Car Insurance Through Sam’s Club: Savings, Rates & Tips

Shopping for car insurance through Sam’s Club can be a smart way to compare multiple carriers and find member-only savings.

In this guide, you’ll learn how the program works, what prices to expect, how it stacks up against buying direct (and even against Costco’s program), and practical steps to lock in a great rate.

How Sam’s Club car insurance works

Sam’s Club doesn’t underwrite policies itself; instead, it partners with licensed insurance agencies that shop quotes from multiple insurers on your behalf. That means when you request a quote as a member, you’re typically using a marketplace model—one application, several competing rates—so you can compare coverage and price side by side.

Eligibility usually requires an active Sam’s Club membership, and availability varies by state and insurer. You can start by visiting the Services section of the Sam’s Club website at samsclub.com/services, then navigate to insurance to see current partners and offerings.

Because Sam’s Club connects you to independent agencies, you may see quotes from national brands you recognize as well as strong regional carriers. The advantage is convenience and breadth of options; the trade-off is that member perks and exact carrier lineups can change over time, so always review the fine print before you buy.

What does it cost? Realistic pricing ranges

Auto insurance pricing is personal and depends on your state, driving record, vehicle, credit (where permitted), coverage levels, and discounts. Recent market studies place the U.S. average around $600–$750 per year for minimum coverage and $1,900–$2,300 per year for full coverage in 2024, though many drivers pay less—or more—based on risk factors. For context, see national averages from third-party sources such as Bankrate’s cost guide: average cost of car insurance.

Where does Sam’s Club fit? Since it’s a marketplace that shops multiple insurers, the prices you see should mirror competitive direct-to-consumer quotes in your area. Members sometimes find lower rates compared with going direct thanks to broader comparison and occasional member-exclusive promotions, but the only way to know is to run quotes with the same coverage and deductibles.

Sample ranges by driver profile (illustrative)

Clean record, 35-year-old, full coverage on a 5-year-old sedan: $1,250–$2,000/year.
Clean record, 45-year-old homeowner bundling auto + home: $1,100–$1,800/year (bundle discounts often 5–20%).
Urban driver with one recent at-fault accident: $2,200–$3,400/year.
New teen driver added to a parent’s policy: $3,500–$5,500/year (varies widely; good student/telematics can help).
Minimum state-required coverage, low-cost state: $450–$700/year.

These examples are not quotes; they’re plausible ranges to help you benchmark. When you compare, keep coverage identical: same liability limits, deductibles, and extras (roadside, rental car) so price comparisons are apples to apples.

Sam’s Club vs buying direct (and vs Costco)

Sam’s Club marketplace vs direct-to-consumer insurers

Shopping power: A marketplace can surface multiple carriers at once; going direct means quoting one brand at a time.
Discount access: You’ll still qualify for standard carrier discounts (multi-policy, telematics, safe driver). Member-only promotions may appear periodically via the marketplace partner.
Service & claims: Claims are always handled by the insurer you choose, not Sam’s Club. Check each carrier’s service record and NAIC complaint index at the NAIC Consumer Insurance Search.
Renewals: If rates climb at renewal, the marketplace model makes it easy to requote with other carriers through the same agency.

Sam’s Club vs Costco’s auto insurance program

Costco partners with CONNECT by American Family Insurance for its member program (availability varies by state). You can review details at Costco Auto & Home Insurance. Costco’s model typically funnels quotes to one primary carrier, whereas Sam’s Club’s marketplace approach may offer several carrier options through a partner agency.

Choice: Sam’s Club marketplace may present multiple insurers; Costco primarily uses CONNECT (with optional add-ons and discounts).
Pricing: Either route can be competitive. For some shoppers, CONNECT’s member pricing wins; for others, a Sam’s Club marketplace carrier or a direct carrier is cheaper. Quote both if you have memberships to compare.
Perks: Perks change over time. Compare things like accident forgiveness, roadside, rental reimbursement, and new-car replacement, not just the premium.

How to get a Sam’s Club quote (step-by-step)

Confirm membership: You’ll need an active membership. If you’re not a member, join at samsclub.com/join.
Gather your details: Driver’s license(s), vehicle VIN(s), current policy Declarations page, mileage, garaging address, and desired coverages.
Start online: Go to samsclub.com/services and navigate to insurance to access the current partner’s quote form or hotline.
Request identical coverages: Set liability limits (e.g., 100/300/100), comprehensive/collision deductibles, and add-ons (roadside, rental) consistently across all quotes.
Compare beyond price: Review financial strength (A.M. Best rating), coverage features, glass/windshield options, OEM parts, disappearing deductibles, accident forgiveness, and telematics terms.
Ask about stackable discounts: Multi-policy, multi-car, telematics/UBI, good student, homeowner, defensive driving, pay-in-full, low mileage, occupation/affinity, and anti-theft.

Ways to reduce your premium without sacrificing coverage

Right-size liability limits: Many drivers pick 100/300/100 or higher to protect assets; raising liability often adds modest cost compared with the protection it buys.
Adjust deductibles: Consider $500–$1,000 deductibles to lower comprehensive/collision premiums—only if you can comfortably pay the deductible after a loss.
Bundle smartly: Ask about auto + home/renters bundles; savings can run 5–20% depending on carrier and state.
Telematics/usage-based insurance: Safe driving programs can shave 5–30% after a test period. Understand data-sharing and potential surcharges if you drive aggressively. Learn more about telematics from the Insurance Information Institute: UBI & telematics.
Maintain good credit (where allowed): In most states, credit-based insurance scores affect rates; paying on time and reducing revolving balances can help over time.
Mind the mileage: If you now commute less or work from home, ask for a low-mileage class or consider pay-per-mile options if offered.
Shop at renewal: Insurers re-rate regularly. Requote through the Sam’s Club partner agency and a couple of direct carriers each renewal to stay competitive.

For additional savings ideas, see the Insurance Information Institute’s guide: how to save on auto insurance.

Coverage checklist before you buy

Liability: Choose limits that match your net worth and risk tolerance (often 100/300/100 or higher). Consider an umbrella policy if you need more protection.
Comprehensive & collision: Keep both if your car is newer or financed/leased; set deductibles you can afford.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Highly recommended to mirror your bodily injury limits, especially in states with high UM rates.
Medical payments/PIP: Coordinate with your health insurance and state rules.
Rental reimbursement & roadside: Small premium, big convenience if you rely on your car daily.
Gap/loan lease coverage: Important if you have a loan/lease and a vehicle that depreciates quickly.

Bottom line

Car insurance through Sam’s Club is best viewed as a convenient comparison gateway: you’ll access multiple insurers, potentially snag member-only promotions, and have an agency to help you re-shop at renewal. For the best outcome, quote identical coverages, verify carrier service quality via the NAIC, and stack every discount you legitimately qualify for. Do that—and you’ll give yourself the strongest shot at a lower premium without compromising protection.