![Melanie Lockert](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/1eb359b50a/melanie-lockert-headshot.jpg/m/100x100/smart/filters:quality(90))
Melanie Lockert is a personal finance and insurance writer who has been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has also appeared on Allure, Business Insider, Credit Karma, Fortune, and more. She’s also the founder of the blog and author of the book, “Dear Debt” in which she chronicled her journey out of $81,000 of student loan debt.
Melanie is also the co-founder of the Lola Retreat and host of the Mental Health and Wealth show podcast.
![Lequita Westbrooks](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/1f152b4c61/img_3113.jpg/m/100x100/smart/filters:quality(90))
![Lequita Westbrooks](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/1f152b4c61/img_3113.jpg/m/56x56/smart/filters:quality(90))
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
![Nick Versaw](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/4fa113857d/nick-versaw-headshot.png/m/100x100/smart/filters:quality(90))
Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
Updated
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Table of contents
The Kentucky Derby and the University of Kentucky in Lexington may put the Bluegrass State on the map, but the state is also known for higher-than-average car insurance rates. Kentucky drivers pay an average of $184 per month for car insurance, according to our research.
But it’s possible to get cheaper car insurance rates in Kentucky if you know where to look. Several auto insurers in Kentucky — including Auto-Owners and State Farm — offer rates well below that average.
Read our guide to see which auto insurers offer the lowest rates in the state and the strategies you can use to lower your premiums.
Auto-Owners offers the lowest average car insurance premium in Kentucky, at $68 per month.
Drivers in Kentucky pay an average of $137 per month for liability-only insurance and $232 per month for full coverage.
Kentucky is a no-fault state that requires drivers to get personal injury protection (PIP).
How Much Is Car Insurance in Kentucky?
The average cost of car insurance in Kentucky is $184 per month, but your personal premium will depend on several factors, such as where you live and your driving record.
The table below shows how Kentucky’s average liability and full-coverage rates compare to the national average.
State | Average Monthly Liability Premium | Average Monthly Full-Coverage Premium | Average Monthly Premium for All Policies |
---|---|---|---|
Kentucky | $137 | $232 | $184 |
National average | $107 | $197 | $152 |
In Kentucky, the average cost of liability coverage is $137 per month, while full-coverage car insurance is $232 per month, according to Compare.com data. Your premiums may be higher or lower depending on your personal risk factors and coverage.
Kentucky’s Cheapest Car Insurance Companies
Though the average cost of car insurance in Kentucky is relatively expensive, you can still reduce your costs. By comparing auto insurance quotes, evaluating discounts, and getting the right coverage, you can find the best rates for your situation.
Let’s take a closer look at the companies that offer the cheapest car insurance in Kentucky, based on our research.
Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
---|---|
Auto-Owners | $68 |
State Farm | $71 |
GEICO | $81 |
USAA | $88 |
National General | $95 |
Root | $103 |
Allstate | $104 |
State Auto | $105 |
Safeco | $112 |
Travelers | $115 |
Progressive | $117 |
Direct Auto | $118 |
Clearcover | $124 |
CSAA | $129 |
Bristol West | $151 |
Nationwide | $151 |
Liberty Mutual | $164 |
Shelter | $186 |
The General | $228 |
Auto-Owners offers the cheapest car insurance rates in Kentucky, with an average cost of $68 per month. But keep in mind that this average is a guideline — your costs can differ depending on your unique driver profile.
You may get lower rates elsewhere, so it makes sense to shop around and review multiple car insurance quotes before buying your policy. Let’s look at the best auto insurance companies for specific demographics of drivers.
The Best Kentucky Car Insurance Companies
Finding affordable car insurance coverage in Kentucky is key to lower costs. While there isn’t one insurance company that’s the “best” for everyone, the good news is many good options are available.
Below, we’ll share our top picks for the best car insurance companies in Kentucky for different types of drivers and needs. We picked the following companies based on overall affordability, discounts, coverage options, and customer satisfaction and ratings.
Best for teens and young drivers: Auto-Owners
Average full-coverage premium: $111 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.43 out of 5
Multiple student discounts available
Among the lowest rates for teen drivers
Road-trouble service coverage available
Low customer rating on BBB
“Poor” rating on Trustpilot
Must work with an independent agent
Best for discounts: GEICO
Average full-coverage premium: $130 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.65 out of 5
Competitive rates
Plenty of available discounts
AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior)
Many customer complaints on BBB
“Bad” rating on Trustpilot
Potentially frustrating claims process
Kentucky drivers who choose GEICO pay an average of $130 per month for full-coverage car insurance. GEICO’s low rates, in addition to the company’s generous discounts, can help lower costs even more for budget-minded drivers.
Discounts include vehicle equipment, good student, and safe driver. And if you insure multiple vehicles with the company, you could earn up to 25% off your policy.
Best for military members: USAA
Average full-coverage premium: $141 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.91 out of 5
Military on-base discount
Highly rated mobile app
A+ rating on BBB
Low customer satisfaction on Trustpilot
High number of customer complaints on BBB
Gap insurance not available
Kentucky has nearly 31,000 active-duty military members, according to data from the Defense Manpower Data Center. USAA offers some of the most affordable car insurance rates in Kentucky — but only to military members and veterans.
The insurer is an ideal option if you’re looking for military-specific discounts. You can potentially save even more through the company’s SafePilot program, which could knock up to 30% off for safe driving.
Cheapest State-Minimum Car Insurance in Kentucky
Different factors affect your rates, including the coverage levels you choose. State-minimum liability coverage is the cheapest policy you can get. If you cause an accident, it’ll cover injuries and damage to the other party and their vehicle. But it won’t cover your injuries or damage.
The chart below highlights the cheapest auto insurers for liability insurance and each company’s monthly premium.
Average Liability Premiums by Company
Although each of these companies offers affordable bare-bones coverage, liability insurance probably won’t provide the protection you need, so insurance experts recommend getting higher coverage limits. If you lease or finance your car, your lender will likely require you to get full coverage for the greatest protection.
Cheapest Full-Coverage Car Insurance in Kentucky
Purchasing full-coverage auto insurance will protect you and your car, but it comes at a higher cost. In addition to liability insurance, full coverage includes comprehensive coverage and collision coverage. These coverages pay for collisions with other vehicles or objects, regardless of fault. They also cover non-collision incidents, such as fire, debris, or vandalism damage.
The chart below shows the five cheapest companies for full coverage in Kentucky and each company’s average monthly premiums.
Average Liability Premiums by Company
Car insurance companies consider many factors when setting rates. That’s why it’s crucial to know which companies offer the cheapest policies to get the best rate possible.
Let’s explore how factors like your age and driving record affect rates.
Compare Kentucky Auto Insurance Rates by Age
Your age also influences car insurance rates. It’s one of the main factors insurance companies consider, as it reflects your experience and your statistical likelihood of an accident. Teen drivers have higher rates of accidents, while senior drivers have fewer. As you age, costs go down, but there’s a slight uptick in cost once you reach age 70.
Here are the average car insurance rates for various age groups and the cheapest insurer for each group.
Age Group | Statewide Average Monthly Premium | Cheapest Insurer | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|
Teens | $367 | Auto-Owners | $124 |
40s | $167 | Auto-Owners | $62 |
60s | $152 | Auto-Owners | $54 |
Teen drivers are by far the most expensive age group to insure because of their limited driving experience. It’s not just lack of experience causing a surge in rates but risky driving as well.
Kentucky teens only make up 6% of the state’s driving population, but they’re involved in about 18% of fatal car crashes, according to the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety.
Teens in Kentucky pay an average of $124 per month with Auto-Owners, according to Compare.com data. That’s the lowest of any insurer we found.
As you approach retirement age, you can expect to enjoy some of the lowest car insurance rates of all age groups. Senior drivers have extensive driving experience and generally drive less which translates to cheaper rates. We found that Auto-Owners charges drivers in their 60s less an average of $54 per month — the lowest rates of any insurer.
Compare Kentucky Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record
Your driving record record is another important factor that affects your car insurance rates. Insurers view driving history as a critical indicator of how likely you are to file a claim in the future. Drivers with a clean driving record generally qualify for the best rates. But if you receive a traffic infraction such as a ticket, DUI, or accident, your risk profile goes up — and so do your premiums.
The table below shows the average monthly premium for different driving records and the cheapest insurer for each.
Driving Record | Statewide Average Monthly Premium | Cheapest Insurer | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|
Clean record | $184 | Auto-Owners | $68 |
Speeding ticket | $260 | Auto-Owners | $90 |
At-fault accident | $261 | Auto-Owners | $92 |
DUI | $298 | Auto-Owners | $111 |
Getting a speeding ticket will cause your auto insurance rates to go up. A single speeding ticket increases national average premiums by 27%, according to Compare.com data.
Auto-Owners is the cheapest auto insurer in Kentucky for drivers with one speeding ticket, with an average rate of $90 per month. That’s much less than the overall monthly average of $260.
At-fault accidents can be jarring for you and your budget. Causing a car accident is a major infraction that puts everyone at risk. The potential for damage and injury is high, so insurance companies will raise your car insurance rates. After just one at-fault accident, national average rates rise by 34%, according to Compare.com data.
Auto-Owners offers the cheapest coverage to drivers in Kentucky after an accident, with an average rate of $92 per month.
Safe driving means being in total control of your vehicle. When you drive under the influence (DUI), mind-altering substances affect coordination and decision-making. A DUI can have a lasting effect on your car insurance rates. In fact, average rates skyrocket by 50% after just one DUI, according to Compare.com data.
Auto-Owners is the cheapest option in Kentucky after a DUI, according to our research. The company charges an average premium of $111 per month.
Kentucky Auto Insurance Requirements
Kentucky requires insurance on all vehicles registered in the state. The state-mandated minimum coverages are:
Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident
Personal injury protection (PIP): $10,000 per person, per accident
You may also opt for a policy with a single limit of $60,000 instead.
Kentucky is a “no-fault” state, meaning each driver’s car insurance covers their own injuries and damage up to a certain limit, regardless of who caused the accident.
As a result, Kentucky requires all car insurance policies in the state to include PIP coverage. This helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, or funeral costs for drivers and passengers after a car accident.
Kentucky requires policies to provide minimum PIP limits of $10,000 per person per accident, but you can opt for higher limits.
Kentucky penalizes drivers who drive without insurance. If get into an accident or an officer pulls you over, and you can’t provide proof of insurance, the state may revoke your vehicle registration and issue you a fine between $500
–$1,000. You could also spend up to 90 days in jail.
How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance in Kentucky
Finding affordable car insurance can be challenging no matter where you live, but there are strategies you can follow to find lower rates.
Jeffrey L. Brewer, division vice president of public affairs at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, recommends a few strategies:
Increase your deductible. A higher deductible can lower your premiums — but make sure you can afford the extra expense if you file a claim.
Remove non-essential coverages. Consider whether you really need full glass coverage, rental reimbursement, and roadside assistance coverage. Dropping them can lower your monthly premiums.
Consider usage-based insurance. If you don’t drive a lot, usage-based programs that base your premiums on your driving habits and mileage can provide substantial savings.
Take advantage of discounts. Many insurance companies offer discounts for things like safe driving, having multiple policies with the same company, or installing an anti-theft device on your vehicle.
Shop around. Regularly compare car insurance quotes from other insurers to see if there’s a better match for coverage and cost.
Kentucky Auto Insurance FAQs
If you want to know more about auto insurance in Kentucky, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked insurance questions in the Bluegrass State.
Auto-Owners is the cheapest auto insurance company in Kentucky, with an average rate of $68 per month, according to data from Compare.com. That said, the rates you qualify for will depend on your unique driver profile.
Car insurance in Kentucky costs drivers an average of $184 per month, according to Compare.com data. Keep in mind that your premiums can vary depending on your level of coverage, driving history, location, age, and other factors.
The cost of car insurance in Kentucky is high due to several factors. Kentucky is a no-fault state with minimum-coverage requirements that include purchasing personal injury protection coverage. Plus, the state has seen an increase in highway fatalities, which may also drive up costs.
No. Kentucky doesn’t require high-risk drivers to file SR-22s. But if you have an SR-22 in another state, you should maintain it as required by that state. If you don’t maintain the SR-22 and a police officer stops you for a traffic violation, the state may suspend your license.
Sources
Better Business Bureau, “Auto-Owners Insurance Group,” accessed November 18, 2024.
Trustpilot, “Auto-Owners Insurance,” accessed November 18, 2024.
Insurance Information Institute, “Auto insurance basics—understanding your coverage,” accessed November 18, 2024.
Insurance Information Institute, “What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?” accessed November 18, 2024.
Kentucky Office of Highway Safety, “Driving Tips for Teens and Parents,” accessed November 18, 2024.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, “Mandatory Insurance,” accessed November 18, 2024.
Kentucky Department of Insurance, “No Fault Rejection/Verification (PIP),” accessed November 18, 2024.
Commonwealth of Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, “Kentucky Officials Announce Increase in Highway Fatalities Last Year,” (pg 1) accessed November 18, 2024.
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
- All of Compare.com's content is written and reviewed for accuracy by a team of experienced writers and editors who are experts on the topics they cover.
- None of Compare.com's content is ever influenced by the companies and brands we partner with.
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- All of the content you see on Compare.com is based on comprehensive analysis and all data is gathered and vetted from trustworthy sources.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
![Melanie Lockert](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/1eb359b50a/melanie-lockert-headshot.jpg/m/96x96/smart/filters:quality(90))
Melanie Lockert is a personal finance and insurance writer who has been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has also appeared on Allure, Business Insider, Credit Karma, Fortune, and more. She’s also the founder of the blog and author of the book, “Dear Debt” in which she chronicled her journey out of $81,000 of student loan debt.
Melanie is also the co-founder of the Lola Retreat and host of the Mental Health and Wealth show podcast.
![Lequita Westbrooks](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/1f152b4c61/img_3113.jpg/m/100x100/smart/filters:quality(90))
![Lequita Westbrooks](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/1f152b4c61/img_3113.jpg/m/56x56/smart/filters:quality(90))
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
![Nick Versaw](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/4fa113857d/nick-versaw-headshot.png/m/100x100/smart/filters:quality(90))
Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.