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  • Best rideshare car insurance 2026

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    Car insurance for rideshare drivers is tricky because your personal auto policy may not cover you the whole time you’re driving for Uber, Lyft, or a delivery app. Coverage can change depending on whether you’re waiting for a request, on the way to pick someone up, or actively driving a passenger.

    To find the best insurance for rideshare drivers, Yahoo Finance analyzed 20 major insurers across rideshare availability, full coverage rates, discounts, coverage options, and protective add-ons like accident forgiveness and gap insurance. The companies below stood out for offering the right mix of affordable rideshare coverage and policy features that matter for gig drivers.

    Learn more:

    American Family earned the top spot for best rideshare insurance because it offers rideshare drivers many affordable options. You’ll find 11 coverage options, including accident forgiveness, a diminishing deductible, new car replacement, and gap insurance. It also has some of the most affordable rideshare coverage. If you live in one of the states where it operates, it’s one of the best choices for part-time or full-time rideshare drivers who don’t want to overpay.

    American Family also scored at the top of our analysis for the best car insurance overall.

    American Family pros and cons

    Pros

    Cons

    • Average cost for full coverage car insurance: $151

    • Availability: Regional (Mostly the West and Midwest)

    • Crash Network grade for claims handling: C+

    • Coverage offerings: 11 options

    • Available discounts: 17 types

    • Digital experience score: 3.95 (out of 5)

    Learn more: American Family auto insurance review

    Farmers has some of the best insurance for Uber drivers and other gig workers. It boasts one of the broadest coverage menus in our study and has plenty of discounts to drive prices down. If you’re someone who prefers customizing limits, endorsements, and optional protections, Farmers auto insurance for rideshare will give you plenty of room to tailor coverage to your specific risk tolerance.

    Farmers scored near the top of our analysis for the best car insurance for seniors.

    Farmers pros and cons

    Pros

    • Car insurance rates are slightly below average

    • Strong lineup of protective add-ons

    • Broad range of available discounts

    Cons

    • Average cost for full coverage car insurance: $182

    • Availability: Nationwide

    • Crash Network grade for claims handling: C-

    • Coverage offerings: 17 options

    • Available discounts: 19 types

    • Digital experience score: 4.75 (out of 5)

    Learn more: Farmers auto insurance review

    Allstate’s ridesharing insurance stands out for how much protection you can layer into the underlying policy. The company’s range of options includes every major add-on we scored (accident forgiveness, diminishing deductible, new-car replacement, and gap insurance), which can make a difference if you’re driving frequently for Uber or Lyft.

    Allstate pros and cons

    Pros

    Cons

    • Average cost for full coverage car insurance: $180

    • Availability: Nationwide

    • Crash Network grade for claims handling: D

    • Coverage offerings: 15 options

    • Available discounts: 11 types

    • Digital experience score: 4.4 (out of 5)

    Learn more: Allstate car insurance review

    Travelers strikes a practical balance between price and protection, making it one of the best rideshare insurance companies. Travelers’ average premium is competitive, and it offers optional add-ons such as accident forgiveness, diminishing deductible, new-car replacement, and gap insurance, among others. Travelers delivers steady value for gig workers looking to manage costs.

    Travelers also made our list of the best teen car insurance.

    Travelers pros and cons

    Pros

    • Competitive full coverage rates

    • Strong lineup of protective add-ons

    • A decent number of discounts

    Cons

    • Average cost for full coverage car insurance: $183

    • Availability: Nationwide

    • Crash Network grade for claims handling: C

    • Coverage offerings: 14 options

    • Available discounts: 14 types

    • Digital experience score: 4.65 (out of 5)

    Learn more: Travelers car insurance review

    Liberty Mutual is built for drivers who want options. It offers one of the largest coverage menus in our analysis and has tons of unique coverage add-ons like Mexico car insurance if you accept rides that will take you across the border, and better car replacement coverage that will replace your vehicle with one model year newer.

    Liberty Mutual also ranked highly for best car insurance overall, according to our analysis.

    Liberty Mutual pros and cons

    Pros

    • One of the largest coverage selections in our analysis

    • Strong lineup of protective add-ons, including niche options

    • Decent number of discounts

    Cons

    • Website doesn’t state if it covers food delivery drivers

    • Higher full coverage rates than many competitors

    • Below-average claims handling grade

    • Average cost for full coverage car insurance: $216

    • Availability: Nationwide

    • Crash Network grade for claims handling: D+

    • Coverage offerings: 19 options

    • Available discounts: 13 types

    • Digital experience score: 4.7 (out of 5)

    Learn more: Liberty Mutual car insurance review

    Progressive is a practical option for drivers who switch between Uber, Lyft, and delivery platforms like DoorDash or Uber Eats. In addition to offering a rideshare endorsement, it publicly states it will cover food delivery drivers during certain phases of app use — something not all insurers clarify.

    Progressive pros and cons

    Pros

    • Covers food delivery drivers

    • Wide range of coverage options

    • Strong discount availability

    Cons

    • Average cost for full coverage car insurance: $205

    • Availability: Nationwide

    • Crash Network grade for claims handling: C

    • Coverage offerings: 15 options

    • Available discounts: 14 types

    • Digital experience score: 4.6 (out of 5)

    Learn more: Progressive auto insurance review

    We evaluated 20 major insurance companies to determine which offered the best rideshare insurance coverage. The top spot went to American Family, which earned 5.0 stars (out of 5). Farmers followed closely behind with 4.9 stars. Allstate and Travelers tied at 4.7 stars, while Liberty Mutual and Progressive rounded out the top tier with 4.5-star ratings.

    See how all 20 insurers in our analysis ranked for rideshare insurance below.

    When you drive for Uber, Lyft, or a delivery app, your coverage changes depending on what “period” you’re in. Most personal auto policies won’t fully cover you once you turn your rideshare app on. And while Uber and Lyft provide some insurance, that coverage may have gaps when you’re waiting for a ride request.

    Rideshare insurance (sometimes called a rideshare endorsement) fills those gaps. It typically extends your personal policy during Period 1 — when the app is on, but you haven’t accepted a ride yet. Without it, you could be left paying out of pocket if you get into an accident during that window.

    Some policies also clarify whether food delivery drivers are covered the same way as passenger drivers. If you drive for multiple platforms or switch between rideshare and delivery apps, you’ll need to confirm exactly when your coverage applies and when it doesn’t.

    Rideshare coverage fills an important gap, but it doesn’t replace your core policy. You’ll still need liability coverage (required in most states), plus collision and comprehensive if you want protection for your own vehicle.

    Beyond your state’s minimum required car insurance, these add-ons could be helpful for rideshare drivers:

    Learn more: Most common types of car insurance explained

    Auto insurance costs vary by insurer, which makes comparison shopping especially important for rideshare drivers. Even if two companies both offer rideshare coverage, base rates can differ quite a bit.

    Below is how full coverage rates stack up across the 20 companies in our best rideshare insurance study, according to data from the auto insurance marketplace Savvy Insurance Solutions.

    Learn more: Cheapest full coverage car insurance

    Rideshare coverage adds another layer to your policy, but your rate still comes down to the basics. Insurers use the same core pricing factors for gig drivers as they do for everyone else.

    Here are the common factors car insurance providers use when calculating rates:

    Learn more: Car insurance rates are climbing. Here are 4 reasons why and 11 ways to save.

    Here are tips for finding the best rideshare insurance.

    Start by confirming whether your current insurer even allows rideshare driving. If not, you’ll need to switch companies before adding an endorsement. Include collision and comprehensive coverage if you want protection for your car. And, consider add-on coverage options that could help you save in the long run, such as accident forgiveness. The more hours you spend driving, the more important it is to protect both your vehicle and your income.

    Once you know what coverage you want, compare car insurance quotes from at least three companies that offer rideshare endorsements.

    Look at:

    • The total premium with the rideshare add-on included

    • What period(s) of driving are covered

    • Whether food delivery driving is included

    Learn more: How much car insurance coverage do I need?

    Some car insurance discounts include multi-policy discounts, safe-driver discounts, low-mileage programs, or usage-based programs. If you don’t drive much outside of rideshare work, ask whether a telematics or a pay-per-mile program could help reduce costs.

    Learn more: Best car insurance discounts

    Gig work can change quickly. If you start driving more hours, switch platforms, or buy a new vehicle, update your policy. Review your coverage at least once a year to make sure your rideshare endorsement and limits still fit your needs. You may also want to shop around again and switch car insurance companies if it makes sense for your finances.

    Learn more: Does buying car insurance online save you money?

    Many Uber and Lyft drivers carry a personal auto policy with a rideshare endorsement added. The endorsement extends coverage when the app is on, but you haven’t accepted a ride yet (also known as Period 1). Some drivers rely solely on Uber or Lyft’s insurance, but that coverage only applies during certain periods and could come with higher deductibles.

    Generally, no. Since a rideshare endorsement is an add-on, you can expect your premium to increase because you’re purchasing more coverage. The cost of rideshare insurance varies by company, location, driving history, and how often you drive. Comparison shopping can make a meaningful difference.

    Learn more: Cheapest car insurance for teen drivers

    The best way to lower your rideshare insurance premium is to compare quotes from multiple insurers that offer a rideshare endorsement. Maintaining a clean driving record and choosing a higher deductible, when you can afford it, can also reduce your rate. You may qualify for additional savings through bundling, low-mileage, or usage-based programs.

    Tim Manni edited this article.

    To identify the best car insurance for rideshare drivers, Yahoo Finance evaluated 20 major auto insurers across price, rideshare availability, discounts, coverage flexibility, and protective add-ons. Each company was scored using a standardized rubric designed to reflect what matters most to gig drivers.

    All factors were converted to a standardized point scale and combined into a composite score. Rideshare endorsement availability carried the greatest weight, followed by rate competitiveness, discount breadth, total coverage options, and high-value protective add-ons.

    1. Rideshare coverage availability: 30% of score. Companies received full credit if they publicly offer a rideshare endorsement or equivalent coverage designed to fill Period 1 gaps. Insurers without a rideshare offering received zero points in this category.

    2. Rate competitiveness: 20% of score. Average rate estimates were provided by Savvy Insurance Solutions (“Savvy”), which operates a nationwide insurance marketplace and licensed agency. Estimates are generated using Savvy’s in-house machine learning models based on more than 3 million data points across major insurers. For this analysis, rates were modeled using a standard “full coverage” profile. Full coverage car insurance includes liability insurance, any state-required coverage, plus collision and comprehensive coverage. Insurers with more competitive full coverage rates earned higher scores.

    3. Protective add-ons: 20% of score. We awarded additional points to insurers that offer high-value features that can reduce financial risk for rideshare drivers, including accident forgiveness, diminishing deductibles, new car replacement, and gap insurance. Each available add-on contributed incremental points to the insurer’s total score.

    4. Discount availability: 15% of score. We evaluated the total number of publicly listed auto insurance discounts. Companies offering a broader range of discounts earned higher scores.

    5. Total coverage offerings: 15% of score. Insurers were scored based on the total number of coverage options available, including standard protections and optional endorsements. Companies with greater policy options earned more points.

    Unless stated otherwise, the estimates above are provided by Savvy Insurance Solutions (“Savvy”). Savvy operates a marketplace for home and auto insurance, plus an agency licensed in all 50 states. Estimates are generated using Savvy’s in-house machine learning models based on over 3 million data points, and include more than 15 of the largest insurance companies in Savvy’s nationwide data set. This includes data from more than 2 million insurance accounts connected through Trellis Connect, an in-house technology allowing consumers to “link” their insurance accounts before searching for insurance, and tens of thousands of policies bound by Savvy’s own agents. It takes into account a myriad of factors to create predictions, such as:

    • Policyholder age

    • Number of vehicles

    • ZIP code

    • Vehicle age

    • Insurer

    • …and more

    Savvy creates estimates by running models against multiple inputs to the parameters of interest. For instance, the “teen driver” estimates were created by adjusting the policyholder age input into the pricing model while keeping all other variables steady from the baseline for “full coverage.” The models enable hyper-personalized estimates that take into account a plethora of user attribute permutations (e.g., teen drivers in specific states, teen drivers with new vehicles, teen drivers in specific states with new vehicles) to provide individuals with a unique and tailored experience. The charts above are a subset of the kinds of personalization Savvy can do.

    The following are definitions used by Savvy when providing its rate estimates for various types of coverage.

    Full coverage car insurance: A policy with comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage.

    Average policyholder: A 48-year-old driver who owns a 13-year-old vehicle and lives in an average-income ZIP code.

    Senior driver: A 70-year-old policyholder with full coverage car insurance.

    Good driver: Drivers across all coverage types, vehicle types, and locations who have no tickets, accidents or DUIs.

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  • DC is among the worst when it comes to uninsured motorists – WTOP News

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    Almost 25% of drivers in the nation’s capital are on the road without insurance, that’s third worst in the country, according to a study by U.S. News and World Report.

    Almost 25% of drivers in the nation’s capital are on the road without insurance, that’s third worst in the country, according to a study by U.S. News and World Report.

    Elsewhere in the D.C. region, it’s still not great, but not quite as bad as in the District.

    Rachael Brennan, the study’s author, said Maryland ranked 14th in the country when compared against other states. About 17% of Maryland drivers are on the road without insurance.

    Virginia is in the middle of the pack at 23rd in the country with just under 13% of drivers uninsured, Brennan said.

    Brennan said that the reason so many drivers go without insurance is because of money. While the cost of car insurance in D.C. is average, “the cost of living in D.C. is significantly higher, especially the cost of housing in D.C. is 148% higher than the national average.”

    When people can’t afford all of their expenses, Brennan said “car insurance is an easy one to let lapse.”

    Even as the number of uninsured drivers is high, there are things drivers who do pay their insurance bills can do to protect themselves. Brennan recommended getting more than just the required minimum uninsured motorist coverage on your insurance policy.

    The District requires drivers have $25,000 of uninsured motorist bodily injury per person and $50,000 per accident. But Brennan said that’s not enough coverage.

    “If you’re in a serious accident, you could blow through $25,000 worth of medical expenses within the first half an hour in a hospital, unfortunately. So uninsured motor coverage is definitely a valuable thing to have,” she said.

    If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, she suggested working with your insurance company because they might be able to help file a lawsuit against the uninsured driver to get your bills paid.

    So which state has the smallest percentage of uninsured drivers? According to U.S. News, it’s Maine with just over 5% of its drivers on the road without coverage.

    The U.S. News study used data the Insurance Information Institute collected from 2022 to 2023.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Abigail Constantino

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  • Best car insurance for teens 2026

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    Teens lack experience and maturity behind the wheel, making them a higher risk for having car accidents. This elevated risk drives up auto insurance premiums for teen drivers. That’s why it’s important to secure an insurance policy with strong coverage that protects your teen as well as your family’s finances at an affordable price.

    To help families find the best car insurance for teen drivers, Yahoo Finance compared 20 major auto insurers. Our analysis focused on key factors, including the average cost for teen drivers, available teen-driver discounts, coverage options, claims handling, and the digital experience. After reviewing in-depth data, our editors identified some of the best auto insurance providers that can help teen drivers and their families get the coverage they need at a cost that won’t overwhelm their budget.

    The Hartford’s budget-friendly teen-driver pricing, teen-focused discounts, helpful coverage offerings, and terrific digital experience make it our top choice for teen drivers. Parents will see additional savings if they’re AARP members. The Hartford’s national reach and online quoting make it easy to shop and compare.

    The Hartford pros and cons

    Pros

    • Cheapest rates for teenage drivers among the insurers we analyzed

    • Offers discounts for driver’s education, good students, and students away at school

    • Offers roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, and a disappearing deductible

    • The Hartford’s mobile app received a 4.7 (out of 5) average rating by users

    Cons

    • Its UBI program, TrueLane, can increase rates for risky driving behavior

    • Doesn’t offer a pay-per-mile plan or OEM parts coverage

    • Average cost for teen driver: $236 per month (lowest in our analysis)

    • Availability: 50 states and D.C.

    • Crash Network grade for claims handling: C+

    • Coverage offerings: 13 options

    • Available discounts: 11 types (three specific to teens or young drivers)

    • Digital experience score: 4.7 (out of 5)

    Learn more: The Hartford auto insurance review

    American Family is a strong contender for families with a teen driver due to its solid coverage options, teen-tailored discounts, and second-lowest rates for teen drivers among the 20 auto insurers we analyzed. We also found it a top pick for drivers after an accident or ticket, both situations that may occur as a teen driver gains experience behind the wheel. If the teen buys their own policy, a generational discount is available if a parent is already an American Family customer.

    American Family pros and cons

    Pros

    • Second-lowest rates for teen drivers in our analysis

    • Offers roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, and diminishing deductible

    • Youth discounts include good student, student away, and young volunteer

    Cons

    • Its mobile app’s average score of 3.95 (out of 5) is lower than most competitors

    • Limited availability in the U.S.

    • Its UBI program, DriveMyWay, can raise rates on riskier drivers

    • Average cost for teen drivers: $239 per month (second-cheapest)

    • Availability: 19 states (mostly located in the Midwest and the West)

    • Crash Network grade for claims handling: C+

    • Coverage offerings: 11 options

    • Available discounts: 17 types (four specific for teens or young drivers)

    • Digital experience score: 3.95 (out of 5)

    Learn more: American Family auto insurance review

    Farmers offers reasonable teen-driver pricing and teen-focused discounts to help families save even more on car insurance costs. Notable discounts include a youthful driver discount for those under 25 who are the child (or grandchild) of a policyholder who has been with Farmers for at least a year, and a shared family car discount for drivers 20 or younger in a household that has more drivers than vehicles. Farmers also offers a wide variety of coverage options so you can customize your policy to fit the family’s needs.

    Farmers pros and cons

    Pros

    • Teen prices are lower than average

    • Good student and distant student discounts are available

    • Offers accident forgiveness, diminishing deductible, and roadside assistance

    • Average mobile app score of 4.75 (out of 5)

    Cons

    • Doesn’t offer a discount for a teen driver education course

    • Their claims handling score is only average

    • Riskier drivers can see higher rates with its UBI program, Signal

    • Average cost for teen drivers: $284 per month

    • Availability: 50 states and D.C.

    • Crash Network grade for claims handling: C-

    • Coverage offerings: 17 options

    • Available discounts: 19 types (four specific to teens or young adults)

    • Digital experience score: 4.75 (out of 5)

    Learn more: Farmers auto insurance review

    Safeco may not have the lowest prices, but its discounts can help bring down the cost of car insurance for teens. Beyond the usual discounts for young drivers, Safeco offers a discount just for new teen drivers if their parents have had a Safeco policy for at least a year. It also offers a decent range of coverage, including helpful options to novice drivers, such as accident forgiveness, diminishing deductible, and roadside assistance. As part of their loyalty program, you get small claim forgiveness for claims under $750.

    Safeco pros and cons

    Pros

    • Safeco’s mobile app earned a high mark of 4.75 (out of 5)

    • Offers accident forgiveness, diminishing deductible, and roadside assistance

    • Good student, driver’s education, distant student, plus new teen driver discounts are available

    • Has a claims-free cash back program at each renewal

    Cons

    • Low grade of D+ for its claims handling

    • Teen driver prices are slightly above average

    • If found to be a risky driver, its UBI program, RightTrack, can raise your rates

    • Average cost for teen drivers: $315 per month

    • Availability: Licensed in all states and D.C.

    • Crash Network grade for claims handling: D+

    • Coverage offerings: 13 options

    • Available discounts: 6 types (four specific for teens or young adults)

    • Digital experience score: 4.75 (out of 5)

    Learn more: Safeco auto insurance review

    Travelers is a solid option for families seeking a competitive lineup of discounts and customizable coverage. Its teen rates are a few dollars above average, but Travelers offers discounts to students with good grades, teens who have completed a driver education course, and students away at school more than 100 miles from home without a car. Travelers offers a Premier Responsible Driver Plan that includes accident forgiveness, minor violation forgiveness, a decreasing deductible, and a total loss deductible waiver.

    Travelers pros and cons

    Pros

    • Offers accident forgiveness, minor violation forgiveness, and a decreasing deductible

    • Offers student away, good student, and driver training discounts

    • Roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage

    • Average mobile app score of 4.65 (out of 5)

    Cons

    • Teen driver ratings are a little above average

    • Received only an average grade (C) for its claims handling

    • Risky drivers may see a rate hike, instead of a discount, with Travelers’ UBI program, IntelliDrive

    • Average cost for teen drivers: $299 per month

    • Availability: 50 states

    • Crash Network grade for claims handling: C

    • Coverage offerings: 14 options

    • Available discounts: 14 types (three specific to teens or young adults)

    • Digital experience score: 4.65 (out of 5)

    Learn more: Travelers auto insurance review

    We evaluated 20 major insurance companies to determine which were best for teen drivers. The top spot went to The Hartford, which earned 5 stars (out of 5). The runner-up was American Family (4.9 stars), which also ranked as the top company on our overall best car insurance list.

    See the star ratings for all the insurers we analyzed for our best car insurance for teens rankings.

    Car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts to help you lower your overall premium. Families with teen drivers can receive discounts tailored to young drivers. The specifics of the discount vary by insurer, but here are the basics for the three main teen-centered discounts:

    • Driver education/training discount: Teens who complete an approved driver training course may qualify for a discount. This discount encourages novice drivers to hone their skills, reducing their risk of accidents.

    • Good student discount: For full-time students under 25 who maintain good grades. Insurers typically require a B average or higher. Academic success is seen as a sign of responsibility, which insurers correlate with safer driving.

    • Student away discount: For families with a student who lives 100 miles or more away from home and doesn’t have regular access to the household vehicles. With the student having limited access to household vehicles, their overall risk to insurers is lower.

    Some auto insurers offer other discounts for teens or their families. Here are some we have found, though availability can vary by state:

    • AAA: New young driver discount for when a driver under 20 is added to an existing policy.

    • Allstate: Discount for completing the teenSMART driver safety program.

    • American Family: Young volunteer discount for drivers under 25 who complete 40 hours of volunteer work per year. Generational discount for young adults starting their own policy, and a parent is an American Family policyholder.

    • Farm Bureau: Drivers under 25 who complete a Farm Bureau Young Driver Safety program are eligible for a discount.

    • Farmers: Youthful driver discount for adding a driver under 25 who lives in the household and is the child or grandchild of a Farmers policyholder. Also, a shared family car discount is available for a driver aged 20 or younger when there are more drivers than vehicles in the household.

    • Liberty Mutual: Their new teen driver discount is available when you add a teen driver to your policy.

    • Progressive: Teen driver discount for adding a driver 18 or younger to a Progressive policy that has been active for at least a year.

    • Safeco: New teen discount for Safeco policyholders of at least one year who add a teen driver to their policy.

    • State Farm: Teens may earn a discount by completing State Farm’s Steer Clear driver training program.

    Learn more: Car insurance discounts: 17 ways to save

    Teen auto insurance costs vary by insurer, making comparison shopping essential to find the lowest rates. For insurers in our evaluation, the average monthly premium for a full coverage policy with a teen driver is $296, according to data from the auto insurance marketplace Savvy Insurance Solutions.

    Learn more: Cheapest car insurance for teens

    There are common rating factors that car insurance companies use to determine rates for teenagers. Costs vary among insurers because each company weighs these risks differently.

    Here are the common factors car insurance providers use when calculating rates:

    Learn more: Car insurance rates are climbing. Here are 4 reasons why and 11 ways to save.

    When you have teen drivers on your policy, it’s not the time to skimp on coverage and limits. Drivers ages 16 to 19 have an accident rate nearly four times that of drivers age 20 or older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Because teen drivers are at high risk of being in an accident, it’s recommended that you carry a full coverage car insurance policy with higher liability limits.

    A full-coverage policy includes state-required coverages, such as liability insurance, as well as comprehensive and collision coverage.

    Liability insurance pays for bodily injury or property damage you cause others in an accident, up to your limits. States have minimum liability limits, but it’s wise to choose higher limits that are less likely to be exceeded. Limits of 100/300/100, which stands for $100,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $300,000 of bodily injury liability per accident, and $100,000 of property damage liability per accident, are considered decent.

    Liability insurance doesn’t cover your car; for that, you need collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage pays for repairs or replacement of your vehicle after an auto accident. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage caused by severe weather, fire, vandalism, theft, hitting an animal, or falling objects. Collision and comprehensive coverage come with a deductible, an amount that is deducted from a claim payout.

    States may require other coverages that cover medical expenses if you are injured in an accident, such as personal injury protection, medical payments, or uninsured motorist coverage.

    You can also add on other coverage types to tailor your auto policy to your specific needs. Here are three coverage types that may be especially helpful if you have a teen driver:

    • Accident forgiveness: Forgives one accident, meaning your rates won’t increase after your first accident claim.

    • Diminishing deductible: Lowers your collision deductible amount over time for safe driving. For instance, an insurer will lower your deductible by $100 for each year you maintain a clean driving record. For example, a $1,000 deductible could be reduced to $500 after five years.

    • Roadside assistance: This add-on typically includes services like towing a disabled vehicle, changing a flat tire, jump-starting a dead battery, and lockout assistance.

    Learn more: Most common types of car insurance explained

    Here are tips for finding the best teen auto insurance.

    Having a teen on your policy means the odds of them having an accident are high, so it’s smart to choose higher liability limits. Include collision and comprehensive coverage if you want protection for your car. And, consider add-on coverage options that could help you save in the long run, such as accident forgiveness.

    Once you know what coverage and limits you want, shop around with at least three companies to see who is offering the coverage you want at a price you can afford. Comparing car insurance quotes is the best way to find the lowest rates.

    Some discounts are automatically applied as you fill out a quote form, but others you have to ask about. For example, you usually have to speak to an agent to get a good student discount or student away discount. Asking an agent if you’re eligible for discounts not already applied can help you find more ways to reduce your auto insurance premium.

    Take time at least once a year to evaluate your car insurance needs and make sure your policy’s coverages and limits still fit them. If you make changes during the year, such as buying a car, make sure to adjust your policy accordingly. You may also want to shop around again and switch car insurance companies if it makes sense for your finances.

    Learn more: Does buying car insurance online save you money?

    The Hartford received 5 stars and was ranked the best car insurance company for teens in Yahoo Finance’s analysis of 20 auto insurers. American Family was a close second, earning 4.9 stars. To determine which company is best for your situation, identify your needs and comparison shop with multiple auto insurers.

    The Hartford offers the cheapest insurance for teen drivers with a cost of $236 per month, according to Yahoo Finance’s analysis. American Family came in second at $239 per month. To find the cheapest car insurance for your teen driver, you’ll want to shop around since rates vary based on your family’s specific information, such as location, vehicle, and coverage choices.

    The most common discounts offered to teen drivers include a good student discount (for maintaining a B average or better), a driver education discount (for completing an approved course), and a student away discount (for full-time students far away from home without a car). Ask your agent if these or other discounts are available to help lower the cost of adding a teen to your policy.

    Tim Manni edited this article.

    To identify the best car insurance companies for teen drivers, Yahoo Finance evaluated 20 insurers across price, teen-specific discounts, claims performance, digital experience, and protective add-ons. Each company was scored using a standardized rubric designed to reflect what matters most to families adding a young driver to a policy.

    All factors were converted to a standardized point scale and combined into a composite score for each insurer. Rates and teen-specific discounts carried the most weight, followed by claims performance, app experience, and protective add-on coverage.

    1. Teen rates: 40% of score. The average rate estimates are provided by Savvy Insurance Solutions (“Savvy”). Savvy operates a marketplace for home and auto insurance, plus an agency licensed in all 50 states. Estimates are generated using Savvy’s in-house machine learning models based on over 3 million data points, and include more than 15 of the largest insurance companies in Savvy’s nationwide data set. Savvy creates estimates by running models against multiple inputs to the parameters of interest. For instance, the “teen driver” estimates were created by adjusting the policyholder age input into the pricing model while keeping all other variables steady from the baseline for “full coverage.” Full coverage car insurance includes liability insurance, any other state required coverage, plus collision and comprehensive coverage.

    2. Teen-focused discounts: 35% of score. Insurers were evaluated on the availability and quality of discounts most relevant to young drivers. Points were awarded for each of the following: good student discount, driver’s education discount, student-away-from-home discount, and usage-based insurance (UBI) programs. For UBI programs, we differentiated between programs that could raise a teen’s premium based on the UBI data versus those that did not. Additional points were awarded for other teen-oriented discounts, such as family multi-car discounts, safe-driving rewards, and new-driver training incentives.

    3. Protective, teen-focused add-on coverage: 15% of score. We awarded additional credit to insurers that offer coverage features that can reduce financial risk for families with teen drivers: accident forgiveness, roadside assistance, and diminishing deductibles. Each available add-on contributed incremental points to the insurer’s total.

    4. Claims handling performance: 5% of score. We incorporated grades from the 2025 CRASH Network Insurer Report Cards, which reflect feedback from collision-repair professionals about how insurers handle real-world claims. Companies with higher CRASH scores – indicating fairer repair processes and better support for policyholders – received more points.

    5. Digital experience: 5% of score. Managing a policy, tracking discounts, and filing a claim often happens through a mobile app. We averaged Apple App Store and Google Play ratings to create an app-experience score. Insurers with highly rated, easy-to-use apps earned more points.

    Unless stated otherwise, the estimates above are provided by Savvy Insurance Solutions (“Savvy”). Savvy operates a marketplace for home and auto insurance, plus an agency licensed in all 50 states. Estimates are generated using Savvy’s in-house machine learning models based on over 3 million data points, and include more than 15 of the largest insurance companies in Savvy’s nationwide data set. This includes data from more than 2 million insurance accounts connected through Trellis Connect, an in-house technology allowing consumers to “link” their insurance accounts before searching for insurance, and tens of thousands of policies bound by Savvy’s own agents. It takes into account a myriad of factors to create predictions, such as:

    • Policyholder age

    • Number of vehicles

    • ZIP code

    • Vehicle age

    • Insurer

    • … and more

    Savvy creates estimates by running models against multiple inputs to the parameters of interest. For instance, the “teen driver” estimates were created by adjusting the policyholder age input into the pricing model while keeping all other variables steady from the baseline for “full coverage.” The models enable hyper-personalized estimates that take into account a plethora of user attribute permutations (e.g., teen drivers in specific states, teen drivers with new vehicles, teen drivers in specific states with new vehicles) to provide individuals with a unique and tailored experience. The charts above are a subset of the kinds of personalization Savvy can do.

    The following are definitions used by Savvy when providing its rate estimates for various types of coverage.

    Full coverage car insurance: A policy with comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage.

    Average policyholder: A 48-year-old driver who owns a 13-year-old vehicle and lives in an average-income ZIP code.

    Senior driver: A 70-year-old policyholder with full coverage car insurance.

    Good driver: Drivers across all coverage types, vehicle types, and locations who have no tickets, accidents or DUIs.

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  • The biggest car insurance myths, according to experts – MoneySense

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    There are several reasons why insurance myths exist, said Steven Harris, licensed insurance broker and LowestRates.ca expert. “(Insurance contracts) are written in legal terms and it doesn’t always translate into everyday language,”  he said. “There can be a little barrier there.” 

    Harris said people also often assume they’ll be covered against various damages or liabilities, but don’t necessarily know or understand exactly what’s in the policy. A lot of people draw upon personal experiences of friends and family and make decisions based on that, he added.

    Here are some of the most common myths.

    Red vehicles cost more to insure

    The most common question Harris said he comes across is whether owning a red car costs more to insure. The reasons underpinning the misconception are broad, including a red car could make you more noticeable to police, the driver could be more prone to speeding or careless driving or that the colour elicits a negative psychological response from other drivers.

    “There is no meaningful data or correlation to your vehicle colour,”  Harris said. “If your car is a vibrant yellow or a hot red, it’s not going to increase the likelihood that you’ll incur a loss in the form of a collision or even a theft.” 

    Instead, insurers often rely on data such as the make and year of the car and the driver’s track record to determine the insurance rate, he said.

    Comprehensive coverage means full coverage

    Comprehensive coverage insures you against non-collision-related damages only, such as fire, theft, hail, or water damage. It may not include collision insurance. Full coverage encompasses both collision and non-collision damages. “If you only have comprehensive coverage, that means you’re missing the collision piece of coverage,” Harris said.

    Compare car insurance quotes and save

    In under five minutes, compare personalized auto insurance quotes from Canada’s top providers.

    Your personal policy covers ride-share driving

    Rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft offer a master policy to drivers for the duration the car is being used for business, said Anne Marie Thomas, director of consumer and industry relations at the Insurance Bureau Canada. However, drivers need to understand which insurance applies in which situation.

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    “If I am just driving to the grocery store with my car, my own personal car insurance kicks in if I get in an accident,” she said. “If I’m a rideshare driver and have activated the app, that’s when the ride-share policy kicks in.”

    Thomas said it’s important to notify your personal auto insurance provider if you’re going to be using your vehicle for business.

    Moving homes doesn’t affect auto insurance rates

    Morgan Roberts, vice-president at RH Insurance, said people often assume moving homes won’t impact their insurance rate, but it does.

    “Even if you move next door and it just happens to change the postal code, it can affect your rates positively or negatively,” she said. That’s because insurance companies rate risk based on territories and postal codes, which could increase or decrease your premiums. 

    Auto insurance will automatically rise when you make a claim

    It depends on the type of claim, according to Harris. If the driver is at fault, the premium would likely go up. If it’s not the driver’s fault, the rate would typically remain unchanged.

    Comprehensive claims, such as fire or hail damage, also don’t affect the insurance cost, he said. “But like anything, you want to be mindful of how many claims you have,” Harris said.

    Parking tickets increase insurance premiums

    Morgan said people assume that since it’s a ticket, it will affect the insurance premium, but it doesn’t. “It’s just an expensive thing to happen because you still have to pay those tickets,” she said.

    Similarly, a speed camera ticket doesn’t affect your insurance rate, but if a police officer pulls over a driver, it will affect the insurance rate, she said.

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  • This Florida woman’s nearly $100K flood insurance claim was denied after Tropical Storm Debby due to a major loophole

    This Florida woman’s nearly $100K flood insurance claim was denied after Tropical Storm Debby due to a major loophole

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    This Florida woman’s nearly $100K flood insurance claim was denied after Tropical Storm Debby due to a major loophole

    When Tropical Storm Debby came through Pinellas County, Florida in early August, Danielle Jensen thought her home was protected with flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). After all, she did spend $8,600 on a policy administered directly by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

    But when insurance adjusters came through, they denied her claim outright, not due to any fault of her own. A “prior loss” report discovered that the previous owner filed a flood insurance claim, but did not complete the repairs with the claim payout. From the home’s condition to the serial numbers on the appliances, everything was the same from the previous insurance claim, leaving her family on the hook for close to $100,000 in damages.

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    “It’s worthless, unless we flood again after we’ve made all these repairs,” Jensen told Tampa Bay’s News Channel 8. “At which point we could use it because it’s all new materials.”

    A denial like this can happen to anyone living in one of the roughly 23,000 NFIP communities if homeowners aren’t aware of their property’s past.

    How the National Flood Insurance Program works

    The National Flood Insurance Program is offered to homeowners through more than 50 insurance companies and directly through FEMA with NFIP Direct. According to FEMA, anyone living in a “high-risk flood area” with a mortgage from a government-backed lender has to have flood insurance.

    The policy can cover both the home and the homeowner’s belongings. Building coverage includes things like the foundation and electrical and plumbing systems, while contents coverage can help homeowners recover personal items like clothes, electronics and furniture. Based on government data, more than $79 billion has been paid for nearly 1.9 million filed claims throughout the life of the program.

    Unfortunately, traditional homeowners and renter’s insurance will not cover flood damage, and if your home has received federal disaster assistance in the past, you are required to hold flood insurance for as long as you live at the property. That doesn’t guarantee that every situation will be covered — and in the case of Jensen, the actions of the past homeowner caused her flood claim to be denied.

    Under the current NFIP Claims Manual, a claim can be denied if there was a previous flood damage claim and no repairs were made with the policy’s payout.

    But as of October 1, 2024 sellers will be legally required to disclose any prior flood claims and payouts to homebuyers so they can avoid this trap.

    Read more: These 5 magic money moves will boost you up America’s net worth ladder in 2024 — and you can complete each step within minutes. Here’s how

    What can I do to protect my home from denied flood insurance claims?

    The problem for NFIP-participating communities up until now is that federal law hasn’t required disclosure of a previous flood insurance claim, or the outcomes thereof. Any disclosure of claims information without the consent of the claimant or current homeowner has been seen as a violation of the Privacy Act — meaning the owner hasn’t had to provide information about prior claims during the home sales process.

    Until Florida’s House Bill 1049 goes into effect, it’s a good idea to get a clear yes or no regarding past claims from the seller on the disclosure form before purchasing a home in a high-risk flood zone. Any knowledge gaps or unsure responses may be a red flag. You can also work with your real estate agent to get as much information as you can before closing, including requesting a full prior loss report from the seller.

    Congressional representatives in the state Kathy Castor and Gus Bilirakis also told News Channel 8’s Better Call Behnken that they’re working on larger solutions to protect flood victims and urge those who have had their claims denied to reach out for support. They plan to increase provider competition to reduce flood insurance rates and mandate more transparency to prevent what happened to Jensen from happening again.

    What to read next

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

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  • Everything you need to know about filing a car insurance claim

    Everything you need to know about filing a car insurance claim

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    A depressed adolescent who was texting their best friend while driving ran a red light and collided with your vehicle. While you were away on vacation, someone broke into your flat and took a lot of your belongings. Your living room was inundated when your washing machine malfunctioned. However, that is the purpose of insurance, and having the appropriate policies in place shields you from financial collapse in the event of the unimaginable. Also, depending on the type of damage you’re dealing with, submitting an insurance claim could help lessen your financial burden.

    What Is Insurance Claim

    A formal request for reimbursement for repairs and other costs resulting from a policy event (such as a vehicle accident or a home burglary) that is covered by your insurance is made to your insurance company when you file an insurance claim. The insurance company will typically send an insurance adjuster to look into the incident after you’ve filed all the necessary documentation for the car insurance claim process to begin. You will subsequently get a payment for the amount of your losses in the mail if the claim is verified and accepted. The Insurance Information Institute estimates that one in every twenty homeowners who are insured makes a claim each year. Additionally, as more and more people drive, the number of auto insurance claims is growing as well. In 2017, almost 6% of all drivers with collision coverage made a claim. That means that if you haven’t filed a claim yet, you most likely will in the future!

    When to File It

    Should I file or not file? Maybe you never had to deal with insurance claims, but following an accident, that is the question we should pose. And it depends, is the response. Generally speaking, it’s not worth the bother to file a claim for a very modest payout, if you get one at all, if your damages are less than your deductible or only a few hundred beyond it. So bear in mind to look after some mistakes before buying a new car’s insurance. It’s also critical to keep in mind that your insurance provider may decide to increase your premiums if you file a claim. Yes, even in cases where the weather is beyond your control or the other motorist was at fault. In some cases, there’s even a potential they’ll cancel your policy. Suppose your car hits a tree by accident. Your collision policy has a $1,000 deductible, therefore the cost of fixing your automobile would be $1,200. For a $200 insurance reimbursement and increased insurance rates, is it worth going through the insurance claim process? Most likely not. If so, it would be wiser for you to use your emergency fund, which is intended for just that—to pay for the repairs. You ought to register a claim as soon as you begin to experience financial hardship. Here are three particular situations where you ought to give submitting a claim serious consideration:

    Injury

    Should an automobile collision occur and injuries occur to you, the other driver, or any passenger in either vehicle, you will automatically need to submit a claim.

    Who Is at Fault

    There is perhaps some misunderstanding over who is at fault for an incident. The insurance firms for both parties will then be left to resolve the matter.

    Big Damage

    You may be looking at thousands in damages if your car is totally devastated. Those are some very substantial expenses that you most likely won’t be able to pay. Making a claim makes sense, then.

    Since every case is unique, it’s crucial to speak with an agent from your insurance provider or an independent insurance broker to help you assess the benefits and drawbacks of submitting a claim.

    How to File It

    Let’s imagine that your car was just involved in a severe collision and that the front end is now smashed in like a shattered accordion. Thankfully, you’re not hurt, but it appears that your automobile will most likely be completely destroyed, so you’ll need to make an insurance claim.

    What precisely do you do? We appreciate you asking! The following are crucial actions you should take to submit an insurance claim.

    Call the Police

    Don’t just stand there if there has been serious damage, an accident has resulted in injuries, or a crime has been committed. Get assistance by dialing 911! A police record isn’t required to file an insurance claim, but having one doesn’t harm either.

    A police report will include details that will simplify the process of filing an insurance claim as well as a detailed account of what transpired at the crime scene or during the accident.

    Information

    It’s time to gather information from all persons involved in the collision and record as much information as you can from the scene. Consider it similar to a treasure hunt. Ensure that you receive the following: if at all feasible, include the other driver(s)’ name, address, phone number, and a picture of their driver’s license, policy numbers for insurance, all involved vehicles’ years, make, models, license plate numbers, and images of the mishap taken from many perspectives. Keep all doctor’s notes, hospital bills, and other records you receive for the treatment of your accident-related injuries if you’re harmed and need medical attention.

    How about claims from homeowners insurance? Make a list of the goods that were taken or destroyed during a break-in, or take pictures of the damage done to your house. Additionally, save your receipts as evidence of expenditure if you must stay at a hotel while your home is being repaired.

    Call Insurance Company

    After you and any other accident victims are safe, contact an insurance company representative to find out what more you’ll need to submit a claim. Your agent can provide you with the guidance you require because they are well-versed in the nuances of the claims procedure.

    The insurance company may dispatch an insurance adjuster to look into the accident and the damage after you make your claim. Consider an adjuster to be the insurance industry’s man who is saving your day. To determine the true cause of the incident, the insurance adjuster will review all available information during the investigation. The adjuster will recommend to the insurance company the amount of money it should pay for the loss after figuring out what caused the accident.

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  • How to deal with the rising costs of auto insurance due to car theft – MoneySense

    How to deal with the rising costs of auto insurance due to car theft – MoneySense

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    But with the most frequently stolen vehicles, even a tag may not necessarily reduce insurance premiums, experts warn.

    Every insurance company works differently, said McGuinty. “There’s no set standard response from the insurance industry in terms of, if you install an aftermarket tracking device, you will receive X premium discount,” he said. “That’s just not how it’s operating.”

    It could, however, deter potential thieves—which can affect insurance premiums in the future since drivers who have had a vehicle stolen in the past may pay more over time.

    Hands explained that taking preventive measures, even if an insurance company isn’t offering discounts or reimbursements, still benefits car owners. “The longer you can stay claims-free with your record, the better your insurance pricing should be,” Hands said. Shopping around for better deals on insurance is also a crucial cost-saving step. 

    Can you be denied insurance because of the model?

    Steve Henderson, a managing partner at Youngs Insurance Brokers Inc., says he has been noticing some insurance companies taking a step back by refusing to insure cars high up on the list of most stolen vehicles. When working with a client, he said he tries his best to get suitable deals and share any piece of advice coming down the chain from insurance companies.

    “We check our array of companies, we find out who’s the best,” Henderson said. “We try and use our companies to the advantage of the consumers.”

    How to prevent your car from being stolen

    Some tips to deter car thefts, and likely offer relief on insurance premiums, include parking inside the garage, locking the steering wheel with a device when parked outdoors; and storing car keys in a Faraday pouch, an aluminum-lined bag that blocks fob signals. Hands said people thinking of buying a new vehicle should look at the most-stolen vehicle models and check if their potential purchase is a part of the list.

    “If you’re looking for a vehicle as utility, picking a vehicle that’s not on this list might be something you might want to do, because it’ll help you save money in the long run,” Hands said.

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    Lisa Hannam

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  • Florida car insurance soars to nearly $4,000 per year

    Florida car insurance soars to nearly $4,000 per year

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    Car insurance in Florida has skyrocketed to nearly $4,000 per year, according to a new report by finance website Bankrate—the highest premiums in the country.

    The cost of car insurance has recently increased throughout the U.S. to reach a national average of $2,543 in 2024, with the New York City-based consumer financial services company calculating that it shot up by 26 percent over the last year alone. Florida is currently where drivers are paying the highest cost for their car insurance, at an average annual premium of $3,945, according to Bankrate.

    The Sunshine State is already in the midst of a home insurance crisis, with homeowners facing the highest premiums in the country at an estimated annual rate of over $4,000, according to Insurance.com. The increased costs have left many Floridians in despair about their future in the state, with some telling Newsweek that they were considering leaving as they cannot afford higher premiums.

    A car drives along Main Street as snow falls in Tappan, New York, on February 10, 2024. Florida is one of the states where residents pay the highest percentage of their average income on car…


    KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images

    To estimate the true cost of car insurance in the U.S., Bankrate calculated how much of their income Americans spend on vehicle coverage. With a national median household income of $74,580, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans are estimated to spend 3.41 percent of their wages on car insurance. In Florida, drivers are spending 5.69 percent of their income on it.

    The only state worse off than Florida is Louisiana, where drivers are paying 6.53 percent of their annual income on car coverage, for an average annual premium of $3,618. The only other state where residents paid over 5 percent of their income on car insurance was Michigan, with 5.01 percent. Drivers there pay an average annual premium of $3,356.

    In Nevada, drivers pay an average annual premium of $3,549, for 4.91 percent of their average income, while in New York residents paid 4.83 percent of their income on car insurance which cost them an average annual premium of $3,840.

    Newsweek contacted Bankrate for comment by email on Tuesday morning.

    The states with the cheapest car insurance were Vermont, for an average annual premium of $1,353, Idaho, with $1,421, Maine, with $1,507, Ohio, with $1,514, and Wyoming, with $1,581.

    The ones that spent the least amount of their annual income on car insurance were Massachusetts (1.76 percent), Hawaii (1.79 percent), Washington (1.80 percent), New Hampshire (1.82 percent), and Vermont (1.83 percent).

    Are you a Florida or Louisiana driver facing higher car insurance premiums? Are you worried they’re going to continue increasing? Contact g.carbonaro@newsweek.com.