Melanie Lockert

Melanie Lockert

Insurance, Personal Finance Writer

Experience

  • Auto insurance
  • Home insurance
  • Retirement planning
  • Savings
  • Credit

About Melanie's expertise

Melanie Lockert is the founder of the blog and author of the book, "Dear Debt." Through her blog, she chronicled her journey out of $81,000 in student loan debt.

Her work has appeared on Allure, Business Insider, Credit Karma, Fortune, and more. She is also the co-founder of the Lola Retreat and host of the Mental Health and Wealth show podcast. She lives in Los Angeles and enjoys jazz music, traveling, coffee, and spending time with her two cats and partner.

Melanie has been a contributor at Insurify since November 2022. Her work on auto, home, and pet insurance aims to help readers make confident, informed decisions about their insurance coverages.

Featured Work

Our Editorial Guidelines

Insurify’s content goes through a rigorous editing and fact-checking process that includes reviews by insurance agents, data scientists, and multiple editors with years of experience in insurance and personal finance. We vet every article and report for: accuracy, educational value, objectivity, enjoyability.

Learn more about our editorial team and editorial guidelines here

Melanie's latest posts

Cheapest Auto Insurance in Lancaster, South Carolina (2026)

Cheapest Auto Insurance in Lancaster, South Carolina

USAA offers the cheapest car insurance in Lancaster, with minimum-coverage policies as low as $80 per month.
Allstate Car Insurance Review: 10,668+ User Ratings and Expert Insights

Allstate Car Insurance Review: 10,668+ User Ratings and Expert Insights

Allstate customers appreciate the company’s customer service and claims processing. But some report high rates and unexpected price increases.
Cheapest Auto Insurance in Waterbury, Connecticut (2026)

Cheapest Auto Insurance in Waterbury, Connecticut

The cheapest liability auto insurer in Waterbury is State Farm, which has rates as low as $89 per month.
Commonwealth Auto Insurance: User Reviews and Quotes 2026

Commonwealth Auto Insurance: User Reviews and Quotes 2026

Commonwealth Insurance offers auto insurance in only a few states and has lower ratings and fewer discounts than its competitors.
Liberty Mutual vs. The Hartford: Which Is the Best? (2026)

Liberty Mutual vs. The Hartford: Which Is the Best?

Liberty Mutual wins out against The Hartford because it’s available to drivers regardless of AARP membership, despite the two companies having similar average rates.
Cheapest Auto Insurance in Dalton, Georgia (2026)

Cheapest Auto Insurance in Dalton, Georgia

Auto-Owners is the cheapest insurance company in Dalton, with liability-only rates of $51 per month.
Cheapest Auto Insurance in Midvale, Utah (2026)

Cheapest Auto Insurance in Midvale, Utah

USAA has the cheapest liability insurance in Midvale, starting at $53 per month.
Founders Car Insurance Review (Ratings and Expert Insights)

Founders Car Insurance Review (Ratings and Expert Insights)

Founders accepts high-risk drivers that other companies won’t cover, but customer reviews report frustrating experiences with claims handling.
What Is Pay-Per-Mile Car Insurance?

What Is Pay-Per-Mile Car Insurance?

Pay-per-mile insurance can give low-mileage drivers serious discounts, but not all insurance companies offer this type of coverage.
Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Iowa

Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Iowa

Drivers in Iowa can pay as little as $24 per month for liability coverage through State Farm. You can get an instant quote and purchase coverage online through Insurify.
Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Colorado

Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Colorado

The cheapest car insurance company in Colorado is State Farm, with an average rate of $52 per month for liability insurance. Compare real car insurance quotes from top companies in Colorado. No calls, no spam, and you can buy online with help from our licensed agents.
Cheapest Auto Insurance in the Bronx, New York (2026)

Cheapest Auto Insurance in the Bronx, New York

CSAA offers the cheapest car insurance in the Bronx, with rates starting at $216 per month.
Rideshare Insurance in Massachusetts (2026)

Rideshare Insurance in Massachusetts

You must get rideshare insurance in Massachusetts with specific coverage limits to drive for Uber or Lyft.
Cheapest Auto Insurance in Grand Island, Nebraska (2026)

Cheapest Auto Insurance in Grand Island, Nebraska

Auto-Owners offers the cheapest car insurance in Grand Island, with minimum-coverage policies as low as $38 per month.
Cheapest Auto Insurance in Portsmouth, Virginia (2026)

Cheapest Auto Insurance in Portsmouth, Virginia

With a monthly liability-only rate of $65, Auto-Owners is the cheapest car insurance company in Portsmouth.
Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Wyoming

Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Wyoming

USAA is the cheapest insurer in Wyoming, with an average liability-only rate of $25 per month. Compare real car insurance quotes from the best insurers in Wyoming and buy a policy in minutes with help from our licensed agents.
Gap Insurance in Texas (2026)

Gap Insurance in Texas

Gap insurance is an add-on that covers the difference between the amount you owe on a financed vehicle and what your insurer pays in case of a total loss.
Gap Insurance in Michigan (2026)

Gap Insurance in Michigan

You can buy gap insurance from an insurance company, car dealer, or credit union in Michigan.
Cheapest Auto Insurance in Utah (2026)

Cheapest Auto Insurance in Utah

USAA offers the cheapest liability car insurance in Utah, at $51 per month.
Temporary Car Insurance in California (2026)

Temporary Car Insurance in California

It can be difficult to find temporary car insurance in California. Learn about some ways to obtain a short-term policy.
Cheapest Auto Insurance in Tacoma, Washington (2026)

Cheapest Auto Insurance in Tacoma, Washington

State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance in Tacoma, with liability rates starting at $64.
Cheapest Auto Insurance in Independence, Missouri (2026)

Cheapest Auto Insurance in Independence, Missouri

Progressive offers the cheapest car insurance in Independence, with minimum-coverage policies as low as $54 per month.
Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Rhode Island

Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Rhode Island

USAA has the cheapest car insurance in Rhode Island, with a monthly cost of $79 for liability-only coverage. Rhode Island drivers can compare real-time car insurance quotes and purchase a policy with Insurify.
Average Car Insurance Cost in North Dakota (2026)

Average Car Insurance Cost in North Dakota

Drivers in North Dakota pay an average of $89 per month for car insurance.
Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Savannah, Georgia (May 2026)

Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Savannah, Georgia (May 2026)

The cheapest insurer in Savannah is Auto-Owners, with liability-only rates averaging $80 per month. Savannah’s coastal hurricane exposure affects car insurance rates in the city.
Cheap SR-22 Insurance in Utah From $62

Cheap SR-22 Insurance in Utah From $62

USAA offers the cheapest insurance for drivers with an SR-22, at $62 per month.
Car Insurance Requirements in Oklahoma (2026)

Car Insurance Requirements in Oklahoma

Oklahoma drivers must carry $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $50,000 per accident, as well as $25,000 in property damage liability.
Average Car Insurance Cost in Minnesota (2026)

Average Car Insurance Cost in Minnesota

Drivers in Minnesota pay an average of $139 per month for car insurance.
What Is Gap Insurance?

What Is Gap Insurance?

Gap insurance helps pay the difference between what your car is worth and what you still owe on your loan or lease if the vehicle has been totaled or stolen.
Car Insurance Requirements in Nevada (2026)

Car Insurance Requirements in Nevada

Nevada drivers must have liability insurance and meet specific state-mandated minimums. You’ll need this insurance to register your car.
Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in San Marcos, Texas (May 2026)

Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in San Marcos, Texas (May 2026)

State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance quotes in San Marcos, with rates at $43 per month. San Marcos is at risk of natural hazards, like tornadoes, hail, and wildfires, which can affect the cost of car insurance.
Temporary Car Insurance in Texas: What Your Short-Term Options Really Are (2026)

Temporary Car Insurance in Texas: What Your Short-Term Options Really Are

True temporary car insurance doesn’t exist in Texas. Still, alternatives like Insurify Car offer flexible payment options and short-term coverage.
Average Car Insurance Cost in Massachusetts (2026)

Average Car Insurance Cost in Massachusetts

Drivers in Massachusetts pay an average of $126 per month for car insurance.
Car Insurance Requirements in Wisconsin (2026)

Car Insurance Requirements in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, drivers must carry bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage.
Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Laredo (May 2026)

Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Laredo (May 2026)

State Farm has the cheapest car insurance in Laredo, with average rates of $41 per month. Heavy traffic on U.S. Highway 83 and Interstate 35 can influence local rates.
Temporary Car Insurance in Colorado: What Your Short-Term Options Really Are

Temporary Car Insurance in Colorado: What Your Short-Term Options Really Are

Temporary car insurance in Colorado isn’t widely available, but Insurify Car allows you to pay for coverage seven days at a time.
Cheap Car Insurance Quotes in Long Beach, California (May 2026)

Cheap Car Insurance Quotes in Long Beach, California (May 2026)

USAA offers the cheapest car insurance in Long Beach, with an average cost of $72 per month for liability-only coverage. Heavy traffic and vehicle theft can contribute to the city’s high rates.
AssuranceAmerica Auto Insurance Review: Ratings and Quotes (2026)

AssuranceAmerica Auto Insurance Review: Ratings and Quotes

If you’ve been classified as a high-risk driver, AssuranceAmerica may be able to offer you coverage when you have few other options.
Average Car Insurance Cost in New York (2026)

Average Car Insurance Cost in New York

Drivers in New York pay an average of $202 per month for car insurance.
Best Homeowners Insurance Companies in Louisiana (2026)

Best Homeowners Insurance Companies in Louisiana

Foremost, USAA, and State Farm offer some of the best homeowners insurance in Louisiana.
Best Birmingham Homeowners Insurance Quotes (2026)

Best Birmingham Homeowners Insurance Quotes

Allstate, Travelers, and Foremost offer the best homeowners insurance policies in Birmingham, Alabama.
5 Best Greensboro Homeowners Insurance Companies (2026)

5 Best Greensboro Homeowners Insurance Companies

State Farm and Allstate offer some of the best homeowners insurance policies in Greensboro.
Best Homeowners Insurance Companies in Utah (2026)

Best Homeowners Insurance Companies in Utah

Allstate, American Family, and USAA are some of the best home insurance companies in Utah.
Noblr Auto Insurance: User Reviews and Quotes (2026)

Noblr Auto Insurance: User Reviews and Quotes

USAA, which owns Noblr, has started integrating its pay-per-mile policies into USAA’s core usage-based insurance products, so it may no longer be available in some states.
California Flood Insurance: Complete Guide for Homeowners in 2026

California Flood Insurance: Complete Guide for Homeowners in 2026

California is prone to flooding, which standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover. You can protect your home by buying flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurance companies.
Does Renters Insurance Cover Food Loss?

Does Renters Insurance Cover Food Loss?

Renters insurance covers your personal belongings, including food. If you have food loss, your coverage can help in several situations.
Home Insurance in High Fire-Risk Areas: What Homeowners Need to Know in 2026

Home Insurance in High Fire-Risk Areas: What Homeowners Need to Know in 2026

Wildfire exposure makes home insurance harder and more expensive to get, but homeowners in high fire-risk areas still have coverage options through private insurance companies and state-based FAIR Plans.
Best Laptop Insurance Companies (2026)

Best Laptop Insurance Companies

The best laptop insurance depends on your needs. Learn about student laptop insurance plans and coverage for families, travelers, and more.
Farmers Signal Review: How It Works, Savings, and Whether It’s Worth It

Farmers Signal Review: How It Works, Savings, and Whether It’s Worth It

Signal by Farmers may be good for existing customers but doesn’t stack up to the competition.
Guide to Commercial Car Insurance in California (2026)

Guide to Commercial Car Insurance in California

California business owners can find a wide range of coverages for large trucks, vans, food trucks, and passenger vehicles.
Guide to Commercial Car Insurance in Florida (2026)

Guide to Commercial Car Insurance in Florida

Business vehicles typically require commercial car insurance in Florida. Some vehicles have higher liability requirements than others.
Jeep Gladiator Car Insurance Quotes (2026)

Jeep Gladiator Car Insurance Quotes

Jeep Gladiator insurance costs an average of $153 per month, though rates can vary based on the model year, your state, driver profile, and other factors.
Jeep Compass Car Insurance Quotes (2026)

Jeep Compass Car Insurance Quotes

Jeep Compass insurance averages $142 per month, which is slightly higher than for similar makes and models.
Toyota Tundra Car Insurance Quotes (2026)

Toyota Tundra Car Insurance Quotes

Insurance premiums for a Toyota Tundra vary substantially based on the company, so it makes sense to compare quotes from several insurers.
Best Pittsburgh Homeowners Insurance Quotes (2026)

Best Pittsburgh Homeowners Insurance Quotes

Allstate, Westfield, and Erie offer the best homeowners insurance policies in Pittsburgh.
How the State Farm Drive Safe & Save Telematics Program Works (2026)

How the State Farm Drive Safe & Save Telematics Program Works

You can qualify for auto insurance discounts based on safe driving habits and mileage with the State Farm Drive Safe & Save program.
Cost of Subaru Car Insurance (2026)

Cost of Subaru Car Insurance

The Forester is the most affordable Subaru model to insure, with full-coverage rates starting at $127 per month from USAA.
Best Medicare Advantage Plans (2026)

Best Medicare Advantage Plans

Humana, Select Health, Essence Healthcare, Highmark, and Peoples Health offer the best Medicare Advantage plans.
When Does Medicare Coverage Start?

When Does Medicare Coverage Start?

Medicare typically begins at age 65, but it can begin earlier in certain situations.
10 Largest Dog Breeds by Height, Weight, and Personality

10 Largest Dog Breeds by Height, Weight, and Personality

Mastiffs are the heaviest dog breed, and Irish wolfhounds are the tallest. Big dogs can have big personalities and provide companionship, but they have special considerations to be aware of.
MAPFRE Auto Insurance Review: Ratings and Quotes (2026)

MAPFRE Auto Insurance Review: Ratings and Quotes

MAPFRE car insurance offers competitively priced coverage options and has strong ratings from Trustpilot and AM Best. Unfortunately, it’s not available nationwide.