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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.

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Cheapest recent rates

Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $42/mo for liability only and $67/mo for full coverage.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on May 12, 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 12, 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 12, 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 12, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Katie Powers
Written byKatie Powers
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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.

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John Leach
Edited byJohn Leach
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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.

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Daniel Roccato
Reviewed byDaniel Roccato
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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.

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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.

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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 3,607 verified driver reviews and ratings
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
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 reviews - See all 1,571 USAA reviews
Dirk
Verified Review
Good but expensive
Reviewed in Texas on May 11, 2026
Pretty good, but still way too expensive.
Melissa
Verified Review
High Costs...little return
Reviewed in Colorado on May 11, 2026
For the most part, the insurance has been fine. It is difficult at times if you need to speak with a customer service rep, as the company relies on AI to try and resolve issues. Claims are hit or miss, and it seems that not all representatives provide the same quality of service. Rates have consistently increased regardless of any claims against your own account. There are very few discounts for customers that have been with them for years. Rates are 4-5 times higher than other insurance companies.
Thurston
Verified Review
Insurance Pain
Reviewed in Texas on May 11, 2026
Completed a 5-year surcharge. Now I have accident forgiveness. To this day, I am unable to get a fair premium not only from my insurance company but any other carrier because they want to penalize me for the surcharge that I just completed.
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 18,101 verified driver reviews and ratings
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
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 reviews - See all 7,726 GEICO reviews
Rita
Verified Review
Money Saving Options
Reviewed in New Mexico on May 12, 2026
Excellent, I am on a budget so I need to save. If I weren’t on a budget, I wouldn’t be looking for a different insurance.
Gregory
Verified Review
Decent service for price
Reviewed in New Hampshire on May 12, 2026
So far, so good. The claims department has been helpful and easy to work with when submitting claims.
Robert
Verified Review
The Best is Geico
Reviewed in Kentucky on May 12, 2026
They provide the cheapest price for full coverage. I have had quotes from other insurance companies and they have been double the price. No one can beat Geico. Thanks Geico!
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 17,962 verified driver reviews and ratings
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
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 reviews - See all 7,527 State Farm reviews
Neil
Verified Review
Good Buy!
Reviewed in New Jersey on May 12, 2026
I was with State Farm for 40 years and, as a faithful customer, I was disappointed by the high prices I was paying. When I contacted my agent to inform them that I was switching to another company, they seemed indifferent and did not ask what they could do to keep me with State Farm. There was no reaction.
Kerri
Verified Review
My Experience
Reviewed in Texas on May 12, 2026
They have good customer service, a nice app, and handled my claim easily. However, they are way overpriced.
Bob
Verified Review
I like State Farm
Reviewed in Illinois on May 11, 2026
My only concern is the price -- I don't know if I am paying too much or not. Otherwise, I am very, very happy.
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

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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

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

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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.

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