In Reno, Nevada, Nationwide offers the lowest minimum coverage, while Mercury is the most affordable for full coverage. When insuring families with teens, Nationwide is the cost-effective choice. For service excellence, Capital Insurance Group stands out, also earning top rank for overall value, considering both price and service.
Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Reno, NV (2024)
Nationwide offers the cheapest car insurance in Reno at $378 annually. Capital Insurance Group is the best for affordability and service, with a MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100.
Updated: December 19, 2024
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Key Takeaways
In Reno, Nevada, Nationwide offers the most affordable minimum coverage car insurance at $378 per year, with a potential saving of $755 compared to Allstate's most expensive option at $1,133 annually, highlighting the substantial financial benefit of comparing providers.
In Reno, Nevada, by opting for Mercury's full coverage car insurance premium at $602 per year instead of Dairyland's costly $2,340 rate, you can save up to $1,738 annually, highlighting the significant financial advantage of comparing insurance rates.
In Reno, Nevada, military drivers seeking the most affordable full coverage car insurance can find the best rate with Mercury at $602 per year, offering substantial savings of $1,738 compared to the most expensive provider, Dairyland.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed 90,496 quotes from 16 companies in Nevada, including the city of Reno. We used six sources and original research to rate the cheapest companies and develop a scoring system for Reno insurance providers based on ZIP codes in the city only. Our scores are based on affordability, customer satisfaction, claims experience, coverages offered and financial stability.
These rates reflect the cheapest car insurance quotes in Reno, NV, as of August 2024.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Reno
MoneyGeek found that these companies are the most affordable options in Reno for those seeking the cheapest car insurance:
- Nationwide: $378 per year
- Capital Insurance Group: $385 per year
The company offering the most expensive minimum coverage policy in Reno is Allstate, with an annual premium of $1,133. The price difference between the cheapest and most expensive policies is $755. Choosing wisely after comparing rates could result in substantial savings.
Nationwide | $378 | $32 |
Capital Insurance Group | $385 | $32 |
Country Financial | $393 | $33 |
Mercury | $454 | $38 |
Progressive | $501 | $42 |
State Farm | $512 | $43 |
Travelers | $557 | $46 |
GEICO | $699 | $58 |
American Family | $705 | $59 |
Farmers | $712 | $59 |
Kemper | $824 | $69 |
Nevada General Insurance | $832 | $69 |
CSAA | $1,027 | $86 |
Dairyland | $1,043 | $87 |
Allstate | $1,133 | $94 |
State Minimum Liability Requirements
For all cities in Nevada, including Reno, the minimum required car insurance coverage is set by state law. If you navigate Nevada’s roads, here’s the essential coverage you’re legally mandated to carry:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $20,000 property damage liability per accident
For example, if you're at fault in an accident and the other person's medical expenses total $30,000, your minimum coverage policy will cover up to $25,000 for that individual. In such a case, you would be responsible for the remaining $5,000 out of pocket. These established minimums are straightforward — make sure you're covered to keep your peace of mind on the roads.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Reno
These companies offer the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Reno:
- Mercury: $602 per year
- Country Financial: $737 per year
Dairyland is the most expensive provider of full coverage car insurance in Reno at $2,340, which results in an annual premium difference of $1,738 when compared to Mercury.
Mercury | $602 | $50 |
Country Financial | $737 | $61 |
Capital Insurance Group | $773 | $64 |
Nationwide | $834 | $69 |
Travelers | $993 | $83 |
State Farm | $1,023 | $85 |
American Family | $1,132 | $94 |
Farmers | $1,267 | $106 |
Progressive | $1,328 | $111 |
GEICO | $1,370 | $114 |
Nevada General Insurance | $1,625 | $135 |
Allstate | $1,715 | $143 |
Kemper | $1,981 | $165 |
CSAA | $2,306 | $192 |
Dairyland | $2,340 | $195 |
Do You Need Full Coverage in Reno?
A full coverage policy includes coverage for damages to your own vehicle in the form of comprehensive and collision coverages. It usually also includes increased liability limits.
Collision Insurance: This provides coverage for your vehicle in the event of a collision, whether with another vehicle or a stationary object like a tree or light pole. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.
Comprehensive Insurance: This coverage insures your vehicle against various types of damage not caused by collisions, including theft, vandalism, fires, natural disasters and being struck by an animal like a deer.
If you have a new vehicle, opt for full coverage for more robust financial protection. If you're leasing or have a car loan, you are typically required to carry full coverage insurance.
Contrastingly, owners of older vehicles may find the extra premium for full coverage less justifiable due to the car's decreased value. Striking the right balance is key when deciding how much car insurance you need; higher coverage leads to increased premiums, but with lower coverage, you run the risk of being inadequately insured.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Reno After a Driving Offense
MoneyGeek found that in Reno, full coverage policies vary based on the specific type of driving offense. Here are the companies with the most competitive annual premiums for each violation:
- Speeding Ticket: Mercury ($825 per year)
- At-Fault accident: Country Financial ($1,044 per year)
- DUI: Mercury ($1,095 per year)
CSAA has the most expensive rates for those with a speeding ticket ($3,205 per year), at-fault accident ($4,068 per year), and DUI ($3,441 per year). The difference in annual premiums between Mercury, the cheapest option after a speeding ticket, and the same after a DUI, is significant, showcasing how the severity of an offense can considerably impact car insurance rates.
Mercury | $825 | $69 |
Country Financial | $933 | $78 |
Nationwide | $952 | $79 |
Capital Insurance Group | $1,013 | $84 |
State Farm | $1,130 | $94 |
Travelers | $1,398 | $117 |
American Family | $1,568 | $131 |
Farmers | $1,638 | $137 |
Progressive | $1,751 | $146 |
Nevada General Insurance | $1,812 | $151 |
Allstate | $1,895 | $158 |
GEICO | $2,043 | $170 |
Kemper | $2,423 | $202 |
Dairyland | $3,118 | $260 |
CSAA | $3,205 | $267 |
In cities like Reno, insurance rates escalate with the severity of a driving offense because such infractions signal a higher risk to insurers. For instance, drivers with a DUI in Reno face an annual rate of approximately $2,536, while those with a speeding ticket see a lower rate near $2,062. This stark difference underscores the importance for drivers with a record of offenses to diligently compare insurance rates, as it can lead to substantial savings.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Reno for Teens and Their Families
Here are two top companies that offer the cheapest rates for families with teen drivers in Reno:
- Nationwide: $1,692 per year for female teens and $1,822 per year for male teen drivers
- State Farm: $2,064 per year for female teens and $2,578 per year for male teen drivers
These rates reflect the combined policy cost for two parents and a teen driver. GEICO secures the position for the most expensive teen family policy in Reno, with the annual rates for a female teen at $4,617, showcasing a remarkable difference of $2,925 when compared to Nationwide's premium for the same demographic.
Nationwide | $1,692 | $3,563 |
State Farm | $2,064 | $2,761 |
Allstate | $2,431 | $7,686 |
Farmers | $2,848 | $8,626 |
Travelers | $3,002 | $5,782 |
Capital Insurance Group | $3,316 | $4,383 |
Progressive | $4,059 | $9,586 |
Kemper | $4,303 | $7,266 |
GEICO | $4,617 | $7,415 |
In Reno, as well as across various cities in the United States, teen drivers face steep car insurance premiums. It's economical for teens to join a family plan at $3,411. In contrast, individual policy runs approximately $7,025 annually. The considerable disparity is attributed to the elevated risk insurers associate with inexperienced teen drivers.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Reno for Military Drivers
In Reno, here are two top providers of cheapest car insurance for military personnel and their families:
- Mercury: $602 per year
- Country Financial: $737 per year
Although not the least expensive among other providers, USAA ranks fifth with an annual premium of $971. While their rates are higher than Mercury and Country Financial, USAA is known for its services specifically tailored to the needs of active-duty military members, making it a valuable option for those who qualify.
Mercury | $602 | $50 |
Country Financial | $737 | $61 |
Capital Insurance Group | $773 | $64 |
Nationwide | $834 | $69 |
USAA | $971 | $81 |
Travelers | $993 | $83 |
State Farm | $1,023 | $85 |
American Family | $1,132 | $94 |
Farmers | $1,267 | $106 |
Progressive | $1,328 | $111 |
GEICO | $1,370 | $114 |
Nevada General Insurance | $1,625 | $135 |
Allstate | $1,715 | $143 |
Kemper | $1,981 | $165 |
CSAA | $2,306 | $192 |
Dairyland | $2,340 | $195 |
How to Compare Cheap Reno Car Insurance Quotes Online
In Reno, diligently comparing car insurance rates is a proven strategy for cost savings, though it can be a taxing process of spending upwards of 15 minutes per estimate.
Expedite this task significantly with MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator, designed to prioritize the key factors influencing Reno's car insurance costs. Simply input your age, driving history, credit score, chosen policy coverage, among other variables, to swiftly receive a tailored rate estimate.
Car Insurance Calculator
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
Rates updated:
Dec 21, 2024
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Best Car Insurance in Reno: Overview
Selecting the best auto insurance for you involves weighing various factors such as service quality, cost, coverage options and other personal considerations. MoneyGeek's research, which uses distinct scoring systems for different categories, has determined that in Reno, Capital Insurance Group stands out:
- Best overall: 91 out of 100
- Best for service: 88 out of 100
- Best cheap: 92 out of 100
Capital Insurance Group demonstrates its commitment to providing exceptional overall value, top-notch service, and budget-friendly options to its customers in Reno.
Overall Best Car Insurance in Reno
MoneyGeek found that Capital Insurance Group is the premiere choice for the best car insurance in Reno, ensuring drivers receive top-quality coverage and service.
- Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($773 per year)
- Mercury: MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100 ($602 per year)
Capital Insurance Group stands out with its impressive MoneyGeek score, primarily bolstered by its highest Satisfaction and Claims scores. These scores showcase the company's commitment to customer happiness and dependable claims handling.
Capital Insurance Group is a solid choice for comprehensive car insurance solutions as evidenced by its high MoneyGeek scores: satisfaction (35 out of 35), affordability (29 out of 30) and claims (20 out of 20).
Although it falls slightly short by not offering rental car and/or travel reimbursements, it is able to provide roadside assistance and full glass coverage, ensuring peace of mind during travel and in case of glass damage. It also offers custom parts coverage, catering to those with unique vehicle enhancements.
- Ranks well in the city for claims satisfaction (1st)
- Ranks well in the city for general customer satisfaction (1st)
- Offers rare coverages like full glass and custom parts coverage
- Ranks 4th in the city for key coverages
- Does not offer rental car/travel reimbursement or gap insurance
MoneyGeek ranks Reno's car insurance focusing on customer satisfaction and low costs, with claims service, coverage options and insurer stability as key considerations.
Best Car Insurance in Reno for Customer Service
Capital Insurance Group is the best option in Reno for exceptional car insurance customer service.
- Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($773 per year)
- American Family: MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100 ($1,132 per year)
Capital Insurance Group's high MoneyGeek scores in satisfaction, affordability and claims further solidify its top position, making it the most reputable choice for customers in Reno seeking quality service in the car insurance landscape.
Capital Insurance Group's Satisfaction Score is a perfect 45 (out of 45), and the Claims Score is strong at 30 (out of 30), reinforcing its reliability and efficiency in addressing customer needs.
While the Coverage Score is lower at 10 (out of 20), the company's ability to provide niche protections alongside core services underscores its commitment to accommodating diverse insurance requirements, justifying its high MoneyGeek ranking.
- Ranks well in the city for general customer satisfaction
- Ranks well in the city for claims satisfaction
- Offers rare coverages such as full glass and custom parts
- Does not offer rental car and/or travel reimbursement or gap insurance.
MoneyGeek's Reno car insurance ranking prioritizes customer satisfaction and claims efficiency, incorporating coverage options and financial strength.
Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies in Reno
MoneyGeek found that Capital Insurance Group is the best option in Reno for those seeking cost-effective car insurance that doesn't compromise on quality.
- Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100 ($385 per year)
- Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100 ($378 per year)
Capital Insurance Group surpasses others with its impressive MoneyGeek score, reflecting a balanced blend of affordability, customer satisfaction and robust claims handling. The score emphasizes that even for a minimum coverage policy, excellence in service and cost-efficiency can go hand in hand.
Capital Insurance Group offers the most affordable minimum coverage policies. It also offers a good student discount, a rare discount that acknowledges academic achievement.
Regarding the breadth of common discounts, Capital Insurance Group appears to be missing the most prevalent savings opportunities, including bundling, multi-car and safe driving discounts. However, its perfect affordability score of 40 (out of 40) and perfect scores in satisfaction (25 out of 25) and claims (20 out of 20) are a testament to its commitment to providing excellent insurance value and customer experience.
- Offers rare good student discount
- 2nd in city for cost, with a $385 average annual premium
- Top rank in city for general customer satisfaction
- Leads in city for claims satisfaction
- Lacks common discounts: bundling, multiple car, safe driving
MoneyGeek ranks Reno's car insurance, prioritizing affordable minimum coverage and customer satisfaction, while also evaluating claims service, offerings and insurer stability.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in Reno
In Reno, Nevada, the average car insurance premium is $1,352, noticeably below the overall state average of $1,966.
Car insurance premiums are affected by various factors, including location. Traffic volume, weather conditions, rate of theft and other accidents also affect insurance costs. For instance, within Nevada, Sunrise Manor has the most expensive car insurance premium at $2,537, which is $571 above the state average. Meanwhile, Sparks boasts the lowest city premium at $1,338, undercutting the state average by $628. Areas with less traffic density, often non-urban, might see even lower rates.
Enterprise | $2,250 |
Henderson | $1,981 |
Las Vegas | $2,216 |
North Las Vegas | $2,330 |
Paradise | $2,336 |
Reno | $1,352 |
Sparks | $1,338 |
Spring Valley | $2,398 |
Sunrise Manor | $2,537 |
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.