The cost of minimum-coverage car insurance in Columbia, Md., is 38% higher than the national average. If you’re a Columbia driver, comparing quotes will help you find the best and most affordable insurance provider for you.
Our Guides Auto team has assessed the best car insurance companies across several key categories that include customer experience, industry reputation and cost. In this guide, we’ll explore how to find cheaper rates in Columbia based on your driving history.
Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies in Columbia, Md.
After an in-depth review, our team recommends Geico, USAA, Travelers, Erie Insurance and State Farm for car owners looking for the best and cheapest auto insurance in Columbia. On top of competitive rates, these companies boast reliable customer service while offering thorough and widespread insurance services.
Unless stated otherwise, the following cost tables show average rates for the driving profile of a 35-year-old married driver with good credit and a clean driving history.
How Much Is Car Insurance in Columbia?
Our data shows that minimum-coverage insurance in Columbia costs $72 per month or $861 per year on average. This is about 38% more than the national average of $52 per month or $627 per year. Similarly, full-coverage car insurance costs about $144 per month or $1,732 per year in Columbia, which is about 14% less expensive than the national average of $167 per month or $2,008 per year.
Cheapest Liability Car Insurance in Columbia
Geico offers the cheapest liability insurance with average rates of $37 per month or $442 per year. USAA is the second-cheapest auto insurance policy in Columbia, with average rates of $37 per month or $440 per year for minimum liability coverage.
Keep in mind that these rates can vary significantly from your own based on many factors, such as your age and driving history. That’s why it’s important to compare your own personal car insurance quotes when shopping for coverage.
State Minimum Coverage Requirements
Liability coverage is one of the types of insurance required by the state of Maryland. According to Maryland law, all auto policyholders must either meet or exceed the following requirements:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $15,000 property damage liability per accident
- $30,000 underinsured/uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person
- $60,000 underinsured/uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per accident
- $15,000 underinsured/uninsured motorist property damage coverage per accident
Cheapest Full-Coverage Car Insurance in Columbia, Md.
It can be expensive to buy a full-coverage car insurance policy in Columbia, Md. This is largely because full-coverage car insurance in Maryland means having these coverages on your policy:
However, unlike minimum coverage (which only offers minimal protection), full coverage safeguards your vehicle against many different kinds of damage. Geico is the cheapest full-coverage option with average rates of $92 per month or $1,104 per year.
Columbia Car Insurance Quotes by Driver Profile
Car insurance rates are influenced by various factors, and a company that is cheaper for one Maryland driver may not be for another. The tables below feature the average costs for auto insurance in Columbia based on the different driving histories, credit reports and ages of drivers. Since auto insurance rates differ across multiple ZIP codes in Columbia, we’ll take a glance at the costs in those locations as well.
Columbia Car Insurance Cost by Age
Teenagers usually get the highest auto insurance rates because they’re statistically more likely to get into car accidents or disregard traffic regulations. Our data shows that 16-year-olds pay about $269 per month or $3,230 per year for car insurance in Columbia.
As drivers reach their 20s, they become more experienced and mature behind the wheel, so the cost of car insurance gradually decreases. This decline in rates typically continues through middle age. The table below displays the average minimum-coverage car insurance expenses in Columbia for several age brackets.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbia, Md.: Teen Drivers
While car insurance for teen drivers can be costly, some insurers offer more budget-friendly coverage options at competitive prices. Our data shows Geico is the cheapest car insurance company for teen drivers with minimum-coverage rates as low as $132 per month or $1,584 per year. USAA, Erie Insurance and Travelers also offer affordable car insurance premiums for Columbia teens.
Columbia Car Insurance Cost by Credit Score
Auto insurance companies across most states are typically allowed to use credit scores to set drivers’ premium rates. Maryland is one of these states — however, there are stricter guidelines that Maryland car insurers must follow when setting rates with credit histories.
For example, car insurance companies in Maryland can’t use your credit history to raise your premium rate after a renewal or apply a surcharge of more than 40%. Companies also can’t use the absence of a credit history to determine your premium. Despite these guidelines, if you have a bad credit score, you can still expect to pay higher rates than drivers with better scores.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbia: Poor Credit
Our rate data shows that Geico is the cheapest car insurance option for drivers with bad credit in Columbia. The company offers minimum-coverage policies for rates of $48 per month or $571 per year. For drivers with good credit, this is 37% less than the state average for minimum auto insurance coverage.
Columbia Car Insurance Cost by Driving Record
If you’ve gotten speeding tickets, been involved in any car accidents or have driven under the influence, you can expect to pay higher premiums. On average, speeding can increase your rates by 24%, an at-fault accident by 58% and a DUI by 69%. But how average prices increase will vary from company to company.
According to our research, Geico is the cheapest option for individuals with driving violations on average. The table below shows average rates by company for drivers who have either a speeding ticket, accident or DUI on their record.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbia, Md: Speeding Ticket
Geico offers the cheapest premiums for drivers who have a speeding ticket on their records at $43 per month or $515 per year. USAA follows close behind with an average monthly rate of $43 and annual rate of $520. Travelers, State Farm and Erie Insurance round out the top five options for cheap speeding ticket car insurance in Columbia.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbia, Md.: At-Fault Accident
If you’re found at fault for any accidents that you’re in, most insurers will likely consider you a higher risk to insure, so your premium rate will go up. You can turn to Geico or USAA for your best bet on finding the cheapest options.
Geico’s average for at-fault drivers is about $59 per month on average. You can see some auto insurance companies charge two to three times this amount for coverage after an accident.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Columbia, Md.: DUI
Driving under the influence is one of the heaviest traffic violations you can commit, so getting a DUI on your record means your premium will skyrocket. You can find the most competitive prices with Geico however, at $48 per month or $571 per year. Erie Insurance and State Farm are also good options with rates under $68 per month on average.
Columbia, Md., Car Insurance Cost by ZIP Code
ZIP codes can affect your car insurance rates for several reasons. Car insurers typically pay attention to the amount of people, traffic and crime rates in a given area to determine risk. Below, you can see certain ZIP codes in Columbia match the city average for minimum-coverage auto insurance.
Cheap Car Insurance in Columbia: Conclusion
Columbia auto insurance premiums are 6% lower than Maryland’s state average and 38% higher than the country’s overall average. Geico provides minimum coverage for only $37 per month, making it the most affordable option in the city. Additionally, USAA offers reasonable rates of just $37 per month for drivers in Columbia.
Overall, Geico, USAA, Travelers, Erie Insurance and State Farm are the top five car insurance companies for Columbia drivers. You can get quotes online or from insurance agents. If you want to look at these providers side by side, check out our comparison reviews below:
Cheapest Auto Insurance in Columbia, Md.: FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about car insurance in Columbia, Md.:
*Cost data comes from Quadrant Information Services and is accurate at time of publication.
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