Full coverage car insurance combines liability coverage with both collision insurance and comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle and finances. As Business Insider notes, full coverage “provides liability insurance and coverage for your car (collision and comprehensive)”. In practice, “full coverage” means you’re not just covering damage you cause to others, but also repairs or replacement for your own car (e.g. after an accident, theft, or weather damage).
Because it bundles multiple protections, full coverage policies cost more than minimum liability plans, often 30–50% higher on average. For example, Insurify finds the typical full-coverage auto policy runs about $182 per month, roughly 47% more than liability-only coverage. However, this extra cost can be worth it for drivers with newer or financed vehicles: it “helps you pay to repair your car after an accident you cause” because it includes collision and comprehensive in addition to liability.
Full coverage car insurance often involves comparing multiple quotes. For instance, MoneyGeek’s analysis of over 2.4 million auto insurance quotes found Travelers, GEICO, USAA and National General offer some of the cheapest full coverage policies. This illustrates the value of shopping around: comparing full coverage quotes from several providers can help you find the most affordable full coverage policy for your needs. Many insurers also offer discounts and bundling options to reduce premiums. For example, ValuePenguin highlights bundling (auto + home/renters) discounts and safe-driver perks as strengths of some carriers. Ultimately, the best policy balances coverage and price. Below, we detail the top 10 full coverage car insurance companies of 2025, along with tips on getting cheap quotes and choosing the right policy.
What Is Full Coverage Car Insurance?
Full coverage car insurance isn’t a single specific policy it’s a combination of coverages. In addition to state-required liability coverage (bodily injury and property damage), a full coverage policy typically includes both collision insurance (for crash damage to your car) and comprehensive coverage (for non-collision events like theft, vandalism, or weather-related damage). As NerdWallet explains, full coverage “is a combination that typically includes liability as well as comprehensive and collision coverage”. Collision insurance pays for repairs if your car crashes into another vehicle or object, regardless of fault. Comprehensive covers things like hail damage, falling objects, fire, theft, or hitting an animal. With full coverage, you’re protected for damage to your vehicle in addition to damage you cause to others.
Because it bundles multiple protections, full coverage can be expensive. NerdWallet cautions that full-coverage policies “can easily cost four times the price of minimum required coverage in some cases”. Still, for many drivers (especially with newer or financed cars), the extra peace of mind is worth it. Insurance experts often recommend full coverage if your car is worth over a few thousand dollars. ValuePenguin notes that if your vehicle is worth more than $5,000 or is newer than 8 years, full coverage is typically “worth it,” because collision/comprehensive premiums “cost less than your repairs after a serious accident”. On the other hand, if your car is old and low-value, you might consider dropping full coverage to save money
Why You Need Full Coverage
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Protects a financed vehicle: Lenders usually require full coverage (collision + comprehensive) until the loan is paid off. ValuePenguin explains that if you have a car loan or lease, “your lender probably requires you to have a full coverage policy”valuepenguin.com.
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Covers your own car’s damage: Unlike liability-only insurance, full coverage pays to fix or replace your own vehicle after covered losses. This includes collisions and non-collision events (e.g. storms, theft).
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Higher liability limits: Full coverage policies often carry higher liability limits than the state minimum, which can protect you from large accident claimsvaluepenguin.com.
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Insurance discounts: Full coverage plans can qualify for multi-policy and safe-driver discounts. Many insurers give reduced rates when you bundle auto with home or maintain a clean driving record
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Eligibility for special coverage: Only full coverage policies can include optional add-ons like rental reimbursement, roadside assistance, or gap insurance (useful for leased vehicles).
Most insurance advisors agree that newer cars and financed cars should carry full coverage. If your vehicle is financed, lenders “in most cases…require you to maintain full coverage on the vehicle until you pay it off”insurify.com. After a loan is paid, you can then decide based on the car’s value. In short, full coverage ensures you’re not left paying out-of-pocket if your car is damaged or totaled, which is especially important when your investment is significant.
How to Get Affordable Full Coverage Quotes
Even though full coverage is comprehensive (and costlier), there are proven ways to find affordable full coverage rates. Key strategies include shopping around, adjusting policy choices, and leveraging discounts :
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Shop multiple quotes – Prices vary widely between insurers. The Insurance Information Institute recommends getting at least three quotes from different companies (direct writers, independent agents, online insurers) to compare ratesiii.org. Personal factors (age, record, credit, location) can cause big swings in premiumsmoneygeek.com, so one company might quote cheaply for you while another is expensive.
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Ask about discounts – Many insurers offer discounts you may not be using. NerdWallet suggests looking for bundling discounts (e.g., auto + home), low-mileage or safe-driver discounts, good student discounts, and othersnerdwallet.com. Even small life changes (getting married, moving to a safer area) can trigger lower rates if you re-shopnerdwallet.com.
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Raise your deductible – A higher deductible (the amount you pay before insurance covers a claim) typically reduces your premium. The I.I.I. advises choosing a higher deductible if you can afford it, because it can “significantly lower your premium”iii.org. (Just be sure you have savings to cover the deductible in case of a claim.) For example, ValuePenguin shows that with a $1,000 deductible, comprehensive+collision cost around $78/month versus $117/month at a $250 deductible
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Review coverage on older cars – If your car’s value drops, you may not need collision/comprehensive. The I.I.I. notes it may be cost-ineffective to keep those coverages if an old car is worth less than about 10 times the premiumiii.org. Removing comp/coll when a car’s value is low can save money (though you’ll lack coverage if it’s totaled).
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Maintain a clean record – Premiums rise after tickets or accidents. If your driving record improves (old violations expire), shop again. NerdWallet suggests re-quoting after 3–5 years when an old ticket drops offnerdwallet.com.
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Compare regional insurers – Don’t ignore smaller or regional carriers. Sometimes a local mutual (e.g. NJM in New Jersey, Auto-Owners in the Midwest) can undercut big names. MoneyGeek notes that smaller insurers like National General and Amica appear on their cheapest lists
In short, getting cheap full coverage usually means comparing quotes and taking advantage of discounts. The Insurance Institute emphasizes diligence: “shop around for quotes” from different types of insurersiii.org. As NerdWallet put it, “You may find you already have the cheapest option, but prices can change. We recommend checking once a year”nerdwallet.com. By comparing quotes from multiple insurers (including online tools and agents), you can uncover the lowest full coverage rates for your profile.
Top 10 Full Coverage Car Insurance Providers of 2025
Below is our curated list of the 10 best full coverage car insurance companies, focusing on overall value (price + coverage + service) for 2025. Each entry highlights why that insurer stands out for full coverage and any special strengths or considerations. (Availability and rates can vary by state and driver profile, so always compare quotes.)
1. State Farm – Best Overall Value Full Coverage
State Farm is often the most affordable full coverage choice for the average driver. According to ValuePenguin, State Farm’s full-coverage plan averages about $134 per month, making it “the cheapest insurance company available to almost everyone”valuepenguin.com. MoneyGeek also notes State Farm as below the national average (about $121/mo in one analysismoneygeek.com). Beyond price, State Farm offers strong customer service and numerous discounts. ValuePenguin highlights its bundling discounts (auto + home/renter) and “helpful customer service after a crash”valuepenguin.com. Its mobile app and widespread local agents make claims easy. In summary, State Farm’s combination of low rates, high availability (nationwide), and good coverage options earns it a top spot in full coverage policies.
2. GEICO – Top Choice for Tech-Savvy Drivers & Discounts
GEICO is known for very competitive full coverage rates, especially for younger drivers or those with certain profiles. NerdWallet data shows GEICO offers the lowest rates for drivers with poor credit. MoneyGeek finds GEICO provides the cheapest full coverage for seniors (~$121/month) and other high-risk categoriesmoneygeek.com. Insurify’s analysis also puts GEICO in the list of cheapest overall providers (around $136/mo on averageinsurify.com). GEICO’s strength lies in its digital-first approach (easy online quoting, driving apps for discounts) and broad discounts (good-student, safe-driver, multi-car). While GEICO’s base rates can fluctuate by state, it consistently ranks among the full coverage providers with the lowest premiums for many driver profilesmoneygeek.com.
3. Progressive – Best for High-Risk and Online Convenience
Progressive stands out for drivers with high-risk profiles and for its innovative quoting tools. It often offers low rates even after violations. In fact, ValuePenguin highlights Progressive as cheapest for drivers with a DUI (about $221/mo for full coverage after a DUIvaluepenguin.com). NerdWallet and others note that Progressive’s Snapshot usage-based program and online quote comparison tool can help some drivers save. Progressive also provides easy options for SR-22 filings and 24/7 claims service. While Progressive’s rates may be average or higher for low-risk drivers, it deserves a spot here for its tech-forward service and ability to accommodate drivers who need “affordable full coverage after a DUI”valuepenguin.com. In short, if you’ve had accidents or tickets, Progressive’s competitive full-coverage quotes and online convenience can be a lifesaver.
4. Travelers – Best Discounts and Overall Reliability
Travelers frequently tops independent rankings for full coverage value. MoneyGeek names Travelers its #1 overall full coverage insurer due to a blend of price, coverage options, and servicemoneygeek.com. Its average full coverage premium is among the lowest nationwide (roughly $97/month on MoneyGeek’s analysismoneygeek.com). Travelers offers up to 17 discounts (multicar, good student, bundling, safe driver, etc.) that can dramatically cut rates. It also earns high marks for customer satisfaction and claims handling. Importantly, Travelers is available in all 50 states, making it a consistent choice. As Travelers’ own ads tout, it rewards safe driving and offers unique perks like new-car replacement and accident forgiveness at little extra costmoneygeek.com. For these reasons, Travelers is a top pick for an affordable yet comprehensive full coverage policy
5. USAA – Best for Military Families (If Eligible)
USAA is consistently at the top for affordability and service, but it’s only available to military members, veterans, and their families. According to ValuePenguin, USAA’s full-coverage rate averages just $110 per month (about $65 below the national average)valuepenguin.com. Insurify similarly shows USAA around $97/mo. Its low rates and excellent customer satisfaction make it effectively the best full coverage option for those who qualify. USAA offers all typical coverages plus specialized discounts for military service, safe driving, and new vehicles. The trade-off is eligibility: only those with military affiliation can join. But if you qualify, USAA’s unbeatable combination of cheap rates and personalized service makes it a “best full coverage car insurance company” for those familiesvaluepenguin.com.
6. Auto-Owners – Best for Adding Extra Protections
Auto-Owners is a Midwestern mutual insurer known for strong coverage options. While it’s only in about half the states, in markets where it’s available it’s hard to beat. ValuePenguin notes Auto-Owners’ full coverage plan at about $145/mo with “lots of coverage add-ons to customize your policy”valuepenguin.com. In other words, Auto-Owners lets you stack additional protections (rental reimbursement, new car replacement, etc.) without high premiums. MoneyGeek and NerdWallet also rate Auto-Owners among the top value insurers. For a driver seeking extra policy features (like extended accident forgiveness, vanishing deductible, or accident forgiveness), Auto-Owners is a standout. In summary, Auto-Owners may not have the absolute lowest base rate, but it offers affordable full coverage with excellent add-onsvaluepenguin.com, making it one of the best policies for thorough protection.
7. COUNTRY Financial – Cheapest Full Coverage Policy
For drivers in the states where it operates (mostly Midwest), COUNTRY Financial often has the lowest premiums. Insurify’s data shows COUNTRY Financial offering the cheapest average full coverage — around $60 per month in their analysisinsurify.com. That is significantly below typical rates. It’s a regional insurer, so not available everywhere, but where it is, it can save a bundle. COUNTRY Financial provides solid all-in-one policies with standard collision and comprehensive, and it also offers discounts (homeowner discount, safe driver, loyalty). The tradeoff is its limited availability. However, if COUNTRY Financial is an option for you, Insurify clearly flags it as “the cheapest full-coverage policy” on averageinsurify.com, making it a top pick for budget-conscious shoppers.
8. Erie Insurance – Best Full Coverage Service
Erie is a regional mutual insurer (primarily Mid-Atlantic and Midwest) known for excellent service and overall satisfaction. Insurify lists Erie as one of the best full-coverage insurance companies on the market, alongside State Farm and USAAinsurify.com. Erie’s rates are competitive (about $120/mo in the Insurify analysisinsurify.com) and it offers generous perks like full glass coverage and accident forgiveness on many policies. Policyholders often praise Erie’s customer service and claims handling. While Erie doesn’t serve all states, where it’s available it’s considered a top-tier full coverage provider for drivers who value service. In short, Erie’s combination of fair pricing and high-quality coverage earns it a recommendation among the best insurers for full coverageinsurify.com.
9. American Family Insurance – Strong Discounts and Overall Coverage
American Family (and its subsidiary Farmers, which share many products) is a nationwide insurer that often ranks well for full coverage. NerdWallet’s analysis lists American Family around $2,142 per year (~$179/mo) for full coverage making it competitive but not the lowest. Its strength is in discounts and policy options. American Family offers many bundling and safe-driver discounts, and it is rated highly for customer satisfaction. It also provides flexible coverage add-ons (like custom equipment coverage) that some large carriers don’t. While it may not beat State Farm or Travelers on price, American Family’s robust discount portfolio and strong service (it earned a 5-star rating in NerdWallet’s review) make it a great choice for drivers who want quality service and savings over the absolute lowest rate
10. NJM Insurance – Small Mutual, Extremely Low Rates
New Jersey Manufacturers (NJM) is a small mutual insurer available only in NJ, PA, NY, and MD, but we include it because its rates are outstanding. NJM consistently appears as one of the cheapest options in its region. Insurify’s quote data lists NJM’s average full coverage at about $93 per month. Moreover, NJM is known for excellent claims service and coverage terms for New Jersey drivers (NJ’s auto laws favor insurers who buy back totaled vehicles, etc.). If you live in an NJM service area, it’s worth getting a quote. In summary, though geographically limited, NJM combines affordable premiums with strong coverage — a rare find that earned it a spot among the top full coverage insurers by price
Factors to Consider in a Full Coverage Policy
When choosing among full coverage car insurance providers, keep these factors in mind:
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Coverage limits: Full coverage still has limits (like 100/300/100 for liability as an example). Consider higher liability limits if you can afford them, to ensure you’re fully protected in a major crash
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Deductible: Decide on a deductible level ($250, $500, $1,000, etc.). A higher deductible lowers premium but means more out-of-pocket if you claim. The Insurance Institute notes raising your deductible is an easy way to cut your premiumiii.org. (As ValuePenguin data shows, moving from a $250 to $1,000 deductible cut combined comp/collision premiums from ~$117 to ~$78 monthly.)
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Uninsured/Underinsured coverage: Make sure to include adequate uninsured motorist coverage (often part of “full coverage”), since it protects you if an uninsured driver hits you. This is mandatory in some states and highly recommended everywhere.
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Optional add-ons: Some insurers let you add rental car reimbursement, roadside assistance, gap insurance (covers the “gap” between loan balance and car value), and new-car replacement. If these matter to you, check which companies offer them cheaply.
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Provider stability and service: Look at customer ratings and financial strength of the insurer. A company may offer cheap rates, but you want it to pay claims reliably. Companies like Amica, State Farm, or Erie often have high customer satisfaction.
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Personal factors: Remember that your own profile greatly affects costs. A 25-year-old versus a 55-year-old, or a driver with a DUI versus a clean record, can change the best choice of insurer. Always get personalized quotes.
In short, the cheapest full coverage policy on paper may not be the best value if the carrier skims on service or required coverages. Balance price with coverage needs and company reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What does “full coverage” include?
A: Full coverage generally means you have liability + collision + comprehensive insurance on your policy. Liability covers damage and injuries you cause to others. Collision covers damage to your own car in an at-fault crash. Comprehensive covers other types of damage to your car (theft, weather, vandalism, hitting an animal, etc.). Together, these protect you and your vehicle both on and off the road.
Q: Do I need full coverage insurance?
A: It depends on your situation. As a rule of thumb, full coverage is recommended if your car is new, valuable, or financed. Lenders will typically require full coverage until the car loan is paid off. If your vehicle is worth more than about $5,000 or newer than ~8 years, full coverage makes financial sense because repair costs could exceed what you’d save in premiumsvaluepenguin.com. If your car is old and inexpensive, you might drop collision/comprehensive to save money. Always consider how much it would cost to repair or replace your car vs. the cost of the insurance.
Q: Which company offers the best full coverage insurance?
A: Insurify’s data highlights Erie, State Farm, and USAA as some of the top full-coverage insurersinsurify.com. These companies strike a good balance of price and service. State Farm and USAA (if you’re eligible) tend to have very low rates for most drivers, while Erie is known for excellent claims service. However, “best” can vary by driver. The smartest approach is to compare quotes from a few of the top-rated carriers listed above to see who offers you the lowest rate for comparable coverage.
Q: Which company offers the cheapest full coverage policy?
A: According to recent analyses, Country Financial offers the lowest average full coverage rates (around $60/month in one study)insurify.com. Auto-Owners is another very cheap option (about $74/mo). Among large nationwide insurers, Travelers and GEICO often have the lowest average full coverage premiums. (Note that USAA’s rates are even lower, but it’s only available to military families.) Remember, actual quotes depend on your profile, so use these as a guide but always get personalized quotes for the best deal.
Q: How long should I keep full coverage?
A: Generally, keep full coverage as long as your car has significant value. If you financed your vehicle, you’ll likely need to maintain full coverage until the loan is paid offinsurify.com. Once it’s owned outright, compare the annual insurance cost to the car’s value. For an older car worth only a few thousand dollars, it may make financial sense to drop collision/comprehensive and save on premiums, since repairs or claims payouts might exceed the remaining value of the carvaluepenguin.cominsurify.com. A common guideline is to consider dropping full coverage when the car’s value approaches the cost of replacing it out-of-pocket.
Q: How can I get quotes for the best full coverage policy?
A: The best way is to gather quotes from multiple insurers. Use online comparison tools or work with an agent to get quotes that match your desired coverages. Include all major carriers (State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, etc.) plus regional insurers. Make sure each quote has the same coverage limits and deductibles so you can compare apples-to-apples. Don’t forget to factor in available discounts. According to the Insurance Institute, “get at least three quotes” from different types of companies to find the best rateiii.org. Reviewing quotes annually can help you adjust coverage and switch carriers if a better deal appears.
Q: What is the difference between full coverage and minimum insurance?
A: Minimum (liability) insurance only covers damages you cause to others, at the lowest required limits. Full coverage includes that liability plus collision and comprehensive to cover your own vehicle. Liability-only will not pay to repair your car if you crash it. Therefore, full coverage costs more but offers much broader protection. Most experts say liability-only is risky unless your car’s value is very low.
Q: Is full coverage worth it?
A: It can be worth it if you need the extra protection. If your car is relatively new or expensive, the cost of full coverage is often justified by the avoided expense of a repair or replacement after an accident. For example, Insurify notes that repairing or replacing a bumper after a moderate accident can easily run into the hundreds or thousands of dollarsinsurify.com, which might exceed what you save by cutting coverage. However, for an old car that’s nearly paid off and low in value, skipping collision/comprehensive can save money in the long run. Consider your finances and risk tolerance: full coverage provides peace of mind at a higher cost, whereas liability-only is cheaper but offers much less protection.
Conclusion
Choosing the right full coverage car insurance means balancing cost with coverage quality. We’ve outlined the top full coverage providers of 2025 from budget leaders like State Farm, USAA, and Country Financial to service-focused insurers like Erie and Travelers. Remember to always compare quotes for your specific situation and take advantage of discounts (bundling, safe driving, etc.) to keep premiums affordablenerdwallet.comiii.org.
A good full coverage policy will give you peace of mind that your car is protected against collision, theft, weather events, and more, while also covering liability for others. As MoneyGeek advises, review quotes periodically and adjust as needed to get the best valuemoneygeek.comnerdwallet.com.
