Best Car Insurance Companies That Only Look Back 3 Years in 2025 (Top 10 Picks)

 

Your driving history directly impacts car insurance rates. While some companies scrutinize driving records for up to five years, finding insurers that consider only the last three years isn’t overly challenging. Check out our article on “How far back do car insurance companies look?” for further details.

Our Top 10 Picks: Best Car Insurance Companies That Only Look Back 3 Years

If you’re ready to buy car insurance now, enter your ZIP code above to compare free quotes from car insurance companies that only look back three years in your area today.

#1 – State Farm: Top Overall Pick

 Pros

• Multi-Policy Discounts: In a State Farm car insurance review, it’s notable that State Farm offers a 10% discount for bundling auto insurance with other policies, promoting cost savings.
• Safe Driver Discount: With a 15% discount for safe drivers, State Farm rewards responsible driving habits.
• Established Reputation: State Farm’s long-standing presence and reputation contribute to customer trust and confidence.

Cons

• Lookback Discount Limit: State Farm’s 10% lookback discount, while beneficial, might be comparatively lower than some competitors.
• Snapshot Program Absence: The absence of a usage-based program like Snapshot may disappoint customers seeking personalized rates based on driving behavior.

#2 – Progressive: Best for Snapshot Program

Pros

• Competitive Lookback Discount: A 9% lookback discount contributes to Progressive’s overall competitiveness in the market.
• Wide Range of Coverages: A Progressive car insurance review showcases a diverse array of coverages and add-ons, empowering customers to tailor their policies to their specific needs.
• Online Accessibility: Progressive’s user-friendly online platform provides convenience for policy management and claims processing.

Cons

• Slightly Lower Safe Driver Discount: The safe driver discount, though present, is marginally lower than what some competitors offer.
• Limited Personalization Options: The reliance on Snapshot for personalized rates may limit choices for customers who prefer alternatives.

#3 – Allstate: Best for Accident Forgiveness

Pros

• Competitive Safe Driver Discount: An Allstate car insurance review highlights a 16% discount for safe drivers, making it an appealing choice for individuals with a pristine driving history.
• Enhanced coverage Options: Allstate provides a variety of add-on coverages, allowing customers to customize their policies for comprehensive protection.
• Digital Tools and Resources: The company offers a range of digital tools and resources for easy policy management and claims handling.

Cons

• Limited Lookback Discount Information: The criteria for the 11% lookback discount are not explicitly outlined, potentially causing uncertainty for prospective customers.
• Possibly Higher Premiums: Some customers might find Allstate’s premiums relatively higher compared to other providers, impacting budget-conscious individuals.

#4 – Liberty Mutual: Best For Add-On Coverages

Pros

• Add-on Coverages: In a Liberty Mutual car insurance review, the spotlight shines on the emphasis placed on add-on coverages, enabling clients to enrich their policies for heightened protection.
• Competitive Lookback Discount: An 8% lookback discount contributes to the overall appeal for those with a limited driving history.
• Nationwide Presence: Liberty Mutual’s nationwide presence ensures accessibility and support for customers across different regions.

Cons

• Slightly Lower Safe Driver Discount: The safe driver discount, at 13%, maybe slightly lower than what some competitors offer.
• Limited Digital Innovation: Liberty Mutual’s online tools and digital resources may not be as advanced or user-friendly as those of some other providers.

#5 – Nationwide: Best for Vanishing Deductible

Pros

• Vanishing Deductible: Nationwide offers a unique vanishing deductible feature, allowing safe drivers to reduce their deductibles over time.
• Competitive Lookback Discount: With a 7% retrospective discount, Nationwide car insurance discounts gives customers with limited driving history a competitive advantage.
• Wide Range of Coverages: Nationwide’s diverse coverage options allow customers to tailor their policies to their specific needs.

Cons

• Limited Safe-Driving Discounts: While Nationwide provides a vanishing deductible, its safe-driving discount may be slightly lower compared to some competitors.
• Regional Variances: The availability of certain features and coverages may vary by region, potentially limiting options for some customers.

#6 – Farmers: Best for Safe-Driving Discounts

Pros

• Safe-Driving Discounts: In a Farmers car insurance review, the focus is on safe-driving discounts, offering rewards to policyholders who maintain a clean driving history.
• Competitive Lookback Discount: A 9% lookback discount contributes to Farmers’ competitiveness in the market.
• Personalized Coverage Options: Farmers offers personalized coverage options, allowing customers to tailor their policies to specific needs.

Cons

• Snapshot Program Absence: Farmers does not offer a usage-based program like snapshot, potentially limiting options for customers who prefer personalized rates based on driving behavior.
• Limited Digital Innovation: The company’s online tools and digital resources may not be as advanced or user-friendly as those of some competitors.

#7 – American Family: Best for Bundle Discounts

Pros

• Bundle Discounts: In an American Family car insurance review, the focus is on bundle discounts, encouraging customers to combine policies for savings.
• Competitive Lookback Discount: An 8% lookback discount contributes to the attractiveness of American Families for those with a limited driving history.
• Customer-Centric Approach: The company is known for its customer-centric approach, providing personalized assistance and support.

Cons

• Slightly Lower Safe Driver Discount: While a 13% safe driver discount is offered, it may be slightly lower compared to some competitors.
• Limited Digital Innovation: American Family’s online tools and digital resources may not be as advanced or user-friendly as those of some other providers.

#8 – Travelers: Best for Online Convenience

Pros

• Online Convenience: Travelers excel in online convenience, providing users with user-friendly digital tools for easy policy management and claims processing.
• Competitive Lookback Discount: With a 10% lookback discount, Travelers offers a competitive advantage for customers with a limited driving history.
• Wide Range of Coverages: Travelers provides a diverse range of coverages, allowing customers to tailor their policies to specific needs.

Cons

• Possibly Higher Premiums: Some customers might find Travelers’ premiums relatively higher compared to other providers, impacting budget-conscious individuals.
• Limited Add-ons: In a Travelers car insurance review, it’s noted that the options for add-ons may be somewhat limited compared to some competitors.

#9 – Erie: Best for Rate Lock

Pros

• Rate Lock: Erie’s Rate Lock feature ensures that customers can lock in their rates, providing financial stability and protection against potential rate increases.
• Competitive Lookback Discount: In an Erie car insurance review, Erie remains competitive with a 7% lookback discount, benefiting those with limited driving histories.
• Customer Service Reputation: Erie is known for its strong customer service reputation, providing personalized assistance and support.

Cons

• Limited National Availability: Erie’s coverage is limited to specific regions, potentially excluding customers in areas where the company does not operate.
• Limited Online Tools: The online tools and digital resources offered by Erie may not be as advanced or comprehensive as those of some larger insurers.

#10 – Mercury: Best for 24/7 Support

Pros

• 24/7 Support: Mercury car insurance review highlights its 24/7 customer support for immediate assistance.
• Competitive Lookback Discount: A solid 8% lookback discount contributes to Mercury’s appeal for those with a limited driving history.
• Local Presence: Mercury’s local presence ensures a focus on regional needs and personalized customer support.

Cons

• Limited Coverage Options: Mercury may have fewer coverage options compared to some larger insurers, potentially limiting choices for certain customers.
• Regional Focus: While a local presence is an advantage, it may also mean that Mercury’s services are limited to specific regions, excluding customers in areas where the company does not operate.

Car Insurance Companies That Only Look Back at Your Driving Record for Three Years

For those emphasizing recent driving records, insurers like State Farm and Progressive offer tailored coverage. State Farm, with multi-policy discounts, provides full coverage at $86 and minimum coverage at $33. Progressive’s Snapshot Program tailors rates, offering full coverage at $105 and minimum coverage at $39.

Other notable insurers include Allstate, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, Farmers, American Family, Travelers, Erie, and Mercury, each emphasizing the last three years in their coverage rates. Explore our list of The Top 5 Car Insurance Companies for additional details.

Car Insurance Monthly Rates for Companies That Only Look Back Three Years

Liberty Mutual, with enhanced protection, offers full coverage at an average of $174 and minimum coverage at $68. Nationwide, featuring a vanishing deductible provides full coverage at $115 and minimum coverage at $44. Farmers, promoting safety with discounts, offer full coverage at an average of $139 and minimum coverage at $53.American Family, with bundle discounts, provides full coverage at $117 and minimum coverage starting at $44.

Travelers, prioritizing convenience, present full coverage at $99 and minimum coverage at $37. Erie, with a stability-focused approach, offers full coverage at an average of $58 and minimum coverage at $22, while Mercury, with 24/7 support, provides full coverage at $77 and minimum coverage at $29. This concise overview empowers consumers to choose insurers aligning with their driving profiles and coverage preferences.

Car Insurance Companies That Look Back Two, Three, Four, or Five Years

Some insurance companies that look back three years, especially those positioning themselves as discount insurers, may review your driving record for a shorter period, such as two years. Although opting for a shorter review span may seem attractive at first, these insurers, known as insurance companies that only check 2 years, could initially levy higher premiums.

The frequency with which a car insurance company examines your driving record can vary. While all companies assess your record when you purchase a new policy, most also conduct reviews when your policy is up for renewal.

For instance, how frequently does State Farm examine driving records? Although the company does not explicitly disclose the frequency of record checks, it’s evident they do so regularly enough to gauge your driving habits. Regardless of your driving history, it’s crucial to maintain honesty with your insurance provider.

Misrepresenting facts on your insurance application, as per the Insurance Information Institute, constitutes insurance fraud. Your insurer will inevitably discover discrepancies when reviewing your driving record, so dishonesty ultimately works against you. It could result in significantly higher rates or even denial of coverage altogether.

How Long Accidents and Tickets Stay on Your Driving Record

Each state will also have different requirements for how long infractions stay on your driving record. In certain states, traffic tickets and minor accidents may be expunged from your driving record within a mere three years, while DUI offenses could linger on your record for as long as a decade. This aspect of insurance companies three year history can significantly impact your premium rates and eligibility for coverage.

It’s advisable to review your driving record periodically. It’s essential not only to stay informed about its contents but also to verify with your insurer that they’re not still assessing you for tickets or accidents that have been expunged, particularly with insurance companies that only check three years. Refer to our analysis of the “Compare Best Car Insurance Companies That Accept Drivers With Multiple Accidents” for additional insights

How Drivers With a Bad Driving Record Save Money on Car Insurance

If your driving record has a lot of dings on it, you need to do everything you can to save money on your car insurance.Taking a defensive driving course can help you lower your rates.Not only will you get a car insurance discount for taking the class, but you will also learn valuable tips to make you a safer driver.

Many states also remove points from your driving license for taking a defensive driving course. Ask for any other discounts that may be available to you. Not all discounts are based on your driving record. Many discounts are based on the type of customer you are, how many policies you have, and even the features that are on your vehicle.

Also, consider switching to usage-based car insurance. The rates are typically lower since you pay for every mile that you drive. Although there is a small base rate that is based on your personal information, rates are still cheaper if you don’t drive a lot of miles.

• Case Study 1 – Multi-Policy: Maria, a responsible driver, sought comprehensive coverage without being penalized for past incidents. Choosing State Farm, she benefited from multi-policy discounts, securing full coverage at an average of $86 and minimum coverage at $33. The insurer’s three-year look-back period allowed Maria to enjoy competitive rates while ensuring her recent responsible driving history took precedence.
• Case Study 2 – Snapshot Success: John, conscious of his driving habits, opted for Progressive’s Snapshot Program. The innovative approach tailored his rates based on recent behavior. With full coverage at $105 and minimum coverage at $39, John found that his safe driving habits over the past three years significantly influenced his premiums, rewarding him for responsible behavior.
• Case Study 3 – Accident Forgiveness: Emily, understanding the significance of recent driving records, opted for Allstate due to its Accident Forgiveness feature. With a focus on the past three years, Emily obtained comprehensive coverage for $160 and minimum coverage for $61. The insurer’s prioritization of recent incidents provided reassurance to Emily, as she knew her rates were mainly influenced by her recent responsible driving record, consistent with the criteria of the “Best Accident Insurance Companies” for the past 3-5 years.
• Case Study 4 – Rate Lock Feature: David, seeking stability in his premiums, opted for Erie’s Rate Lock feature. The insurer’s focus on the last three years allowed David to secure full coverage at an average of $58 and minimum coverage at $22. The rate lock feature provided additional predictability, ensuring that David’s recent driving history was reflected in his stable insurance premiums.
• Case Study 4 – Bundled Savings: Sarah, looking for comprehensive coverage and savings, chose American Family for its bundle discounts. Emphasizing her recent driving history, Sarah secured full coverage at $117 and minimum coverage at $44. The insurer’s approach allowed Sarah to maximize her savings by bundling coverage while benefiting from a favorable premium influenced by her responsible driving habits over the past three years.

By examining real-life scenarios, we aim to shed light on the renewal process and provide insights into how drivers can navigate this aspect of insurance management effectively.

Conclusion: Finding the Ideal Coverage for Your Driving Profile

Many car insurance companies only look back three years to determine your rates. However, that will vary by company and state regulations. Shop around to get great rates if your driving history is less than perfect.

Since each company will weigh your driving record differently, you will see very different rates from company to company. Explore further details regarding the renewal process for your auto insurance by clicking on our “can you renew your car insurance early” section.

No matter what your driving history looks like, enter your ZIP code below to compare quotes from car insurance companies that only look back three years for free.