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If you’ve seen an uptick in your car insurance, you’re not alone. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, car insurance rose 1.4% in January — coming after an all-time high increase of 18% in 2023. So, how much should you anticipate paying on average?

In 2024, the average cost of a full coverage car insurance policy is $158 a month. In some states, you see rates below $100 a month.

Learn more about the average cost of car insurance, including state averages, car insurance rates by age and how violations affect your insurance cost.

Key Takeaways

  • The average cost of car insurance can be impacted by personal factors, such as where you live and your driving history.
  • Purchase enough car insurance coverage to ensure you’re protected in an accident within your budget.
  • Shopping around, asking about discounts and bundling options and maintaining a good driving record can save you money.

What is the average cost of car insurance?

In 2024, the average cost of a full coverage car insurance policy in the U.S. is $1,895 per year – $158 per month. However, this cost varies based on several components, including where you live, your driving record, the type of vehicle you drive and your age and gender.

Our analysts have crunched numbers from nearly 30,000 cities across the U.S., based on the sample of a 40-year-old driver of a 2023 Honda Accord LX with a good driving history to calculate the average full coverage insurance cost. Therefore, this rate may not necessarily represent what you’ll pay.

The rate analysis in the following charts provides an overview of what you could expect to pay in your state for basic coverage, liability only or full coverage policies. It will also give you a good idea of how rates fluctuate based on your age, what you drive and how they can spike with various types of violations on your record.

As you learn more about the average rate of car insurance, remember that car insurance is meant to protect you and your vehicle should you be involved in an accident. While it’s important to keep costs in mind while shopping for rates, having the proper coverages in place is vital so you’re not left with a financial burden after an accident.

How much does car insurance cost each month?

Car insurance is always pricey. You’ll likely pay the lowest rates if you are a good driver with an established driving history. Where you live also has a big impact on your premiums.

For example, if you live in Maine or New Hampshire, the average monthly rate for a full coverage policy is about $100 — $98 and $105, respectively. This is well below the U.S. average monthly rate for car insurance of $158.

However, your rates could also be higher than the average for your state. Insurance companies calculate premiums based on risk. If you’re a higher-risk driver — i.e., less experienced or senior driver or you own a sports car — you can anticipate a higher rate.

Review the following monthly rates by state and coverage type in the chart below to learn how your state stacks up and for the context of what you could expect to pay for car insurance.

TABLE: Monthly car insurance rates, by state and coverage level

State State minimum liability only 50/100/50  liability only Full coverage
Alaska$33 $42 $140 
Alabama$36 $53 $155 
Arkansas$33 $49 $163 
Arizona$43 $64 $151 
California$46 $72 $201 
Colorado$36 $60 $195 
Connecticut$59 $65 $144 
Washington, D.C.$46 $65 $180 
Delaware$66 $85 $172 
Florida$83 $136 $224 
Georgia$48 $66 $164 
Hawaii$33 $48 $126 
Iowa$22 $27 $136 
Idaho$30 $37 $119 
Illinois$35 $39 $128 
Indiana$35 $42 $126 
Kansas$36 $39 $158 
Kentucky$51 $67 $186 
Louisiana$60 $106 $240 
Massachusetts$43 $55 $144 
Maryland$61 $63 $145 
Maine$28 $28 $98 
Michigan$50 $54 $189 
Minnesota$40 $43 $159 
Missouri$41 $49 $165 
Mississippi$39 $53 $167 
Montana$29 $45 $183 
North Carolina$40 $44 $145 
North Dakota$29 $31 $139 
Nebraska$28 $31 $159 
New Hampshire$33 $35 $105 
New Jersey$71 $76 $159 
New Mexico$35 $55 $171 
Nevada$60 $87 $172 
New York$61 $69 $156 
Ohio$30 $37 $118 
Oklahoma$34 $55 $178 
Oregon$53 $59 $140 
Pennsylvania$31 $42 $156 
Rhode Island$54 $67 $172 
South Carolina$60 $77 $167 
South Dakota$26 $28 $190 
Tennessee$37 $46 $140 
Texas$48 $65 $170 
Utah$49 $63 $152 
Virginia$36 $40 $122 
Vermont$25 $27 $110 
Washington$36 $61 $134 
Wisconsin$30 $35 $139 
West Virginia$43 $49 $167 
Wyoming$24 $28 $146 

Our recommendations

When you’re shopping for car insurance, it can be easy to go with the cheapest rate and call it a day. However, it’s typically not the best strategy for ensuring you’re fully protected on the road should you be involved in a car accident.

While Insure.com editors recommend purchasing minimum liability limits of 100/300/100, you do have to consider your needs and budget. So, how do you go about shopping for a policy? 

According to Jim Brau, the Joel C. Peterson professor of finance and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Entrepreneurial Finance at Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Business, it’s advisable to shop around with at least three reputable insurance companies and give them your exact personal details.

“Average car insurance costs can be tricky — because none of us are really average. For example, if one of your kids recently got a ticket or is in a wreck, each insurance firm will price this situation differently. The average basically goes out the window,” he says.

“Make sure to compare apples to apples – such as coverages, riders, etc. It’s wise to shop like this every year or two to make sure you have the most competitive policy.”

How much does car insurance cost in each state?

Car insurance rates do vary based on where you live. In general, states create their own regulations and rules around how car insurance premiums can be determined. For example, California and Hawaii restrict car insurance companies from adjusting premiums based on age.

Some states may be no-fault states requiring personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, while others require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. These factors all impact the premium you’re going to have to pay.

“Consider state costs versus the national average – auto insurers spend a lot of time, money, and effort running statistical models to estimate the exact risk each driver/vehicle combination costs them to insure. States differ, vehicles differ, families differ, individuals differ,” Brau says.

Learn more about the average annual state minimum insurance, liability only and full coverage insurance in the table below.

TABLE: Annual car insurance rates, by state and coverage level

State State minimum liability only 50/100/50  liability only Full coverage
Alaska$398$508$1,676
Alabama$433$639$1,860
Arkansas$397$589$1,957
Arizona$516$764$1,812
California$551$864$2,416
Colorado$437$717$2,337
Connecticut$704$783$1,725
Washington, D.C.$558$785$2,157
Delaware$788$1,022$2,063
Florida$993$1,629$2,694
Georgia$577$789$1,970
Hawaii$396$572$1,517
Iowa$260$320$1,630
Idaho$357$440$1,428
Illinois$421$471$1,532
Indiana$417$498$1,515
Kansas$434$471$1,900
Kentucky$606$810$2,228
Louisiana$722$1,266$2,883
Massachusetts$511$655$1,726
Maryland$727$756$1,746
Maine$335$341$1,175
Michigan$604$645$2,266
Minnesota$475$512$1,911
Missouri$488$582$1,982
Mississippi$463$637$2,008
Montana$350$540$2,193
North Carolina$476$523$1,741
North Dakota$349$370$1,665
Nebraska$331$373$1,902
New Hampshire$397$416$1,265
New Jersey$853$915$1,902
New Mexico$421$658$2,049
Nevada$720$1,042$2,060
New York$731$827$1,870
Ohio$362$446$1,417
Oklahoma$408$657$2,138
Oregon$641$710$1,678
Pennsylvania$375$504$1,872
Rhode Island$646$808$2,061
South Carolina$720$925$2,009
South Dakota$307$338$2,280
Tennessee$442$547$1,677
Texas$572$774$2,043
Utah$582$756$1,825
Virginia$428$477$1,469
Vermont$306$324$1,319
Washington$438$731$1,608
Wisconsin$365$425$1,664
West Virginia$510$585$2,005
Wyoming$288$331$1,758

10 most expensive states for car insurance

Louisiana, Florida and California top the list of the most expensive states for car insurance in the U.S. In general, these states tend to be the priciest nationwide due to factors such as high population density or natural disasters, such as hurricanes. In the past year, inflation impacts have also contributed to high repair costs.

Louisiana is the most expensive state with an average annual premium of $2,883 per year – around $240 a month. Florida is second-most expensive at $2,694  annually and California at $2,416 annually.

Learn more about the 10 states with the most expensive full coverage car insurance rates in the table below.

TABLE: 10 most expensive U.S. states for car insurance 

StateAverage annual cost
Louisiana$2,883
Florida$2,694
California$2,416
Colorado$2,337
South Dakota$2,280
Michigan$2,266
Kentucky$2,228
Montana$2,193
Washington, D.C.$2,157
Oklahoma$2,138

10 cheapest states for car insurance

Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont made our list of the cheapest states for car insurance in the U.S. These states have the most affordable rates due to factors such as low crime rates, smaller population density and lower assessed risk of car accidents and theft.

Maine is the cheapest state in the nation for car insurance premiums – the average annual premium is $1,175 per year or just under $100 per month. New Hampshire is second-most expensive at $1,265 and Vermont car insurance costs $1,319 annually.

Learn more about the 10 states with the cheapest full-coverage car insurance rates in the table below.

TABLE: 10 cheapest U.S. states for car insurance 

StateAverage annual cost
Maine$1,175
New Hampshire$1,265
Vermont$1,319
Ohio$1,417
Idaho$1,428
Virginia$1,469
Indiana$1,515
Hawaii$1,517
Illinois$1,532
Washington$1,608

Average cost of car insurance, by carrier

When it comes to finding an affordable premium, shopping around is key. When you start contacting car insurance companies, it’s important to provide all your details and needs during your quote consultation. This ensures that you get quotes from the best car insurance company for you with coverage options that fit your budget. It’s also advisable to inquire about car insurance discounts that may be available to you that can save you money, too.  

USAA offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance at $1,381 per year – but USAA is only available to military members and their families.

After USAA, Nationwide offers the cheapest average full coverage car insurance rate at $1,548 annually. If you’re interested in the state minimum or liability-only coverage, Auto-Owners offers the cheapest coverage option at average rates of $337 and $412, respectively.

Learn more about the average cost of car insurance by carrier in the table below.

TABLE: Annual rates for car insurance, by coverage level and insurer

CompanyState minimumLiability OnlyFull coverage
USAA$335$435$1,381
Nationwide$532$651$1,548
Auto-Owners$337$412$1,553
Travelers$506$635$1,587
Geico$405$560$1,763
State Farm$497$646$1,975
Progressive$549$709$1,998
Farmers$701$991$2,387
Allstate$700$854$2,509

Average cost of car insurance by gender: Male vs. female

Car insurance rates are determined by personal factors and driving history, which indicate how risky a driver you may be to insure. One main contributing cost factor of your premium is gender. 

In some instances, rates for males and females are similar. When shopping for full coverage insurance rates, males and females will be quoted nearly the same average — annual cost — $1,895 for males and $1,894 for females. However, age can widen the gap – there’s a big difference in rates for males vs. females during the teenage years.

See additional coverage average rates in the table below.

TABLE: Annual rates for car insurance, by coverage level and gender

GenderState minimumLiability OnlyFull coverage
Male$496$637$1,895
Female$508$657$1,894

Average cost of car insurance, by age

It’s been said that with age brings experience, and car insurance companies tend to agree. In general, younger drivers and senior drivers pay more for insurance. This is due to statistics showing that inexperienced teen drivers and aging senior drivers have higher incidents of accidents.

While finding the best car insurance for teens can be tricky, it’s not impossible. In general, teen drivers will pay the most for car insurance at age 16 and it will decrease in cost until the age of 25. After that point, and considering their driving record is clean, they will be quoted at much more affordable rates.

Learn more about the average cost of car insurance for teens, young adults, standard adult drivers and seniors in the following charts.

Average cost of car insurance for teens

While getting a license is a celebratory rite of passage, it’s often a time of serious road driving skill-building. This may mean a few fender benders, distracted driving moments and potential road collisions. Car insurance for teen drivers is costly for these reasons.

Teen car insurance rates for a 16-year-old driver start at $6,094 annually, the cheapest average rate from Nationwide. Travelers’ rate of $3,391 annually is the lowest for a 19-year-old driver. Typically teen car insurance rates are calculated by risk and as teens gain more driving experience on the road, their rates tend to decrease. Teen car insurance rates also vary based on the state they reside in.

Learn more about average car insurance rates for teens, by age, in the table below.

TABLE: Annual rates for car insurance for teens, by age and insurance company

Age Company  Average premium rate 
16Nationwide$6,094
16USAA$6,239
16Travelers$6,334
16State Farm$6,339
16Geico$6,375
16Progressive$9,295
16Allstate$9,968
16Farmers$11,592
17USAA$4,494
17Travelers$4,991
17Geico$5,431
17State Farm$5,628
17Nationwide$5,664
17Progressive$7,962
17Allstate$8,041
17Farmers$9,030
18USAA$3,790
18Travelers$4,196
18Geico$4,644
18State Farm$5,053
18Nationwide$5,173
18Allstate$6,871
18Progressive$7,035
18Farmers$7,903
19USAA$3,017
19Travelers$3,391
19Geico$3,759
19Nationwide$4,209
19State Farm$4,320
19Progressive$4,591
19Farmers$5,155
19Allstate$5,170

Average cost of car insurance for young drivers 

Having several years of driving experience helps decrease your car insurance rates, but they’re still higher than an average adult driver. Comparatively speaking, a 20-year-old driver will pay 67% less annually at $3,029 ( with Travelers) than a 16-year-old driver. Additionally, a 24-year-old driver will pay 38% less than a 20-year-old driver.

Learn more about average car insurance rates for young drivers by carrier in the table below.

TABLE: Annual rates for young adult car insurance, by age and insurance company

AgeComapanyAnnual premium rate
20USAA$2,757
20Travelers$3,029
20Geico$3,387
20Nationwide$3,652
20State Farm$3,904
20Progressive$4,171
20Farmers$4,715
20Allstate$4,728
21USAA$2,179
21Travelers$2,526
21Nationwide$2,551
21Geico$2,764
21State Farm$3,354
21Progressive$3,401
21Farmers$3,728
21Allstate$3,896
22USAA$2,048
22Nationwide$2,312
22Travelers$2,338
22Geico$2,508
22State Farm$3,100
22Progressive$3,109
22Farmers$3,418
22Allstate$3,604
23USAA$1,949
23Nationwide$2,182
23Travelers$2,193
23Geico$2,355
23State Farm$2,829
23Progressive$2,865
23Farmers$3,170
23Allstate$3,369
24USAA$1,864
24Travelers$2,069
24Nationwide$2,085
24Geico$2,222
24State Farm$2,640
24Progressive$2,677
24Farmers$3,031
24Allstate$3,188

Average cost of car insurance for adults 

After age 25, insurance premiums begin to drop significantly. While they may fluctuate based on driving history, make and model of the car you drive or your state, your rates generally become more affordable as an adult driver through the age of 60.

As a 25-year-old driver, you still pay slightly higher rates at $1,831 annually on the low end for a Nationwide policy, and by the age of 60, you will be paying 30% less at $1,351 annually. Learn more about average car insurance rates for adult drivers by carrier in the table below.

TABLE: Annual rates for car insurance, by age and insurance company

AgeCompanyAnnual premium rate
25USAA$1,749
25Nationwide$1,831
25Travelers$1,832
25Geico$2,034
25State Farm$2,321
25Progressive$2,369
25Farmers$2,646
25Allstate$2,911
30USAA$1,503
30Nationwide$1,626
30Travelers$1,733
30Geico$1,829
30State Farm$2,043
30Progressive$2,182
30Farmers$2,456
30Allstate$2,626
35USAA$1,432
35Nationwide$1,593
35Travelers$1,689
35Geico$1,791
35State Farm$1,993
35Progressive$2,107
35Farmers$2,399
35Allstate$2,539
40USAA$1,381
40Nationwide$1,548
40Travelers$1,587
40Geico$1,763
40State Farm$1,975
40Progressive$1,998
40Farmers$2,387
40Allstate$2,509
45USAA$1,341
45Nationwide$1,496
45Travelers$1,565
45Geico$1,762
45State Farm$1,950
45Progressive$1,986
45Farmers$2,342
45Allstate$2,483
50USAA$1,298
50Nationwide$1,438
50Travelers$1,528
50Geico$1,698
50Progressive$1,851
50State Farm$1,889
50Farmers$2,233
50Allstate$2,380
55USAA$1,274
55Nationwide$1,380
55Travelers$1,425
55Geico$1,670
55Progressive$1,793
55State Farm$1,822
55Farmers$2,152
55Allstate$2,314
60USAA$1,266
60Nationwide$1,351
60Travelers$1,424
60Geico$1,664
60State Farm$1,782
60Progressive$1,790
60Farmers$2,083
60Allstate$2,298

Average cost of car insurance for seniors

After the age of 65, you likely will begin to see a rise in your car insurance premiums. This is due to age impacting on your driving capabilities — weakening eyesight, reduced reflex response and loss of hearing. Senior car insurance is calculated on risk like any other insurance; these factors make you a higher-risk driver and therefore your premiums will increase.

A 65-year-old senior driver pays 12% less at an average annual premium of $1,372 offered by Nationwide than a 40-year-old adult driver at Nationwide’s average annual premium of $1,548. However, by the time they’re 75 years old, they’re paying 12% more annually than they did at age 65 at an average of $1,557.

Learn more about senior car insurance by carrier in the following table.

TABLE: Annual rates for car insurance, by age and insurance company

Age Company Average cost
65USAA$1,290
65Nationwide$1,372
65Travelers$1,460
65Geico$1,662
65State Farm$1,757
65Progressive$1,836
65Farmers$2,144
65Allstate$2,352
70USAA$1,378
70Nationwide$1,439
70Travelers$1,547
70Geico$1,769
70State Farm$1,833
70Progressive$1,977
70Farmers$2,295
70Allstate$2,430
75USAA$1,533
75Nationwide$1,557
75Travelers$1,712
75Geico$1,931
75State Farm$1,968
75Progressive$2,189
75Farmers$2,434
75Allstate$2,647

Average cost of car insurance, by vehicle make/model

 The cost of insurance varies widely by vehicle. Luxury cars/SUVs, performance SUVs, electric vehicles and sports cars are the most expensive cars to insure. See the annual average and monthly rates by car type in the table below.

Average cost of car insurance by vehicle type

Vans are the cheapest vehicle type to insure, followed by SUVs, minivans, hatchbacks, sedans and trucks. The average annual premium for a van is $1,795 and the rate goes up to $3,229 per year for a sports car. 

TABLE: Annual rates for car insurance, by vehicle type

Vehicle TypeAverage Annual Premium
Convertible$2,768
Electric$2,799
Hatchback$1,976
Hybrid$2,307
Luxury Car$3,078
Luxury SUV$2,615
Minivan$1,956
Performance SUV$3,129
Sedan$2,120
Sports Car$3,229
Station Wagon$2,471
SUV$1,935
Truck$2,152
Van$1,795

How much does car insurance cost by vehicle fuel type?

Electric cars and hybrids are more expensive to insure because the vehicle components are more expensive to repair and replace. The table below shows the average annual insurance cost for various fuel types.

TABLE: Annual rates for car insurance, by violation

Fuel typeAverage annual premium 
Diesel$2,349
Electric$2,798
Flex Fuel$1,920
Gasoline$2,212
Hybrid$2,482

Average cost of car insurance for high-risk drivers

It’s no surprise car insurance rates spike after an accident or speeding ticket. How much it increases depends on the violation, ranging from 6% for an SR-22 filing to 137% for a DUI. The reason you’re seeing the increase? You’ve now entered a risky driver category.

In general, violations on your driving record follow you for a couple of years to a decade but can decrease how much you pay if you maintain a good driving record. Learn more about the average six-month premium costs for typical violations.

TABLE: Annual rates for car insurance, by violation

Accident/violationAverage annual premium% Increase$ Increase
At-fault accident$3,275$1,35270%
Bad credit$3,399$1,47677%
Distracted driving ticket$2,499$57630%
DUI$4,569$2,645137%
Speeding$2,674$75139%
SR-22 filing only$2,047$1246%
SR-22 with 1 DUI$3,807$1,88398%
Talking on cellphone ticket$2,432$50826%
Texting ticket$2,439$51527%

Once you’ve received a violation and your current premium increases, it may be wise to shop around for a new insurance carrier. This can help you save some money on your monthly insurance bill.

Final thoughts on the cost of car insurance 

While the national average car insurance rate in the U.S. in 2024 is $158 monthly, this doesn’t mean you can’t find more affordable premiums. In general, you can find cheaper car insurance by shopping around. Contact at least three to five car insurance companies for quotes and provide them with current driver/vehicle information and coverage needs.

Average car insurance rates can be impacted by where you reside, your age, gender and vehicle type. While there may be spikes in your premiums based on these factors, you can also look into car insurance discounts — such as good driver, student and low mileage — for savings, and maintain a good driving record to keep your perceived risk level as low as possible.

When shopping around, ask about the differences between state minimum, liability and full coverage insurance options. It is easy to choose the cheapest option, but discussing your personal needs and budget with an insurer can help you find the best coverage that fits your pocketbook.

Resources & Methodology

Sources:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Consumer Price Index database – motor vehicle insurance.” Accessed February 2024.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Consumer Price Index January 2024.” Accessed February 2024. 

Methodology

Insure.com editors in 2023 collected rates from Quadrant Information Services for drivers of a Honda Accord LX for a full coverage insurance policy with limits 100/300/100 and $500 comprehensive and collision deductibles. We analyzed 5,000,736 records, 1,467 ZIP codes and 202 insurance companies nationwide. The hypothetical driver has a 12-mile commute and drivers 10K miles annually.

expert

What our expert says

How do you shop for a car insurance policy?

expert-image
Dr. James BrauJoel C. Peterson Professor of Finance Brigham Young University
“Make sure to compare apples to apples – such as coverages, riders, etc. It’s wise to shop like this every year or two to make sure you have the most competitive policy.”
author image
Katrina Raenell
Contributing Researcher

 
  

Katrina Raenell is a writer, editor and educator with 20 years of experience in content and communications for international organizations, nonprofits and start-ups. In her previous roles, she was a communications manager for study abroad, content project manager for higher education and finance websites, reported on arts and culture, and was a managing editor for an online health and wellness publication.