Is $200 a month a lot for car insurance?

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The average monthly cost of car insurance in the U.S. is $209 for a full-coverage policy, according to our data. So if you’re paying $200 a month, you’re slightly below average — but that alone doesn’t mean you’re getting the best deal.

Car insurance rates depend on a wide range of personal factors, from your driving history and age to your location, credit score, and the type of car you drive. If you’re insuring a newer car, live in a high-risk area, or have a record of past claims, $200 a month is a reasonable amount to pay. 

However, that price might be too high for some drivers — especially those with clean records, older vehicles, or minimal coverage needs. If that sounds like you, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare quotes to make sure you’re not overpaying for coverage.

What does the average driver pay for car insurance?

The average cost of car insurance is $209 per month or $2,513 annually, based on our review of rates across 30,000 cities nationwide. Our analysis uses a standard driver profile: a 40-year-old with a good driving history driving a 2023 Honda Accord LX.

Because car insurance is so specific to personal factors, you might not see these exact rates reflected in your bill. 

“Auto insurers use more than a dozen rating factors to determine the cost of your car insurance. The most common are motor vehicle record, claims history, make and model of the vehicle, coverage levels and deductible chosen, credit-based insurance score, ZIP code, age and gender. Some states prohibit insurers from using non-driving rating factors,” says Mark Friedlander, senior director of media relations at the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I). 

Paying $200 a month for car insurance may not be unreasonable, depending on where you live and your individual risk factors. For example, we found that drivers in Florida pay an average of $224 per month for a full-coverage policy. That’s significantly higher than the national average, and it’s primarily driven by Florida’s high rate of accidents, dense traffic in urban areas, and elevated risk of natural disasters like hurricanes. 

Even if you have a clean driving record, insurers factor in regional risks when setting rates. That means things beyond your control — like local weather patterns and accident statistics — can still influence how much you pay.

When is $200 a month for car insurance too expensive?

A $200 car insurance premium may be too expensive for those with older vehicles or clean driving records. Or, if you fit into one of the following scenarios, you may be paying more than you should for coverage: 

• You only carry your state’s minimum required coverage
• You live in a low-cost state like Vermont or Idaho
• You’re in a low-risk ZIP code with fewer accidents, thefts, or weather-related claims

If you’re paying a higher rate for coverage, it’s worth shopping around — you may be able to find a lower rate that still meets your coverage needs.

When does $200 a month for car insurance make sense?

A car insurance policy that costs $200 per month makes sense if you have a less-than-stellar driving record or if you opt for a full coverage policy. If you fall into any of the categories below, $200 a month may not be unusually high — it might just be what insurance costs for someone in your situation.

• You’re under 25 
• You live in a high-cost state 
• You’ve had recent claims or gaps in coverage
• You live in an area prone to severe weather, like hurricanes, hail, or flooding

In these cases, higher premiums aren’t necessarily a sign you’re overpaying. They just reflect the risk factors insurers use to calculate your rate.

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Is $200 a month for car insurance normal in your state?

In states with higher accident rate or a higher percentage of uninsured drivers, $200 per month is normal. Typically, $200 a month could be considered average for car insurance if you live in an area that has:

• Severe weather 
• High theft rate
• High cost-of-living standard 

Take California, for example. The average cost of a full-coverage auto insurance policy is $201 per month, based on our data. That’s not too surprising given the state’s high cost of living, dense traffic, increased risk of accidents and theft, and high risk of wildfires. Meanwhile, drivers in Idaho — a state with a lower cost of living and fewer claims — pay just $119 a month on average for the same level of coverage.

Insurers factor in your location when calculating your rate because where you live can significantly impact your likelihood of filing a claim. They consider things like accident frequency, vehicle theft rates, and weather-related risks in your ZIP code to help determine how much you’ll pay.

The table below shows average auto insurance costs by state, which can help you gauge whether $200 a month is typical (or too much) in your area.

How your driving record and age impact insurance rates

Safe drivers with clean driving records pay lower car insurance premiums than drivers with multiple accidents or violations. If you get in an accident, receive multiple tickets or file a car insurance claim, your premiums will increase. Your insurance can take three to five years to go back down after an at-fault accident. 

Age also affects auto insurance premiums. Young drivers see some of the highest rates around, mostly due to the high accident rate. Teenage driver crash rates are significantly higher than those of mature drivers. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that the fatal crash rate for drivers aged 16 to 19 was three times higher than that of drivers over age 20. Due to this risk, insurers raise the price for young drivers.

In general, teens, young adults, and those with records of accidents or driving under the influence (DUI) convictions will pay higher-than-average rates for coverage, but rates vary by insurer.

Does the car you drive impact your insurance rate?

Yes, the car you drive plays a major role in how much you pay for insurance each month. Insurers look closely at the make, model, and features of your vehicle to determine your risk and potential repair or replacement costs. Here’s how different aspects of your car can affect your premium.

• Age of the car: Newer vehicles often cost more to insure because they’re more expensive to repair or replace. On the other hand, older cars with lower market value are usually cheaper to cover, and it’s often possible to find insurance for under $200 a month if your car is older and in good shape.
• Size: Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks often have higher premiums because their size can lead to more costly damage in an accident and increase repair costs. Smaller sedans tend to be more affordable to insure.
• Safety features: Cars equipped with safety features — such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and anti-theft devices — may qualify for discounts. These features reduce the likelihood of accidents or theft, which lowers your risk in the eyes of insurers.
• Vehicle type: Sports cars, luxury models, and electric vehicles usually cost more to insure. These cars tend to have higher replacement costs and may be more likely to be stolen or driven at higher speeds.

The bottom line? The car you drive doesn’t just affect how you get from point A to B — it also impacts how much you’ll pay to insure it.

Tips to lower your monthly premium below $200

You can reduce your car insurance premiums by shopping around, adjusting your deductible, and taking advantage of discounts.  

Use the following tips to lower your insurance costs:

• Shop and compare quotes. Don’t settle for the first quote you get. Compare at least three quotes from different insurers to make sure you’re getting the best value for the coverage you need. Rates can vary significantly between companies.
• Raise your deductible. Increasing your deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in — can lower your monthly premium. Just be sure you can afford to pay that amount if you ever need to file a claim.
• Trim unnecessary coverage. Review your policy for add-ons you may not need. For example, if your credit card already provides roadside assistance, you may not need to pay for it through your auto policy. Dropping extras can help cut costs.
• Take advantage of discounts. Most insurers offer a variety of discounts for things like bundling policies, good driving records, vehicle safety features, paperless billing, and even good student grades. Ask your insurer which ones you qualify for.
• Consider usage-based insurance. If you don’t drive often, a pay-per-mile or usage-based insurance plan could lower your premium. These programs track your driving habits and reward low mileage or safe driving with lower rates.

In short, even small changes can add up — and help you reach that sub-$200 goal without sacrificing essential coverage.

How to shop around for car insurance (and save)

Shopping for car coverage isn’t just about finding the lowest number—it’s about making sure you’re comparing apples to apples so you get the best value for your coverage needs. Here’s a simple, step-by-step way to do it:

• Gather your current policy details. Pull up your declarations page, which lists your coverage types, limits, and deductibles. You’ll need this to make accurate comparisons.
• Match coverage when getting quotes. If one quote includes lower coverage limits or a higher deductible, it might look cheaper but leave you with more risk. Always compare the same coverage levels to get a true side-by-side view.
• Check the company’s financial strength. A low rate won’t matter if your insurer can’t pay claims. Look up ratings from agencies like AM Best or Standard & Poor’s to confirm the company is financially sound.
• Review discounts and perks. Ask about bundling discounts, safe driver programs, and any incentives for things like paying your premium in full.
• Shop at least once a year. Rates can change annually based on market trends, your driving record, and insurer pricing strategies. Even if you’re happy with your current company, a quick annual check can save you hundreds over time.

Kara McGinley

 

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Kara McGinley has over 6 years of experience writing, editing, and reporting on insurance and the insurance industry. She's been a licensed property and casualty expert in New York since 2021. Kara has been featured in several national publications, including USA TODAY, MSN, LifeHacker, Kiplinger, PropertyCasualty360, Policygenius, Rental Housing Journal, and WRAL.