Standard car insurance is coverage for drivers who fit into a low-to-average risk category. It includes both liability-only and full coverage policies, and can be purchased for as little as $57/month. Some

higher-risk drivers

may not qualify for standard policies.

What is standard car insurance?

The majority of drivers qualify for standard auto insurance policies—about 80%, according to insurance analytics firm Verisk.1 Standard insurance caters to individuals with relatively

clean driving records

, consistent insurance histories, and good credit standings.

There are two types of coverages that are commonly associated with standard auto insurance:

Liability-only

: This policy includes

bodily injury liability

and

property damage liability

. It is required in almost all states to legally drive. Limits vary per state regulations.

Full coverage

: Typically includes liability coverage, plus

comprehensive

and

collision coverage

. It’s often required by lenders if you are owning or leasing a vehicle.

Each

state has specific insurance requirements

for that all policies must follow, standard or nonstandard. You must carry liability insurance that at last meets your state’s required liability limits, though most experts recommend increasing your liability limits for better protection.

The best companies for standard auto insurance

Because of the decreased risk of claims, standard car insurance typically costs less compared to

non-standard coverage

. The average driver pays about $77 per month for a standard minimum liability policy. For a standard full coverage policy, the average driver will pay about $165 per month.

However, the cost of standard car insurance can fluctuate depending on several factors, including your age, driving record, location, chosen coverage limits, and the type of motor vehicle you drive. If you’re looking into a standard car insurance policy, here’s where you can find some of the lowest insurance costs.

Insurance company	Minimum coverage (monthly)	Full coverage (monthly)
AAA	$105	$215
Allstate	$85	$198
Aspire Advantage	$78	$180
Clearcover	$66	$130
Kemper	$69	$176
Madison Mutual	$57	$140
Mercury Auto	$74	$146
Nationwide	$61	$155
Progressive	$95	$178
Safeco	$70	$165
State Auto	$58	$162
Travelers	$59	$141

Learn more:

Best car insurance companies

Standard vs. nonstandard drivers

Insurance premiums are generally higher for non-standard auto insurance coverage to compensate for the increased risk. Your insurance company will examine several factors when determining whether you need a standard or non-standard policy, including your driving history and the type of vehicle you own.

Standard drivers: Meet insurers' criteria for average risk, such as having clean driving records, good credit scores, and no lapses in coverage. Most auto insurance policies you see advertised—like by

Allstate

and

State Farm

—are aimed at standard drivers.

Non-standard drivers: Also known as high-risk drivers. They have a history of accidents, violations, or other factors that make them riskier to insure, such as owning an exotic or luxury vehicle.

According to Verisk, about 20% of policies are non-standard—but because non-standard drivers tend to re-shop more frequently, non-standard policies make up about 40% of new insurance policies each year.2

Why companies care: Companies need to figure out how risky you are to determine the right price for your automobile insurance policy. If they get it wrong, they could lose money by insuring people who will cost them more in the long run.

Learn more:

How is car insurance determined by insurance companies?

What is not covered by standard insurance?

While a standard auto insurance policy will cover things from medical expenses to property damage in collision and non-collision related events, it will not cover everything. If you have standard coverage, it will not pay for:

Damage from lack of maintenance

Mods or customizations

Rideshare or other commercial usage

Purposeful damage

Learn more:

Does car insurance cover repairs?

Did you find this article helpful?

Your feedback helps us to create content that better serves readers like you.

How to buy standard auto insurance

Buying a standard auto insurance policy is fairly simple. As a low-risk driver, all you’ll need is your personal information, vehicle information, and the

Jerry

app. Here’s how to get started:

Choose your coverage options: Once you create a profile, consider the coverage levels you need to best protect your assets and satisfy state and lender requirements.

Adjust your limits: At any time, you can increase or decrease your coverage levels to find what works for you and your budget. Add optional coverages and add any discounts you qualify for like bundling with homeowners insurance.

Request car insurance quotes: Run the Jerry app to find the best rates based on the coverage you want. Review auto insurance quotes from multiple auto insurance companies to find your ideal policy.

Secure a policy: After you’re satisfied, tap on the auto policy you want and make a payment to secure it. You may need to provide further details about your driver’s license and additional drivers on your policy.

FAQ

What are the three types of car insurance?

The three

main types

of car insurance are liability, collision, and comprehensive. Liability insurance, typically standard, covers damages to others in an accident. Collision insurance, an extra cost, pays for your car's repair or replacement in a crash. Comprehensive insurance, also additional, covers non-collision incidents like theft or natural disasters.

What is the cheapest car insurance you can buy?

The cheapest car insurance you can generally purchase is a standard policy with only your state’s basic liability coverage minimums. That said, these minimum coverages are usually only the base level of insurance you can have without breaking the law. It’s typically best to strengthen your policy by increasing your liability limits and adding collision and comprehensive coverages.

What types of car insurance are mandatory?

Liability insurance is typically the only mandatory type of car insurance. It covers damages to others in an accident caused by the insured driver. Some states also require some type of medical payments coverage or

personal injury protection

as well as

uninsured motorist protection/underinsured motorist coverage

What deductible should I choose?

A lower deductible means your monthly costs will be higher but you’ll pay less out of pocket in case of a claim. A higher deductible means lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs in case of an insurance claim.

Consider factors like your budget, driving habits, and the value of your car.

Opt for a deductible

you can comfortably afford to pay if needed, balancing potential savings with potential expenses. It all depends on your financial situation and risk tolerance

How much liability insurance do I need?

You will need to purchase the amount of liability insurance your state mandates—however, it’s often suggested that drivers increase their limits to 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 to cover their assets and future finances.

What’s the recommended car insurance coverage for new cars?

For new and high-value cars, experts recommend comprehensive and collision coverage on top of liability insurance. This may be required by lenders. Experts also recommend opting for higher liability limits like 100/300/100 to cover potential costs in case of a serious accident.

What if I can’t find a standard car insurance policy?

If you’ve been denied coverage from a standard insurance company or you have special circumstances, you may need to look for a non-standard policy from a mainstream insurer or from a small specialty

high-risk insurance provider

, like

GEICO

Progressive

Meet our experts

Bonnie Stinson

Bonnie Stinson is an insurance writer with 8+ years of experience as a content writer. They specialize in making complex topics like insurance and technology easy to understand. Bonnie has written over 1,300 articles to help people become confident car owners, from how to choose the right car and build a car insurance policy to dealing with stressful situations like car accidents and unexpected repairs.

Before joining Jerry’s editorial team, Bonnie worked as a digital media strategist and user experience researcher, producing content for Furnishr, STACKEDD Magazine, InfinityCore Health, and the global non-profit Giraffe Heroes.

Kianna Walpole

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.

SOURCES

https://www.verisk.com/insurance/visualize/setting-a-new-standard-in-nonstandard-auto/