Is it bad to go Through a Bank for car Insurance?

Is it bad to go through a bank for car insurance? It is bad to go through a bank for car insurance in most cases because it will limit the policy options you get to choose from. Luckily, many private insurance companies will be willing to give you auto insurance quotes for full coverage at around $1,245 a year. When you shop around on your own instead of going through your bank, you have more savings and policy options.

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Rachel Bodine

Insurance Feature Writer

Rachel Bodine graduated from college with a BA in English. She has since worked as a Feature Writer in the insurance industry and gained a deep knowledge of state and countrywide insurance laws and rates. Her research and writing focus on helping readers understand their insurance coverage and how to find savings. Her expert advice on insurance has been featured on sites like PhotoEnforced, All...

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Rachel Bodine
Eric Stauffer

Licensed Insurance Agent

Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...

Reviewed by
Eric Stauffer

Updated March 2025

Just the Basics

  • Getting insurance through your bank may limit your options
  • Private insurers are willing to insure financed vehicles
  • Shopping around will allow you to get better prices

Is it bad to go through a bank for car insurance? If you choose to go that route, you may have to pay more for insurance and your policy options may be limited. Many private insurance companies are willing to offer you complete coverage for your financed car.

However, you should be aware of the factors that affect the price of car insurance, which can quickly cause your total coverage rates to increase significantly.

Now that you know that buying car insurance from a bank may be not the best idea, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool to see what you could pay for a policy today.

Is it bad to go through a bank for car insurance?

It’s only a bad idea if you’re wanting less expensive auto insurance from specific companies you know. Some banks may partner with insurance companies and only offer specific policy types that don’t fit your situation.

It’s just as easy to apply for auto insurance at an insurance company that you like. If you’re financing a car through the bank, they will require that you have insurance from any company, not that you necessarily have insurance through their partners.

This means that even if you’re financing with a bank partnered with Nationwide insurance, you can still look for auto insurance quotes at other providers.

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Do you need car insurance coverage when you finance a car?

How much insurance do I need for my car? If you’re financing a car, there’s a good chance that you’ll have to have full coverage on your vehicle for the length of the policy. This is because the lender technically owns the car until you pay it off.

Full coverage is a combination of coverage types that will help protect your vehicle from various hazards. Full coverage includes policies like:

  • Liability
  • Comprehensive
  • Collision

With these policy types, the insurance will protect the bank’s investment against a variety of damages or the loss of your vehicle.

Once the vehicle is paid off, you are free to minimize your insurance as much as you’d like. However, it’s important to remember that you still need to keep the minimum amount of liability coverage required in your state.

What insurance coverage is required when financing through a bank?

Each bank may decide its lending policies, but a vast majority will require that you have full coverage auto insurance. Full coverage car insurance will cover damages from vandalism, theft, collision, and weather.

The cost coverage can be more than any of the policies due to the level of risk. Therefore, full coverage is more of when the insurer will have to pay than if.

The Intersection of Banking and Car Insurance

For individuals seeking a bank account with car insurance, certain financial institutions offer comprehensive services that combine banking and insurance products. This approach, often referred to as bank and insurance, allows customers to manage their finances and insurance needs in one place. Bank auto insurance policies are particularly appealing for those who prefer integrated solutions. For instance, first-time car insurance through a bank may offer competitive rates and convenient policy management for new car owners.

When considering banks that offer insurance, it’s important to evaluate options like Bank of America auto insurance, which has specific Bank of America auto insurance requirements. Additionally, there are several banks with car insurance options, such as Barclays car insurance, which provide tailored insurance solutions. For those considering the idea of being your own bank when buying a car, understanding the best practices and insurance requirements is crucial. Exploring the best car insurance quotes and the best cheap car insurance options can lead to significant savings. Moreover, for those with financed vehicles, identifying the best insurance for financed cars and knowing the best way to shop for car insurance can ensure adequate coverage while managing costs effectively.

Can a bank change your insurance when lending you money?

The benefit of getting insurance with another company outside of your bank is being able to pick your provider independently. However, you can never be sure how your options will change when your bank has access to your insurance policy because you’re insuring through the bank.

How much does insurance cost when insuring through a bank?

In 2020, the average cost for full coverage auto insurance was around $1,245 a year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. This works out to almost $104 a month.

Since this cost is the average, you may have to pay more if you have a high-risk record. Try to lower risk by improving your credit-, criminal-, and driving history. If your vehicle is more valuable, it can also cost much more to insure.

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Exploring Car Insurance Options through Banks

Many people wonder, do banks offer car insurance, and the answer is that some banks indeed provide this service. These banks typically partner with established insurance providers to offer car insurance through your bank services to their customers. Banks that provide car insurance offer a convenient one-stop solution for financial and insurance needs. This collaboration allows customers to manage their finances and insurance policies in a centralized manner, which can be particularly beneficial for those who prefer streamlined services.

For those asking, do banks do car insurance, or can you get car insurance through your bank, the answer varies depending on the bank. There are several banks that offer auto insurance, making it easier for customers to access these services. Auto insurance for a financed car is also commonly offered, aligning with the bank’s interest in protecting financed vehicles. Whether you are seeking bank car insurance, auto insurance finance, or simply exploring auto insurance bank options, it’s worth investigating which banks that offer car insurance can meet your specific needs. In summary, obtaining insurance through your bank can be a practical choice for many, providing comprehensive solutions that cater to both financial and insurance requirements.

Going Through a Bank for Car Insurance: The Bottom Line

Now that you know it is bad to go through a bank for car insurance, you can look for a policy at a private insurer. Many insurance companies will give you auto insurance quotes on your financed vehicle. You must meet your bank’s minimum insurance requirements. (For more information, read our “Do I need full coverage on a financed car?“).

Since you know it is bad to go through a bank for car insurance, enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool to see what you could pay at another insurer.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get third party insurance on a financed car?

Yes, you can get third party insurance on a financed car, but most lenders require full coverage to protect their investment.

Can I insure a car financed by someone else?

Yes, you can insure a car financed by someone else, but the insurance policy must list the lender and often the primary driver.

Can insurance companies tell if your car is financed?

Yes, insurance companies can tell if your car is financed through the information provided during the policy setup, including the vehicle’s lienholder.

Can someone else insure my financed car?

Yes, someone else can insure your financed car, but they must include the lender on the policy and ensure it meets the lender’s requirements.

Can the bank take your car if you don’t have insurance?

Yes, the bank can repossess your car if you don’t maintain the required insurance coverage, as it breaches the financing agreement.

Do banks do car insurance?

Yes, some banks offer car insurance by partnering with insurance providers to offer policies to their customers.

Do I need car insurance to buy a car?

Yes, most states and lenders require you to have car insurance before you can purchase and drive a car off the lot.

Do you need full coverage on a paid off car?

No, you don’t need full coverage on a paid off car, but it is recommended to protect against potential losses.

Do you need full insurance on a financed car?

Yes, lenders typically require full insurance coverage, including comprehensive and collision, on a financed car to protect their investment.

Does Bank of America offer car insurance?

Bank of America does not directly offer car insurance, but they may have partnerships with insurance providers that you can explore.

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