Who Has the Cheapest Auto Insurance Quotes in Nebraska?

Where a driver lives and parks their car in Nebraska plays a significant role in how car insurance companies quote them. We analyzed quotes in 40 locations in the Cornhusker State to determine which cities and companies have the cheapest auto insurance. Based on our sample driver, we found that the most expensive company cost 2.6x the lowest cost carrier in Nebraska, and the most expensive city cost 29% more than the cheapest place.

• Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies
• Best Car Insurance Rates: by City
• Cost of Car Insurance: by City
• Best Auto Insurance Companies in NE

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Nebraska

For consumers looking for companies with the cheapest car insurance in Nebraska, we crunched the numbers across 17 companies and 40 cities in the state to find the answer. The numbers below represent the average annual premium for our sample driver: a single 30-year old man who owns his own 2011 Toyota Camry and has a good credit score and clean driving record for the past five years.

Based on this data, we found that Farm Bureau Mutual (has membership dues), Nationwide, and State Farm had three of the lowest rates overall. The three insurers had a combined average of $804 for our sample driver's auto insurance coverage, which was 30% cheaper than the statewide rate for them. Progressive and Farmers Mutual of Nebraska round out our top five most affordable companies in Nebraska. All of these providers are national insurers with the exception of Farmers Mutual of Nebraska, which only underwrites insurance in Nebraska and South Dakota. Membership dues at the Farm Bureau Mutual can run from $40 - $55 depending on the county you live in. You do not need to be a farmer or employed in the agricultural industry to get covered by either Farmers Mutual or Farm Bureau Mutual. Together, our top five companies averaged annual rates of $878, which is a 24% reduction from the state average.

Most Expensive Auto Insurance Companies in Nebraska

On the other hand, the most expensive companies in Nebraska were EMC, Shelter, and MetLife. These three insurers had an average annual premium of $1,614 for our two sample motorists, which was an increase of 40% from the state average. EMC, the most expensive provider, cost and extra $667 from the overall Nebraska average for our benchmark driver.

List of Car Insurance Companies

Below we have ranked the 17 insurance companies that were used in our study from the lowest costs and upward for your reference.

*Denotes that a membership fee is required

Car Insurance in Nebraska: by City

To provide a local perspective, we created a table of some of the largest cities in the state and found the three companies with the lowest auto insurance rates in each place. The rates are derived from our profiled driver, who both had good credit score and excellent driving record. Your actual quotes will differ depending on your driving history and the coverage and amounts you choose.

*Denotes that a membership fee is required

Based on our sample driver, the typical quote for the top five most affordable cities was $1,044 per year, or 9% cheaper than the state mean. The cities with the lowest average car insurance quotes were all clustered in the southeast portion of Nebraska. The smallest town in terms of population had 4,000 residents, while the most populated was home to 280,000 people. 

On the other hand, the five most expensive cities in Nebraska average $1,238 a year for our sample drivers' car insurance – quotes were 7% more than the typical city in the Cornhusker State. Except for South Sioux City, all of the places are located in western Nebraska. They're generally smaller cities, with average populations of around 10,000. 

Omaha, NE

Omaha is Nebraska's most populated here and resident's of this city typically spend $1,167 on car insurance, which is about 2% higher than the statewide average. Still, drivers here can save on car insurance. When comparison shopping, we suggest customers get quotes from Farm Bureau Mutual, State Farm, Allstate, Nationwide, and Progressive. These made up our top five most affordable companies in Omaha and we found their average annual quoted rate to be $886, which is a 24% reduction from the citywide average. One thing to keep in mind is that Farm Mutual Bureau has a county dependent membership fee In Douglas County, where Omaha is located, fees cost $43. Omaha serves as the headquarter of some Fortune 500 companies such as Berkshire Hathaway and Mutual of Omaha. It is also where the Reuben Sandwich, Bobby Pins, Duncan Hines Cake Mix Raisin Bran, and a slew of other products were invented.

Lincoln, NE

The capital and second-most populous city in the state also happens to have the second most affordable car insurance compared to other cities in our study. Lincoln ranks as the best city in Nebraska for auto insurance with an average annual rate of $1,030, 10% more favorable than the state mean. The “Star City” was founded in 1856 as Lancaster and was renamed Lincoln after the president was assassinated. 24,000 students return for studies to the city's University of Nebraska-Lincoln each fall, and turn out in force to cheer for their Huskers games. Healthcare and technology are both large drivers of the local economy - the Omaha-Lincoln area are referred to as the “Midwest Silicon Prairie,” mirroring California’s Silicon Valley. We found Farm Bureau Mutual, Nationwide, Allstate, Progressive, and State Farm to be the five auto insurers with the best annual rates for our benchmark driver in Lincoln. Collectively, these five companies quoted a rate of $817, a 21% discount to the citywide average. Farm Mutual Bureau has a membership fee whose price is county dependent. As the county seat of Lancaster County, Lincoln residents can expect a membership fee of $47.

Grand Island, NE

Contrary to what its name would indicate, Grand Island - the spot with the 5th cheapest car insurance rates in Nebraska - is a landlocked city in Hall County. The current site for the Nebraska State Fair, the city was founded in 1857, and attracted more settlers when the Union Pacific Railroad laid down tracks on the site. Today, you'll find more people in automobiles on the road, with U.S. Highways 281 and 30 criss-crossing the city. Grand Island motorists will see averages 5% more favorable than the state average, with premiums of $1,092. To maximize your auto insurance savings, consider adding Farm Bureau Mutual, Nationwide, State Farm, Allstate, and Progressive to your list of companies for comparison shopping. For Grand Island, we found these 5 companies to have an average rate of $812 which is 26% lower than what typical residents in this town pay for auto insurance. Farm Bureau Mutual has a county-specific membership fee and for Grand Island's Hall County, this fee is $45.

Wahoo, NE

Wahoo rounds off our list of cities with the most affordable car insurance with an average premium of $978, 15% better than the state mean. Wahoo was founded in 1870 and is the seat of Saunders County. The small town of 4,500 was named after a shrub found on the banks of the Wahoo Creek. Drivers looking to save even more money on auto insurance in Wahoo should consider looking into Farm Bureau Mutual, Nationwide, State Farm, Progressive, and Allstate for quotes. These 5 companies had average annual rates of $734 in Wahoo, which is 25% less than the city average. Keep in mind that Farm Bureau Mutual requires a membership fee of $50 for Saunders County, where Wahoo is located.

Waverly, NE

Waverly ranks as the third best city in Nebraska for affordable auto insurance. Premiums for basic liability coverage for our sample drivers average $1,030, 10% cheaper than the typical Nebraska city. Waverly was placed on the map in 1870 when the railroad reached its location. Many of the streets, as well as the city itself, got their names from Walter Scott's historical novel *Waverly* which was written in 1814. We suggest drivers look into Farm Bureau Mutual, Nationwide, Allstate, State Farm, and Progressive when shopping for auto insurance in Waverly. These 5 companies quoted an average rate of $815, a 21% savings compared to the citywide average. Bear in mind that Farm Bureau Mutual requires customers to pay a membership fee which varies by each Nebraska county. For Waverly, which is located in Lancaster County, membership fees are $47.

Norfolk, NE

Norfolk is located in northeastern Nebraska along U.S. Highway 81. The city was established in 1866 by German settlers and grew after the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad was built through town. Norfolk’s economy relies primarily on retail, in addition to agriculture, manufacturing, health care and education. In Norfolk, premiums on average cost $1,088 annually, ranking the city as the 4th Best City for Auto Insurance Costs. Rates here are 5% lower than the Nebraska state average for our profiled driver. There are still many opportunities to save even more on car insurance in Norfolk. Our top five most affordable companies were Farm Bureau Mutual, Nationwide, State Farm, Progressive, and Allstate and they had an average annual rate of $796 which translates to a 27% reduction from the citywide average. Something to keep in mind, however, is that Farm Bureau Mutual has a membership fee customers must pay. For Madison county, where Norfolk is located, this fee is $50.

South Sioux City, NE

South Sioux City had the most expensive auto insurance costs in our state study. Motorists can see basic liability coverage costs of around $1,264, which are 10% more expensive than the Nebraska average. Located immediately across the river from Sioux City, Iowa, South Sioux City is served by Interstate 129 and U.S. Highway 77. The Lewis & Clark and Outlaw Scenic Byways, along with a number of nature centers and the Ponca State Park are a short drive away. Fortunately, drivers in South Sioux City can find ways to cut their auto insurance rates. We found Farm Bureau Mutual, State Farm, American National, Nationwide, and American Family to offer the 5 cheapest rates in South Sioux City. These companies quoted an average price of $900 in South Sioux City which amounts to a 29% reduction from the citywide average. One thing to keep in mind for Farm Bureau Mutual is that the company requires individuals to pay a county-dependent membership fee. South Sioux City is a part of Dakota County and the fee here is $50.

Alliance, NE

Alliance is located in Box Butte County, in northwestern Nebraska, and was the second most expensive city for Nebraskan auto insurance in our study. In Alliance, full coverage insurance averages $1,233 a year for our benchmark drivers - 7% more expensive than the typical Nebraskan city. The city was founded in 1888 as “Grand Lake” and was renamed “Alliance” when the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad was built through town. “Carhenge”, a replica of Stonehenge constructed from automobiles instead of stones is located just outside the main city area. Hopefully the owners of those cars didn’t file expensive claims! We suggest drivers in Alliance look at Farm Bureau Mutual, State Farm, Nationwide, Progressive, and American Family when comparison shopping for auto insurance rates. The average annual rate for these five companies totaled $874, which is a 29% reduction from the Alliance average. Drivers should keep in mind that Farm Bureau Mutual has a membership fee of $40 for Box Butte County but even with this additional fee, the company is still one of the cheapest options for car insurance.

Scottsbluff, NE

Scottsbluff is tied with Kimball and Imperial for the position as the third most expensive city for Nebraskan Auto Insurance in our study. The city was established in 1900, when railroad tracks were built through the western county. A quick six miles away in Gering is the Scotts Bluff National Monument and other Oregon Trail landmarks. Scottsbluff itself is home to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Drivers living in Scottsbluff can see rates around $1,231 a year – 7% costlier than the state mean. Scottsbluff drivers looking to save should consider Farm Bureau Mutual, State Farm, Nationwide, Progressive, and American Family for auto insurance. These five companies had an average annual rate of $902, a 27% discount compared to the citywide average. Bear in mind that Farm Bureau Mutual has a mandatory membership fee for customers. For Scottsbluff County, where Scottsbluff is aptly located, this fee is $45.

Kimball, NE

Kimball is one of the three cities in our study that ties for the position of third most expensive auto insurance in Nebraska. With an average annual rate of $1,231, Kimball is 7% pricier than the typical Nebraska city. Kimball was founded in 1870 after the Union Pacific Railroad laid tracks through the city and was named after a railroad official. The city is located near Panorama Point, the highest altitude in Nebraska. To save money on auto insurance, we suggest looking into Farm Bureau Mutual, State Farm, Nationwide, Progressive, and American Family for Kimball drivers. Average quotes for these five companies were $889, which is 28% less than the city wide average. One thing to make note of is that Farm Bureau Mutual requires customers to pay a membership fee. This fee varies depending on county and for Kimball County where Kimball is located, residents can expect to pay $50.

Imperial, NE

Imperial is the last city in our roundup of the top five most expensive cities for auto insurance in Nebraska. With an average rate of $1,231 for our benchmark driver, it ties with Scottsbluff and Kimball in having rates 7% higher than the state average. The 2,000 person town of Imperial is the county seat of Chase County and is only 2.95 square miles large. We suggest drivers in Imperial include Farm Bureau Mutual, State Farm, Nationwide, Farmers Mutual of Nebraska, and Allstate in their list of companies to obtain quotes from when comparison shopping. These five companies quoted an average rate of $924 which is 25% less than the citywide average. Bear in mind that Farm Bureau Mutual has a membership fee. Still, even with the $48 membership fee that Farm Bureau Mutual charges for Chase county residents, Farm Bureau Mutual remains the cheapest auto insurer in Imperial by over $100.

Average Cost of Car Insurance by City

A total of 40 cities and towns in Nebraska were included in our study. Beyond the top five cheapest and most expensive highlighted above, here are how the other places compared to each other in terms of the avereage quotes our study's benchmark motorist saw:

Cities were selected at random to include a mixture of some of the largest and smallest cities in Nebraska. For our readers' reference, below are the 40 cities analyzed in the study in alphabetical order.

Best Car Insurance Companies in Nebraska

To find the best auto insurance companies in Nebraska, we created a complaint ratio comparing a company’s complaints to their written premiums for auto liability and property damage. This allows consumers to see the amount of complaints every company has and compare how they're performing against their competitors. We looked at ten of the biggest providers in the state, and found that the best rated insurers were GEICO and Progressive - they had fewer complaints compared to their competitors even after factoring in their size. The table below shows our results; the lower the complaint per million in premium, the better the company and the happier customers are with their services is our inference. 

Auto Insurance Company	Complaints	Premiums	Complaint Ratio (per $MM premium)
GEICO	0	$40,400,000	0.00
Progressive	19	79,742,000	0.16
Nationwide	13	42,822,000	0.22
State Farm	51	46,010,000	0.22
USAA	8	82,369,000	0.22
American Family	30	74,533,000	0.38
Farmers Mutual	33	60,094,000	0.40
Iowa Farm Bureau	34	120,525,000	0.46
Farmers	24	232,793,000	0.52
Allstate	25	36,369,000	0.62

Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in Nebraska

In Nebraska drivers need to carry a certain amount of liability insurance to register and legally drive their car. Limits in the Corn Husker state are higher than in other states, but do not include any coverage outside of liability. Coverage is as follows:

How We Conducted the Study

We gathered quotes from auto insurance companies for a sample driver in 40 cities across the state. Our sample driver was a single 30 year old male. He owns his 2011 Toyota Camry vehicle in full and primarily uses it to commute to and from work, using about 12,000 miles a year. He also has good credit history and a spotless driving record with no accidents or traffic violations in the past five years.

We assumed basic liability protection for the Camry. The state requires minimum limits of $25,000 per person and up to $50,000 per accident for Bodily Injury Liability, Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage. It also requires that drivers are insured for up to $25,000 for property damage. We included insurers such as GEICO, Allstate, and EMC Insurance Company in our study.

Type	Nebraska Minimum Requirements	Study Limits
Bodily Injury Liability	$25,000 per person, and	$50,000 per person, and
	up to $50,000 per accident	up to $100,000 per accident
Property Damage	$25,000 per accident	$25,000 per accident
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist	$25,000 per person, and	$50,000 per person, and
	up to $50,000 per accident	up to $100,000 per accident
Collision / Comprehensive Deductible	Optional	$500

Sources:

Nebraska Department of Insurance: http://www.doi.nebraska.gov/
Nebraska Census Data: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/31000.html
Photo Courtesy of kevinsaff / Flickr: https://flic.kr/p/4P1xd