$20 Down Payment Car Insurance (2023)

Most people want to save money on car insurance. Coverage isn’t cheap, and drivers often struggle to balance affordability and quality. You might be thinking, “Can I get car insurance for $20 down?”

While car insurance for $20 down may not be a realistic expectation, you can save money and get cheap auto insurance that fits your budget. Compare quotes online to save money immediately on the right coverage for you.

Can I get car insurance for $20?

It’s easy to be drawn to ads for $20 car insurance. The low cost sounds like a great deal. But keep this adage in mind: “If it’s too good to be true, it usually is.” This statement applies to car insurance, too.

Car insurance companies don’t usually offer $20 down auto insurance policies. Companies typically charge the first month’s premium to activate your policy, then require monthly installments to keep your coverage. Sometimes, the only payment option is to pay for six months up front.

What about “no money down” auto insurance?

Simply put, “no down payment” car insurance doesn’t exist. Some insurers may characterize their auto insurance as having a low down payment, but this usually means you only have to pay the first month’s premium. In other words, a legitimate insurer requires money up front before issuing a policy.

How much will I have to pay for car insurance?

How much you pay depends on several factors. Your location, age, gender, marital status, driving record, claims history, vehicle type, deductible, and type of coverages have the most impact on premiums. For example, first-time and young drivers won’t get the best rates because they’re riskier to insure, according to statistics.

The average cost of liability-only car insurance is $1,070 per year, or $89 per month, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). This is for liability coverage only and doesn’t include physical damage coverage like collision and comprehensive insurance.

As you can see, getting $20 car insurance isn’t practical. Fortunately, it’s easy to comparison-shop so you have a better idea of how much it costs. Shopping around also improves your chances of getting a great policy you can afford.

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Why get low-down-payment car insurance?

Low-down-payment car insurance is an excellent option for many motorists. If you’re short on cash, you can get the cheapest auto insurance coverage that you need to get on the road. However, finding a low down payment on car insurance can be tricky.

Typically, a car insurance company won’t issue a policy unless you pay money up front. Nearly all types of insurance require payment in advance of that month’s coverage. So what is “low down payment” car insurance? It usually means you only pay for the first month’s premium, not for the entire six months when you buy car insurance.

Keep in mind that all car insurance rates are regulated by the state, usually by the state’s department of insurance. If you discover a sketchy offer for unbelievably cheap car insurance, report it to the state — they can investigate to determine whether it’s legitimate coverage.

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How to Shop for Cheap Car Insurance

When looking for a new car insurance policy, you must first know how to shop for cheap coverage. It only takes five simple steps:

1. Gather information: You’ll need your driver’s license number, vehicle’s VIN, and previous policy information.

2. Decide on your coverage needs: You must decide whether you want the state’s minimum coverage or if you want to add comprehensive coverage, collision, gap insurance, and roadside assistance.

3. Choose where to shop: The best way to find cheap car insurance is to compare quotes from different providers online. Getting a free quote online can save you time and money over buying from an in-person insurance agent.

4. Compare coverage options and ask about driver discounts: Get auto insurance quotes from at least three different providers before choosing a policy. Ask about insurance discounts — like good student and good driver discounts — to lower your costs.

5. Buy your policy: Pay the down payment, and choose a start date before the cancellation date of your old policy to avoid a lapse in coverage.

Low-down-payment auto insurance can be helpful to get your car on the road, but paying less up front can end up costing you more later on. Car insurance companies can offer less expensive premiums if you pay more up front — many even knock some money off your total to convince you to pay more right away.

See More: Cheap Car Insurance

Tips to Get Car Insurance with $20 Down

If $20 down payment car insurance appeals to you, you likely consider price a critical decision factor. Although you may not find a policy for $20 down, you have several options to lower your premiums and score low-deposit car insurance.

Increase Your Deductible

Increasing the deductible means you take on more of the financial liability of protecting your car. The higher the deductible you select, the lower your car insurance premiums.

However, if you raise your deductible, make sure you have some savings to back it up. Otherwise, you could double your problems in an accident. You may not have the funds to cover the higher deductible and won’t be able to get your car repaired. Don’t set your deductible higher than you’d be able to afford in an emergency.

Reduce Your Insurance Coverage

Most states have minimum car insurance coverage requirements, and buying the state’s minimum is less expensive than full coverage or other add-ons. Of course, when you drop comprehensive and collision coverage in favor of liability-only insurance, you must pay the total cost to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident.

Improve Your Credit Score

Your credit score impacts how much you pay for car insurance (among other things). You can reduce your rates by having a good credit score before buying car insurance. Pay your bills on time and reduce your debts to have the biggest impact.

Clean Up Your Driving Record

Drivers with a clean driving record pay the least for car insurance. Having at-fault accidents, DUIs, or other traffic violations on your record makes you riskier to insure. Because car insurance quotes reflect driving history, safe drivers often get the cheapest rates.

Additionally, if you know some points are about to drop off your license, try to wait it out before shopping for car insurance again.

Use Comparison Sites

Car insurance comparison sites give you quotes from multiple insurers. Shop for coverage, research policies, and compare prices to find the right fit. Best of all, it takes just a couple of minutes, not hours, to get auto insurance rates from top companies like Progressive, GEICO, Allstate, Nationwide, and State Farm.

See More: Best and Worst Sites to Compare Car Insurance

Find Cheap Car Insurance

Overall, the best car insurance policy is the one that meets your needs. Maybe you want extra coverage, or perhaps you just need the state’s minimum requirements. Either way, buying car insurance that’s right for you involves more than just the cost. It’s almost impossible to find $20 car insurance, but several insurance options offer the lowest rates at a great price.

Frequently Asked Questions