Leased Car Insurance: Requirements, Cost, and Cheap Rates (2026)

Insurance requirements for a leased car are stricter than for an owned car. Here’s what coverage you need, what it costs, and how to find the most affordable rates.

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
4.7 / 515K reviews
Progressive LogoAllstate LogoLiberty Mutual LogoUSAA LogoThe General LogoBristol West Logo120+ more

Cheapest recent rates

Insurify’s drivers have found rates ranging from $39/mo. to $214/mo. in the last few days

*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on May 21, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from May 21, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on May 21, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from May 21, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Katie Powers
Written byKatie Powers
Photo of an Insurify author
Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

  • NPN: 20564519

Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

Featured in

media logomedia logo
John Leach
Edited byJohn Leach
Photo of an Insurify author
John LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Chief Copy Editor
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 10+ years editing experience

  • NPN: 20461358

John is Insurify’s Chief Copy Editor, helping ensure the accuracy and readability of Insurify’s content. He’s a licensed agent specializing in home and car insurance topics.

Featured in

media logo
Daniel Roccato
Reviewed byDaniel Roccato
Headshot of industry expert Daniel Roccato
Daniel RoccatoAdvisor
  • 30+ years in financial services

  • Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego

Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.

Updated

Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
Quick Facts
  • On average, the cost of full coverage is $183 per month, compared to $97 per month for liability-only coverage, whether you own or lease a car.

  • Before buying insurance, confirm your leasing company’s required liability limits and deductible caps.

  • Some leasing companies may require you to carry gap insurance.

What is leased car insurance?

Leased car insurance is the auto insurance coverage that dealerships or leasing companies require you to carry when you lease a vehicle. Unlike owning a car outright, leasing a vehicle means the leasing company holds the vehicle’s title and acts as the lienholder.[1]

Because the leasing company has a financial interest in the car, it sets its own insurance requirements on top of what the state mandates. This means state-minimum liability coverage is rarely enough.

Most leasing companies require full-coverage insurance for leased cars, which typically includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. Leasing companies may also require higher liability limits than your state minimum and, in some cases, gap insurance.[2]

These requirements are designed to protect the leasing company’s investment in the vehicle throughout the lease term.

Find Car Insurance for Leased Cars

Insurify partners with 120+ top insurers for real-time quotes

Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 14,501 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Leased car insurance requirements

Leased car insurance requirements vary by leasing company and state, so check your lease agreement carefully. Most leasing companies require coverage well beyond the state-minimum liability limits.

At a minimum, expect to carry liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. Some leasing companies also require gap insurance to protect against a total loss. Leasing companies often cap deductibles — typically $1,000 for both comprehensive and collision insurance.

State-minimum liability coverage is not sufficient for a lease. Leasing companies typically require higher liability limits, such as $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $50,000 or more in property damage liability.

Coverage Type
sort ascsort desc
Required for Lease?
sort ascsort desc
Typical Limits
sort ascsort desc
Bodily injury liabilityYes$100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident
Property damage liabilityYes$50,000 per accident
CollisionYesDeductible often capped at $1,000
ComprehensiveYesDeductible often capped at $1,000
Gap insuranceYesCovers gap between vehicle value and remaining lease balance

Liability coverage for leased cars

Liability insurance covers injuries to others and property damage you cause in an accident. It doesn’t cover damage to your own vehicle.[3]

While liability insurance is required for all drivers, leasing companies typically require higher liability limits than your state minimum. A common requirement is $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, plus $50,000 in property damage liability.

These higher limits help protect both you and the leasing company from significant financial losses after a serious accident.

Comprehensive and collision for leased cars

Collision coverage pays to repair your leased car after an accident, regardless of fault. Comprehensive coverage protects the vehicle against theft and vandalism, as well as non-collision events such as fire, hail, and animal strikes.

Leasing companies require both comprehensive and collision coverage because they have a financial interest in the vehicle. Without them, the leasing company would bear the cost if the car were damaged or destroyed.

To limit your potential out-of-pocket costs, leasing companies often cap deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage, commonly at $1,000.

Average cost of leased car insurance

Leasing companies require you to have full-coverage insurance, which costs more than the liability-only coverage that drivers who own their cars outright can choose.

People with a clean driving record pay an average of $183 per month for full coverage on a leased car, according to Insurify data. In comparison, liability-only coverage averages $97 per month — a difference of $86 per month.

Driver Profile
sort ascsort desc
Full Coverage (Leased)
sort ascsort desc
Liability Only (Owned)
sort ascsort desc
Difference
sort ascsort desc
Clean driving record$183$97$86
Drivers with good credit$174$92$82
Drivers with a speeding ticket$236$125$111
Drivers with an at-fault accident$245$130$115
Drivers with a DUI$265$140$125
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.

Why is leased car insurance more expensive?

The higher cost of insuring a leased car comes down to three main factors:

    illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/665da91bf7/comprehensive-coverage.svg

    Full coverage

    Leasing companies require full-coverage insurance for leased cars, meaning you must carry both comprehensive and collision coverage in addition to liability. Drivers who own their vehicles outright can opt for state-minimum liability, which is far cheaper but doesn’t protect the car.

    illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/c09380c3c0/car-dashboard-96x96-orange_045-airbag.svg

    Higher liability limits

    Leasing companies often require higher liability limits than the required state minimums. Higher limits mean higher premiums.

    illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/5285c4cd74/uninsured-or-underinsured-motorist-coverage.svg

    Gap coverage

    Leasing companies may require gap insurance, which adds another line item to your insurance policy cost. Gap insurance for leased cars protects the leasing company if you total your car and the insurance payout falls short of what you still owe on the lease.

Best car insurance for leased vehicles

Though you may need to buy more insurance coverage with a leased vehicle, you can still save on car insurance. Here are some of the best car insurance companies for drivers who lease their cars.

USAA: Best for military families

User Reviews
4.9
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9.1 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$51/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$103/mo
4.9
Best choiceBased on 3,648 verified driver reviews and ratings
USAA's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.93.2
Customer service4.93.6
Discounts4.92.9
Policy transparency4.93.1
Value4.92.9
How drivers feel about USAA

Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 1,578 USAA reviews
Melahi
Verified Review
Auto
Average service, premiums are excessive, but good coverage.
Alex
Verified Review
Meh insurance company
Overpriced, frequently increasing rates with an emphasis on finding exemptions from paying for losses.
Thor
Verified Review
Definitely the best rates if you're eligible.
It was very easy to set up. The very best coverage for the price.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
739
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.31
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

USAA provides the lowest car insurance rates for leased cars. The company also consistently earns the highest scores for its customer service and rewards policyholders who have a history of good driving. USAA exclusively serves members of the military and their immediate families, so you’ll need to fit this criteria to buy a USAA policy.

Pros
  • Budget-friendly rates

  • Several available discounts

  • Some of the highest J.D. Power customer and claims satisfaction ratings

Cons
  • Available only to veterans, active-duty military members, and their family members

  • Doesn’t offer car replacement assistance on leased cars

  • Limited customer service hours

GEICO: Best for senior discounts

User Reviews
4.0
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9.2 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$80/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$148/mo
4.0
Best choiceBased on 18,256 verified driver reviews and ratings
GEICO's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.03.2
Customer service4.13.6
Discounts3.92.9
Policy transparency3.93.1
Value3.82.9
How drivers feel about GEICO

Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 7,749 GEICO reviews
Cassandra
Verified Review
Disappointed
I have been with GEICO for many years. After a move, I found the people with whom I spoke vacillating on coverages and premiums. Within a four-week period, I was given four different premium amounts to pay, with the coverage period and dates due changing. I had already paid one, and the difference to make up for the highest premium exceeded the amount actually owed. I was unable to get answers and am most displeased. One of the women was extremely rude (which is unusual for GEICO to begin with), didn't listen, and was a total waste of time.
Cheryl
Verified Review
Not a satisfied customer
I'm not going to keep GEICO. I pay over $300 a month for insurance, and it doesn't even include roadside assistance. I ran out of gas one day and couldn't get anyone to come and help me. I had to get an Uber to the gas station and pay $35 for a gas can just to put a couple of dollars in my car, only to find out I don't have roadside assistance through GEICO.
Simeon
Verified Review
Best Insurance Company
Geico has been really good to me, paying claims very fast.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
637
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.59
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

GEICO provides some of the lowest rates for leased cars and offers more discounts than nearly any other insurer. For example, seniors may qualify for a defensive driving discount or a five-year good driving discount. If you’re older than 50, you can apply for guaranteed policy renewal, ensuring the company can’t decline to cover you as you age.

Pros
  • Discounts for seniors

  • Good rates for drivers who lease their cars

  • Accident forgiveness available

Cons
  • Some drivers with violations may find better savings elsewhere

  • New-car replacement coverage not available

  • Gap insurance not available

State Farm: Best for telematics

User Reviews
4.0
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9.3 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$53/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$108/mo
4.0
Best choiceBased on 18,157 verified driver reviews and ratings
State Farm's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.13.2
Customer service4.33.6
Discounts3.92.9
Policy transparency3.93.1
Value3.72.9
How drivers feel about State Farm

Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 7,566 State Farm reviews
Dee
Verified Review
Excellent
Never have had a problem with State Farm.
Patricia Nelson
Verified Review
Happy and Pleased with All Services
My broker takes care of all services, payments, and claims quickly!
Rodney
Verified Review
My survey for current car insurance
Peggy is awesome. She works in the Boyne City branch. I got accustomed to chatting with her on a monthly basis.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
657
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.84
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

Most leasing companies restrict your annual mileage — so, if you’re interested in this type of arrangement, you may plan to drive less often. This makes you a good candidate for usage-based car insurance, which helps you save money based on how safely you drive.

State Farm promises that with its Drive Safe & Save program, you won’t get higher rates because of any negative driving behavior the device captures. The company says drivers can save up to 30%, which knocks $630 off their average premium each year.

Pros
  • Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction and claims ratings

  • Customers can save up to 30% using Drive Safe & Save

  • Several available discounts

Cons
  • Gap coverage not available

  • Accident forgiveness not available

  • Drivers with violations may find better savings elsewhere

  • The best car insurance companies for leased cars provide affordable rates for their drivers. They also offer excellent customer service, add-on options, and discounts to help further lower your premium.

How to save on leased car insurance

Even with the coverage requirements that come with a lease, you can find ways to keep your premiums as low as possible. Consider the following three strategies to keep your car insurance rates in check.

Bundle policies

If you already have homeowners or renters insurance, bundling it with your auto policy through the same insurer can lower your overall costs. Many insurers offer bundling discounts ranging from 7% to 25%, depending on the insurer.

Review coverage annually

Your coverage needs and available rates can change from year to year. Reviewing your policy annually helps ensure you’re meeting your leasing company’s requirements while not overpaying.

Insurers regularly adjust their rates and discount offerings, so shopping around shortly before your renewal can help ensure you’re getting the cheapest car insurance.

Ask about car insurance discounts for lessees

Ask your insurer about discounts that can lower your premium without affecting your coverage.[4] These are some discounts that may be available to lessees:

  • Safe driver discount: For maintaining a clean driving record

  • Paid-in-full discount: For paying your annual premium up front

  • Paperless discount: For enrolling in electronic billing

  • Auto-pay discount: For setting up automatic payments

  • Good student discount: For being a qualifying student on the policy

  • Loyalty discount: For staying with the same insurer

  • Affinity or employer discount: For belonging to a qualifying group or organization

Instantly Compare Car Insurance Rates and Save

Let us do the work getting quotes from 120+ companies. You sit back and save!

Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 14,501 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Gap insurance for leased cars

Gap insurance, short for “guaranteed asset protection,” covers the difference between your car’s actual cash value (ACV) at the time of a total loss and the remaining balance on your lease. Because new cars depreciate quickly, your car’s ACV can fall below what you owe on the lease soon after you drive off the lot.

Gap insurance is particularly relevant for lessees because they don’t own the vehicle. If the car is totaled or stolen, a standard comprehensive or collision insurance payout may not be enough to cover the full lease balance.

Many leasing companies require gap insurance. But even when it’s optional, it’s worth considering, especially early in a lease when depreciation is steepest.

Leased car insurance FAQs

These answers to frequently asked questions can provide more information about leased car insurance.

  • Is leased car insurance the same as full-coverage car insurance?

    Not exactly. Full-coverage insurance includes liability, comprehensive, and collision. Leased car insurance refers to the coverage you carry on a leased vehicle, which typically must meet full-coverage requirements.

  • Do car leases include insurance?

    No. Car leases don’t include insurance. You’re responsible for purchasing a car insurance policy that meets both your state’s requirements and your leasing company’s requirements before taking possession of the vehicle.

  • What insurance is required for a leased car?

    Most leasing companies require liability coverage above state minimums, as well as comprehensive and collision coverage. Some may also require gap insurance. Check your lease agreement for the exact leased car insurance requirements.

  • What happens if you damage a leased car in an accident?

    Your collision coverage pays for your leased car’s damage, minus your deductible. If you’re at fault and damage another driver’s car, your liability coverage pays for the other party’s medical bills and property damage.

  • Is it more expensive to insure a leased car?

    Generally, yes. Leasing companies require full-coverage insurance and higher liability limits, which cost more than the liability-only coverage that drivers who own their cars can choose.

  • What is the biggest downside to leasing a car?

    When you lease a car, you don’t build equity in the vehicle. At the end of the lease term, you return the car without ownership. You’re also responsible for any excess mileage fees or wear-and-tear charges.

Sources

  1. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. "Keys to Vehicle Leasing Comprehensive Consumer Guide."
  2. Insurance Information Institute. "Insuring a leased car."
  3. Insurance Information Institute. "What is covered by a basic auto insurance policy?."
  4. Insurance Information Institute. "Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs."
Katie Powers
Written byKatie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Photo of an Insurify author
Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

  • NPN: 20564519

Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

Featured in

media logomedia logo

Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

John Leach
Edited byJohn LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Chief Copy Editor
Photo of an Insurify author
John LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Chief Copy Editor
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 10+ years editing experience

  • NPN: 20461358

John is Insurify’s Chief Copy Editor, helping ensure the accuracy and readability of Insurify’s content. He’s a licensed agent specializing in home and car insurance topics.

Featured in

media logo
Daniel Roccato
Reviewed byDaniel RoccatoAdvisor
Headshot of industry expert Daniel Roccato
Daniel RoccatoAdvisor
  • 30+ years in financial services

  • Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego

Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.

Compare Car Insurance Quotes Instantly

Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 14,501 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate