Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

Is there a way to not pay for car insurance?

I don't want to pay for car insurance if I can avoid it—I'm a student with two jobs, and I really need to save money wherever I can. Is there any way to avoid paying for car insurance?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Unless you live in a state that allows you to opt out of insurance or self-insure, you must pay for the basic car insurance coverage required by your state.
There are two states that do not require residents to carry car insurance:
Some states allow you to self-insure if you meet certain requirements. The self-insurance process involves making a large cash deposit (between $15,000 and $75,000) and filling out an application.
Otherwise, you need to find a way to carry at least the
minimum liability coverage
required by your state. Remember, car insurance is a minor expense compared to the repair and/or medical bills you could face after an at-fault car accident.
To lower costs, try:
  • Qualifying for
    discounts
    , like safe driver, good student, or bundling your renters and auto insurance
  • A few states (CA, NJ, HI) have programs to
    help low-income people pay for car insurance
    .
  • Shop around
    to compare rates and switch to a cheaper provider.
  • Drop your coverage to the bare minimum required by your state. This probably won’t cover all your costs if you get into an accident, but it’s one way to save money temporarily.
Good luck!
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings