That’s exactly why identifying companies that deliver fair protection and strong customer experience is so essential—especially for this income group. Our data shows that satisfaction often comes from a well‑rounded experience, not just low rates.

“Auto insurance rates have increased by an average of 40 percent over the last three years, and many drivers are struggling to afford coverage,” said Chuck Bell, financial policy advocate at CR. According to the Federal Insurance Office, he points out, over 16 million drivers across the country make premium payments that exceed 2 percent of their income. “We urge state regulators to investigate the auto insurance affordability crisis and come up with fair solutions to address rising costs.”

“In the meantime, consumers who are struggling with high premiums may not have a lot of great options,” Bell said. Consumers should shop around to compare quotes from different companies, see which discounts they can qualify for, and consider consulting an independent agent. There are also a handful of states, including California, Hawaii, Maryland, and New Jersey, that offer lower-cost insurance programs that are worth investigating. 

In most states, insurers use socioeconomic factors such as education, occupation, and credit history for auto insurance pricing, which raises costs even higher for working-class drivers, Bell said. Credit history in particular can have a huge affect on your rates. Before seeking quotes, try to improve your credit score by ordering a copy of your 3 free credit reports from annualcreditreport.com. Inspect them for errors and negative information, and if possible, pay down any delinquent accounts or debts that you find.