Auto-Owners, Travelers, Kentucky Farm Bureau and Shelter Insurance are Kentucky’s best car insurance companies in 2024. This evaluation is based on a comprehensive analysis of the insurers’ annual car insurance rates, financial strength ratings and customer satisfaction scores.
Use our guide to find the right insurance company for your needs and budget. Navigate your insurance options in Kentucky with confidence to choose the best car insurance company.
Our take
Auto-Owners is the best car insurance company in Kentucky. With an A++ financial rating from AM Best and competitive rates, it is an ideal choice for those seeking affordability and comprehensive coverage.
Auto-Owners’s car insurance costs an average of $1,911 annually. Its J.D. Power score is 859/1,000 and its overall rating is 3.75 out of 5.
Based on CarInsurance.com’s analysis, Travelers provides the most affordable car insurance premiums at $1,804 annually.
Check out our experts recommendations for the best car insurance coverage
What are the best car insurance companies in Kentucky?
When it comes to finding the right car insurance, Kentucky drivers have many top-rated companies to choose from. Whether you’re looking for the best overall experience, the most affordable rates or exceptional customer service, there’s an insurer that meets your needs.
Here’s a breakdown of the best auto insurance companies in Kentucky by category.
| Category | Company |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Auto-Owners |
| Most affordable | Travelers |
| Highest customer satisfaction | Auto-Owners |
| Best for teen | Auto-Owners |
| Best for young adults | Auto-Owners |
| Best for adults | Auto-Owners |
| Best for seniors | Auto-Owners |
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Compare the best auto insurance companies in Kentucky
Comparing car insurance companies in Kentucky is important because it helps you find the best coverage at the most affordable price. Insurance companies offer different rates and benefits, so by shopping around, you can choose a policy that fits your needs and budget.
To assist you, we’ve thoroughly reviewed the top insurers in the state. Find below the list of the best auto insurance providers in Kentucky.
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $1,911 | A++ | 859 | 0.50 | 3.75 |
| Travelers | $1,804 | A++ | 851 | 0.49 | 3.35 |
| Kentucky Farm Bureau | $2,113 | A | 820 | 0.23 | 3.29 |
| Shelter Insurance | $1,917 | A | 851 | 1.18 | 3.16 |
| Geico | $2,106 | A++ | 847 | 0.91 | 3.12 |
| State Farm | $2,753 | A++ | 807 | 0.70 | 2.91 |
| Progressive | $2,714 | A+ | 828 | 0.65 | 2.67 |
| Allstate | $3,127 | A+ | 816 | 0.65 | 2.48 |
| Farmers | $3,548 | A | 857 | 0.80 | 2.17 |
Best car insurance companies by age group in Kentucky
Choosing the right car insurance company can be like picking the perfect pair of shoes—it must fit your unique needs and lifestyle. What works for a teenage driver might not be the best option for a senior driver. As drivers age, their driving habits and risk profiles change, impacting their car insurance rates and coverage.
Teen drivers are considered high-risk and require extensive coverage options and discounts, such as good student discounts. On the other hand, senior drivers prioritize coverage that includes medical payments and higher liability limits, discounts for low mileage and long-term loyalty and prefer personalized customer service and easy claims process.
Drivers can get the best coverage by choosing an insurance company that fits their age group, specific risks, budget and lifestyle. This helps them stay well-protected at every stage of their driving life.
Select your age group and coverage level below to see the list of best car insurance companies and their annual average rates.
| Company | Annual rates | Customer satisfaction rating |
|---|---|---|
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Check out our detailed guide on average car insurance rates by age group
Best for teen drivers in Kentucky
Insurance premiums are typically higher for teen drivers because of their increased risk and inexperience. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teen drivers are more likely to misjudge or not notice risky situations than older drivers.
Teen drivers are also more likely to make serious mistakes that can lead to major accidents. In 2022, 2,883 teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 lost their lives in car accidents, according to a report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Finding insurance companies that offer competitive rates and benefits for teen drivers, like good student discounts, driver training discounts and accident forgiveness, can help manage these costs.
Auto-Owners stands out for its affordable rates for teen drivers. It offers car insurance at $5,272 per year.
When determining the best car insurance companies for teen drivers, several key factors were considered to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. The overall score for each company is derived from a weighted analysis of four main factors:
- The average annual full-coverage car insurance cost (25%)
- J.D. Power score (30%)
- AM Best rating (25%)
- NAIC rating (20%)
Each factor is assigned a specific percentage weight based on how they performed in each category.
Here are some top choices for teens aged 16-19 based on our analysis:
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $5,272 | A++ | 859 | 0.5 | 3.8 |
| Travelers | $5,540 | A++ | 851 | 0.49 | 3.32 |
| Geico | $6,291 | A++ | 847 | 0.91 | 3.14 |
| State Farm | $7,622 | A++ | 807 | 0.7 | 3.08 |
| Progressive | $9,979 | A+ | 828 | 0.65 | 2.52 |
| Allstate | $10,895 | A+ | 816 | 0.65 | 2.42 |
| Kentucky Farm Bureau | $5,642 | A | 820 | 0.23 | 2.4 |
| Shelter Insurance | $5,244 | A | 851 | 1.18 | 2.22 |
| Farmers | $12,082 | A | 857 | 0.8 | 2.17 |
Best for young adults in Kentucky
Young drivers must find the right insurance company, as they usually encounter higher premiums due to their perceived risk. According to an analysis by the National Safety Council, drivers aged 20 to 24 were involved in 7,300 fatal crashes in 2022, which accounts for 11.2% of the total number of drivers involved in these incidents.
Companies like Auto-Owners and Travelers offer affordable rates for those aged 20-24 in Kentucky.
For our 2024 ranking of the best car insurance companies for young adults, we considered four factors: average annual full coverage car insurance cost (25%), J.D. Power score (30%), AM Best rating (25%), and NAIC rating (20%). Each factor has been weighted accordingly to evaluate overall performance.
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $3,196 | A++ | 859 | 0.50 | 3.67 |
| Travelers | $2,760 | A++ | 851 | 0.49 | 3.35 |
| Geico | $3,516 | A++ | 847 | 0.91 | 3.04 |
| State Farm | $4,474 | A++ | 807 | 0.70 | 2.86 |
| Progressive | $4,285 | A+ | 828 | 0.65 | 2.66 |
| Allstate | $4,739 | A+ | 816 | 0.65 | 2.54 |
| Kentucky Farm Bureau | $3,548 | A | 820 | 0.23 | 2.21 |
| Farmers | $5,641 | A | 857 | 0.80 | 2.17 |
| Shelter Insurance | $3,443 | A | 851 | 1.18 | 2.01 |
Best for adult drivers in Kentucky
For those aged 25 to 60, choosing car insurance means weighing factors such as coverage options, customer service and premium costs. These factors are important in finding the best insurer.
Auto-Owners is the best car insurance company in Kentucky for adult drivers. It offers full coverage insurance at an average cost of $1,939 a year and has an overall rating of 3.74, higher among the companies analyzed.
We have evaluated and curated a list of the best car insurance companies for adult drivers based on four key factors: average annual full coverage car insurance cost in Kentucky (25%), J.D. Power score (30%), AM Best rating (25%), and NAIC rating (20%).
Experienced drivers are generally considered low-risk compared to younger drivers. This age group typically benefits from lower insurance premiums due to their experience and lower accident rates.
Below is a list of the best insurance companies in Kentucky for adults aged 25-60 and annual premiums.
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $1,939 | A++ | 859 | 0.50 | 3.74 |
| Travelers | $1,823 | A++ | 851 | 0.49 | 3.35 |
| Geico | $2,138 | A++ | 847 | 0.91 | 3.11 |
| State Farm | $2,767 | A++ | 807 | 0.70 | 2.90 |
| Progressive | $2,729 | A+ | 828 | 0.65 | 2.66 |
| Allstate | $3,106 | A+ | 816 | 0.65 | 2.48 |
| Kentucky Farm Bureau | $2,054 | A | 820 | 0.23 | 2.33 |
| Farmers | $3,522 | A | 857 | 0.80 | 2.17 |
| Shelter Insurance | $1,956 | A | 851 | 1.18 | 2.15 |
Best for senior drivers in Kentucky
Auto-Owners offers the lowest car insurance premiums at $1,999 a year, making it an affordable choice for senior drivers.
Insurance rates tend to increase for drivers around age 70 and older. This rise is due to insurers’ perception of increased risk associated with aging. Factors like slower reflexes, poor eyesight and a higher likelihood of health issues that could affect driving ability contribute to this perception. As a result, seniors may see their premiums increase, despite having years of driving experience and possibly a long history of safe driving.
Determining the best car insurance companies for senior drivers requires a comprehensive analysis of several factors. Each insurer’s overall score is derived from a weighted analysis of four important factors: the average annual cost of full-coverage car insurance (25%), the J.D. Power score (30%), the AM Best rating (25%) and the NAIC rating (20%).
The best auto insurance companies in Kentucky are listed below for senior drivers aged 65-75.
| Company | Monthly cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto-Owners | $167 | A++ | 859 | 0.50 | 3.69 |
| Travelers | $149 | A++ | 851 | 0.49 | 3.35 |
| Geico | $193 | A++ | 847 | 0.91 | 3.00 |
| State Farm | $220 | A++ | 807 | 0.70 | 2.94 |
| Progressive | $227 | A+ | 828 | 0.65 | 2.64 |
| Allstate | $264 | A+ | 816 | 0.65 | 2.42 |
| Kentucky Farm Bureau | $161 | A | 820 | 0.23 | 2.37 |
| Shelter Insurance | $149 | A | 851 | 1.18 | 2.22 |
| Farmers | $289 | A | 857 | 0.80 | 2.17 |
Learn more about how to shop for car insurance for seniors
Best overall car insurance company in state
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Selecting the right insurance company is heavily influenced by your driver profile. Here’s how to choose the best insurer to meet your specific needs:
For budget-conscious drivers in Kentucky
Look for car insurance companies that offer discounts, including safe driver, multi-policy and automatic payment discounts, to reduce your premiums. And you can opt to pay your premiums monthly, semi-annually or annually.
Find the best insurance companies and their annual rates for different coverage levels listed below in Kentucky.
| Company | State-minimum | Liability-only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $609 | $732 | $1,804 |
| Auto-Owners | $588 | $713 | $1,911 |
| Shelter Insurance | $633 | $802 | $1,917 |
| Geico | $508 | $798 | $2,106 |
| Kentucky Farm Bureau | $326 | $522 | $2,113 |
| Progressive | $758 | $1,043 | $2,714 |
| State Farm | $715 | $953 | $2,753 |
| Allstate | $890 | $1,161 | $3,127 |
| Farmers | $1,039 | $1,355 | $3,548 |
| USAA | $533 | $668 | $1,820 |
Notes:
- Full coverage car insurance limit is 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible.
- Liability-only car insurance limit is 50/100/50.
- State minimum car insurance is 25/50/25.
For high-risk drivers in Kentucky
If you’re a high-risk driver or someone with traffic violations or DUIs, seek insurance companies specializing in high-risk policies. To help lower your rates, try to improve your driving record by taking a defensive driving course. These actions can help you save money on your insurance over time.
High-risk status is not permanent. Regularly compare insurance rates and options, as improving your driving record and altering your risk profile can lead to more affordable car insurance rates over time.
| Company | 6-month cost | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,405 | $2,810 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,551 | $3,102 |
| Geico | $1,802 | $3,603 |
| Kentucky Farm Bureau | $1,809 | $3,617 |
| Progressive | $1,966 | $3,932 |
| State Farm | $2,003 | $4,005 |
| Allstate | $2,453 | $4,905 |
| Farmers | $3,631 | $7,261 |
| USAA | $1,391 | $2,782 |
By understanding their unique driver profiles and conducting thorough research, high-risk drivers can find insurance companies that best meet their needs.
In conversation with experts
CarInsurance.com editors interviewed James Brau, Joel C. Peterson, professor of finance at Brigham Young University. See his responses below.
How important is customer service when deciding the right car insurance company?
Customer service is critical – it should be one of the top factors consumers consider. All else equal, meaning similar premiums, coverage, riders, etc., customer service is often the deciding factor. If a customer gets to speak to a cheerful human without 10 minutes of robot phone trees, especially when stressed out after a wreck or theft, it makes life a lot better.
What are the key factors that consumers should consider when selecting a car insurance company in their state?
Customers should do research pertaining to coverage, premiums, reputation, how many stars on reviews, etc. Make sure to compare apples to apples – that you’re getting the same coverage amounts, for example. Shop around – competition helps the consumer.
How often should policyholders review and adjust their car insurance policies?
Every six months is a good rule of thumb because most people pay in semi-annual installments. If you keep your company on its toes, they are more likely to stay competitive and offer special pricing, deals, incentives, etc.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of car insurance in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, the average yearly cost of car insurance is $2,228. The cost can differ based on factors like the driver’s age, driving history and coverage limits.
How much car insurance coverage do I need in Kentucky?
When evaluating your car insurance requirements in Kentucky, it’s important to know the state’s minimum required coverage. Typically, it includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident and $25,000 for property damage liability.
If you have valuable assets to protect, it’s advisable to exceed Kentucky’s minimum car insurance requirements and choose higher liability limits. CarInsurance.com editors recommend opting for full coverage car insurance with limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 deductible for collision and comprehensive coverage.
Here’s what it means:
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person. This coverage pays for injuries that you, as the policyholder, cause to one person in an accident.
- $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident: This is the total amount your insurance will cover for bodily injuries per accident, covering costs if multiple people are injured.
- $100,000 in property damage liability per accident: This covers damage you cause to another person’s property in an accident.
These higher limits are recommended because they offer greater financial protection. Additionally, consider your driving habits, vehicle value and financial situation when choosing the coverage limit.
Which company has the best car insurance rates in Kentucky?
According to CarInsurance.com’s analysis, Travelers provides the most affordable car insurance for Kentucky drivers at $150 per month or $1,804 annually.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2022 Teenagers.” Accessed September 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Risk Factors for Teen Drivers.” Accessed September 2024.
- National Safety Council. “Age of Driver.” Accessed September 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com collected insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services for Kentucky drivers. The rate data is for drivers of different age groups:
- Teens: Age 16-19
- Young adults: Age 20-24
- Adults: 25- 60
- Seniors: 60-75
The different coverage levels include:
- Annual full coverage car insurance with a coverage limit of $100,000 in bodily injury per person, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, $100,000 in property damage coverage per accident and a $500 collision/comprehensive deductible.
- A six-month car insurance policy with limits of 100/300/100-500 coll/comp deductible.
- Liability-only car insurance rates with a limit of 50/100/50.
- State minimum coverage limit of 25/50/25.
Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driver with the following incidents applied:
- 1 at-fault property damage accident over $2K
- 1 at-fault property damage accident under $2K
- At-fault bodily injury accident
- Poor credit
- DUI/DWI first offense
- Speeding 30+ over limit
- Speeding ticket 1-10 mph over limit
- Speeding ticket 11-29 mph over limit
The editors created a rating system to determine the best insurance companies in each sector. For auto insurers, we took the following and gave each a weight.
- Average annual cost: 25%
- J.D. Power score: 30%
- AM Best rating: 25%
Each insurer was awarded an overall rating of 0.5 to 5. No insurer in our overall rating received less than 1 rating and 5 was the most any insurer could receive.
To evaluate the rates, we have compared 51,088,003 insurance quotes from 167 national & regional insurance companies across 29,152 cities and 34,588 ZIP codes.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura is an award-winning editor with experience in content and communications covering auto insurance and personal finance. She has written for several media outlets, including the USA Today Network. She most recently worked in the public sector for the Nevada Department of Transportation.
Ask the Insurance Expert
John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.
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Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of Kentucky
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
Ask the Insurance Expert
John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.
Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of Kentucky