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State-by-State Guide to Cheap Car Insurance with Flexible Payments

Paying too much for car insurance can be stressful, especially if you need car insurance with a low down payment. This guide gives quick facts and simple tips for each state so you can save money and choose flexible payment options that fit your budget.

This guide gives quick facts and simple tips for each state so you can save money and choose flexible payment options that fit your budget. Find out how easy saving on your next policy can be!

Factors That Influence Car Insurance Rates by State

State laws can cause car insurance rates to change a lot. States like Michigan require more coverage, so their prices are higher. Others, like Maine and Vermont, have fewer accidents.

They often offer cheaper rates because less risk means lower costs for companies.

Weather plays a big part too. States with lots of storms or hail claims see higher payments. Urban areas often have more crashes and thefts than rural places; this pushes rates up in cities such as Los Angeles or Miami.

The type of roads and local repair costs matter as well.

Where you live is one of the biggest factors affecting your car insurance rate, says the Insurance Information Institute.

Each state sets its own rules about minimum coverage and no-fault laws. These differences affect how much drivers pay monthly, even if they drive the same kind of car.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates by State

Moving from the factors that affect car insurance rates, it helps to see which states offer the cheapest insurance. The table below highlights the average annual cost for minimum coverage in each state, based on 2024 data.


Rank

State

Average Annual Premium (Minimum Coverage)

Sample Cheap Provider

1

Vermont

$355

GEICO

2

Ohio

$367

Progressive

3

Maine

$371

State Farm

4

Idaho

$382

GEICO

5

Iowa

$390

Auto-Owners

6

Wisconsin

$396

Progressive

7

Hawaii

$406

GEICO

8

New Hampshire

$412

Liberty Mutual

9

North Dakota

$417

State Farm

10

Wyoming

$421

Farmers

11

South Dakota

$432

Farmers

12

Montana

$443

Progressive

13

North Carolina

$448

Nationwide

14

Pennsylvania

$462

GEICO

15

Alaska

$471

State Farm


These figures reflect average rates for basic policies. Providers may vary in each state. Rates often change based on age, driving record, and ZIP code.

Flexible Payment Options for Car Insurance

In many states, rules and high premiums make it hard to secure very cheap car insurance with no deposit. However, some insurers offer low-down-payment plans or payment flexibility. Comparison tools can help identify policies with minimal upfront costs.

Many car insurance companies let you pick a payment plan that works for you. You can often pay each month, every six months, or once a year. Some companies offer discounts if you pay the full amount at once.

Others may add small fees to monthly payments.

Online and mobile app payments make things easier for busy drivers. Some car insurers also allow automatic payments from your bank account or credit card. Many accept checks, cash, or money orders as well.

Check with your insurer to see all options in your state.

Low-income car insurance programs help those who need more savings and support.

Low-Income Car Insurance Programs by State

Some states offer special car insurance programs for low-income drivers. These programs help drivers get the coverage they need at lower costs.


State

Program Name

Eligibility

Coverage Options

Key Facts

California

California Low Cost Auto Insurance (CLCA)

Low-income drivers. Must have a good driving record. Income less than $32,200 for a single person in 2024.

Liability only. Meets state minimums. Optional uninsured motorist and medical payments.

Annual premiums start at $241 in Los Angeles County. Only available for vehicles worth less than $25,000.

New Jersey

Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP)

People eligible for federal Medicaid with hospitalization. Must have a valid driver's license.

Limited coverage. Emergency medical only. No liability or theft protection.

Costs $365 per year. Designed for those who cannot afford standard insurance.

Hawaii

Hawaii Assistance to the Aged, Blind and Disabled Program

Must be a participant in the state's public assistance programs.

Basic liability coverage as required by law.

Helps vulnerable residents stay insured and legal on the road.

Maryland

Maryland Automobile Insurance (MAI) Fund

Drivers refused by private insurers. Must meet income requirements.

Basic liability, PIP, and uninsured motorist.

Payment plans available. Serves as insurer of last resort.

Other States

No specific state program

N/A

N/A

Low-income drivers can try non-standard insurers or seek discounts through private companies. Some states offer payment plans or discounts for safe driving and good grades.

Tips to Lower Car Insurance Costs

Car insurance can be expensive. Here are some easy tips to help lower the costs.

  1. Shop around for quotes from different companies. Comparing prices can reveal better deals.
  2. Increase your deductible amount. A higher deductible usually lowers your monthly premium.
  3. Bundle your car insurance with home or renter's insurance. Many companies offer discounts for bundled policies.
  4. Look for discounts on safe driving records. Maintaining a clean driving history can earn you savings.
  5. Take a defensive driving course. Completing this course often leads to lower insurance rates.
  6. Maintain good credit scores. Insurers often charge less to those with better credit ratings.
  7. Drive less and use public transportation when possible. Fewer miles can lead to reduced premiums.
  8. Consider pay-per-mile insurance if you drive infrequently, as it may save you money.
  9. Review your coverage regularly and adjust if necessary, ensuring you only pay for what you need.
  10. Ask about group insurance plans through employers or organizations, which may offer lower rates.

Following these tips can help reduce car insurance costs significantly while keeping essential coverage intact.

Best Car Insurance Companies for Cheap Rates

After using money-saving strategies, choosing the right insurer can save even more. The companies below offer some of the cheapest rates and flexible payment options across many states.


Company

Average Annual Rate (Full Coverage)

States Available

Payment Flexibility

Key Features

GEICO

$1,476 (2024)

All 50 States + DC

Monthly, Online, Mobile App

Good driver discounts, easy online quotes

State Farm

$1,448 (2024)

All 50 States + DC

Monthly, Pay-in-full, Mobile app, Phone

Safe driver programs, agent support

Progressive

$1,547 (2024)

50 States + DC

Flexible down payments, Bi-weekly, Monthly

Name Your Price tool, online claims

USAA*

$1,361 (2024)

All States (Military Only)

Flexible plans, Online, Phone

Military discounts, top customer reviews

Nationwide

$1,422 (2024)

46 States + DC

Monthly, Pay-as-you-go available in some states

Vanishing deductible, accident forgiveness

Erie Insurance

$1,372 (2024)

12 States (Mid-Atlantic, Midwest)

12-pay, 6-pay, Monthly

Rate lock promise, local agent service

Auto-Owners

$1,428 (2024)

26 States (Mostly Midwest, South)

Monthly, Semi-annual, Annual

Multiple policy discounts, local agents

Farmers Insurance

$1,665 (2024)

All States

Customize pay date, Monthly, Pay-in-full

Many discount options, easy online tools

*USAA is only available to military members, veterans, and their families.

Conclusion

Finding cheap car insurance can be easy. Different states offer various rates and options. Some allow flexible payments, making it simpler to manage costs. Use tips from this guide to lower your expenses.

Get the right coverage for your needs without breaking the bank.

author

Chris Bates

"All content within the News from our Partners section is provided by an outside company and may not reflect the views of Fideri News Network. Interested in placing an article on our network? Reach out to [email protected] for more information and opportunities."

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