10 Best Property Damage Liability (PDL) Auto Insurance Companies in 2024

State Farm, Geico and Progressive are the best property damage liability (PDL) auto insurance companies. State Farm stands out for its UBI discounts and comprehensive coverage options.

Almost every state requires liability auto insurance coverage as part of the legal minimum requirements. Nationally, the average property damage liability auto insurance rates cost about $40 per month. However, your age, driving record, and ZIP code impact your overall auto insurance premiums.

Our Top 10 Picks: Best Property Damage Liability (PDL) Auto Insurance Companies

Below, learn how to secure affordable property damage liability auto insurance, and then enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool above to compare rates from the best providers near you.

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#1 – State Farm: Top Pick Overall

Pros 

• Strong Consumer Reputation: State Farm has a solid reputation in consumer studies, reflecting high customer satisfaction and trust. Wondering about their level of customer service? Find out in our State Farm Company Review.
• Usage-Based Discounts: The Drive Safe & Save program allows safe drivers to earn discounts based on their driving habits, promoting safer driving and cost savings.
• Rental Car Coverage: State Farm offers generous rental car and travel expense coverage, ensuring you’re protected and reimbursed for additional costs during a claim.

Cons

• Claims Process Issues: State Farm received a low grade from collision repair experts for its claims process, indicating potential difficulties in handling claims efficiently.
• No Accident Forgiveness: State Farm does not offer accident forgiveness or a vanishing deductible, which can lead to higher premiums after an accident.

#2 – Geico: Best for Extensive Discounts

Pros

• Low Complaint Rate: Geico has a low level of auto insurance complaints, indicating strong customer satisfaction and reliable service.
• High Policy Limits: Geico offers high policy limits, providing extensive coverage options to meet various needs. Learn more in our Geico review.
• Digital Tools: Geico provides excellent digital tools and usage-based programs, making policy management and monitoring driving habits easy and convenient.

Cons

• No Gap Insurance: Geico does not offer gap insurance, which can be a drawback for drivers who finance or lease their vehicles.
• Limited Local Agencies: Geico has fewer local agencies, which may be inconvenient for customers who prefer in-person support.

#3 – Progressive: Best for Roadside Assistance

Pros 

• Wide Coverage Options: Progressive offers a broad range of coverage choices. Learn more about coverage options and monthly rates in our Progressive auto insurance company review.
• Rideshare Coverage: Progressive offers specialized insurance for rideshare drivers.
• Pet Injury Protection: Progressive helps pay vet bills if your pet is injured in a car accident and you have collision insurance available in most states.

Cons

• High Rates: Progressive’s rates are only okay when adding teens to a policy and for senior drivers.
• Average Claims Handling: Progressive received a grade of C from auto repair experts for its collision claim process, indicating room for improvement in handling claims efficiently.

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#4 – USAA: Best for Customer Service

Pros

• Low DUI Rates: USAA offers competitive rates for drivers with a DUI record. See how USAA’s rates compare to other insurance providers in our USAA auto insurance review.
• Excellent Customer Service: USAA ranks high in customer service.
• Top-Rated Mobile App: USAA’s highly-rated mobile app provides convenient access to policy management, claims filing, and other essential services.

Cons

• Limited Eligibility: Only active or retired military members and their families are eligible for USAA coverage.
• SafePilot Availability: USAA’s SafePilot program is unavailable in all states, limiting its usage-based discount options for some members.

#5 – Allstate: Best for Drivewise Program

Pros

• Easy Plug-in Device: Allstate’s plug-in device for UBI is user-friendly and straightforward to install.
• Diverse Coverage Options: Allstate offers a wide range of coverage options, including accident forgiveness, new car replacement, and a safe-driving bonus every six months.
• Rideshare Insurance Coverage: Rideshare drivers can purchase additional coverage from Allstate to protect them while they’re working.

Cons

• High Rates for Certain Demographics: Allstate’s rates tend to be higher than the national average for teenagers, young adults, and seniors. Find more information about Allstate’s rates in our review of Allstate insurance.
• Below Average Shopping Satisfaction: Some customers have reported dissatisfaction with the shopping experience and policy premiums.

#6 – Farmers: Best for Safety Discounts

Pros

• Extensive Coverage Options: From basic liability to comprehensive coverage, Farmers offers a wide range of coverage options to meet the needs and budgets of their customers.
• Satisfactory Claims Resolution: Most survey respondents report satisfaction with how claims are resolved by Farmers Insurance, indicating reliable and efficient claims processing.
• Variety of Discounts: Farmers auto insurance discounts include safe driver, multi-policy, good student, and more.

Cons

• Unexpected Rate Increases: Some customers have reported unexpected rate increases after the initial policy period, catching them off guard.
• Limited Language Support: Farmers has been criticized for not offering services in multiple languages, making it difficult for non-native English speakers to navigate their policies.

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#7 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Accident Forgiveness

Pros

• Plenty of Discounts: Liberty Mutual provides numerous discounts to help customers save on premiums.
• Competitive Pricing: Liberty Mutual often offers better pricing than competitors across multiple categories, providing value for policyholders. To see monthly premiums and honest rankings, read our Liberty Mutual review.
• Bundling: You can save on your auto insurance by bundling it with other insurance products such as homeowners or renters insurance.

Cons

• High Premiums: – Liberty Mutual’s premiums may be higher than some competitors, potentially making it less affordable for some customers.
• Average Claims Service: Liberty Mutual scores average on claims and customer service.

#8 – Nationwide: Best for SmartRide Program

Pros

• Multi-Policy Options: Nationwide offers various insurance products, making it convenient for customers to bundle multiple policies with one company.
• Competitive Rates: Nationwide provides competitive rates for drivers who have had a speeding ticket or an accident. Find out if Nationwide might have the lowest rates for you in our Nationwide auto insurance review.
• Loyalty Perks: Nationwide rewards long-term customers with attractive loyalty perks, enhancing the overall value of staying with the insurer.

Cons

• Limited Availability: Nationwide doesn’t offer auto insurance policies in all states, restricting access for some potential customers.
• High DUI Rates: Nationwide has the fourth-highest sample costs for drivers with a DUI on their record.

#9 – American Family: Best for KnowYourDrive Program

Pros

• Affordable for High-Risk Drivers: American Family offers competitive rates for drivers with an at-fault accident or speeding ticket, making it a cost-effective choice for high-risk individuals.
• Bundling Discounts: Customers can receive up to a 29% discount on auto rates when they bundle with an American Family home policy.
• High Customer Satisfaction: American Family ranks highly for customer satisfaction in multiple regions, according to the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study, indicating strong customer approval and service quality.

Cons

• Poor Customer Reviews: American Family receives low ratings on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot, indicating customer dissatisfaction in some areas. Find out more about American Family in our American Family review.
• Limited Digital Experience: The company’s digital insurance tools and online experience may not be as advanced or user-friendly as some competitors offer.

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#10 – Travelers: Best for Safety Features

Pros

• Diverse Coverage Options: Travelers offers various coverage options, including accident forgiveness, gap insurance, and roadside assistance.
• Convenient Claim Filing: Customers can file claims easily online or through the mobile app, streamlining the process.
• Fewer Customer Complaints: Travelers has received fewer customer complaints than expected for auto insurance, indicating higher customer satisfaction.

Cons

• High Rates: Travelers tends to have higher rates for certain demographics. Learn more by reading our review of Travelers.
• Limited Local Agents: There are few local agents available.

The Best Property Damage Liability Auto Insurance Companies

The best property damage liability auto insurance companies are State Farm and Geico. Both providers offer the lowest base quotes to drivers in almost every state.

However, not every insurer is active or available in every part of the country.

Plus, factors such as your age, ZIP code, driving record, and more will influence your total costs.

So in the table below, compare the average monthly auto insurance rates from our top recommended companies.

Property Damage Liability (PDL) Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level & Provider

The premiums above reflect complete policies from across the country, including but not limits to only property damage liability coverage.

State Farm lands in our number-one recommended spot because the provider is available to every driver and underwrites policies in all 50 states.

Known for providing more affordable rates to younger drivers, State Farm also offers dozens of auto insurance discounts that stack, leading to even better prices.

USAA offers the cheapest average quotes, but only military personnel and their families can use its services.

However, just like Geico, USAA also provides several great discounts that will lead to even better savings.

To find your lowest property damage liability auto insurance quotes, compare rates online from multiple companies.

Property Damage Liability Auto Insurance Defined

You might wonder, does liability insurance cover my car if someone hits me?

In truth, your property damage liability auto insurance pays for damage to another person’s property resulting from an accident that you cause.

So if another driver hits you, you’d file a third-party claim through their insurance provider, not your own.

Also, if another driver ever sues you, liability insurance covers your legal fees.

It is one of two standard liability insurance types legally required in most states, along with bodily injury liability insurance.

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What does property damage liability insurance specifically cover? Destruction to the other party’s home, business, vehicle, yard, or other property up to an established legal maximum dollar limit per accident.

Similarly, property damage liability insurance does not cover your medical bills or the hospital costs of the other driver.

Instead, your bodily injury liability auto insurance pays for their medical bills.

Medical payments (MedPay) coverage and personal injury protection (PIP) insurance are the policy types that help with your hospital fees.

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The Cost of Property Damage Liability Auto Insurance

On average, property damage liability insurance costs $40 per month and usually includes bodily injury protection.

But it ultimately depends on the level of coverage you purchase. Higher limits lead to higher premiums.

Also, your driving record impacts your rates. Expect any at-fault accidents or traffic citations on your history to increase your liability insurance costs.

The table below compares the average liability auto insurance rates in each state. Find yours below.

Minimum Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by State

Keep in mind that the totals above reflect both property damage and bodily injury liability costs.

Typically, doubling or even tripling your liability levels does not mean your insurance premiums will double or triple.

In fact, through some providers, switching from $10,000 to $100,000 worth of coverage only increases rates by $5 per year, no matter your driving background or vehicle make and model. Read more: What is the difference between car make and car model?

How much property damage liability auto insurance do you need?

By law, most states require drivers to carry a minimum level of liability insurance.

Usually, you purchase property damage coverage per accident alongside bodily injury liability coverage, which is per person and per accident.

So you might see liability limits written in the following format: 25/50/10.

That means the policy has limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, plus $10,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident.

Some states allow you to waive auto insurance if you prove financial security, like New Hampshire and Virginia.

However, to opt-out of coverage in some states, you must deposit significant funds or post a bond to be explicitly used if you cause an accident. So even in those states, most drivers choose to carry auto insurance.

To determine the minimum property damage liability auto insurance levels you’re required to purchase, find your state in the table below:

Property Damage Liability (PDL) Auto Insurance Minimum Requirement by Limit & State

State minimum auto insurance requirements are usually relatively low. So if the cost of damage to property in an accident exceeds your liability limits, you’re responsible for paying for the rest out of pocket.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average property damage liability insurance claim in 2019 cost $4,525, up from $2,881 in 2010.

But major accidents can cost as much as $25,000 or more if a fatality is involved.

Fortunately, you always have the option to purchase higher limits than what your state legally requires.

If it fits your budget, it’s worth investing in higher liability levels. Experts recommend buying levels equal to your net worth.

Higher-income drivers might consider supplementing property damage liability insurance limits with a personal umbrella policy.

How To File a Property Damage Liability Auto Insurance Claim

If you’re found liable for an auto accident involving another party, the other driver files a claim with your liability insurance policy to cover their property damage expenses.

If the driver also experienced any medical issues, the claim also accesses your bodily injury liability insurance.

But there’s no circumstance under which you will need to make a claim against your own liability insurance policy.

Your property damage limits determine how much the insurance company is willing to pay for a single accident.

If the damage exceeds your insurance levels, the other driver can pursue you to pay the rest out of pocket. In some cases, this could lead to a civil lawsuit. Learn more: How to File an Auto Insurance Claim

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Best Property Damage Liability (PD) Auto Insurance Companies: The Bottom Line

Fortunately, most drivers easily secure cheap liability auto insurance coverage because it’s legally required in practically every state.

Liability insurance ensures you have the financial means to pay for any potential damage you cause to a third party due to a car accident.

Depending on your budget, consider purchasing higher limits than your state’s minimum property damage liability requirements to protect yourself from financial hardship in the event of a major accident.

Now that you’re ready to buy property damage liability auto insurance, enter your ZIP code into our free rate tool below to compare quotes from reputable third party insurance providers near you.

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