How much do you save by paying auto insurance in full?

Asked by: Juston Hessel  |  Last update: November 16, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (73 votes)

How Much Can I Save With a Paid-in-Full Discount? The average savings for a paid-in-full car insurance discount is 9%. That means if your annual premium is normally $1,000, you would pay $910.

Is it a good idea to pay car insurance in full?

Generally, you'll pay less for your policy if you can pay in full. But if paying a large lump sum upfront would put you in a tight financial spot — say, leave you unable to pay your car insurance deductible — making car insurance monthly payments may be a better option for you.

Is it cheaper to pay for insurance in full?

Car insurance on average is $79.83 per month in low-cost states, $105.36 per month in medium-cost states, and $157.27 per month in high-cost states. Note that it's often cheaper to pay for your policy in full rather than monthly.

What is the discount for paying car insurance in full?

This means paying for at least six or 12 months of insurance all at once instead of paying by the month or quarter. Depending on the insurer, you can get a discount between 5% and 10% on your premium by choosing this option.

Is it better to pay out of pocket or use car insurance?

Depends. out of pocket payments can go sideways real fast but there is a benefit to both sides if they don't involve insurance. I think most of the risk is to the at fault party because you always have the option of going through his insurance if the payment doesn't work.

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Does paying car insurance in full save money?

Drivers who get a paid-in-full discount are effectively saving money for what they would have already done: paying for car insurance. Paying in full can also help drivers avoid missing payments while saving them time. Once your insurance is paid-in-full, you don't have to worry about missing payments each month.

Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?

Remember that filing small claims may affect how much you have to pay for insurance later. Switching from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can save as much as 20 percent on the cost of your insurance premium payments.

Is it cheaper to pay in full with Geico?

Save money—as much as $4 a month—by making just one payment for the full premium. We'll bill you for the full amount of your premium a few weeks before your renewal date. This one-payment option is our most economical plan. You don't pay any installment service fees.

How much is Progressive paid in full discount?

Paid In Full Discount: Most customers can save 15% or more if they pay their total premium in one lump sum.

At what point is full coverage not worth it?

Paying for comprehensive and collision — the coverages that many people mean when they say "full coverage" — may not be worth it if your car's value is minimal and your policy includes a high deductible. Usually, you have to have comprehensive and collision on a financed car because most lenders require it.

What is a good 6-month premium car insurance?

The average 6-month car insurance premium is $947 per year, but some insurers offer lower rates; Nationwide offers 6-month car insurance at $774.

Why am I paying so much for full coverage insurance?

Driving record

Incidents such as accidents (even if you weren't at fault), speeding violations, reckless driving, and driving while intoxicated can increase premiums. If you've filed a claim in the past few years, this might also result in an increase to your premium.

At what point is car insurance not worth it?

For example, you might want to drop comprehensive coverage if: You park your car in the garage and protect it from animals, falling objects, and severe weather. You plan to replace your car next time it needs big repairs. Your car is worth less than the deductible on your comprehensive coverage.

What are the disadvantages of having full coverage car insurance?

The only real disadvantage of “full coverage” car insurance is the possibility that you may be paying for more car insurance than you need, given your vehicle's value and your financial situation.

Is car insurance cheaper if you pay upfront?

Paying for a six- or twelve-month policy upfront can save you more in the long run, especially if your insurer offers a discount for paying in full.

Who normally has the cheapest car insurance?

Geico, Nationwide and Travelers are among the least expensive for car insurance. Americans are paying a lot for car insurance these days: Average annual rates for a full coverage policy are up to $2,638 per year, while minimum coverage averages $767 per year.

What state has the worst insurance rates?

Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Florida, and Colorado are the most expensive states for homeowners insurance. Oklahoma has the highest average cost of homeowners insurance in the U.S. at $5,858 per year.

Is $25,000 car insurance enough?

The minimum amount of car insurance you'll typically need is state-required liability coverage. This allows you to pay for some, if not all, injuries and damages you're liable for in an accident. The most commonly required liability limits are $25,000/$50,000/$25,000, which mean: $25,000 in bodily injury per person.

Is it smart to pay your insurance in full?

Fewer Bills Throughout the Year

No matter how you manage your bills, paying your premium in full will reduce the number of insurance payments you make in a year. In addition, fewer monthly expenses could help you allocate funds throughout the year for when it's time to renew your policy.

Who's cheaper, GEICO or Progressive?

GEICO is cheaper and has better ratings than Progressive. Your experience with GEICO and Progressive will vary based on individual rating factors.

Is GEICO overcharging?

Geico Faces California Class Action Suit for Overcharging for Auto Insurance. A federal judge ruled that a lawsuit against Geico Corp for overcharging for auto insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic may move forward as a class action.

What's a good deductible for auto insurance?

Most drivers choose a $500 auto insurance deductible, but policies with higher deductibles cost less. Choosing a plan with a higher deductible to get a lower insurance rate means higher out-of-pocket costs when filing a claim.

Is a credit score check required to get auto insurance?

Most insurers use credit checks to create a credit-based insurance score to help set your rate. Some insurers provide auto insurance with no credit check, which might seem appealing if you have a poor credit history.

Will raising my deductible lower my car insurance?

When you're choosing a deductible, keep in mind that you may be more or less comfortable with higher out-of-pocket costs vs monthly costs. A high deductible will lower your overall insurance rate, however it will increase your out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim.