Average cost of car insurance by state in 2023

Average cost of car insurance

In the United States, it’s illegal to drive a car without car insurance. Depending on the state you’re driving in, the consequences of doing so can range from a fine to a misdemeanor on your record. So, if you’re planning on hitting the road anytime soon, be sure to purchase car insurance to avoid penalties. 

In this article, we’ve researched the average cost of car insurance by state to give you a better idea of how much to budget.  

Key findings: 

  • According to AAA, the national average cost of car insurance for a full-coverage policy was $1,588 in 2022.
  • On average, the cheapest states for full coverage car insurance are Ohio, Maine and Idaho, while the most expensive states are Florida, Louisiana and Michigan. 
  • USAA, Geico and State Farm offer the cheapest minimum coverage plans, while USAA, Geico and Nationwide offer the cheapest full-coverage insurance. 
  • The average cost of car insurance tends to decrease with age, but starts to rise again around age 70. 
  • Individuals with high credit scores pay lower car insurance premiums on average compared to those with poor credit. 

How much is car insurance?

According to AAA, the national average cost of car insurance for a full-coverage policy was $1,588 in 2022. This figure is based on an under 65 years old driver who lives in the city or suburbs, has over six years of driving experience, and has not been involved in any accidents. 

Average cost of car insurance by state

When calculating the cost of car insurance, the state you live in plays a role in how much you can expect to pay. This is because factors like population density, climate, road conditions and crime rate in your area can play a part in the likelihood that you’ll file a claim.  

According to insurance.com, the cheapest states for car insurance if you’re looking for minimum coverage are Iowa, South Dakota and Wyoming costing an average of $263, $267, and $293, respectively. Meanwhile, the cheapest states for full coverage auto insurance are Ohio ($1,023), Maine ($1,116), and Idaho ($1,121). 

The most expensive states for car insurance in terms of minimum coverage are New Jersey, Florida, and New York where drivers pay an average of $989, $908 and $875, respectively. For full coverage insurance, drivers in Florida ($2,560), Louisiana ($2,546), and Delaware ($2,137) pay the most in the country on average. 

State

Minimum coverage

Full coverage

AK

$336

$1,359

AL

$420

$1,542

AR

$422

$1,597

AZ

$494

$1,617

CA

$582

$2,115

CO

$467

$1,940

CT

$773

$1,750

DE

$821

$2,137

FL

$908

$2,560

GA

$567

$1,647

HI

$389

$1,306

IA

$263

$1,321

ID

$326

$1,121

IL

$484

$1,578

IN

$384

$1,256

KS

$389

$1,594

KY

$717

$2,105

LA

$726

$2,546

MA

$523

$1,538

MD

$607

$1,640

ME

$330

$1,116

MI

$711

$2,133

MN

$479

$1,493

MO

$525

$2,104

MS

$434

$1,606

MT

$389

$1,692

NC

$396

$1,368

ND

$340

$1,419

NE

$350

$2,018

NH

$411

$1,307

NJ

$989

$1,901

NM

$376

$1,505

NV

$683

$2,023

NY

$875

$2,020

OH

$308

$1,023

OK

$352

$1,797

OR

$551

$1,244

PA

$398

$1,445

RI

$648

$1,845

SC

$628

$1,894

SD

$267

$1,581

TN

$368

$1,373

TX

$520

$1,875

UT

$526

$1,469

VA

$469

$1,321

VT

$306

$1,158

WA

$505

$1,371

WI

$375

$1,499

WV

$474

$1,610

WY

$293

$1,736

Average cost of insurance by company 

Another factor that’s going to influence how much you can expect to pay for car insurance is the specific company you purchase your plan through.  

According to U.S. News & World Report, USAA, Geico and State Farm offer the cheapest minimum coverage plans, while USAA, Geico, and Nationwide offer the least-expensive full-coverage insurance. 

Farmers, Progressive, and Nationwide offer the most expensive minimum coverage rates while Allstate, Farmers, and Progressive offer the most expensive full coverage plans. 

Insurance company

Minimum coverage

Full coverage

Allstate

$1,961

$2,138

American Family

$1,327

$1,388

Farmers

$1,782

$2,059

Geico

$1,064

$1,238

Nationwide

$1,347

$1,338

Progressive

$1,440

$1,650

State Farm

$1,191

$1,348

Travelers

$1,290

$1,448

USAA

$948

$1,056

Average cost of insurance by age 

According to CarInsurance.com, the cost of both minimum and full coverage car insurance tends to decrease with age, as seen in the chart below. However, there is an uptick around age 70 where rates start to go back up.  

Age

Minimum coverage

Full coverage

20

$1,109

$3,532

30

$539

$1,785

40

$520

$1,682

50

$496

$1,581

60

$482

$1,511

70

$554

$1,661

Average cost of insurance for young drivers

Young drivers are the most expensive age group to insure. Although there are a few exceptions, insurance rates decrease with age among young drivers. 

Age

Minimum coverage

Full coverage

16

$2,402

$7,203

17

$1,971

$5,924

18

$1,706

$5,242

19

$1,234

$3,874

20

$1,109

$3,532

21

$884

$2,864

22

$794

$2,593

23

$736

$2,415

24

$690

$2,267

Average cost of insurance by credit score 

According to the Insurance Information Institute, your credit score is a good indicator of how many insurance claims you’ll file. As a result, insurance companies use credit scores to determine risk, and those with a good credit score pay cheaper premiums. The Zebra found that individuals with poor credit pay approximately 114% more than those with great credit. 

Credit score

Average annual rate

Very poor (300-579)

$2,887

Average (580-669)

$2,296

Good (670-739)

$1,912

Excellent (740-799)

$1,606

Exceptional (800-850)

$1,350

What factors affect your car insurance rate?

As you can see from the above charts, the cost of car insurance varies by the following factors: 

  • Age: Typically, young drivers under the age of 25 and senior drivers over the age of 65 are charged more for car insurance. 
  • State of residence: Since the minimum coverage required varies by state, your location is one of the factors that will influence the price. 
  • ZIP code: In addition to your state of residence, your ZIP code will also play a role in the cost of insurance since your vehicle is more likely to be damaged in certain areas, such as ZIP codes with high crime rates. Typically, the cost of car insurance will be greater in cities than in rural areas. 
  • Marital status: Statistically, married drivers are less risky than single drivers resulting in a lower insurance cost. 
  • Gender: Based on risk, male teenage drivers tend to have the highest cost of car insurance of any demographic. 
  • Credit history: Those with a low credit score tend to pay higher premiums than individuals with good credit. 
  • Driving record: Since car insurance premiums are based on risk, individuals with a good driving record can expect to pay lower premiums, while those with a poor driving record may experience increased rates. 
  • Car make and model: You may pay less if you drive a vehicle that insurance companies deem safe. On the other hand, you’re likely to pay more if you drive a small sports car since they pose a higher risk. 
  • Mileage: Higher annual mileage increases the risk you’ll get into an accident and will likely raise your premiums. 
  • High-risk violations: Driving under the influence and at-fault accidents are examples of violations that may result in you being considered a high-risk driver. 

What’s the difference between full and minimum coverage? 

Minimum coverage car insurance — liability coverage — is required in most states and is used if you’re at fault in an accident. This coverage will pay for damages and injuries of the other party when you’re responsible for the incident. 

On the other hand, full coverage insurance, or collision coverage, includes liability coverage plus damage caused to your own vehicle. Keep in mind that lenders often require you to obtain full coverage insurance before you get an auto loan

FAQ

Below, we’ve answered some common questions regarding the cost of auto insurance. 

Can my driving record affect my car insurance rate? 

Your driving record is one of the factors that affects your car insurance rate. As a result, those with traffic violations or accidents on their record can expect to pay higher premiums. 

Does your car insurance cost go down after you pay off your car?

Your care insurance cost doesn’t typically go down after your pay off your car. However, you do have the option to decrease the amount of coverage on your vehicle once it’s paid off. 

Which car insurance company is the cheapest?

As mentioned above, insurance companies that offer the cheapest plans include Geico, Auto-Owners, USAA and Erie.

Does car insurance decrease annually? 

For young drivers in particular, car insurance rates decrease each year you renew your policy without filing a claim. You can expect to see the biggest drop in price at age 25. 

The average cost of car insurance varies by factors including state, age, insurance company and credit score. Some factors, such as your age, are beyond your control, but other factors, such as your credit score, can be improved. 

Check your credit score for free today to see if it’s a reason your car insurance is high

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