Cheap Auto Insurance for Mechanics in 2024 (Big Savings With These 8 Companies!)
The lowest rates for cheap auto insurance for mechanics are at Erie Insurance, followed by State Farm and Travelers. Erie Insurance's average minimum auto insurance rates are only $24/mo for mechanics, and State Farm and Travelers auto insurance rates for mechanic drivers are only slightly more.
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Brad Larson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 13, 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.
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: Sep 13, 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.
On This Page
Company Facts
Avg. Monthly Rate for Mechanic
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Company Facts
Avg. Monthly Rate for Mechanic
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Company Facts
Avg. Monthly Rate for Mechanic
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
The lowest rates for cheap auto insurance for mechanics can be found at Erie Insurance, with State Farm and Travelers’ rates close behind.
Erie Insurance has the cheapest rates for mechanics, as well as great coverage options and discounts.
State Farm and Travelers are also great companies for mechanics to look into for car insurance coverage, along with a handful of other popular companies.
Below, we’ll help you understand more about how to find cheap insurance for mechanics.
Our Top 8 Company Picks: Cheap Auto Insurance for Mechanics
Company Rank Monthly Rates Usage-Based Discount Best For Jump to Pros/Cons
#1 $24 30% Cheap Rates Erie Insurance
#2 $39 30% Local Agents State Farm
#3 $40 30% Accident Forgiveness Travelers
#4 $50 20% Bundling Policies American Family
#5 $52 25% Organization Discount The Hartford
#6 $53 40% Usage-Based Discount Nationwide
#7 $63 30% 24/7 Support Farmers
#8 $64 17% Vanishing Deductibles National General
You can also enter your ZIP code above to compare quotes from the top providers.
- Erie Insurance has the cheapest car insurance for mechanics on average
- State Farm and Travelers also have affordable mechanic auto insurance
- Mechanics may qualify for an affiliation discount on their car insurance
#1 – Erie Insurance: Top Pick Overall
Pros
- Affordable rates: Erie has the cheapest rates on average for mechanics insurance. You can get additional information on Erie’s basic rates in our Erie auto insurance review.
- Multi-policy discounts: Erie offers a great bundling discount to mechanics who bundle more than one type of insurance, such as home and auto, at Erie.
- Free policy perks: Erie offers reimbursement for pet injuries and more with its basic auto insurance package.
Cons
- Limited availability: Erie is not available in every state, so some unemployed drivers may not be able to get coverage at Erie.
- Eligibility is more limited: Erie’s low rates are partly due to its stricter underwriting process, which means it may be harder for high-risk drivers to qualify for Erie coverage.
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#2 – State Farm: Best for Local Agents
Pros
- Local agents: State Farm’s local agents are a great perk, as mechanics can easily get in-person help with their State Farm policy.
- Good financial strength: State Farm has great financial ratings, and as a large company, it is able to keep its rates cheap for most drivers. Learn more here: State Farm Auto Insurance Review
- Multiple discounts: State Farm auto insurance discounts can result in even cheaper car insurance for mechanics.
Cons
- Fewer add-on coverages: State Farm has great coverage options, but drivers looking specifically for modified car insurance or new car replacement insurance will have to look elsewhere.
- Customer satisfaction reviews vary: Because State Farm is a large company with a huge customer base, there are some disgruntled customers who have negative reviews about State Farm’s claims handling and customer service.
#3 – Travelers: Best for Accident Forgiveness
Pros
- Car accident forgiveness: Travelers’ accident forgiveness program can benefit mechanics after their first accident at Travelers by protecting them from increased rates.
- Strong stability financially: Travelers has high financial ratings, so it is able to keep rates low and pay out claims without difficulty.
- Multiple discounts: Travelers has a number of discounts mechanics can benefit from, such as a usage-based discount through IntelliDrive (read more: Travelers IntelliDrive app review).
Cons
- Fewer local agents: Travelers’ local agents aren’t as prominent in some regions, so mechanics may not be able to find a local agent in their area.
- Limited availability: Travelers isn’t available in a handful of states, and its discount and coverage availability varies based on region (learn more in our Travelers auto insurance review).
#4 – American Family: Best for Bundling Policies
Pros
- Bundling discount: American Family offers a bundling discount to mechanics who purchase more than one type of insurance, as well as multiple other discounts.
- Good customer service ratings: American Family has mostly positive customer service reviews (read more: American Family auto insurance review).
- Loyalty discount: Mechanics who stick with American Family will see lower rates due to American Family’s loyalty discount.
Cons
- Limited availability: American Family auto insurance is not available in every state.
- Add-on coverages lacking: American Family has the majority of coverage types to purchase but is missing a few add-ons like new car replacement insurance or rideshare insurance.
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#5 – The Hartford: Best for Organization Discount
Pros
- Organization discounts: Hartford offers organization discounts for different affiliations, such as military, AARP members, and more.
- Multiple coverages: Hartford has a good add-on coverage selection, such as roadside assistance and new car replacement insurance.
- Good customer service reviews: Hartford’s customer service reviews are mostly positive (learn more: The Hartford Auto Insurance Review).
Cons
- Limited availability: Hartford is not available in every U.S. state, so mechanics may not be able to purchase Hartford auto insurance where they live.
- Eligibility restrictions: Hartford markets to drivers older than 50, so younger mechanics should look elsewhere for insurance.
#6 – Nationwide: Best for Usage-Based Discount
Pros
- Usage-based program: Nationwide’s Smartride program offers a 10% discount just for signing up with the program (learn more in our Nationwide Smartride app review).
- Strong financial ratings: Nationwide is financially secure, making it easier for Nationwide to keep rates low and pay out claims.
- Good coverage selection: Nationwide has multiple add-on coverages to choose from, such as roadside assistance.
Cons
- Limited availability: Nationwide insurance coverage is unavailable in a few states.
- Mixed customer reviews: Nationwide has some negative customer reviews about its customer service and claims. Learn more in our Nationwide auto insurance review.
#7 – Farmers: Best for 24/7 Support
Pros
- Usage-based discount: Mechanics can save with Farmers’ Signal program (read more: Farmers Signal Review).
- 24/7 support: Farmers offers 24/7 roadside assistance support, as well as 24/7 support on claims and policies (read more: Farmers Auto Insurance Review).
- Strong financial ratings: Farmers has strong financial ratings, making it easier for Farmers to maintain rates and pay claims.
Cons
- Mixed customer reviews: Farmers has some negative reviews from customers regarding customer service and claims handling.
- Limited availability: Farmers’ auto insurance is not available in a handful of states.
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#8 – National General: Best for Vanishing Deductibles
Pros
- Vanishing deductible: National General’s vanishing deductible program can help mechanics save over time if they stay accident-free.
- Multiple add-on coverages: National General has a good selection of auto insurance coverages to chose from, which you can read more about in our National General auto insurance review.
- Local agents: National General has a large network of in-person agents, making it easier for mechanics to find in-person assistance.
Cons
- Mixed customer service reviews: National General has some negative reviews regarding claims handling.
- Higher rates for low-risk drivers: National General caters to high-risk drivers, so low-risk drivers may have higher rates at National General than at another company that specializes in low-risk drivers.
Auto Insurance for Mechanics
If a mechanic owns and operates a vehicle, they’re responsible for purchasing car insurance. However, it depends on where you live as to how much insurance you are required to buy to meet your state’s laws.
States have different regulations regarding how much auto insurance you need on your car. While all states require some liability coverage, some states also require drivers to purchase personal injury protection (PIP) auto insurance, medical payments (MedPay), and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
The table below shows the types of auto insurance and amount required by state:
Liability Auto Insurance Coverage Requirements by State
State Requirement
Alabama 25/50/25
Alaska 50/100/25
Arizona 15/30/10
Arkansas 25/50/25
California 15/30/5
Colorado 25/50/15
Connecticut 25/50/20
Delaware 25/50/10
Florida 10/20/10
Georgia 25/50/25
Hawaii 20/40/10
Idaho 25/50/15
Illinois 25/50/20
Indiana 25/50/25
Iowa 20/40/15
Kansas 25/50/25
Kentucky 25/50/25
Louisiana 15/30/25
Maine 50/100/25
Maryland 30/60/15
Massachusetts 20/40/5
Michigan 20/40/10
Minnesota 30/60/10
Mississippi 25/50/25
Missouri 25/50/25
Montana 25/50/20
Nebraska 25/50/25
Nevada 25/50/20
New Hampshire 25/50/25
New Jersey 15/30/5
New Mexico 25/50/10
New York 25/50/10
North Carolina 30/60/25
North Dakota 25/50/25
Ohio 25/50/25
Oklahoma 25/50/25
Oregon 25/50/20
Pennsylvania 15/30/5
Rhode Island 25/50/25
South Carolina 25/50/25
South Dakota 25/50/25
Tennessee 25/50/15
Texas 30/60/25
Utah 25/65/15
Vermont 25/50/10
Virginia 25/50/20
Washington 25/50/10
Washington, D.C. 25/50/10
West Virginia 25/50/25
Wisconsin 25/50/10
Wyoming 25/50/20
You should also compare automotive business insurance cost from various companies if you need commercial auto insurance coverage for your mechanic business. Some companies even offer mechanics tool insurance if your equipment gets damaged.
While insurance companies often help policyholders ensure they meet their state’s requirements for coverage, it is ultimately each driver’s responsibility to carry the proper coverage before getting behind the wheel.
Full Coverage Auto Insurance for Mechanics
We recommend that mechanics who own cars less than 10 years old should consider purchasing a full coverage auto insurance policy to ensure they are taken care of if they’re ever in an accident.
Learn more: What is full coverage auto insurance?
Full car insurance coverage includes both collision auto insurance — which covers accident-related damage to your vehicle — and comprehensive insurance — which covers theft, vandalism, damage from inclement weather, and other non-accident-related damage.
While a full coverage policy is extremely helpful, full coverage on a vehicle can be costly. The table below compares the cost of liability coverage with a full coverage policy at each compamy.
Mechanics Average Auto Insurance Rates From Top Providers
Insurance Company Full Coverage Minimum Coverage
American Family $137 $51
Erie $66 $25
Farmers $167 $64
Hartford $133 $50
National General $174 $65
Nationwide $136 $53
State Farm $103 $39
Travelers $108 $40
Since full coverage can cost more than double what liability costs, it makes sense that plenty of people want to avoid purchasing a full coverage policy. However, don’t dismiss full coverage completely until you get quotes from the cheapest companies.
Mechanics, of all people, are the most likely group to be able to go with a liability policy and not worry. After all, mechanics can probably fix most issues with or damage to their vehicles. However, you should get self-employed mechanic full coverage insurance for complete protection.
Mechanic Auto Insurance Cost
The amount you pay for mechanic insurance will depend on several different factors, including:
- Age
- Gender
- Marital status
- Occupation
- Driving history
- Credit score
- Car make and model
- ZIP code
Some insurance companies consider a person’s career when determining monthly and annual auto insurance rates. However, for most insurance companies, mechanics sit right in the middle of the pack when determining risk.
Mechanic insurance rates also depend on the coverage a mechanic chooses to purchase. Coverage type is arguably essential in determining a mechanic’s car insurance rates. Mechanics could spend anywhere from a few hundred dollars a year to $5,000 annually, depending on the coverage they have on their policy.
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How to Save on Mechanic Auto Insurance
Besides purchasing a low-coverage policy, mechanics can save money on car insurance by choosing a higher deductible or shopping online for quotes.
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Since mechanics can handle many car repairs independently, they may want to choose a higher car insurance deductible and save money on their monthly premiums. However, this would mean they would have to pay more money if they filed a claim with their insurance company.
Another way to save on mechanic car insurance is to apply for discounts at the cheapest companies.
Mechanics can also save money by comparing cheap auto insurance quotes from multiple providers to see which offers the coverage they need at a price that works with their budget.
More About Auto Insurance for Mechanics
You must have self-employed mechanic insurance for your car if you own an auto repair shop. While you only need to meet your state’s minimum liability requirements to drive legally, you should consider purchasing additional coverage, such as collision or comprehensive auto insurance, to ensure you’re covered in an accident.
Choosing higher auto insurance deductibles on your policy or comparing car insurance quotes can help you lower your insurance rates for mechanics. To find affordable mechanics car insurance today, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do mechanics need auto insurance?
Mechanics need auto insurance to protect themselves and their businesses in case of accidents or damages while working on customer vehicles. It provides coverage for liability claims, damage to customer vehicles, and protects against theft or vandalism.
How much does mobile mechanic insurance cost?
Automotive business insurance cost varies by business size and personal circumstances.
Are mechanics insured to drive any car?
Insurance for mechanics covers them to driver customer vehicles.
What kind of insurance does a mechanic need?
Mechanics should consider the following types of auto insurance coverage:
- Commercial auto insurance: Provides mechanic insurance for vehicles used for business purposes.
- Garage liability insurance: Protects against liability claims arising from accidents or injuries that occur on the premises.
- Garagekeepers insurance: Covers damages to customer vehicles while they are in the mechanic’s care.
Are there any specific considerations for mechanics when choosing auto insurance?
- The type and size of their business: Different insurance options are available for independent mechanics, auto repair shops, or dealerships.
- The number of vehicles in their fleet: The mechanics insurance needs may vary based on the size and usage of the vehicle fleet.
- Customer vehicle value: If working on high-value vehicles, additional coverage may be necessary. So, you should compare rates for auto repair shop insurance online.
What are the benefits of auto insurance for mechanics?
Some benefits of auto insurance for mechanics include:
- Protection against liability claims: Mechanic insurance covers costs related to injuries or damages caused to third parties.
- Coverage for customer vehicles: In case of accidents or damages while working on customer vehicles, insurance for mechanics can cover the costs.
- Financial security: Mechanic insurance provides peace of mind knowing that potential risks and damages are covered.
Are there any drawbacks to consider with auto insurance for mechanics?
Some drawbacks of auto insurance for mechanics may include:
- Cost: Premiums for auto insurance can be significant, especially if you’re shopping for and comparing automotive business insurance cost.
- Policy limitations: Mechanic insurance policies may have certain limitations and exclusions.
- Administrative requirements: Mechanics need to maintain proper documentation and fulfill any reporting requirements.
Can a mechanic drive an uninsured car?
Wondering are mechanics insured to drive any car? Mechanics can drive uninsured cars to test them or move them while working on the vehicle.
What insurance do mechanics need?
It depends on whether a mechanic runs their own shop or is employed by a shop. All mechanic shops will need coverages like mechanics liability insurance and business insurance. It is best to get quotes to determine the cost of liability insurance for mechanics and auto repair shop insurance costs.
Can you get mechanical insurance?
Some companies will offer mechanical breakdown insurance for drivers.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Brad Larson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Licensed Insurance Agent
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.