Car Insurance for Single Moms and Dads: Available Options and Aid

Finding the right car insurance as a single parent can feel like adding one more item to your never-ending to-do list. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll break down the basics of car insurance, share tips for finding affordable coverage and highlight the best options for single moms and dads so you can spend less time worrying about coverage and more time focusing on your family.

What are the basic types of car insurance?

With everything single moms and dads have to juggle, sorting through car insurance options can feel overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide to the three main types of coverage to help you find what works best for your family’s needs and budget.

Liability coverage

Liability insurance covers costs when you’re at fault for an accident. This type of insurance is required by almost every state, with the exception of New Hampshire and Virginia. There are two types of liability insurance: property damage liability and bodily injury liability.

Property damage liability pays for repairs to the other person’s car or any other property you may have damaged, like a fence or building. Bodily injury liability covers medical expenses and related expenses like lost wages if the other person is injured in the accident.

Collision coverage

Collision coverage pays for damage to your own car if you’re involved in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Depending on the amount of coverage you get, it could also pay to replace your car if it’s totaled. This type of coverage isn’t required by any state, but it’s generally recommended if repairing or replacing your vehicle would strain your finances.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage protects your car from damage caused by events other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, fire, flood, hail and falling objects (like a rock or tree limb). Like collision insurance, comprehensive coverage also isn’t required by any state, but it is recommended if you wouldn’t be able to pay for unexpected damages to your car.

How can I find affordable car insurance?

As a single parent, it’s important to cut costs wherever you can so you have more room in your budget for what really matters — your family. Here are a few practical tips to help you save money on car insurance:

• Compare quotes. The cost of coverage varies wildly among insurers, so take time to shop around and get quotes from multiple top insurers before choosing your policy.
• Look for discounts. As you shop around, ask about ways to lower your rates. Some insurance companies offer discounts for low mileage, safe driving, multiple policies (like home and auto) and good grades (if you have a teen driver).
• Raise your credit score. Many insurance companies consider your credit score when determining your rates. Improving your credit score could help you save money on insurance premiums.
• Choose a higher deductible. Insurance costs are based in part on your deductible, the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. A higher deductible means you take on more financial responsibility, reducing the insurance company’s risk and lowering premiums.
• Consider telematics programs. Some insurance companies discount your insurance premiums if you demonstrate safe driving habits. Your insurance company can track your driving habits through an app or a device attached to your car that detects speed, braking, acceleration, the times you drive, etc.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can often find opportunities to save without sacrificing the coverage you need.

What should I consider when choosing a car insurance company?

Choosing the right car insurance company is about more than just finding the lowest rate. Here’s what single moms and dads should look for when deciding on car insurance:

• Company reputation. Read customer reviews online and check for complaints on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other websites to gauge the insurer’s reputation.
• Claims process. As you read reviews, find out what customers say about filing a claim. A streamlined claims process can save you a lot of hassle if you ever need to file. Find answers to these questions:
  • Is it easy to file a claim?
  • What’s the average handling time on claims?
  • Does the company communicate to customers clearly and often about their claims?
• Customer service. Whether you’re filing a claim or asking a question about coverage, reliable customer support is vital. Look for companies that are known for being responsive and easy to work with.
• Financial strength. Check with sites like AM Best or Fitch Ratings to make sure the insurer is financially stable and can cover claims even if a natural disaster strikes.
• Ease of use. Companies with user-friendly apps and websites make it easy to pay premiums, change your coverage or file a claim — which saves you precious time and energy.
• Additional options. Look for insurers that offer additional benefits, like roadside assistance, accident forgiveness and rental reimbursement. These extras allow you to tailor your policy to fit your family’s unique needs.

Are there special discounts for single parents or low-income families?

Unfortunately, car insurance companies don’t usually offer discounts to single moms or dads. However, some states (like California and New Jersey) have programs to help low-income families get coverage. Check with your state to see if a program is available.

5 best insurance options for single parents

• Best for customizing coverage: Progressive
• Best for rate comparison: Pretected
• Best for personalized local support: State Farm
• Best for safe driver savings: Allstate
• Best for reducing your deductible: Nationwide

Best for customizing coverage

Best for rate comparison

Best for personalized local support

Best for safe driver savings

Best for reducing your deductible

How we chose these insurers

Finder’s insurance experts analyzed dozens of insurance providers to find ones that offer the best options for single parents. We ultimately chose ones that had competitive rates, multiple discounts and good satisfaction ratings.

Some of the criteria we evaluated included:

• Ratings and reviews
• Discounts
• Pricing
• Telematics programs
• Roadside assistance
• Claims process
• Gap coverage
• Mobile apps
• Overall financial strength and performance

Finder also maintains strict editorial integrity and independence. Our content and suggestions are fair, accurate and trustworthy, and our advertisers or partners don’t influence our opinions. To learn more, check out our editorial guidelines here.

What affects car insurance rates?

Car insurance rates vary based on a number of factors. Here’s what insurers consider when setting your premium:

• Age. Insurance companies typically charge younger drivers more because they have less driving experience.
• Gender. Traditionally, men pay more for car insurance because they demonstrate riskier behavior while driving, but some insurers charge women higher rates because they’re more likely to file a claim.
• Marital status. As unfair as it may seem, insurance companies view married drivers as a lower risk, which means single drivers pay more for coverage.
• Driving record. A clean driving record equals lower premiums, while accidents and tickets drive your rates up.
• Vehicle. Your car’s make, model, value, age and mileage all affect how much you pay in insurance. The newer and more expensive your vehicle is, the more you’ll pay.
• Location. If you live in an area with a high crime rate or heavy traffic, you could be looking at higher car insurance costs.
• Number of drivers. Adding a learner or teen driver to your policy — often the case for single parents — can significantly increase your premium.
• Annual mileage. Keeping your mileage low every year can help cut your premium, while extensive driving will raise rates.
• Credit history. In states where it’s legal, insurers consider your credit when determining your rate, including the length of your credit history and whether you typically make payments on time.
• Coverage levels. Choosing higher limits, a lower deductible, additional coverage like uninsured motorist coverage or extras like roadside assistance raises your premiums.

What should I do if I can’t afford car insurance?

For single parents juggling bills and tight budgets, keeping up with car insurance can be a struggle. One way to make it more manageable is to enroll in a payment plan, which spreads out your premiums and keeps monthly costs consistent.

You can also seek out discounts, such as good student or multi-policy discounts, and check if your state offers assistance for low-income drivers. Don’t forget to explore local options, like United Way, health and human services or community charities, which might have programs to help families afford coverage.

Bottom line

Being a single parent is tough, and finding affordable, reliable car insurance can feel like just one more challenge to tackle. But by understanding your coverage options, shopping around and taking advantage of discounts, you can find a policy that protects your family without breaking the bank.

Frequently asked questions

Is car insurance more expensive if you are single?

Yes, car insurance is a bit more expensive if you’re single. The difference in rates usually comes down to married couples driving less, bundling policies and having more assets.

Can I get car insurance if I have a low income?

Yes, you absolutely can get car insurance if you have a low income. First, check with your state and local charities to see if they offer any assistance. At a minimum, you’ll need to carry your state’s required coverage.

Is it hard to get car insurance if I have bad credit?

No, it’s not difficult to get car insurance if you have bad credit, but you will likely pay a higher premium because of it. Insurers consider your payment and credit history when assessing risk and determining rates.