Navigating the world of auto insurance can be a challenge, and some single mothers may wonder how to find the perfect combination of affordability and coverage in an insurance policy.
In this comprehensive guide to auto insurance for single mothers, we show you how to find cheap auto insurance, explain the ways that companies determine rates and give our recommendations for some great providers.
If you’re ready to start getting quotes from some of the industry’s best car insurance companies, simply enter your zip code below to be connected with providers in your area.
How to Find Cheap Auto Insurance for Single Mothers
Some single moms assume that they will be saddled with unusually high insurance rates. Fortunately, this is not the case. In fact, as long as you kids aren’t driving yet, your insurance rates will be the same as any other driver your age. Once your kids are old enough to get behind the wheel, you will have an additional person on your policy. You can still find cheap auto insurance for teen drivers, but it will take some research on your part.
There are many great ways to find affordable auto insurance for single mothers. For starters, you should always be willing to shop around and compare rates from multiple companies until you find the right option for your needs. You can also consider reducing the amount of coverage that you purchase. Less coverage generally translates to lower premium payments. Just make sure that you feel comfortable with the amount of coverage you have in the event of an accident.
You should also check to see which providers offer the best discounts. Discounts lower your insurance premiums, and car insurance companies like GEICO and Progressive have tons of them. For instance, if you stay with the company for multiple years, you can sometimes get a discount.
Auto Insurance After Divorce
Typically, married couples get lower insurance rates than singles and non-married partners. Many companies also offer multi-car and multi-driver discounts. When you get divorced, your rates per person will likely go up. However, your overall cost will be lower because you will be insuring one less driver and vehicle.
Divorced parties will not be able to stay on the same insurance policy. Married couples are considered to be one household. After a divorce, assuming the two of you are no longer living in the same location, each person will need their own policy.
If you have a teen driver, they will need to be insured as well. Your custody agreement should outline who pays for auto insurance. However, both parents will need to purchase coverage in some instances. For example, this may be necessary when the teen driver(s) will be living with each parent at least part of the time.
Cheap Auto Insurance for Single Mothers with Teens
There are several money-saving tips that can cut costs and lower your premium payment when you have a teen driver on your policy.
The simplest option is to pay your premium in full instead of in monthly installments. Most insurance companies will reduce your premium amount when you pay a large lump sum. You can also get a multi-vehicle discount from many insurers if your teen has their own vehicle.
Another way to save money is to choose an affordable vehicle for your teen. The reason for this is that higher-end vehicles cost more to insure. Also, if possible, pay for your teen’s vehicle upfront. This will prevent the need for a full coverage auto insurance policy.
Perhaps the worst thing you can do is to procrastinate or simply avoid putting your teen on your policy altogether. If you do so and they are involved in a crash, your claim will be denied.
Car Insurance Discounts for Teens
There are several common car insurance discounts for teen drivers, including a driving safety course discount. All you need to do is sign your child up for a defensive driving course and submit proof of the enrollment to your insurance company. Just make sure beforehand that your provider offers this type of discount and that your teen’s specific course is approved.
Some insurers offer good student discounts too. The general idea behind these discounts is that teens with good grades are more responsible and less likely to be involved in a crash. Be sure to ask about teen driver discounts when you are shopping around for a policy.
Our Recommendations for Auto Insurance
Our hope is that you are never involved in an accident or need to file a claim. If you do end up needing to file a claim for whatever reason, it is vital that you are partnered with a reputable company. To make your job easier, we have reviewed the nation’s top auto insurance providers and given our recommendations below.
To start comparing free quotes from top providers, enter your zip code into our quote comparison tool.
Progressive: Best for High-Risk Drivers
With an overall score of 8.9 out of 10.0 in our industry-wide review, we recognized Progressive as the best provider for high-risk drivers. This company offers tons of discount options and a great mobile app. Progressive also offers optional coverages like rideshare insurance for Uber and Lyft drivers.
GEICO: Best Overall
GEICO received a score of 9.5 out of 10.0 in our review. The company has been around for decades and is an industry leader known for offering competitive rates, flexible coverage options and excellent customer service.
FAQ: Auto Insurance for Single Mothers
Is there auto insurance assistance for single moms?
There is not a specific type of auto insurance for single moms. However, that does not mean that obtaining affordable car insurance is out of the question. By doing your research and shopping around, you can find a great rate on auto insurance. We recommend comparing quotes regularly, asking about discounts and practicing safe driving habits.
How does auto insurance work between divorced parents?
In many cases, a child custody agreement may dictate which party will carry auto insurance for teen drivers. If you have joint custody, both parents’ insurance companies may require that the teen driver is added to the policy. The best way to find out is to contact your insurance company and fill them in on your current situation.
What’s the cheapest car insurance for single moms with young children?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for auto insurance. This same rule applies to single mothers with young children. Our recommendations provide single mothers with a great combination of coverage and cost savings. Our advice is for you to compare multiple quotes and choose the one that best fits your needs.
What factors do insurers look at when determining rates?
Insurers look at a variety of factors when determining rates. The insurers will generally consider your driving record, place of residence, type of vehicle, age, marital status, credit score and more. The goal of this thorough review is to conduct a risk assessment before offering you a policy.
Methodology
The Detroit Bureau collects data from every major car insurance provider to formulate rankings of the best insurers. Our in-depth rating system takes into account market share, coverage, pricing, customer satisfaction and ratings from industry experts. Each insurer is given a weighted score in four categories, as well as an overall score out of 10.0.
We recommend auto insurance companies based on these rankings, but we also encourage you to perform your own research and compare quotes to find the best coverage.
