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Cheapest car insurance in Salem, Oregon (Apr 2024)

Compare 55+ insurance companies including Progressive, Travelers, AAA, Nationwide (and more!) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Salem, Oregon.
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Amy Bobinger
Licensed Insurance Agent — Expert Insurance Editor
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Reviewed by Josh Damico, Vice President Insurance Operations
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Edited by Kianna Walpole, Expert Insurance Writer & Editor

How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Salem

In Salem, the average
auto insurance
policy costs about $136 per month for minimum coverage liability insurance, and about $156 per month for full coverage insurance—just slightly less than the
Oregon
average. On average, drivers in Salem find the lowest minimum liability coverage with Progressive at around $50 a month. Salem drivers find the lowest average rates for full coverage insurance with Clearcover at around $96 a month.
Every month, thousands of savvy car insurance shoppers in Salem, Oregon use the
trusted broker
Jerry Insurance Agency to seamlessly compare prices and procure a policy. To prove it, here are some cheapest car insurance quotes
Jerry
found for our Salem customers.

Best car insurance companies in Salem

Here's the deal: there's no one-size-fits-all "cheapest" car insurance company out there. This is precisely why it's crucial for Salem drivers to analyze
car insurance quotes
from multiple companies. This ensures you pay the best price for the coverage you need.
If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly car insurance company in Salem, you’re in luck! Jerry carried out the most extensive survey in the nation on insurance shopping in this part of the Beaver State.
In Salem, State Farm is often recognized for its competitive rates across a variety of driver profiles but customers we surveyed rated it just 4.4/5 for policy cost. Customers rated Infinity, Kemper, and AAA more highly for price—though overall ratings for Nationwide and Clearcover were also excellent at 5/5.
Let’s check out what real Salem customers had to say about these companies.
Insurance companyOverall ratingPriceClaims experienceCustomer service
State Farm
4.8
4.4
N/A
4.8
Bristol West
4.3
3.9
N/A
4
Liberty Mutual
4.2
3.3
N/A
4
Progressive
4
3.5
3.6
4.1
Geico
3.8
3.3
3.4
3.8
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How'd we get these scores?

Jerry's experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.

Best cheap car insurance quotes in Salem

Under state law, all Salem drivers must carry liability coverage which includes bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. Depending on your circumstances, full coverage might be preferred to cover damage to your own vehicle.
All Oregonians must also carry uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage as well as personal injury protection (PIP). Auto insurance companies will offer this coverage to you automatically.

Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in Salem

If you live in Salem and you drive, you are obligated to purchase at least the
state minimum car insurance requirements
for liability coverage before getting behind the wheel.
In this state, the minimum required liability coverage levels are:
  • $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
  • $20,000 per accident in property damage liability
  • $15,000 per person in personal injury protection 
  • $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist coverage
These coverages can be summed up as 25/50/20.  
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Carlos (22 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalem, OR
(Zip Code: 97305)
$157
per month
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Caroline (35 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalem, OR
(Zip Code: 97304)
carSuzuki SX4 Technology
$100
per month
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Birdie (26 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalem, OR
(Zip Code: 97302)
$195
per month
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Jessie (56 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalem, OR
(Zip Code: 97306)
carChrysler Town & Country Touring
$77
per month
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Clearcover
Melvin (40 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalem, OR
(Zip Code: 97317)
$74
per month

Do you need more than minimum coverage in Salem?

In Salem, it is common for drivers to seek higher liability coverage than what is mandated by the state's minimum requirement of 30/60/25. 
If you cause an at-fault accident, paying for the costs of someone else’s medical expenses and car repairs could easily exceed the bare minimum limits. In other words, you’d be liable for anything above your policy’s coverage limits—and this could amount to thousands of dollars if the other party’s injuries were significant. 

Cheap full coverage car insurance quotes in Salem

You can shield yourself from unexpected expenses by purchasing
full coverage car insurance
, which will cover the costs to repair or replace your own vehicle after an accident. 
Full coverage includes
comprehensive
and
collision coverage
.
  • Collision coverage covers the cost of collision-related damage, like fixing or replacing a car.
  • Comprehensive coverage pays for non-collision incidents like if your vehicle is vandalized or stolen, according to the state consumer’s guide to auto insurance.
If you have financed your car, your lender will mandate collision and comprehensive coverage to protect their investment.
Jerry helps Salem drivers find full coverage policies from the best car insurance companies at affordable prices.
Insurance coverageInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCar
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Progressive
$78
Ollie, 48
Zip: 97302
Ford Escape SE
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Allstate
$350
Winifred, 23
Zip: 97301
Mitsubishi Lancer ES
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Travelers
$85
Fred, 28
Zip: 97301
Chrysler Town & Country LX
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Safeco
$115
Belle, 28
Zip: 97305
KIA Sportage LX
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Mercury
$205
Lucile, 35
Zip: 97317
Infiniti M37
coverageLast Updated Apr 15, 2024
The easiest and fastest way to find the cheapest car insurance for your preferred coverage option is to compare car insurance rates online.
Jerry,
a top insurance agency
, offers a free app that compares car insurance quotes and provides end-to-end service to customers with the help of 100+ licensed insurance agents.

Cheapest uninsured motorist coverage quotes in Salem

Salem drivers must carry u
ninsured motorist bodily injury protection
with limits that match the state liability limits—$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

Cheapest personal injury protection (PIP) quotes in Salem

Drivers in Salem must also carry at least $15,000 of
personal injury protection (PIP)
. That’s the limit per person involved in the accident, and PIP can cover medical expenses, lost wages, or even funeral expenses.
One more note: Salem is located in Oregon, which is unique among at-fault states. You can sue another driver for damages (including pain and suffering) if they were at fault in the accident without any threshold that must be met first.
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Average cost of car insurance in Salem

After analyzing scores of insurance providers in Salem, we have discovered that the average price for minimum liability coverage amounts to be $136 per month or $1,632 per year. Additionally, residents of Salem can expect to pay an average of $156 per month or $1,872 per year for full coverage insurance.
While it's useful to understand average insurance rates to estimate your personal insurance costs, it's important to note that individual insurance premiums are influenced by numerous factors. These factors may include vehicle type, driving history, claims record, and other key demographics.

Average cost of car insurance in Salem by zip code

The cost of car insurance in Salem can greatly differ depending on your specific zip code. Each individual zip code within Salem has its own unique driving risks which directly factor into your insurance quotes. Living in a neighborhood notorious for higher rates of car thefts and accidents increases its risk profile, thereby increasing premiums.
In short, the degree of risk tied to your zip code is a key determinant of whether your coverage will come with a higher or lower price tag.
Zip CodeAverage State Minimum Coverage RateAverage Full Coverage Rate
97301
$108
$184
97302
$111
$131
97304
$92
$142
97305
$133
$170
97306
$111
$188
97317
$155
$187

Car insurance quotes in Salem by rating factors 

Insurance companies in Salem use many rating factors when
deciding your auto insurance premium
:  
  • Your driving record and claims history: Drivers with a track record of accidents or violations generally face higher premiums than those with a clean record.
  • Your demographics: Your age, gender, and marital status can all influence the cost of your insurance rates.
  • Your location: City dwellers often encounter higher premiums compared to rural residents due to factors like increased crime rates and higher population density. 
  • Your mileage: High annual mileage can result in higher insurance costs.
  • The make/model of your car: Luxury, sport, and high-performance vehicles typically cost more to insure since replacement parts are more expensive.
  • Your credit score: Good credit scores are generally associated with lower insurance rates, even for identical coverage.

How do different factors impact your car insurance costs in Salem?

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Allowed (with applicable limitations): Education, occupation, employment status, gender, age, driving experience, credit history, marital status, zip code, insurance history
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Prohibited (or effectively prohibited): Oregon currently does not disallow any common insurance rating factors when calculating insurance premiums.
Learn more about the car insurance rating factors in Salem:

Cheap car insurance quotes in Salem after driving violations

Your driving history is one of the main factors that impact your insurance rate. You will be quoted higher if insurance carriers observe a history of violations or risky driving. Common driving violations that can raise your rates include: 

Cheapest car insurance in Salem after speeding ticket

Speeding comes in different sizes. In Salem, repercussions are different for speeding 1–5 MPH, 6–10 MPH, 11–15 MPH, 16–20 MPH, and 21+ MPH over the speed limit.
Speeding is classified as risky—and depending on your speed, reckless—driving behavior, so a
speeding ticket
will typically increase your car insurance premiums. Despite this, many drivers with varying speeding tickets have used Jerry to save on car insurance.   
Speeding TypeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
Speeding 11-15
Progressive
$204
Minerva, 39
Zip: 97306
KIA Sorento EX
• State Minimum Liability
Speeding 16-20
Safeco
$125
Dennis, 27
Zip: 97306
Ford Fusion SEL
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Apr 15, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Salem after DUI

A
DUI
in Salem is a serious violation and it will trigger extremely high rates for car insurance. Some companies may even refuse you coverage. 
To find a good rate for car insurance after a DUI, it’s important to
shop around and compare rates
Jerry has assisted many Salem drivers with finding affordable rates after a DUI.
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Garrett (28 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalem, OR
(Zip Code: 97301)
$119
per month
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Victor (33 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalem, OR
(Zip Code: 97317)
$219
per month

Cheapest car insurance in Salem after an at-fault accident

Your car accident history has a significant influence on your car insurance rates in Salem.
Before offering you a rate, car insurance companies must determine your level of risk. The company carefully reviews your past accidents—especially the ones where you were found at fault. If you were involved in an at-fault accident recently, there's a high chance that your car insurance rates might shoot up.
Accident typeInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance coverage
At Fault With Injury
Progressive
$330
Violet, 32
Zip: 97306
Toyota Corolla XSE
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With No Injury
Allstate
$195
Landon, 26
Zip: 97302
Hyundai Elantra SE
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Not At Fault
Safeco
$135
Lucas, 48
Zip: 97317
Land Rover Range Rover HSE
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With No Injury
Travelers
$189
Augusta, 26
Zip: 97301
Volkswagen Tiguan S
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Apr 18, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Salem after other driving violations

Speeding tickets, DUIs, careless driving, and
suspended licenses
on your driving record can all lead to rate hikes from any car insurance provider in Salem.
Here’s a list of different driving violations and how we’ve helped drivers save on their car insurance expenses after these infractions.
ViolationInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance coverage
Illegal Turn
Progressive
$70
Mina, 26
Zip: 97303
Chevrolet Suburban K1500
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Failure to Obey Signal
Nationwide
$281
Bobby, 22
Zip: 97302
Dodge Nitro SXT
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Driving on Sus. License
Safeco
$135
Adele, 48
Zip: 97317
Land Rover Range Rover HSE
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Failure to Obey Signal
Bristol West
$111
Gary, 41
Zip: 97301
GMC Sonoma
• State Minimum Liability
Improper Passing
National General
$74
Sara, 41
Zip: 97301
GMC Sonoma
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Apr 14, 2024

Cheap car insurance quotes in Salem by age

Young people and seniors generally face the highest insurance rates. 
Due to their restricted driving backgrounds, young drivers typically pay more for insurance. Drivers may experience lower rates once they turn 25, but those rates won’t last forever. Seniors also see an increase in their insurance rates once they hit their mid 70s.

Cheapest car insurance in Salem for young drivers

Car insurance can be high for everyone in Salem, but teen drivers between the ages of 16 to 19 usually receive higher-than-average rates—even if they have a clean driving record.
The likelihood of a teen driver filing an insurance claim can be quite high, as well. To stay well-protected on the roads, teen drivers should be on a policy with full coverage in case an accident occurs. Staying on a parent’s policy is an ideal way to keep those
teen car insurance
rates lower, too.
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Carlos (22 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalem, OR
(Zip Code: 97305)
$157
per month
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Teresa (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationSalem, OR
(Zip Code: 97303)
$150
per month
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Eugenia (22 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalem, OR
(Zip Code: 97302)
$281
per month
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Winifred (23 years old)
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationSalem, OR
(Zip Code: 97301)
$350
per month
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Clearcover
Charlotte (22 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalem, OR
(Zip Code: 97304)
$78
per month

Cheapest car insurance in Salem for senior drivers

In your mid-70s, you can expect your
car insurance rates
to start rising for two key reasons:
  • Higher risk of accident
  • Higher cost to recover from an accident
The reality is that older drivers in Salem are more likely to be involved in an accident. They’re also more vulnerable to injuries in an accident, which may result in significant medical costs.
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Robert (66 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalem, OR
(Zip Code: 97302)
carChevrolet Captiva LTZ
$164
per month
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Addie (65 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalem, OR
(Zip Code: 97304)
carSaab 9-3 Aero
$66
per month

Cheap car insurance quotes in Salem based on insurance history

Like your driving record and claims history, your insurance history is a significant rating factor in the eyes of insurance companies. Specifically, insurers will consider how long you have been insured and whether you’ve experienced any
lapses in coverage
Drivers who have had recent or past lapses in coverage may face higher auto insurance rates. The good news is, Jerry can help customers find savings on car insurance coverage regardless of their insured status:
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Russell (22 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalem, OR
(Zip Code: 97305)
$157
per month
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Steve (28 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationSalem, OR
(Zip Code: 97301)
carChrysler Town & Country LX
$85
per month
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Lucille (32 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationSalem, OR
(Zip Code: 97302)
carMazda CX-5 Grand Touring
$107
per month
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Cameron (28 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalem, OR
(Zip Code: 97305)
$115
per month
card cover
Clearcover
Madge (40 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalem, OR
(Zip Code: 97317)
$74
per month

Cheap car insurance quotes in for drivers with poor credit

drivers with poor credit scores often face higher insurance costs compared to those with healthier credit ratings. Even though
credit scores
don’t directly affect how well you drive, insurance companies have observed a relationship between low credit and an increased frequency to file claims.
Generally, drivers with great credit scores (over 750) will pay approximately 20% less on car insurance compared to individuals with poorer scores (below 550).
Here’s how drivers with low credit scores saved with Jerry.
Credit RangeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
> 750
Progressive
$99
Tom, 29
Zip: 97303
Toyota Corolla
• State Minimum Liability
660 - 750
Safeco
$150
Emily, 24
Zip: 97303
Ford Fusion SE
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
660 - 750
Bristol West
$117
Isaac, 26
Zip: 97302
BMW X5 xDrive35i
• State Minimum Liability
550 - 659
Travelers
$189
Augusta, 26
Zip: 97301
Volkswagen Tiguan S
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
< 550
National General
$151
Helen, 38
Zip: 97304
Chevrolet Cruze ECO
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Apr 18, 2024

How to lower car insurance costs in Salem

1. Shop around and compare quotes

Different insurance companies use different rules to set your premium, and those rules are constantly changing! To make sure you always have the most affordable car insurance, experts recommend comparing quotes from at least three companies and shopping for new rates every six months. 
Jerry makes this tedious process simple! In just 45 seconds, Jerry can collect quotes from a pool of 55+ top insurance providers to help you identify the best auto insurance coverage at the best price. Better yet—Jerry provides this service for free! 

2. Hunt for car insurance discounts

Every insurance company offers
a set of discounts
, but the exact discount offered varies by company. Some common discounts include: 
  • Good driver discounts. Many insurance providers offer discounts for drivers with clean driving records and/or those who avoid filing claims for a specific period. 
  • Telematics discounts. Many companies offer easy-to-win discounts to drivers who use telematics to track their driving habits. You might even get a discount just for signing up!
  • Good student discounts. Are you a full-time student in either high school or college? Do you have a B average or better? You probably qualify for a discount from your insurance company.

3. Increase your deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage

If you’ve got full coverage car insurance, increasing your deductible is an easy way to keep your monthly expenses low without sacrificing coverage.

FAQ

How much is car insurance in Salem?

People living in Salem pay an average of $136 per month–or $1,632 per year– on state-minimum liability coverage. Full coverage in Salem costs on average $156 per month or $1,872 per year. 
With car insurance though, there’s no such thing as average. It is important to know that car insurance varies greatly based on a driver’s individual situation. Shopping around for car insurance quotes is the best way to get an accurate idea of how much you can expect to pay on insurance. Luckily, Jerry is here to take the hassle out of insurance shopping! At the click of a button, Jerry will help you compare personalized quotes from top insurance providers. Best of all, it’s 100% free.

What is the minimum car insurance in Salem, Oregon?

The state-minimum car insurance in Salem, Oregon is $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for damage to property. These coverages are commonly referred to as 25/50/20 coverage.

What is the best car insurance in Salem?

Shopping for the best coverage at the best price is important, but customer service may play a role in what insurance company you pick, too. ,
USAA
, and
Nationwide
receive good ratings from Salem drivers, based on the largest car insurance survey in the nation conducted by Jerry.
Learn more about how fellow car owners rate various insurance companies, and get free quotes in seconds with Jerry.

Methodology

The Insurance Research Team analyzes insurance products and services to drive insights and help consumers make informed purchase decisions. 
Insurance research: We analyzed over 25 million car insurance quotes; conducted the largest insurance shopping survey (over 15,000 customers surveyed and 85 carriers reviewed in the past 18 months). 
We surveyed insurance policyholders for their experience with their insurers in the following areas: (1) insurance cost (2) customer service (3) insurance buying experience (4) insurance renewal experience (5) claim experience. In addition, we asked people what they like about their insurers and what areas in which their insurers could improve. The driver characteristics used in calculating average rates for auto insurance include: single driver, single car, currently insured, clean driving record.  
For the quotes and sold policies included in this article, please note that personal information has been hidden. Not all customers find savings. 
Team: The team consists of licensed insurance agents, insurance industry veterans, and data scientists.

Meet our experts

avatar
Amy Bobinger
badge icon
Licensed Insurance Agent — Expert Insurance Editor
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars.
Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
avatar
Kianna Walpole
badge icon
Expert Insurance Writer & Editor
Kianna Walpole is an insurance writer and editor with a comprehensive background in consumer behavior and online publishing. With experience in car insurance, maintenance, and repair, she is dedicated to building informative content that helps customers reduce costs while achieving the best service. Prior to joining the Jerry editorial team, Kianna worked as a junior editor in the content marketing industry, using consumer data and key insights to create and edit content for an array of large-scale clients in the real estate, cybersecurity, and healthcare industries.
avatar
Josh Damico
badge icon
Head Of Insurance Operations
badge icon
18+ Years Experience in Insurance
Josh Damico is Jerry’s vice president of insurance operations and a licensed insurance professional with nearly two decades of experience in the industry. Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College, and has appeared on news channels including FOX and CBS to offer insurance expertise and tips to drivers across the country. His work has appeared in Business Insider, Kelley Blue Book, and Digital Insurance and been quoted in The Balance, GOBankingRates, and Inspiring Workplaces.
*Illustration only. For all the pricing information presented in this article (including various tables), please note that not all customers find savings and the information is for illustrative purposes only. Savings depend on type of car, location, policy features, driving history and other factors. Drivers who switch through Jerry save over $70/month on average.