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Cheapest car insurance in Chester, South Carolina (Oct 2024)

Compare 55+ insurance companies including Progressive, Travelers, AAA, Nationwide (and more!) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Chester, South Carolina.
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Kianna Walpole
Expert Insurance Writer & Editor
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Reviewed by Josh Damico, Vice President Insurance Operations
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Edited by Amy Bobinger, Licensed Insurance Agent — Expert Insurance Editor
Chester Car Insurance: Quick Facts
  • Chester, South Carolina drivers pay an average of $253/month for full coverage policies.
  • Chester, South Carolina drivers pay an average of $124/month for liability-only policies.
  • Car insurance in Chester is generally cheaper than the state average.
  • All Chester drivers are required to carry 25/50/25 in liability coverage. Uninsured motorist and personal injury protection are offered, but can be declined.
Boasting annual parades, community festivals, and local events, the small population and close-knit atmosphere of Chester,
South Carolina
make it a quintessential location for those looking for a quieter lifestyle.
Along with its close proximity to the North Atlantic Ocean, Chester’s short 3.5-hour drive from locations such as Myrtle Beach and Oak Island help drive its appeal—but also increase the likelihood of natural disasters.
According to the
South Carolina Emergency Management Division
, South Carolina is ‘one of the most vulnerable states’ for hurricanes and tropical storms. With such high chances of severe weather, a robust
car insurance
policy is necessary. 
Most drivers in Chester pay approximately $253/month for a full coverage policy—and while this may seem high, drivers can work with
Jerry
to help find the coverage they need for cheaper than average rates.

How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Chester

In Chester, the average
auto insurance
policy costs about $124 per month for minimum coverage liability insurance, and about $253 per month for full coverage insurance. Chester drivers pay less than the
South Carolina
average.  
To find the best
car insurance
rate in Chester, South Carolina, the best thing to do is to
shop around
and compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the cheapest rate for the coverage you need.
Jerry
Insurance Agency takes pride in providing thousands of South Carolina drivers with a fast and seamless insurance shopping experience—including cross-company quote comparisons.
Insurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance coverage
Travelers
$147
Edward, 47
Zip: 29706
Toyota Camry LE
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
State Auto
$156
Lula, 34
Zip: 29706
Nissan Pathfinder LE
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Gainsco
$342
Barry, 26
Zip: 29706
Nissan Altima 2.5
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
The General
$148
Rose, 45
Zip: 29706
Lexus ES 350
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Oct 7, 2024

Best car insurance companies in Chester

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could window shop for car insurance? Luckily, you can! Because there’s no one-size-fits-all insurer for every driver, shopping around and finding the best insurance company can help you save on insurance. Aside from the cost, you also want an insurer with a good reputation for other factors, such as claims handling and customer service. 
To uncover the truth about insurance shopping in the Palmetto State—and the nation—Jerry administered the largest insurance shopping survey in the United States. 
While State Farm is one of the biggest insurers across the country, policyholders in South Carolina aren’t so impressed. They gave State Farm just 3.2/5 for price and gave an overall rating of 3.6/5. On the other hand, customers rated Auto Owners, State Auto, ROOT, and Travelers highly, giving them high marks for price, customer service, claims process, and overall satisfaction. 
Here’s how Chester drivers ranked different insurance providers on a scale of 0 to 5. 
Insurance companyOverall ratingPriceClaims experienceCustomer service
Progressive
4.4
4
4.2
4.3
Geico
4
3
4
4.3
State Farm
3.9
3.4
3.2
3.9
USAA
3.8
3.5
N/A
4
Liberty Mutual
3.5
2.7
N/A
3.3
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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 Chester

If you’re planning to drive in Chester, South Carolina, you’ll need car insurance that meets the state-mandated limits. Opting for minimum coverage not only helps you comply with the law, but it also offers the cheapest monthly payments. 
Although drivers are only required to carry minimum liability coverage, it’s often insufficient. Purchasing a full coverage policy provides greater financial protection by helping to cover costs associated with an accident, whether at fault or not.

Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in Chester

To legally drive in South Carolina, you must have a car insurance policy that complies with the state’s minimum liability and
uninsured motorist coverage
South Carolina insurance follows a 25/50/25 rule for minimum liability coverage. Drivers in South Carolina must have a minimum of:
Meeting the minimum liability insurance coverage in South Carolina can help keep your monthly payments low—but if you’re at fault in an accident that causes injury or property damage while driving, it might not be enough.
Jerry has helped lots of South Carolina drivers fulfill the state’s minimum car insurance requirements.
card cover
Mayme (37 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationChester, SC
(Zip Code: 29706)
carHonda Civic EX
$73
per month
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Carl (45 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationChester, SC
(Zip Code: 29706)
carLexus ES 350
$152
per month
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Delia (32 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationChester, SC
(Zip Code: 29706)
carChrysler Town & Country Touring
$144
per month

Do you need more than minimum coverage in Chester?

South Carolina’s 25/50/25 minimum car insurance requirements are reasonable. Whether you opt for higher liability limits or purchase full coverage insurance, most drivers require extra protection.
South Carolina is an at-fault state, so in the event of an accident, you could be responsible for vehicle repairs and medical expenses well beyond your minimum coverage. Serious injuries to another person or extreme vehicle damage can incur costs of $50,000 or more—and you’ll be on the hook for paying anything over your policy limits.
On top of that, liability coverage only covers others’ injuries and damages—not your own. Without additional coverage, you’ll have to pay for your own medical expenses and vehicle damage.
The bottom line: Upgrading your policy limits is the way to go. Look into full coverage or opt for 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 liability coverage.

Cheap full coverage car insurance quotes in Chester

When it comes to repairing or replacing your vehicle after an accident, full coverage car insurance is the only way to ensure financial protection.
Comprehensive
and
collision coverage
make up a full coverage car insurance policy. 
  • Collision coverage takes care of the repair or replacement expenses if your vehicle is damaged from an accident with another vehicle or stationary object
  • Comprehensive coverage helps cover the cost of repair or replacement if your vehicle is stolen or damaged due to non-collision incidents.
If you lease or finance your vehicle, your lender will likely require you to have collision and/or comprehensive.
South Carolina driving laws also required uninsured motorist coverage equal to the minimum amount of liability coverage (25/50/25). 
Drivers in Chester have found affordable full-coverage insurance policies with Jerry.
Insurance coverageInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCar
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Progressive
$162
Thomas, 45
Zip: 29706
Lexus ES 350
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
State Auto
$156
Lula, 34
Zip: 29706
Nissan Pathfinder LE
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Dairyland
$318
Effie, 30
Zip: 29706
KIA Sorento LX
coverageLast Updated Oct 10, 2024
Finding affordable car insurance doesn’t have to be like finding a needle in a haystack. With a comparison app and licensed
insurance broker
like Jerry, you can find the coverage you need at the most affordable rates in minutes. And with over 100+ licensed insurance agents and 24/7 end-to-end customer service, no questions will go unanswered.
Lower my car insurance too!

Average cost of car insurance in Chester

On average, drivers in Chester, South Carolina, pay around $3,036 annually for a full coverage option, and $1,488 per year for the state minimum. 
Car insurance in Chester is generally cheaper than the state average but more expensive than the national average
The table below compares the average rates for both a full coverage and liability-only policy in Chester, South Carolina, and the United States.
Coverage type
Chester
South Carolina
United States
Full coverage
$3,036
$3,090
$1,790
Minimum coverage
$1,488
$1,651
$740

Why is car insurance so expensive in Chester?

Compared to the state average, Chester drivers pay approximately 1.77% less for car insurance—however, the approximate cost is still more expensive than other cities. 
While individual factors may be at play, there are state-wide elements that may be influencing your overall costs, such as: 
  • Severe weather: South Carolina has experienced 2861 tropical cyclones in the past 100 years. Tropical weather can result in high winds, heavy rain, tornadoes, and flooding, which can lead to numerous claims paid out by insurance companies. 
  • Additional coverage: Insurance providers in South Carolina are required to offer uninsured motorist and personal injury protection coverage. Drivers can either opt in or out—but the added coverage does raise costs.
  • High car accident rates: Overall, the number of traffic fatalities in 20202 increased in South Carolina by 85% from 2019. With more accidents comes more claims, leading to higher premium prices.
Along with these state specific factors, there may also be industry changes as well that could contribute to higher than average costs.

Inflation and growing repair costs

A recent S&P report noted that South Carolina has experienced a 10.7% increase in car insurance rates since 20183. As inflation continues to impact the economy, the cost of repairs and parts also increases, prompting insurance providers to raise rates to offset the growing expense. 

Supply chain shortages

It’s not just the cost of parts that is raising car insurance rates—it’s also the lack of them. While the economy works to bounce back from the pandemic in 2020, repair shops still continue to experience supply chain shortages, especially recently with catalytic converters and windshields. 
As a result, wait times for repairs grow, and the demand for rental vehicles continues to rise, leading to higher premium costs.

Car insurance quotes in Chester by rating factors 

Insurance companies in Chester 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 Chester?

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

Cheap car insurance quotes in Chester after driving violations

Your
South Carolina driving record
plays a huge part in your insurance rate. Insurance providers use your history of violations and accidents to depict your level of riskiness. High-risk drivers with more serious infractions typically face the highest rates.
 Some common violations that could increase your insurance rates include:
  • Speeding
  • DUIs
  • At fault accident 
  • Reckless driving 
  • Driving on a suspended license
  • Driving without insurance

Cheapest car insurance in Chester after speeding ticket

Your rates may not always go up for a minor
speeding ticket
, but if you were going well above the speed limit or you receive multiple speeding tickets in a short time, you can expect to see a premium hike.
Fortunately, Jerry has helped drivers find cheap auto insurance in Columbia, SC even after they’ve gotten a speeding ticket.
Speeding TypeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
Speeding 1-5
Travelers
$56
Mina, 31
Zip: 29706
Mercedes-Benz GLE
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding 6-10
Allstate
$44
Harold, 43
Zip: 29706
Toyota Camry
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Oct 9, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Chester after DUI

DUIs are a serious infraction—not only will you face steep legal penalties, but you’ll also see a significant increase in your car insurance premiums. 
Fortunately, if you have received a
DUI in South Carolina
, you may still be able to find affordable car insurance by shopping for rates with companies that specialize in providing coverage to high-risk drivers. 
Use Jerry to compare auto insurance quotes in Columbia, SC to find affordable coverage after a DUI.
card cover
Edwin (38 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationChester, SC
(Zip Code: 29706)
$64
per month
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Ray (35 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationChester, SC
(Zip Code: 29706)
$66
per month

Cheapest car insurance in Chester after an at-fault accident

Your
car accident
or claims history can impact your car insurance rates and it typically takes a while for your premiums to return to normal after a violation.
Insurance providers assess your history of accidents with a special focus on your at-fault collisions to determine your level of risk. High-risk drivers with more than one at-fault accident will generally see the sharpest rate increase—though having
accident forgiveness
on your policy can help prevent a surcharge after your first at-fault collision.
Jerry has helped Chester drivers with an accident on their record find affordable insurance.
Accident typeInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance coverage
At Fault With No Injury
Progressive
$230
Hulda, 20
Zip: 29706
Honda Civic LX
• State Minimum Liability
Not At Fault
Safeco
$104
Alan, 34
Zip: 29706
Honda Accord SE
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
At Fault With No Injury
Allstate
$205
Albert, 60
Zip: 29706
Hyundai Sonata Sport
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Oct 9, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Chester after other driving violations

Reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, and
driving without insurance
can all lead to higher insurance rates in Chester, South Carolina.
Jerry is there to help drivers find good insurance rates—even with a not-so-good driving record.
ViolationInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance coverage
Failure to Obey Signal
Progressive
$105
Keith, 47
Zip: 29706
Ford Expedition XLT
• State Minimum Liability
Driving on Sus. License
National General
$114
Lola, 34
Zip: 29706
Chevrolet Tahoe K1500
• State Minimum Liability
Failure to Obey Signal
National General
$229
Lulu, 39
Zip: 29706
Hyundai Elantra SE
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Oct 10, 2024

Cheap car insurance quotes in Chester by age

Your driving experience impacts the level of risk you pose to your insurance provider. Young or
new drivers
with limited driving experience typically pay more for insurance until 25. Car insurance rates remain steady for experienced drivers over 25 with clean records, but premiums can begin to rise again for seniors in their mid-70s.

Cheapest car insurance in Chester for young drivers

Young drivers between 16 and 19 pay the highest insurance rates out of all age groups in Chester, but rates can still be high up until age 25. Teen drivers are considered especially risky and typically pay the highest for minimum liability coverage. 
Since they are more likely to get into accidents, teen drivers should opt for full coverage insurance—especially if they drive a newer vehicle.
card cover
Christian (23 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationChester, SC
(Zip Code: 29706)
carNissan Altima
$216
per month
card cover
Isabel (21 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationChester, SC
(Zip Code: 29706)
carHonda Accord EX
$327
per month
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Larry (21 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationChester, SC
(Zip Code: 29706)
carHonda Civic LX
$285
per month

Cheapest car insurance in Chester for senior drivers

Senior drivers
are at a higher risk of accidents due to slower reflexes that increase the risk of a collision and a higher susceptibility to injury and mortality resulting from an accident. Due to the added risk of financial liability, senior drivers face higher rates into their 70s.
Fortunately, Jerry can still help you find affordable auto insurance well into your 70s and beyond.
card cover
Joel (80 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationChester, SC
(Zip Code: 29706)
carFord Escape S
$175
per month

Cheap car insurance quotes in Chester 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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Nannie (34 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationChester, SC
(Zip Code: 29706)
carChevrolet Malibu Premier
$158
per month
card cover
Rena (34 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationChester, SC
(Zip Code: 29706)
carJeep Cherokee Limited
$108
per month
card cover
Mark (46 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationChester, SC
(Zip Code: 29706)
carToyota Camry LE
$147
per month
card cover
Blake (38 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationChester, SC
(Zip Code: 29706)
carJeep Cherokee
$250
per month
card cover
Adrian (33 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationChester, SC
(Zip Code: 29706)
carNissan Pathfinder LE
$156
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).
Credit RangeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
660 - 750
Progressive
$98
Josie, 24
Zip: 29706
Nissan Altima Platinum
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
660 - 750
National General
$180
Michael, 38
Zip: 29706
Chevrolet Equinox LT
• State Minimum Liability
550 - 659
Allstate
$108
Estelle, 34
Zip: 29706
Jeep Cherokee Limited
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
< 550
State Auto
$156
Adrian, 33
Zip: 29706
Nissan Pathfinder LE
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Oct 8, 2024

How to lower car insurance costs in Chester

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. California state law mandates 20% insurance discounts for drivers with one or fewer points on their license who have continuously held a license for three years with no at-fault accidents responsible for injury or death.
  • 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 Chester?

People living in Chester pay on average $124 per month – or $1,488 per year – on state-minimum liability coverage. Full coverage in Chester costs on average $253 per month or $3,036 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 cheapest car insurance in Chester?

Based on thousands of Chester drivers Jerry has worked with, car insurance in Chester costs an average of $124 per month for state-minimum coverage and $253 per month for full coverage.
No single insurance company has the cheapest insurance for everyone, but by shopping for insurance quotes, you can find the cheapest insurance company for you. Jerry takes the hard work and the waiting out of insurance shopping – generating you quotes with the best coverage and best prices in seconds, 100% free. Try Jerry Today!

What is the best car insurance in Chester?

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. 
AAA
Progressive
, and 
Nationwide
 receive good ratings from Chester 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.

What is the minimum car insurance in Chester, South Carolina?

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

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.

Sources

Meet our experts

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
Amy Bobinger
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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.
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Josh Damico
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Head Of Insurance Operations
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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.