If you're anything like me, your 20s consisted of terrible apartments, shoestring budgets, and lots of ramen meals. To make matters worse, everything seemed more expensive in your 20s, and that's especially true with car insurance. Luckily, there's one perk of getting older: car insurance rates decrease.
On average, drivers in their 30s pay $192 per month for full coverage policies, while drivers in their 20s pay $248 per month for full coverage. The cheapest car insurance for drivers in their 30s can come from companies like USAA, GEICO, and State Farm, but it's wise to shop around and get quotes from several companies to find the best coverage for you.
How we evaluate products
FinanceBuzz researches a number of factors in each auto insurance provider to create our reviews. These factors include cost and discounts, complaints and customer satisfaction, coverage, and ease of use. We also gather information from sources such as Insurify, J.D. Power, AM Best, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and the Better Business Bureau to ensure we provide the most useful information to our readers.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers in their 30s
Company name | Best/Excellent for | Average monthly full coverage cost | Average monthly liability-only cost |
USAA | Military service members and veterans | $92 | $44 |
GEICO | Low-cost coverage | $111 | $51 |
Root | Telematics or usage-based insurance | $112 | $63 |
State Farm | Customer service | $112 | $52 |
Allstate | Discount programs | $122 | $57 |
USAA
- AM Best: A++ (Superior)
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 726/1,000 (study average 697)
- BBB: A+
- NAIC complaints: 0.96 (Private passenger)
If you're eligible for car insurance through USAA, you're in luck: It's usually one of the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers in their 30s for both full coverage and liability-only policies. USAA issues policies to customers nationwide, and it's highly rated for claims satisfaction, customer service, and financial stability.
For military service members, USAA offers added perks, too. For example, members can qualify for special on-base discounts or storage discounts.
The catch? USAA isn't available to everyone. You must be a member to qualify for insurance. While USAA membership is free, you can only join if you're a military service member, military veteran, or a qualifying family member.
- Cheaper-than-average rates for drivers in their 30s
- Strong claims satisfaction rating from J.D. Power
- Special on-base discount of up to 15% for service members
- Eligibility limited to military members and their family members
- Insufficient coverage for road trips in Mexico
- Fewer discount programs than other insurers
Learn more in our USAA review.
GEICO
- AM Best: A++ (Superior)
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 692/1,000 (study average 697)
- BBB: A+
- NAIC complaints: 0.75 (Private passenger)
If you're shopping for low-cost car insurance but aren't eligible for coverage through USAA, GEICO could be a smart alternative. It's among the cheapest for drivers in their 30s for both full coverage and liability-only policies, and it offers coverage nationwide.
GEICO has a wide range of car insurance coverages and add-ons, including emergency road service, rental reimbursement, and mechanical breakdown protection.
However, the insurer didn't score as well as other major companies in the J.D. Power 2024 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study; it was ranked below the industry average. And, for those (like me) who prefer having a local agent you can visit, GEICO may not be the best choice. Although the company is exploring working with independent agents, the number of agents is currently very limited, so it can be difficult to find in-person help.
- Offers policies nationwide
- Cheaper-than-average rates for drivers in their 30s
- Offers mechanical breakdown coverage
- Lower claims satisfaction ranking in the J.D. Power study
- Limited agent access
- Doesn't offer guaranteed asset protection (GAP)
Learn more in our GEICO review.
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Root
- AM Best: Not rated
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: Not rated
- BBB: A-
- NAIC complaints: 1.93 (Private passenger)
For drivers in their 30s, one of the most effective ways to reduce car insurance premiums is to enroll in a telematics or usage-based insurance (UBI) program. Root is a leading UBI insurance company, and safe drivers can significantly lower their car insurance costs through the company. On average, drivers in their 30s pay $112 per month for full coverage policies — about 41% lower than the national average.
However, how much you save is dependent on your driving habits. If you have a lengthy commute or tend to speed or drive aggressively, you could pay much higher rates for coverage. Plus, if you have a record of at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, or driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, you might not qualify for coverage through Root.
Root also isn't available everywhere. As of 2025, you can't get a policy in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Washington, Wyoming, or Washington, D.C.
- Better-than-average rates for safe drivers
- Doesn't consider credit information when setting rates
- Offers rental car and roadside assistance coverage
- Drivers with issues on their driving record aren't eligible for coverage
- Limited coverage options, discounts, and availability
- Recent government action due to a data breach
State Farm
- AM Best: A++ (Superior)
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 710/1,000 (study average 697)
- BBB: F
- NAIC complaints: 0.84
I've been a State Farm customer for nearly 20 years. While I do shop around from time to time to make sure I'm not vastly overpaying for coverage, I'm willing to pay a little more to stick with State Farm because of how great the company has been to work with when I've had to file a claim or had questions.
My experience is consistent with State Farm's ranking in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, where it was ranked sixth out of 21 insurance companies. State Farm also has a large network of agents, so you can find an agent near you if you need personalized assistance. (Shoutout to my local representative, Jessika, who is used to my random questions and emails and is always prompt and thorough in her responses!)
However, State Farm doesn't issue policies to residents of either Massachusetts or Rhode Island. Drivers in those states will have to get coverage elsewhere (like from GEICO or Allstate).
- Cheaper-than-average rates
- Excellent claims satisfaction ranking
- Large agent network
- Not available in all states
- Doesn't offer GAP coverage
- Potentially higher rates than some competitors for drivers with tickets or accidents on their records
Learn more in our State Farm review.
Average rate:
Allstate
- AM Best: A+ (Superior)
- J.D. Power claims satisfaction: 691/1,000 (study average 697)
- BBB: A+
- NAIC complaints: 0.70 (Private passenger)
Although Allstate often has lower rates than several other insurers, it's possible to save even more thanks to its list of discounts. Besides taking advantage of standard discounts, like for good students, multi-policy, or anti-lock brakes, you may save money on car insurance by qualifying for one of the following discounted programs:
- Autopay
- Early signing
- Full payment
- New car
- Safe driving club
Allstate can also be a good option if you drive for rideshare or delivery services like Uber or DoorDash. It's one of the few insurance companies selling rideshare coverage.
However, there are drawbacks. Allstate scored below the industry average in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. And, while it does have DriveWise, a telematics program, it's not available in all states.
- Multiple discount programs
- Sells rideshare coverage
- Offers policies nationwide
- Poor claims satisfaction ranking in the J.D. Power study
- Its telematics program isn't available in all states
Learn more in our Allstate review.
What affects car insurance rates in your 30s?
Drivers in their teens and 20s tend to pay much more for car insurance than older drivers. According to the National Safety Council, young adults are much more likely to be in accidents, so they have more expensive coverage to offset the increased risk of a claim. As you age and your risk decreases, you'll usually pay less for insurance in your 30s.
Many states also use credit scores as part of the underwriting process to determine your rates. Older people tend to be more financially stable, and they often have better credit scores. As a result, if you're older, you may pay less for coverage.
Regardless of your age, several other factors will come into play when your insurer decides your rates, including:
- Gender
- Marital status
- Driving history
- Vehicle use
- Location
- Car make, model and year
- Selected coverage types and add-ons
- Coverage limits
- Policy deductibles
Ways to get cheaper auto coverage in your 30s
To lower your premiums for car insurance, consider these tips:
- Enroll in a UBI program: UBI policies base your premiums on your driving habits and vehicle use, so driving safely can help you significantly reduce your car insurance cost.
- Ask about discounts: If you're happy with your current insurer but want to save money, contact your agent and ask about potential discount programs you may be eligible for with your policy. There may be discounts you're not taking advantage of that could reduce your premiums.
- Shop around: Coverage options and rates vary by insurer, so you may be able to save hundreds by switching to a different car insurance company.
- Avoid unnecessary coverage: Only purchase the necessary car insurance coverage types and add-ons so that you don't overspend. Also, choose sufficient coverage limits.
- Adjust your deductible: Raising your deductible so you cover more of the upfront cost of repairs can result in a lower premium.
- Improve your credit: If your state allows insurance companies to use credit scores when setting rates, improving your credit by paying down debt and making on-time payments can help you qualify for lower premiums.
What's the right deductible for a driver in their 30s?
Deductibles apply to collision and comprehensive coverage; it's how much you have to pay for repairs before your insurance company will begin paying for the cost. Depending on the company, you can usually choose a deductible amount between $250 and $2,000.
In your 20s, choosing a deductible amount for your car insurance policy is often about affordability. When I was younger and on a tight budget, I knew car repairs would deplete my tiny savings account. So, I opted for a higher premium to get a lower deductible and avoid having large out-of-pocket expenses after a claim. However, some people might only be able to afford lower premiums and decide that a higher deductible is worth the risk.
In your 30s, you may be more established and have built up a larger safety net, so you may need to rethink your policy deductibles. If you have saved more money in an emergency fund and can afford a larger repair bill, it can be worth raising your deductible to reduce your premiums.
Ultimately, what deductible makes sense for drivers in their 30s comes down to how much they save on premiums, what level of risk they're willing to take on, and how much they can afford to pay for repairs if they're in an accident.
FAQs
Does car insurance get cheaper at 30?
Car insurance usually gets cheaper once you enter your 30s, since drivers in this age group are statistically less likely to be in accidents and tend to have better credit scores.
How much should a 30 year old pay for car insurance?
On average, drivers in their 30s pay $192 per month for full coverage insurance and $102 per month for liability-only policies.
Who typically has the cheapest car insurance?
For drivers in their 30s, the cheapest insurance companies with widespread availability include State Farm, GEICO, and Allstate.
Bottom line
Although leaving your 20s can be bittersweet, entering your 30s can mean you're more financially stable. (At least, it was for me!) As an added benefit, car insurance companies usually charge drivers in their 30s less for car insurance.
While companies like USAA, GEICO, State Farm, Root, and Allstate are great options, it's still a good idea to shop around before selecting an insurer. Our best car insurance companies list is a great starting point.
Data throughout provided by Insurify.
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