Cheap Foster Care Auto Insurance in 2024 (Save With These 10 Companies!)
Erie, USAA, and Geico lead the pack in cheap foster care auto insurance. Erie shines with rates starting at just $22/month. USAA and Geico also offer competitive rates, making them top choices for foster carer insurance needs. Discover the cheapest auto insurance for foster carers below.
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Laura D. Adams
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading finance, insurance, and small business authorities. As an award-winning author, spokesperson, and host of the top-rated Money Girl podcast since 2008, millions of readers and listeners benefit from her practical advice. Her mission is to empower consumers to live healthy and rich lives by planning for the future and making smart money decisions. She rec...
Insurance & Finance Analyst
UPDATED: Oct 21, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 21, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Looking for cheap foster care auto insurance? Erie, USAA, and Geico are the top contenders. Erie stands out with rates as low as $22 per month, emphasizing personalized service and substantial savings.
USAA and Geico also offer competitive options, with rates starting at $22 and $30 per month, respectively. Apart from Erie, USAA, and Geico, there are several other options for foster carers seeking affordable auto insurance. Explore the table below to find the best rates and coverage options that suit your needs.
Our Top 10 Company Picks: Cheap Foster Care Auto Insurance
Company Rank Monthly Rates A.M. Best Best For Jump to Pros/Cons
#1 $22 A+ Personalized Service Erie
#2 $22 A++ Military Savings USAA
#3 $30 A++ Safe-Driving Discounts Geico
#4 $33 A++ Vanishing Deductible State Farm
#5 $37 A++ 24/7 Support Travelers
#6 $39 A+ Roadside Assistance Progressive
#7 $44 A+ Customizable Policies Nationwide
#8 $53 A Multi-Policy Discounts Farmers
#9 $61 A+ Add-on Coverages Allstate
#10 $68 A Customer Service Liberty Mutual
We’ve made it simple. Just type your ZIP code into our free and helpful tool above to find affordable auto insurance quotes for foster carers in your area.
- Erie has the overall cheapest auto insurance for foster carers
- Adopting a child does not raise your auto insurance rates
- Adopting a child also does not automatically decrease your rates
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#1 – Erie: Top Pick Overall
Pros
- Strong Industry Ratings: Erie boasts strong industry ratings, reflecting its reliability and financial stability.
- Many Add-ons: Erie offers a diverse range of add-on coverages, allowing customers to customize their policies to meet their specific needs.
- Various Discounts: Erie provides numerous discount opportunities, helping policyholders save on their premiums and maximize their savings potential. Learn more in our Erie auto insurance review.
Cons
- Limited Availability: Erie’s coverage is not available in every state.
- No Usage-Based Discount: Erie does not offer a usage-based insurance option.
#2 – USAA: Cheapest for Military Families
Pros
- Exceptional Customer Satisfaction: USAA consistently receives high ratings from customers.
- Comprehensive Financial Services: Beyond insurance, USAA offers banking and investment options. You can learn more in our USAA auto insurance review.
- Nationwide Coverage: USAA’s policies are accessible across all states and Washington, D.C.
Cons
- Limited Eligibility: USAA’s services are exclusively accessible to active military members, veterans, and their families.
- Membership Prerequisite: Prospective clients must become USAA members to access their insurance and financial products.
#3 – Geico: Best for Safe-Driving Discounts
Pros
- Extensive Safe-Driving Discounts: Geico offers a wide range of discounts for safe drivers, making it an attractive option for foster carers with clean driving records.
- User-friendly Online Platform: Geico’s intuitive website and mobile app streamline the insurance process, providing convenience and ease of use for customers.
- Nationally Recognized: As one of the largest auto insurers in the U.S., Geico provides policies in all states. Learn more in our review of Geico auto insurance.
Cons
- No Gap Insurance: Geico does not offer gap insurance.
- Few Local Agents: Geico’s reliance on a limited network of local agents may limit in-person support options for customers who prefer face-to-face interactions or need assistance beyond online services.
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#4 – State Farm: Best for Vanishing Deductible
Pros
- Good Customer Service: State Farm consistently earns praise from policyholders for its exceptional customer service.
- High Policy Renewal Likelihood: A significant portion of customers express a strong inclination to renew their policies, indicating satisfaction with State Farm’s services.
- Competitive Premiums: State Farm offers premiums that are often below the national average across various categories. Read more in our State Farm review.
Cons
- High Rates for Poor Credit: Drivers with poor credit may face higher annual rates compared to other insurers, potentially leading to increased costs.
- Local Agent Requirement: While the quote process can begin online, policies must ultimately be purchased through a local agent, which may be less convenient for some customers.
#5 – Travelers: Best for 24/7 Support
Pros
- Comprehensive Coverage Options: Travelers offers a wide range of coverage options to suit various needs.
- Strong Financial Stability: Travelers maintains a solid financial reputation which you can learn more about in our Travelers review.
- Discount Programs: Travelers offers various discount programs that can help policyholders save on their premiums.
Cons
- Negative Reviews: Travelers received lower ratings for customer claims satisfaction according to J.D. Power.
- Limited Availability: Travelers is not available in all states.
#6 – Progressive: Best for Roadside Assistance
Pros
- Strong Financial Stability: Progressive has an A+ financial strength rating from AM Best.
- Diverse Coverage Options: Progressive offers an extensive range of coverage options which you can learn about in our Progressive review.
- Progressive Snapshot Program: Progressive provides a usage-based insurance discount.
Cons
- Poor Customer Service: Progressive receives average customer service ratings, indicating room for improvement in this area.
- Potential Rate Increases With Snapshot: Participation in Progressive’s Snapshot program may lead to rate hikes for certain drivers, detracting from its appeal for some customers. Learn more about the program in our Progressive snapshot review.
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#7 – Nationwide: Best for Customizable Policies
Pros
- Many Coverage Options: Nationwide offers a comprehensive selection of insurance products. Learn more in our Nationwide review.
- Strong Financial Ratings: Nationwide has consistently strong financial ratings, indicating stability and reliability as an insurance provider.
- Member Discounts: Nationwide offers various auto insurance discounts for members of affiliated organizations or certain professions, allowing customers to save on their premiums.
Cons
- Average Customer Service: Nationwide’s customer service ratings are generally average, with some customers expressing dissatisfaction with the company’s responsiveness and claims handling.
- Limited Availability: Nationwide may not be available in all states, limiting its accessibility for some potential customers.
#8 – Farmers: Best for Multi-Policy Discounts
Pros
- Personalized Service: Farmers emphasizes personalized service and support, with a network of local auto insurance agents who can provide tailored advice and assistance to customers.
- Variety of Coverage Options: Farmers offers a wide range of insurance products and coverage options. Learn more about Farmers’ coverage options in our Farmers review.
- Strong Financial Stability: Farmers has a solid financial reputation and strong credit ratings.
Cons
- Expensive for Some: Farmers’ rates may be higher for certain demographics or driving profiles compared to other insurers.
- Limited Online Tools: While Farmers offers online quoting and policy management tools, its digital capabilities may not be as advanced or user-friendly as those of some competitors.
#9 – Allstate: Best for Add-on Coverages
Pros
- Pay-Per-Mile Program: Allstate’s Milewise offers a flexible pay-per-mile insurance option which you can learn more about in our Allstate auto insurance review.
- Extensive Coverage and Benefits: Foster carers benefit from various coverages like safe driving bonuses, new car replacement, and accident forgiveness.
- Claim Satisfaction Guarantee: Allstate offers a credit for up to six months on premiums if one isn’t pleased with their claims handling.
Cons
- High DUI Rates: Foster carers with DUI incidents might face higher insurance rates with Allstate.
- Low Satisfaction Rating: Allstate’s recent lower ranking in J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study could indicate potential concerns about overall customer satisfaction.
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#10 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Customer Service
Pros
- Top-Rated Customer Service: Liberty Mutual receives excellent ratings from A.M. Best and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Many Coverage Options: Liberty Mutual offers a broad array of auto insurance policies and add-on coverage options.
- Nationwide Availability: Liberty Mutual’s services are accessible across the nation.
- Various Discounts: Liberty Mutual provides numerous discounts which you can learn more about in our Liberty Mutual review.
Cons
- Average Customer Service: Liberty Mutual’s customer satisfaction ratings are generally middling, with some policyholders expressing dissatisfaction with aspects of the company’s service.
- Expensive for Some: While Liberty Mutual offers a wide range of coverage options, premiums may be comparatively higher for some customers, potentially making it less affordable for certain individuals.
Fostering and Auto Insurance
There are many benefits to fostering a child, aside from knowing that doing so makes the world better. While it’s expensive, just like raising a biological child, there are perks to help you do so, including monthly subsidies.
You also can receive a tax credit and in some states, your foster child can even attend college for free. How about insurance benefits? While it’s not auto insurance, it is important to know those foster children are allowed to keep state-funded health insurance until at least the age of 18.
Several states offer what amounts to rebates to foster carers, including Arkansas, but these are few and far between.
Still, it’s not as if your auto insurance rates change just because you adopted a child. Thusly, we’d be best off looking at the general state averages for auto insurance.
Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Company and State
| State | Allstate | Geico | Progressive | State Farm | U.S. Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $135 | $76 | $97 | $65 | $93 |
| Alabama | $108 | $89 | $112 | $108 | $104 |
| Arkansas | $162 | $91 | $131 | $80 | $116 |
| Arizona | $180 | $65 | $84 | $81 | $103 |
| California | $199 | $101 | $132 | $108 | $135 |
| Colorado | $166 | $94 | $120 | $94 | $119 |
| Connecticut | $196 | $62 | $133 | $91 | $120 |
| District of Columbia | $241 | $69 | $115 | $111 | $134 |
| Delaware | $207 | $101 | $90 | $116 | $128 |
| Florida | $183 | $89 | $153 | $99 | $131 |
| Georgia | $165 | $61 | $115 | $107 | $112 |
| Hawaii | $118 | $60 | $78 | $64 | $80 |
| Iowa | $126 | $81 | $75 | $65 | $87 |
| Idaho | $128 | $57 | $91 | $53 | $82 |
| Illinois | $176 | $47 | $89 | $64 | $94 |
| Indiana | $140 | $63 | $69 | $71 | $86 |
| Kansas | $160 | $75 | $127 | $81 | $111 |
| Kentucky | $236 | $80 | $111 | $98 | $131 |
| Louisiana | $206 | $141 | $161 | $124 | $158 |
| Massachusetts | $143 | $72 | $95 | $78 | $97 |
| Maryland | $201 | $135 | $121 | $107 | $141 |
| Maine | $108 | $37 | $94 | $59 | $74 |
| Michigan | $406 | $99 | $152 | $209 | $216 |
| Minnesota | $160 | $90 | $101 | $67 | $105 |
| Missouri | $148 | $90 | $98 | $85 | $105 |
| Mississippi | $147 | $72 | $120 | $82 | $105 |
| Montana | $154 | $82 | $171 | $70 | $119 |
| North Carolina | $169 | $69 | $32 | $77 | $87 |
| North Dakota | $136 | $61 | $110 | $76 | $96 |
| Nebraska | $125 | $92 | $95 | $69 | $95 |
| New Hampshire | $128 | $50 | $63 | $59 | $75 |
| New Jersey | $157 | $74 | $93 | $113 | $110 |
| New Mexico | $158 | $90 | $86 | $69 | $101 |
| Nevada | $165 | $110 | $82 | $103 | $115 |
| New York | $147 | $78 | $96 | $137 | $114 |
| Ohio | $120 | $59 | $85 | $70 | $83 |
| Oklahoma | $135 | $109 | $110 | $91 | $111 |
| Oregon | $153 | $93 | $78 | $75 | $100 |
| Pennsylvania | $148 | $68 | $148 | $76 | $110 |
| Rhode Island | $189 | $125 | $116 | $76 | $126 |
| South Carolina | $133 | $79 | $105 | $88 | $101 |
| South Dakota | $136 | $57 | $105 | $67 | $91 |
| Tennessee | $144 | $78 | $92 | $72 | $97 |
| Texas | $201 | $105 | $121 | $90 | $129 |
| Utah | $117 | $73 | $95 | $103 | $97 |
| Virginia | $103 | $69 | $61 | $63 | $74 |
| Vermont | $142 | $38 | $181 | $87 | $112 |
| Washington | $114 | $75 | $60 | $69 | $80 |
| Wisconsin | $123 | $62 | $94 | $58 | $84 |
| West Virginia | $162 | $83 | $110 | $79 | $109 |
| Wyoming | $155 | $111 | $106 | $82 | $113 |
Keep in mind that adding a child to your policy will raise your rates, sometimes by as much as 161%. Adding a foster child is no different. Liability insurance is what you’ll almost certainly need.
Liability insurance serves as a financial safety net, protecting individuals and businesses from the unpredictable costs of legal claims and lawsuits. It's not just about coverage; it's about peace of mind.Tracey L. Wells Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Every state, save for Florida, requires bodily injury liability insurance. Every state requires property damage liability insurance so it pays to get quotes from the best property damage liability auto insurance companies.
If you choose to foster a child, you’ll need to be sure that your various insurance policies also cover your foster children. This means informing your insurance company that you now foster. The company then will include your foster children as members of your family.
So, we talked about liability insurance, but does a foster parent need any special forms of coverage? Let’s find out.
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Saving Money on Auto Insurance for Foster Carers
When you use your automobile as a business, think delivery driving, you need a special form of coverage. So is being a foster parent the same as running a business from your automobile? No. To learn more about when you will need this form of coverage, read our “Commercial Auto Insurance: A Complete Guide”.
All you need is the standard domestic policy.
To stress again, you must let your insurer know that you foster. You’ll be asked what your occupation is, and you can say foster carer.
So, all in all, being a foster parent really doesn’t affect your rates all that much. Just be sure to inform your insurer that you plan on or have just become a foster parent. Inquire as to whether or not there are any discounts available, just as you would in any other situation.
First, you must find an auto insurance company for foster carers. Type your ZIP code into our free and helpful tool below to find affordable auto insurance quotes in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do foster caretakers need special auto insurance?
Foster caretakers typically need auto insurance coverage similar to regular car owners. However, it’s important to inform your insurance provider that you are a foster caretaker to ensure you have appropriate coverage for transporting foster children.
Is transporting foster children covered under a standard auto insurance policy?
Standard auto insurance policies generally provide coverage for transporting foster children. However, it’s crucial to review your policy or speak with your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage, as some policies may have specific limitations or requirements.
What additional coverage options should foster caretakers consider for auto insurance?
Foster caretakers may want to consider adding or enhancing certain coverage options for their auto insurance. These may include liability coverage beyond the state minimum auto insurance requirements, medical payments coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. It’s advisable to consult with an insurance professional to determine the appropriate coverage for your situation.
Are there insurance discounts available for foster caretakers?
Some insurance companies offer discounts for foster caretakers. These discounts can vary, so it’s recommended to inquire with different insurance providers to explore available discounts. Additionally, you may also be eligible for other discounts, such as safe driver discounts or multi-policy discounts.
Can foster caretakers add the foster children to their auto insurance policy?
Foster children can generally be added to the foster caretaker’s auto insurance policy. However, the specific rules and requirements may vary depending on the insurance provider and state regulations. It’s advisable to inform your insurance provider and discuss the process of adding foster children to your policy. Read more about adding a driver to auto insurance.
What should foster caretakers do if they transport foster children using their personal vehicles?
If foster caretakers transport foster children using their personal vehicles, it’s essential to ensure they have appropriate auto insurance coverage. Inform your insurance provider about your role as a foster caretaker and verify that your policy covers transporting foster children. If needed, consider adding additional coverage or exploring commercial auto insurance options. Read commercial general liability auto insurance to learn more.
Can foster caretakers be held liable for accidents involving foster children in their vehicles?
Foster caretakers can potentially be held liable for accidents involving foster children in their vehicles, similar to any other driver. Auto insurance coverage is crucial in protecting against potential liability claims. Adequate liability coverage and additional coverage options can provide financial protection in the event of an accident.
Should foster caretakers inform their insurance provider about their role as foster caretakers?
Yes, it’s important for foster caretakers to inform their insurance provider about their role as foster caretakers. This ensures that the insurance company has accurate information about your situation and can provide appropriate coverage options and advice specific to your needs. You can find the cheap foster care auto insurance coverage tailored to your needs by entering your ZIP code below.
Do foster carers need business auto insurance?
Yes, foster carers need carer auto insurance, separate from fostering agency insurance, to ensure proper coverage while transporting foster children. While fostering agency insurance may offer liability protection, it often doesn’t include auto insurance. Foster care insurance coverage can vary, so it’s crucial for carers to consult their agency and an insurance professional to ensure they have adequate auto insurance tailored to their caregiving responsibilities.
Can a young adult who was in foster care get a discount on auto insurance in NY?
Yes, under the Foster Youth and Driving Act (H.R.2512), young adults who were in foster care may be eligible for auto insurance discounts in New York. Contact insurance providers directly to inquire about eligibility and discounts.
What auto insurance do I need as a carer?
As a carer, you typically need standard auto insurance coverage like liability, collision and comprehensive. However, it’s essential to inform your insurance provider about your role as a foster carer to ensure proper coverage, as transporting foster children may have specific requirements or liabilities. Learn more about collision vs. comprehensive auto insurance coverage.
Can I add a foster child to my insurance?
Generally, yes, you can put a foster child on your insurance if they meet specific criteria. They typically must be under 26 years old and either your biological, step, adopted, or foster child whom you’re caring for. Read more about when you should add your child to your auto insurance.
Can foster carers get auto and home insurance?
Yes, foster carers can typically obtain auto and home insurance coverage. Requirements and coverage options may vary depending on the insurer and policy terms.
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Laura D. Adams
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading finance, insurance, and small business authorities. As an award-winning author, spokesperson, and host of the top-rated Money Girl podcast since 2008, millions of readers and listeners benefit from her practical advice. Her mission is to empower consumers to live healthy and rich lives by planning for the future and making smart money decisions. She rec...
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.