4.8out of 3,000+ reviews
Cheap Car Insurance in Kentucky 2022
Drivers in Kentucky pay rates starting at $98/mo. for car insurance.
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Why you can trust Insurify
Written by
Katie Powers
Insurance Writer
Katie Powers is an insurance writer at Insurify with expertise in personal finance and auto insurance topics. She strives to help consumers make better financial decisions. Prior to joining Insurify, she completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Emerson College. Her work has been published in St. Louis Magazine, the Boston Globe, and elsewhere. Connect with Katie on LinkedIn.
Edited by
Danny Smith
Insurance Writer
Danny is an insurance writer at Insurify. Specializing in auto insurance, he works to help drivers navigate the complicated world of insurance to find the best possible policy. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. You can connect with Danny on LinkedIn.
Reviewed by
Stephen DeFord
Licensed Insurance Agent at Insurify
Stephen DeFord is an insurance agent at Insurify's in-house agency. As a licensed agent, Stephen specializes in auto, home, and commercial insurance. Stephen helps customers navigate the complicated world of insurance shopping.
Updated November 29, 2022
Kentucky ranks as the 13th most-expensive state for purchasing auto insurance in the country, according to our internal data. With an average rate of $267 per month, drivers in the Bluegrass State pay slightly more than the national average rate of $233 per month. If you’re looking for cheap car insurance, consider using an online comparison tool to compare quotes from multiple companies that match your insurance needs.
If you’re a new resident in Kentucky, you need to complete a simple checklist for your vehicle upon making the move, including obtaining a Kentucky driver’s license, transferring your vehicle title, and registering your vehicle[1].
Quick Facts
The average cost of car insurance in Kentucky is $267/mo.
State Farm is the cheapest provider in Kentucky, with average rates of $134/mo.
The easiest way to cut car insurance costs is to compare quotes online.
Best cheap car insurance in Kentucky: State Farm
1
State Farm
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Kentucky
To identify the best companies for cheap car insurance in Kentucky, Insurify’s data analysts considered average insurance costs and Insurify Composite Scores (ICS). Our analysts calculate these scores using industry and financial ratings, customer and claims satisfaction, and mobile app reviews.
The best car insurance companies in Kentucky include State Farm, GEICO, and USAA. These three companies offer rates lower than $175, which are well below the state and national averages.
| Car Insurance Company | Insurify Composite Score | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | 88 | $134 |
| GEICO | 88 | $149 |
| USAA | 96 | $172 |
| Travelers | 80 | $181 |
| Allstate | 85 | $196 |
| Erie | 85 | $148 |
| Kemper Preferred | N/A | $169 |
| American Family | 89 | $197 |
| Progressive | N/A | $223 |
| Safeco | 86 | $228 |
| Nationwide | 89 | $249 |
| State Auto | 76 | $253 |
| Liberty Mutual | 82 | $272 |
| Midvale Home & Auto | N/A | $276 |
| Farmers | 85 | $310 |
| Clearcover | 97 | $311 |
| Bristol West | N/A | $365 |
| CSAA | N/A | $387 |
| The General | N/A | $427 |
| Amica | N/A | $614 |
Disclaimer: actual quotes may vary based on the policyholder's unique driver profile.
Learn More: Best Car Insurance Companies
Insurify Composite Score (ICS)
To calculate the Insurify Composite Score, a proprietary rating, Insurify data scientists weigh multiple factors that reflect the quality, reliability, and health of an insurance company.
Inputs to the score include J.D. Power ratings, Consumer Reports customer satisfaction surveys and customer complaints, mobile app reviews, user-generated company reviews, and financial strength ratings from A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s, and Fitch.
Minimum car insurance requirements in Kentucky
Kentucky requires insurance for all motor vehicles operated or parked on state roadways. You must carry proof of insurance in your car at all times and have the proof available when:
Requested by law enforcement
Renewing vehicle registration
The vehicle is involved in a car accident
The minimum liability insurance requirements for private passenger vehicles in Kentucky[2] are:
$25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury: As a major part of your liability insurance, bodily injury coverage covers medical bills for people other than the policyholder who are injured during an accident. Kentucky is a no-fault state, meaning both parties’ insurance providers will pay for expenses, regardless of which party caused the accident.
$25,000 per accident for property damage: If authorities determine an insured driver is at fault for an accident, this coverage pays for repairs to the property of the other involved parties. Additionally, property damage coverage can cover legal costs if the insured driver is involved in a lawsuit following the accident.
$10,000 per accident for PIP: Personal injury protection coverage, also known as PIP coverage, will cover the policyholder for medical expenses they incur in the event of an accident. Depending on your plan, you may also receive non-medical benefits, compensating you for lost wages, household expenses, and even funeral costs.
Kentucky DMV information
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet operates the Kentucky Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a service that assists drivers with administrative tasks. At sites throughout the state, residents can register vehicles, renew driver’s licenses and ID cards, pick up license plates, and more. Many tools are also available through the DMV’s online portal[3].
Public transportation in Kentucky
While Kentucky does have public transit, its popularity and accessibility vary based on each county. For example, Frankfort residents can take BUS, or the Bluegrass Ultra-Transit Service, run by the Bluegrass Community Action Agency, to get around, as well as the Frankfort Transit System (FTS)[4]. Specifics vary, but driving a personal vehicle is often a more reliable option.
Compare Car Insurance Quotes Instantly
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Tips for getting cheap car insurance in Kentucky
Comparing quotes online from multiple auto insurers is the most effective way to find affordable car insurance rates available to you in Kentucky. An online comparison tool will pull together great rates from all the top insurers in Kentucky, making it quick and easy for you to compare policies.
Other options for lowering the cost of your car insurance include:
Increasing your deductible
Using all available discounts
Bundling two or more policies
Maintaining a good credit score
Liability-only vs. full-coverage insurance in Kentucky
If you live in Kentucky, you can opt to carry liability-only auto insurance, which pays for expenses related to injuries and damage to the other party’s car if you cause an accident. Each state sets its own minimums for how much liability insurance it requires drivers to carry. Liability-only insurance can make sense if:
You have a low-value vehicle.
You can afford to repair or replace your car out of your own pocket.
Getting the cheapest insurance possible is your top priority.
For a higher level of protection, you can choose full-coverage insurance, which includes basic liability plus collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage pays for damages to your car, even if you’re at fault for an accident. Comprehensive pays for damages caused by events out of your control, like vandalism, weather, and animals. Auto lenders and leasing companies typically require drivers to carry full coverage on a car they’ve financed.
You may also opt for full coverage if:
You have a high-value vehicle.
You wouldn’t be able to afford to repair or replace your car out of pocket.
Your car’s actual cash value (the payout you’d likely get if your car is totaled) exceeds your annual premium to carry full coverage.
Here’s a look at the cheapest auto insurance in Kentucky by policy type.
| Car Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $143 | $196 |
| GEICO | $109 | $149 |
| State Farm | $98 | $134 |
| Travelers | $130 | $181 |
| USAA | $126 | $172 |
| American Family | $144 | $197 |
| Amica | $449 | $614 |
| Bristol West | $231 | $365 |
| Clearcover | $298 | $311 |
| CSAA | $263 | $387 |
| Erie | $108 | $148 |
| Farmers | $226 | $309 |
| Grange | $103 | N/A |
| Kemper Preferred | $129 | $169 |
| Liberty Mutual | $190 | $272 |
| Midvale Home & Auto | $158 | $276 |
| Nationwide | $248 | $249 |
| Progressive | $163 | $223 |
| Safeco | $119 | $218 |
| State Auto | $140 | $253 |
| The General | $282 | $427 |
Disclaimer: actual quotes may vary based on the policyholder's unique driver profile.
How your driving history affects Kentucky car insurance rates
Your driving history is the factor that most influences your car insurance costs. Good drivers — whose records are free of serious traffic violations like speeding tickets or reckless driving — tend to get the best car insurance rates in Kentucky. But infractions like driving under the influence or at-fault accidents can significantly increase insurance costs.
Here’s a look at average monthly quotes for the cheapest car insurance in Kentucky based on driving and accident history.
See More: High-Risk Car Insurance Kentucky
| Car Insurance Company | Clean Record | At-Fault Accident | With a DUI | Speeding Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $188 | $244 | $202 | $226 |
| Farmers | $142 | $185 | $153 | $171 |
| State Farm | $143 | $185 | $153 | $171 |
| Travelers | $179 | $180 | $216 | $226 |
| USAA | $129 | $167 | $138 | $155 |
| American Family | $189 | $245 | $203 | $227 |
| Amica | $590 | $766 | $634 | $708 |
| Bristol West | $342 | $429 | $371 | $489 |
| Clearcover | $279 | $511 | N/A | $433 |
| CSAA | $341 | $540 | $339 | $635 |
| Erie | $470 | $610 | $505 | $564 |
| GEICO | $297 | $386 | $319 | $357 |
| Kemper Preferred | $141 | $202 | N/A | $221 |
| Liberty Mutual | $264 | $297 | $239 | $331 |
| Midvale Home & Auto | $247 | $382 | $337 | $351 |
| Nationwide | $239 | $269 | N/A | $333 |
| Progressive | $214 | $278 | $230 | $257 |
| Safeco | $210 | $243 | $186 | $281 |
| State Auto | $213 | $357 | N/A | $376 |
| The General | $397 | $598 | $398 | $552 |
Disclaimer: actual quotes may vary based on the policyholder's unique driver profile.
See More: Best Cheap Car Insurance After a DUI
SR-22 insurance in Kentucky
If you get a DUI, some states require you to get an SR-22 form to prove that your auto insurance policy meets the minimum liability coverage mandated by state requirements or court orders. However, Kentucky does not require an SR-22 form. The following insurers may still provide cheap coverage for drivers with previous violations.
How credit scores affect Kentucky car insurance quotes
While some states prohibit insurers from using credit scores when determining insurance rates, Kentucky allows the practice. Credit scores impact how much you pay for your auto insurance policy. Generally, people with excellent or good credit scores can qualify for lower car insurance premiums than people with average or poor credit scores.
| Credit Tier | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Excellent | $201 |
| Good | $259 |
| Average | $273 |
| Poor | $292 |
Disclaimer: actual quotes may vary based on the policyholder's unique driver profile.
See More: Bad Credit Car Insurance Kentucky
How your city affects Kentucky insurance quotes
Car insurance in Kentucky varies from city to city because of factors tied to ZIP codes, including crime rates, population density, and more. Some auto insurance providers see certain areas as having more risk than others, which affects those cities’ average monthly rates.
| City | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Benton | $146 |
| Bowling Green | $244 |
| Covington | $264 |
| Elizabethtown | $253 |
| Florence | $207 |
| Frankfort | $336 |
| Georgetown | $277 |
| Henderson | $309 |
| Hopkinsville | $228 |
| Independence | $204 |
| Lebanon | $208 |
| Lexington | $224 |
| Louisville | $330 |
| Middlesboro | $316 |
| Mount Washington | $322 |
| Nicholasville | $306 |
| Oak Grove | $360 |
| Owensboro | $207 |
| Paducah | $224 |
| Richmond | $262 |
Disclaimer: actual quotes may vary based on the policyholder's unique driver profile.
How your age affects your Kentucky car insurance rates
Because insurers generally equate age with experience level, your age will significantly affect how much you pay for car insurance. New drivers, who tend to be teens or people in their early 20s, typically pay more for insurance than drivers 25 and older.
The following table gives a high-level view of how age can affect insurance rates.
| Age Group | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Teenagers | $577 |
| Under 25 | $356 |
| 20s | $254 |
| 30s | $244 |
| 40s | $226 |
| 50s | $216 |
| 60s | $192 |
| 70s | $156 |
| 80+ | $218 |
Disclaimer: actual quotes may vary based on the policyholder's unique driver profile.
Quotes for younger drivers
Multiple other factors influence how much drivers in each age group will pay for car insurance. Some increase rates for one age group more than another, while others impact all age groups evenly.
The following table compares how different insurance factors affect average monthly rates for drivers younger than 30. Younger drivers in Kentucky should consider Safeco and Travelers for the cheapest average insurance rates. Rates for liability insurance start as low as $154 with Safeco and $156 per month with Travelers.
| Car Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage | With an Accident | With a DUI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Mutual | $286 | $373 | $390 | $736 |
| Progressive | $226 | $308 | $310 | $619 |
| Travelers | $156 | $209 | $210 | $398 |
| Bristol West | $334 | $463 | $518 | N/A |
| Clearcover | $376 | $447 | $650 | $798 |
| CSAA | $344 | $417 | $458 | $764 |
| Kemper Preferred | N/A | $231 | N/A | N/A |
| Midvale Home & Auto | $227 | $355 | $440 | $619 |
| Nationwide | N/A | $349 | $351 | $734 |
| Safeco | $154 | $283 | $278 | $565 |
| State Auto | $220 | $300 | $376 | $482 |
| The General | $388 | $558 | $670 | N/A |
Disclaimer: actual quotes may vary based on the policyholder's unique driver profile.
Quotes for middle-aged drivers
Middle-aged drivers generally pay lower insurance rates than younger or less-experienced drivers. However, incidents like DUIs or at-fault accidents can increase their rates significantly. The following table compares how different insurance factors affect average monthly rates for drivers in Kentucky between ages 30 and 59.
| Car Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage | With an Accident | With a DUI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Mutual | $155 | $232 | $243 | $454 |
| Progressive | $140 | $191 | $232 | $366 |
| Travelers | $127 | $177 | $162 | $358 |
| Bristol West | $187 | $322 | $385 | $605 |
| Clearcover | $293 | $282 | $354 | $513 |
| CSAA | $247 | $396 | N/A | $695 |
| Kemper Preferred | N/A | $145 | N/A | N/A |
| Midvale Home & Auto | $138 | $247 | $290 | $468 |
| Nationwide | $239 | $237 | N/A | $462 |
| Safeco | $117 | $203 | $219 | $394 |
| State Auto | $119 | $241 | $339 | $424 |
| The General | $222 | $337 | $378 | $655 |
Disclaimer: actual quotes may vary based on the policyholder's unique driver profile.
Quotes for senior drivers
The following table compares how different insurance factors affect average monthly rates for drivers 59 and older. In Kentucky, senior drivers in their 60s and 70s tend to pay a bit less on average than drivers in their 80s. Options for cheap monthly liability insurance include $100 with Safeco, $103 with Travelers, and $120 with Progressive.
| Car Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage | With an Accident | With a DUI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Mutual | $134 | $178 | $213 | $332 |
| Progressive | $120 | $132 | N/A | $251 |
| Travelers | $103 | $144 | $135 | $287 |
| Bristol West | $164 | $269 | $384 | $484 |
| Clearcover | $203 | $203 | $271 | $372 |
| CSAA | $199 | $306 | N/A | $531 |
| Midvale Home & Auto | $123 | $185 | $254 | $342 |
| Nationwide | $174 | $178 | N/A | $314 |
| Safeco | $100 | $157 | $198 | $291 |
| State Auto | $123 | $191 | N/A | $340 |
| The General | $270 | $417 | $558 | $774 |
Disclaimer: actual quotes may vary based on the policyholder's unique driver profile.
Kentucky car insurance FAQs
The cheapest car insurance company in Kentucky is State Farm, with an average monthly rate of $134. GEICO and USAA also offer affordable rates, at $149 and $172 per month, respectively. Other smaller providers like Erie and Kemper Preferred also offer affordable rates.
By coverage level alone, State Farm has the cheapest rates in the state. USAA, on the other hand, provides drivers with the most affordable rates by driver history for those with a clean record or a past speeding ticket, accident, or DUI.
Car insurance rates in Kentucky increase based on unique factors related to specific drivers and cities. Based on Insurify’s proprietary data, Kentucky ranks as the seventh-safest state for driving in the country. The state does, however, rank 18th nationally in the number of drivers with a DUI on their driving record, which may cause auto insurers to increase rates there.
The climate of Kentucky also influences auto rates for drivers. Kentucky has experienced above-average annual precipitation since 2000, and future increased amounts will continue to cause extreme events like the flooding seen in 2022, according to the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information[5]. Drivers will face rate changes as insurers adjust.
Drivers in Kentucky pay an average of $267 per month for car insurance, which exceeds the national average rate of $233 per month. Kentucky is the 13th most-expensive state for buying car insurance nationally, and drivers in the state pay more for coverage than drivers in all of Kentucky’s bordering states, including West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee.
In addition to statewide factors like climate and population, driving records, credit history, age, and coverage level also affect car insurance rates. Premiums will also potentially fluctuate year by year. Based on our data, for example, there was a 26% increase in average rates in Kentucky between July 2021 and July 2022.
Based on our data-driven Insurify Composite Scores (ICS), Kentucky’s best auto insurers are USAA, State Farm, and GEICO. Offering an average monthly rate of $172, USAA has earned a high ICS rating of 96 and A++ ratings from both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s.
With an A++ from A.M. Best, an AA from Standard & Poor’s, and an ICS of 88, State Farm offers Kentucky drivers a lower average monthly quote of $134. GEICO earned the same ICS and A.M. Best rating as State Farm but has a better AA+ rating from Standard & Poor’s and costs more, at $149 per month. The best company will vary for each person and their needs.
Yes, you do need PIP coverage to legally drive in Kentucky. Drivers must purchase $10,000 per accident for PIP coverage as part of the state’s minimum required coverage, along with bodily injury and property damage liability coverage.
PIP coverage helps cover the medical payments a policyholder has after an accident. Specifics vary depending on your insurer and chosen coverage, but this type of coverage may also include non-medical benefits like lost wages, household expenses, and funeral costs.
Yes, you must purchase the state’s minimum required insurance to legally drive your vehicle. Drivers must purchase $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, $25,000 per accident for property damage liability, and $10,000 per accident for PIP coverage[6]. Kentucky is a no-fault state, meaning both auto insurers cover accident costs regardless of fault.
Bodily injury liability covers the costs of medical bills for people injured in an accident, with the exception of the policyholder and their passengers. Property damage liability goes toward property repairs for people besides the policyholder involved in an accident. PIP coverage pays for a policyholder’s medical payments following an accident.
Car insurance typically follows the car rather than the driver in Kentucky, which is true in most states. If someone borrows your car and crashes it, for example, your auto insurance should cover costs from the accident. As long as the person borrowing your vehicle is a licensed driver, your coverage should apply without issue. But it’s a good idea to ask your insurance company if you’re uncertain of your coverages.
If the borrower has their own car insurance attached to a separate vehicle, that coverage may come into play as secondary coverage after yours has been applied. You shouldn’t let any unlicensed driver drive your vehicle.
Full-coverage insurance includes more than the state’s minimum required insurance and is best suited for drivers with expensive vehicles or living in heavily populated areas. In addition to liability insurance, comprehensive and collision coverage comprise “full-coverage insurance.” Optional insurance add-ons or endorsements may also be available and vary by each auto insurer.
Liability insurance covers the costs of bodily injury and property damage of others in an accident you were involved in. Collision coverage protects your vehicle in the event of an accident, while comprehensive coverage applies to vehicle damages caused by natural disasters, vandalism, and theft.
Insurify Insights
How Kentucky Drivers Measure Up
While most drivers know that car insurance quotes are determined in part by your personal driving history, many may be unaware that rates are also impacted by the average risk of the drivers around you as well. Check out Insurify's latest analysis of driving records in Kentucky below:
Methodology
Drawing from an internal database of over 4 million car insurance applications, the research team at Insurify analyzes patterns in car ownership and driver behavior - including how Kentucky drivers measure up to their fellow motorists across the United States in areas including speeding, DUIs, and more.
Insurify Insights publishes data-driven articles, trend analyses, and national rankings each week on all factors related to cars and those who drive them.
Ford F-Series Pickup
Most Popular Car in Kentucky
#41
State with the Most Speeding Tickets Rank
#37
State with the Moving Violations Rank
#18
State with the Most DUIs Rank
#43
State with the most Suspended Licenses
While car accidents are a sadly unavoidable feature of time spent on the road, rates of accidents do vary from city to city and from state to state. Kentucky is the #36 state in the country for drivers with an at-fault accident on their driving record.
- Rank among states: #36
- Percent of drivers in Kentucky with an accident: 7.7%
While driving while intoxicated is never acceptable, it’s a more common offense than many assume. Kentucky is the #18 state in the country for drivers with a prior drunk driving conviction.
- Rank among states: #18
- Percent of drivers in Kentucky with a DUI: 1.7%
Reckless driving refers to a specific traffic violation: when drivers willfully act dangerously in spite of the risks they’re imposing on both themselves and others. Kentucky is the #49 state in the country for drivers with a reckless driving offense on record.
- Rank among states: #49
- Percent of drivers in Kentucky with a reckless driving offense: 0.6%
The Insurify team classifies rude drivers as those who commit one or more of the following driving offenses: failure to yield or failure to stop, improper backing, passing where prohibited, tailgating, street racing, or hit-and-run. Kentucky is the #49 state in the country for drivers with a rude driving violation on record.
- Rank among states: #49
- Percent of drivers in Kentucky with a rude driving violation: 0.7%
Exceeding the speed limit can endanger others and have a serious impact on your insurance costs. Kentucky is the #41 state in the country for drivers with a speeding ticket on record.
- Rank among states: #41
- Percent of drivers in Kentucky with a speeding ticket: 6.8%
Failing to yield the right of way isn’t just frustrating for other drivers; it’s dangerous, too. Kentucky is the #31 state in the country for drivers with a failure to yield violation on record.
- Rank among states: #31
- Percent of drivers in Kentucky with a failure to yield violation: 0.1%
Insurify Insights
Insurify's team of data scientists and content specialists presents Insurify Insights, a series of automotive, home, and health studies focusing on the topics that impact us all. through expert analysis of over 4 million car insurance applications and an array of top data sources, the Insurify Insights team produces new data-driven articles, trend analyses, regional superlatives, and national rankings every week. See Insurify Insights as featured in Forbes, Fox News, USA Today, NPR, and more.
Compare Car Insurance Quotes Instantly
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Data scientists at Insurify analyzed over 40 million auto insurance rates across the United States to compile the car insurance quotes, statistics, and data visualizations displayed on this page. The car insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers' vehicles, driving records, and demographic information. With these insights, Insurify is able to offer drivers insight into how their car insurance premiums are priced by companies.
Sources
- Commonwealth of Kentucky. "New to Kentucky." Accessed November 17, 2022
- Kentucky Department of Insurance. "State Minimum Car Insurance Requirements." Accessed May 28, 2022
- Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. "Driver Licensing Service Options." Accessed September 13, 2022
- Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. "Public Transportation Providers." Accessed September 13, 2022
- NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. "State Climate Summaries 2022: Kentucky." Accessed September 13, 2022
- Insurance Information Institute. "Automobile Financial Responsibility Laws By State." Accessed September 21, 2022
