monthly cost.

   Visit thehartford.com ↗

8. 08

   

   American Family

   8.1/10

   Mutual insurer in 19 states with two usage-based programs and large bundle discounts.

   Price

   Check price

   See vendor pricing (USD check pending)

   US price check pending. Vendor pricing page

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   8.0

   Features (35%)

   8.4

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.0

   Best forHomeowners in American Family's 19 states who want to bundle and earn savings from safe or low-mileage driving.

   American Family is worth a quote if you live in one of the 19 states it serves and own a home. It says customers who bundle home and auto can save up to 40% on both policies together, combining multiproduct, autopay, paperless and DriveMyWay discounts. DriveMyWay sets your rate from driving behavior, and households where not every eligible driver enrolls still get a 5% introductory discount. MilesMyWay is the alternative for people who drive few miles. Coverage options include accident forgiveness, diminishing deductible, gap coverage, rental reimbursement, 24/7 roadside assistance and OEM parts, and an EV package adds mobile charging and EV-trained claims specialists. American Family says it has more than 12 million customers and over 90 years in business. You can quote online or with an agent. It does not publish prices, and drivers should know DriveMyWay can raise rates for unsafe habits.

   • ✓Two separate programs for safe and low-mileage drivers
   • ✓Up to 40% off when home and auto are bundled
   • ✓Buy online or through an agent

   • ✕Available in only 19 states
   • ✕No published prices
   • ✕Unsafe driving in DriveMyWay can raise your rate

   Customers:

   Over 12 million

   Where it sells:

   19 states

   Bundle discount:

   Up to 40% on home and auto

   Usage-based programs:

   DriveMyWay and MilesMyWay

   Bottom line: A choice of two usage-based programs: one for safe driving, one for low mileage.

   Visit amfam.com ↗

9. 09

   

   Root

   7.9/10

   App-first insurer that bases rates mainly on how you drive.

   Price

   Check price

   See vendor pricing (USD check pending)

   US price check pending. Vendor pricing page

   Free plan

   No

   Value (40%)

   8.2

   Features (35%)

   7.0

   Ease of use (25%)

   8.8

   Best forGood drivers who are penalized by age or marital status pricing and want to buy in minutes from a phone.

   Root is built for drivers who believe they are safer than their age or marital status suggests. It says driving behavior is the number one factor in your rate, measured through the Root app, instead of leaning on demographics. In Root's survey of customers who bought a policy between February 2025 and February 2026, drivers who switched saved $109 a month on average, and Root says switchers can save up to $1,300 a year. Buying is fast: quote, bind and get on the road in less than 5 minutes, then file claims in the app in as little as 3 minutes. Coverage includes liability, collision, comprehensive, MedPay or PIP by state and uninsured motorist cover, with optional rental and roadside assistance sold separately. The limits are reach and data: Root is not available in all states, California and Maryland rates do not use telematics, and drivers with harsh braking or late-night trips may not see the savings.

   • ✓Switchers save $109 a month on average, per Root's 2025 to 2026 survey
   • ✓Whole policy managed in the app
   • ✓Over 3 million drivers have switched

   • ✕Not available in every state
   • ✕Telematics is not used in California or Maryland
   • ✕Roadside assistance is sold separately

   Average switcher savings:

   $109 a month

   Time to buy:

   Less than 5 minutes

   Claims:

   In the app, about 3 minutes to file

   States:

   Not available in all states

   Bottom line: Rates set mainly by your own driving, not your demographics.

   Visit joinroot.com ↗

Questions or corrections: editorial@rankozo.comSee our disclosure. Prices change; confirm on the vendor page before buying.