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Last updated: August 6, 2025Best Affordable Car Insurance for Single Moms
GEICO, Progressive, State Farm, USAA, Nationwide and Erie offer some of the best and cheapest auto insurance for single moms, depending on their needs.
Best for Tight Budgets
Best for Coverage Add-Ons
Best for Military Families
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Being a single mom comes with challenges, including, oftentimes, a tight budget. If you own and drive a car, auto insurance is a mandatory expense. However, it doesn’t have to break the bank.
It’s key to look for companies that offer affordable rates and take advantage of discounts and other ways to save even further. We’ve compiled a list of the most affordable auto insurance providers that also have great customer service. We’ll also share tips to help you maximize your budget without compromising on financial protection.
Best Auto Insurance Providers for Single Moms
- Best for Tight Budgets: GEICO
- Best for Coverage Add-Ons: Progressive
- Best for Military Families: USAA
- Best for Low Mileage: Nationwide
- Best for Personalized Service: State Farm
- Best Regional Provider: Erie
Buyer’s Guide: Our Top Picks for Single Moms
Ultimately, the best auto insurance company will depend on your specific needs and budget, along with the premium you’re quoted. However, the following providers offer lower-than-average rates and have strong customer service records, making them ideal for single moms.
Here’s an overview of our top picks:
1. Best for Tight Budgets - GEICO
What We Like Most:
- Consistently low rates for minimum and full coverage
- Fast, easy online quotes and claims handling
- Discounts for safe driving and multi-policy bundles
Why GEICO Is Great for Single Moms
GEICO stands out for its affordability, offering some of the lowest average premiums available, which is a top concern for single moms balancing solo household expenses. The user-friendly, digital-first approach makes it easy for busy parents to get and manage coverage—even after hours. GEICO’s Safe Driver Rewards and multi-policy discounts can help single moms save even more, freeing up money for their family’s other needs.
Pros:
- Easy online quote-and-purchase process
- Cheaper-than-average rates, including for teen drivers
Cons:
- No gap coverage
- Limited availability of agents
GEICO Pricing
| Coverage level | Monthly average | Annual average |
|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $144 | $1,731 |
| Minimum coverage | $43 | $517 |
2. Best for Coverage Add-Ons - Progressive
What We Like Most:
- “Name Your Price” tool to fit any budget
- Telematics discount available
- Broad menu of optional add-ons, like multiple accident forgiveness types
Why Progressive Is Great for Single Moms
Progressive allows single moms to customize their policy to match a changing family situation—great for those who may need to drive less, add new drivers, or optimize coverage. Its Snapshot telematics program can help lower costs for safe drivers, while add-ons such as accident forgiveness or roadside assistance add valuable peace of mind for those driving kids to school, work, and errands.
Pros:
- Competitive rates and Name Your Price Tool make it easy to adjust coverage to match what you can afford
- Many coverage types and add-ons, including multiple options for accident forgiveness
Cons:
- Mixed customer service reviews
- Above-average rates for teens
Progressive Pricing
| Coverage level | Monthly average | Annual average |
|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $163 | $1,960 |
| Minimum coverage | $53 | $638 |
3. Best for Military Families - USAA
What We Like Most:
- Lowest average premiums nationwide for qualifying members
- Exceptional customer and claims service—consistently top-rated
- Military-family tailored perks and discounts
Why USAA is Great for Single Moms
For single moms with military ties, USAA offers competitive rates and a track record of customer satisfaction. In addition to low rates, the company offers a number of family-friendly discounts, including savings for insuring multiple cars, driving safely, and for young drivers who maintain good grades. Plus, when your child leaves home, they can get 10 percent off their own policy with USAA’s legacy discount.
If you’re divorced or widowed from a USAA member and you haven’t remarried, you may be eligible for USAA membership. The easiest way to prove eligibility is to provide your former spouse’s USAA number. Note that your former spouse must have joined USAA before or during your marriage in order to qualify.1
Pros:
- Some of the lowest average rates nationwide
- Products and services designed for the military community
Cons:
- Availability limited to those affiliated with the military, although ex-spouses who established membership through a spouse while married can maintain eligibility
USAA Pricing
| Coverage level | Monthly average | Annual average |
|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $117 | $1,407 |
| Minimum coverage | $35 | $417 |
4. Best for Low Mileage - Nationwide
What We Like Most:
- Vanishing Deductible rewards safe driving
- 24/7 roadside assistance for emergencies
- Family-friendly discounts (multi-car, good student)
Why Nationwide Is Great for Single Moms
Nationwide shines with perks like pay-per-mile plans—ideal for those whose driving is mostly local and family-focused. Roadside assistance covers stressful situations like breakdowns, flat tires, or lockouts, taking a load off parents managing it all alone. Discounts for multiple cars and teen drivers help households stay covered and on budget.
Pros:
- Pay-per-mile program
- Loyalty perks
Cons:
- Higher rates than some competitors’ (though still below the national average)
- No rideshare coverage
Nationwide Pricing
| Category | Monthly average | Annual average |
|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $151 | $1,808 |
| Minimum coverage | $60 | $718 |
| SmartMiles (pay-per-mile) | $87 | $1,044 |
5. Best for Personalized Service - State Farm
What We Like Most:
- Trusted service from local agents
- Good telematics discount
- Consistently high customer satisfaction ratings
Why State Farm is Great for Single Moms
State Farm offers personalized, face-to-face support that can be invaluable for busy single moms juggling work, kids, and daily errands. Whether you prefer to talk to a real person when filing a claim or need help choosing the right coverage, having a local agent can simplify the process. The company’s telematics program, Drive Safe & Save, offers an initial discount for signing up and up to 30 percent off at renewal depending on your habits. The company states that the program won’t raise your premiums (other programs, like GEICO DriveEasy, can raise your rates for poor driving). State Farm also offers a variety of family-oriented discounts, such as multi-policy and good student savings, and is ranked highly for customer satisfaction among large insurers.
Pros:
- Personalized service from local agents
- Above-average ranking for customer satisfaction in every region in J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance Study2
Cons:
- No accident forgiveness
- No fully online purchasing
State Farm Pricing
| Coverage level | Monthly average | Annual average |
|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $181 | $2,167 |
| Minimum coverage | $56 | $674 |
6. Best Regional Provider - Erie
What We Like Most:
- Outstanding customer service in multiple regions
- Among the lowest prices on this list
- Free extras like accident forgiveness and roadside assistance in some plans
Why Erie is Great for Single Moms
If you live in one of the 12 states where Erie operates, it’s a standout choice for affordable, reliable coverage. The company offers competitive premiums and a personalized touch through local agents—including in-depth claims support and easy policy adjustments. For single moms watching every dollar, Erie’s first-at-fault accident forgiveness and declining deductible offer extra financial protection and incentives for safe driving. Its RateLock feature prevents surprise premiums increases at renewal, even after a claim or ticket (unless there’s a major vehicle or residence change), making budgeting easier. While its availability is limited regionally, it consistently ranked at the top for customer service and satisfaction where available.
FYI:
Erie is currently available in the following places: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin.
Pros:
- Exceptional customer service: first for the North Central and Southeast regions and second for the Mid-Atlantic region in J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance Study
- Most affordable rates on this list other than USAA (whose availability is limited)
Cons:
- Only available in 12 states and Washington, D.C.
- Smaller telematics discount than those from major national providers
Erie Pricing
| Coverage level | Monthly average | Annual average |
|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $137 | $1,647 |
| Minimum coverage | $48 | $581 |
Compare Top Provider Pricing
| Provider | Average annual full coverage premium | Average annual minimum coverage premium |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,407 | $417 |
| Erie | $1,647 | $581 |
| GEICO | $1,731 | $517 |
| Nationwide | $1,808 | $718 |
| Progressive | $1,960 | $638 |
| State Farm | $2,167 | $674 |
| National average | $2,399 | $635 |
Coverages to Consider as a Single Mom
Every state has minimum car insurance coverage requirements. These always include liability coverage — usually both bodily injury and property damage liability — and may include other coverage types, such as uninsured motorist and personal injury protection (PIP).
Coverages to Consider as a Single Mom
Every state has minimum car insurance coverage requirements. These always include liability coverage — usually both bodily injury and property damage liability — and may include other coverage types, such as uninsured motorist and personal injury protection (PIP).
FYI:
New Hampshire is the only state that does not legally require car insurance. However, if you prefer not to purchase car insurance, you must prove financial responsibility, which is not realistic for most drivers. If you do purchase car insurance in New Hampshire, you must abide by the minimum coverage requirements.
In addition to basic liability coverage, single moms should consider adding the following coverages to their policy:
Higher liability limits
Higher liability limits increase the amount your insurer will pay (to the other party) if you’re at fault in an accident, thus helping to cover expensive medical bills or property damage. Experts often recommend limits of at least 100/300/100 ($100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $100,000 for property damage), which typically cost just $10 to $20 more per month than minimum coverage. For single moms, these limits offer critical financial protection because they help safeguard your income, your assets and your children’s future from lawsuits or out-of-pocket costs.
Comprehensive and collision
Comprehensive and collision coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle if you crash into a car or other object (collision) or if your car is damaged by a non-collision event, such as vandalism (comprehensive).
PIP or medical payments
Personal injury protection is usually required by law in no-fault states, but it can be added in other states as well. It covers medical expenses for you and your children if you’re involved in an accident, and it can also help pay for child care costs if you’re seriously injured or disabled as a result of an accident. Medical payments coverage can help pay for post-accident health care costs, including ambulance rides, that are not covered by your regular health insurance.
Uninsured motorist
Around 1 in 7 drivers in the U.S. is uninsured,3 which poses a financial risk to other drivers. If an uninsured driver hits you, they have no insurance to cover the damages, and you will have to sue them to try to recover monetary damages. Uninsured motorist coverage prepares for this scenario and will cover your injuries and property damage if you find yourself in this situation.
Roadside assistance
If your car breaks down on the side of the road, it can be a lifesaver to have your insurance company help. Roadside assistance usually covers services such as gas delivery, towing and lockout services.
Rental reimbursement
This covers the cost of a rental car if your vehicle is in the shop due to a covered incident. This coverage can be particularly useful for single moms with only one vehicle because it ensures you can still get around if your car is temporarily out of commission.
Tips for Covering a Teen Driver
Auto insurance for teens is always costly, since their lack of driving experience, and thus higher risk, leads insurers to charge more. If you have a teen who’s starting to drive, here are some ways to keep insurance affordable:
- Add them to an existing policy. Including your teen on your auto insurance policy will get you the best rate; getting a teen an individual policy can cost thousands of dollars more per year. It may also be worth getting a quote from a few insurers to check if it would make financial sense for you to switch, as you may get a better rate from a different provider.
- Look for teen discounts. Most companies offer discounts specifically for young drivers, including good-student discounts for those who maintain a certain grade point average. Students attending school away from home without regular access to their car may also qualify for a distant-student discount. State Farm even has a young-driver-specific telematics program, Steer Clear.
- Choose an affordable vehicle. The value of the car you drive can greatly affect how much you pay for insurance, and that’s especially true when there’s a teen driver on the policy. If possible, have your teen drive a moderately priced car to keep costs lower.
What to Do if You Can't Afford Car Insurance
If you can’t afford car insurance, your priority should be to keep the cost as low as possible, as you cannot forgo it legally. If you live in California, Hawaii or New Jersey, you may be able to benefit from these states’ government-assisted low-income car insurance programs. You can get help paying for car insurance if you meet the eligibility requirements, which differ by state.
If you don’t live in those states, here are some of the best ways to save money on car insurance:
- Shop around. Every car insurance company assesses risk and determines premiums in a different way, so always get multiple quotes to see who offers you the best deal. Be sure to compare the same coverages, liability limits and deductible amounts across providers.
- Increase your deductibles. If you opt for comprehensive and collision coverage, you’ll have a separate deductible for each. The lower your deductible, the higher your premium. Just keep in mind that having a higher deductible means you’ll have to pay more out of pocket if you need to file a claim.
- Look for discounts. All auto insurers offer discounts to help policyholders save on premiums, but the exact selection varies by provider. Be sure to research and ask about discounts you may be eligible for, to ensure they’re applied to your quotes. We’ve included a list of specific discounts to look for below.
- Opt for a payment plan. While this won’t technically save you money, it can make it much more manageable to pay for car insurance if you can’t afford to pay your whole premium at once. Companies like GEICO offer the option to pay in various installment plans, so you can choose the cadence that works best for your budget.
- Improve your credit. If you have poor credit, you risk paying a lot more, on average, for auto insurance. By working to improve your credit record over time, you can help lower your rates significantly.
GOOD TO KNOW:
If you live in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts or Michigan, insurers cannot use your credit as a factor in determining your rates. Although improving your credit is still a worthwhile goal, it’s not crucial to lowering your auto insurance rates in those states.
Best Auto Insurance Discounts for Single Moms
Although there are no auto insurance discounts specifically targeted to single moms, there are several that single moms can take advantage of to save money. Here are some of the best ones to look for:
- Telematics: Most auto insurers, including major national providers and some regional providers, offer a telematics discount program that tracks your driving behavior and rewards you for safe driving. Examples include State Farm Drive Safe & Save and Progressive Snapshot. These discounts can be significant, so it’s worth trying if you’re confident about your driving. Keep in mind that some companies may increase your rates if they detect risky driving behavior.
- Bundle policies: If you have a homeowners or renters insurance policy, bundling it with your auto insurance can lead to significant savings. Some companies also offer bundling discounts for other types of policies, like life insurance.
- Low mileage: Certain companies, like State Farm, offer a discount if you drive less than average. Depending on how little you drive, you could also save by opting for a pay-per-mile policy, like Lemonade or Nationwide’s SmartMiles.
- Safe driver: You may be eligible for a safe-driver discount if you remain violation-free for a certain amount of time.
Car Insurance Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re a single mom looking for auto insurance, avoid these insurance mistakes:
- Being underinsured: Although it can be tempting to go for the absolute lowest rate you can find, keep in mind that there are risks to not getting enough coverage.
- Filing small claims: Auto insurance is there to cover repair-and-replacement costs if your car is damaged, but it’s important to be smart about what you file claims for. If you can reasonably afford to repair the car without an insurance payout, it’s usually better to do so. If your car is a total loss, it makes sense to file a claim. This is because, depending on the situation, filing a claim can cause your premiums to increase, so you should make sure the payout is worth it.
- Missing out on low-mileage discounts: If you mainly stay close to home and drive less than average, be sure to look into pay-per-mile programs, as you could be paying much more than you need to with a standard policy.
- Not adding a teen driver to your policy: As soon as your teen starts learning to drive, remember to check with your insurance company about adding them to your policy. In some states, teens are required to get insurance as soon as they get their permit, while others require insurance for teens once they obtain their license. Adding a teen will increase your insurance premium, but not doing so (in addition to being illegal) will leave you on the hook for any damage they cause while driving, which can add up to significantly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a single mother get help with a car?
Single mothers who need help affording a car can look to various nonprofit organizations, including 1-800-Charity Cars, Vehicles for Change, and Wheels from the Heart. It’s also a good idea to look for local charities and even churches, as some may have resources or donations to help single mothers with transportation needs.
What car insurance can I get with no money down?
Car insurance with no money down technically doesn’t exist, and you should be wary of a company that advertises this. However, the down payment required by insurers when you purchase a policy can be as little as your first month’s premium, depending on your payment plan. If you are unable to pay a large amount up front, look for insurers that offer flexible payment options.
What government programs make car insurance affordable for single moms?
There is no government program to make car insurance affordable specifically for single moms. However, three states — California, Hawaii and New Jersey — offer assistance to low-income households. Single mothers who meet the eligibility requirements can take advantage of these programs. For those in other states, there may be other programs available through nonprofit organizations to help single mothers pay for car insurance.
What do you do if nobody will insure your car?
If nobody will insure your car, you should look into high-risk car insurance. Certain providers, such as Direct Auto and Dairyland, specialize in auto insurance for high-risk drivers. Each state also has an assigned risk auto insurance program designed for drivers who have trouble getting standard insurance. Premiums will be higher, but you can ensure you have at least basic coverage.
Methodology
At AutoInsurance.com, we evaluate auto insurance providers based on four key factors:
- Price (40%): We analyze average premiums for full and minimum coverage for good drivers with good credit, as well as various driver profiles, including those with DUIs, accidents, or low credit. We also consider available discounts. Full coverage averages use the following limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
- Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
- Claims Handling (25%): A good claims handling process from an auto insurer is prompt, transparent, and efficient, with clear communication throughout, fair evaluation of damages, and timely payment or resolution. We assess claims practices through sources like the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card and J.D. Power’s Claims Satisfaction Report, and financial strength from sources like AM Best and S&P Ratings. Real-life customer experiences are included when available.
- Customer Experience (25%): We evaluate the ease of the customer journey, from getting a quote and purchasing a policy to making changes or accessing documents. We consider the availability and quality of both online and agent interactions, as well as the functionality of the company’s website and mobile app. Our sources include J.D. Power studies, the NAIC complaint index, BBB ratings, and app store reviews.
- Coverage Options (10%): We review each company’s coverage offerings and value providers with options that single moms may value, like roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, gap coverage, rental reimbursement, and more.
Read more about our ratings and methodology.
Managing Editor & Industry Analyst
Maya Afilalo holds over 10 years of professional experience in writing, communications, and research, which she leverages to provide accurate and reliable information to empower consumers. In addition to overseeing content production, Maya has herself written many articles on auto insurance costs, company comparisons, state laws and requirements, and other topics. She is committed to helping consumers navigate the complex world of car insurance with clarity and confidence. Maya holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s from North Carolina State University.
Citations
It’s Now a Buyer’s Market for Auto Insurance, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2025, June 10).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-insurance-studyMember owned. Mission led. USAA. (2025)
https://www.usaa.com/membership/about/?wa_ref=pub_global_membership&akredirect=trueFacts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists. Insurance Information Institute. (2023).
https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists
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