Insurance firms base their premiums in part on data showing that older and married drivers file fewer claims. You can't change your age or get married just to save money on premiums. You should, however, take action to save money on car insurance and get the best deal possible.

Who has the most cheapest or affordable car insurance?

Three companies consistently came out on top with the lowest rates for our driver profiles among the nine insurance firms in our study: USAA, Geico, and State Farm. Be sure to compare quotes and check around to find the best car insurance deal.

1. USAA: Cheapest Overall, but You Need a Military Affiliation

USAA is difficult to beat, but you must have a military connection to be eligible for coverage. Customers give USAA high marks, and the company offers the best prices for drivers with a clean driving record and a bad credit background. If you have a speeding ticket or an accident on your driving record, USAA has the lowest premiums.

Annual USAA Car Insurance Rates:

$875 for good drivers
$1,048 for drivers with one speeding ticket
$1,220 for drivers with one accident
$1,602 for drivers with poor credit

2. Geico: Cheapest for Good Drivers and Drivers with Poor Credit

For good drivers with a clear driving record but no military involvement, Geico is the cheapest car insurance provider we find. Geico also provides better auto insurance than any of the insurers in our report if your credit history requires work.

Annual Geico Car Insurance Rates:

$1,100 for good drivers
$1,719 for drivers with poor credit

3. State Farm: Cheapest After a Speeding Ticket, Accident or DUI

If you need inexpensive auto insurance but have a spotty driving record, State Farm is a great option. According to our research, State Farm has the cheapest car insurance after a DUI. If you have a speeding ticket or an accident on your record, the prices are among the most competitive.

Annual State Farm Insurance Rates:

$1,299 for drivers with one speeding ticket
$1,405 for drivers with one accident
$1,569 for drivers with a DUI

Car Insurance for Good Drivers at a Low Cost

To calculate the average representative rates, we used good drivers as a baseline. This allows us to see how the study premiums adjust when we apply a speeding ticket or an injury to the profile, or as we lower the profile's credit score.

One of the easiest ways to get inexpensive auto insurance is to be a good driver with no incidents or tickets on your record. Clients who are safe drivers are those who auto insurance companies want on their books so they are less likely to file a lawsuit. As a result, they receive lower rates than drivers who have had previous speeding tickets or injuries.