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Car Insurance: Compare Rates from 50+ Carriers

National average: $160/month · Rates vary significantly by state and city · Updated September 2026

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$1,920/yr
National Avg Annual Rate
$160/mo
National Avg Monthly
Michigan (~$2,860/yr)
Most Expensive State
Maine (~$900/yr)
Least Expensive State
Yes (minimums vary)
Required in All 50 States
Driving record
Top Rating Factor

What Is Car Insurance?

Car insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company that protects you against financial loss in the event of an accident or theft. In exchange for your paying a premium, the insurance company agrees to pay your losses as outlined in your policy. Car insurance provides property coverage (pays for damage to or theft of your car), liability coverage (pays for your legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage), and medical coverage (pays for the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation, and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses). Every state in the U.S. requires drivers to carry a minimum level of liability insurance. The specific minimums vary by state, but the purpose is the same: ensuring that drivers can pay for damages they cause to others. Beyond the state minimum, most drivers benefit from carrying additional coverage — particularly collision and comprehensive — to protect their own vehicle.

Who Needs Car Insurance?
Every licensed driver who owns or regularly operates a vehicle needs car insurance. Lenders require full coverage (liability + collision + comprehensive) on financed or leased vehicles. High-risk drivers, recent license holders, and those with prior claims may need specialized policies. SR-22 filers need carriers that file the certificate on their behalf.

Car Insurance Rates by State — 2026

Car Insurance rates vary significantly by state due to differences in state laws, claim frequency, weather exposure, and litigation environment. The national average is $160/month — but your state average may be significantly higher or lower. Click your state to see city-level rates and carrier comparisons.

Alabama
$123/mo
-23% vs national avg
Alaska
$152/mo
-5% vs national avg
Arizona
$162/mo
+1% vs national avg
Arkansas
$118/mo
-26% vs national avg
California
$190/mo
+19% vs national avg
Colorado
$165/mo
+3% vs national avg
Connecticut
$157/mo
-2% vs national avg
Delaware
$168/mo
+5% vs national avg
Florida
$221/mo
+38% vs national avg
Georgia
$165/mo
+3% vs national avg
Hawaii
$98/mo
-39% vs national avg
Idaho
$93/mo
-42% vs national avg
Illinois
$134/mo
-16% vs national avg
Indiana
$112/mo
-30% vs national avg
Iowa
$106/mo
-34% vs national avg
Kansas
$130/mo
-19% vs national avg
Kentucky
$147/mo
-8% vs national avg
Louisiana
$222/mo
+39% vs national avg
Maine
$85/mo
-47% vs national avg
Maryland
$165/mo
+3% vs national avg
Massachusetts
$131/mo
-18% vs national avg
Michigan
$238/mo
+49% vs national avg
Minnesota
$134/mo
-16% vs national avg
Mississippi
$141/mo
-12% vs national avg
Missouri
$149/mo
-7% vs national avg
Montana
$107/mo
-33% vs national avg
Nebraska
$115/mo
-28% vs national avg
Nevada
$178/mo
+11% vs national avg
New Hampshire
$85/mo
-47% vs national avg
New Jersey
$206/mo
+29% vs national avg
New Mexico
$130/mo
-19% vs national avg
New York
$194/mo
+21% vs national avg
North Carolina
$123/mo
-23% vs national avg
North Dakota
$98/mo
-39% vs national avg
Ohio
$118/mo
-26% vs national avg
Oklahoma
$152/mo
-5% vs national avg
Oregon
$112/mo
-30% vs national avg
Pennsylvania
$134/mo
-16% vs national avg
Rhode Island
$157/mo
-2% vs national avg
South Carolina
$141/mo
-12% vs national avg
South Dakota
$107/mo
-33% vs national avg
Tennessee
$128/mo
-20% vs national avg
Texas
$181/mo
+13% vs national avg
Utah
$123/mo
-23% vs national avg
Vermont
$90/mo
-44% vs national avg
Virginia
$107/mo
-33% vs national avg
Washington
$123/mo
-23% vs national avg
West Virginia
$110/mo
-31% vs national avg
Wisconsin
$107/mo
-33% vs national avg
Wyoming
$98/mo
-39% vs national avg

How Car Insurance Rates Are Calculated

Insurance carriers use a combination of personal factors and location-based data to calculate your premium. Understanding these factors helps you identify where you have the most opportunity to save.

📍
Location
Your state, city, and ZIP code are among the most powerful rating factors. Carriers analyze local claim history, traffic density, weather exposure, crime rates, and repair costs at the ZIP code level.
📋
Claims History
Your personal claims history for the past 3-5 years is reviewed by every carrier. At-fault accidents and filed claims can increase your premium 20-50%. A clean record earns the best rates.
🏷️
Coverage Limits & Deductibles
Higher coverage limits cost more premium. Higher deductibles lower your premium. Choosing the right balance between out-of-pocket risk and monthly cost is one of the most important decisions in selecting a policy.
💳
Credit-Based Insurance Score
In most states, insurers use a credit-based insurance score (separate from your FICO score) as a rating factor. Better credit-based scores typically result in lower premiums. A few states (CA, HI, MA) restrict or prohibit its use.
👤
Personal Profile
Age, gender, marital status, and the specific item being insured (vehicle make/model, home age and construction) all factor into your rate. Some of these you can't change — others improve over time.
📦
Multi-Policy Discounts
Bundling multiple policies with the same carrier typically saves 10-25%. Auto + home bundles are the most common and valuable. Ask every carrier about all multi-policy discount options before deciding.

Car Insurance Buyer's Checklist

Before you buy car insurance, run through this checklist. Following these steps ensures you get the right coverage at the best available price — not just the cheapest policy.

1
Get quotes from at least 5 carriers
2
Verify carrier financial strength ratings
3
Confirm your state minimum requirements
4
Consider exceeding minimums — they're often inadequate
5
Review uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
6
Bundle with home or renters for 10-25% savings
7
Choose a deductible you can actually afford
8
Ask for a full discount audit from each carrier
9
Review annually — rates change every year
10
On older vehicles, evaluate whether collision/comp is worth keeping
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Frequently Asked Questions — Car Insurance

Common questions about car insurance coverage, costs, and how to find the best policy.

What is the national average cost of car insurance?
The national average for car insurance is approximately $1,920 per year ($160/month) for a standard policy with 100/300/100 liability, collision, and comprehensive. Your rate will vary significantly based on your state, driving record, vehicle, age, and coverage selection.
What is the minimum car insurance required?
Minimum requirements vary by state. Most states require at least liability coverage — bodily injury and property damage. Some no-fault states also require Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Driving without minimum required insurance is illegal in all 50 states and can result in license suspension and fines.
What does full coverage car insurance include?
Full coverage typically refers to a policy that includes liability (required by law), collision (covers your car in an accident), and comprehensive (covers theft, weather, fire, and other non-collision damage). Full coverage is not a single standardized policy — you choose your own limits and deductibles.
How can I lower my car insurance rate?
The most effective strategies are: (1) compare quotes from multiple carriers, (2) bundle auto with home or renters insurance, (3) raise your deductible, (4) maintain a clean driving record, (5) ask about low-mileage, good student, and safe driver discounts, (6) review coverage on older vehicles that may not need collision/comprehensive.
Which states have the highest car insurance rates?
Michigan, Louisiana, Florida, and New York consistently rank among the most expensive states for car insurance due to high claim frequency, litigation rates, weather exposure, and high rates of uninsured drivers. Maine, Vermont, Idaho, and Iowa tend to have the lowest rates.
Does car insurance cover rental cars?
It depends on your policy. If you have comprehensive and collision coverage, it typically extends to rental cars in the U.S. Your liability coverage also typically extends to rentals. Many carriers offer rental reimbursement as an add-on if your own car is being repaired after a covered claim.
What is an SR-22 and who needs one?
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility — a form your insurer files with your state DMV to prove you carry minimum required insurance. It's required after certain violations including DUI/DWI, driving uninsured, or serious traffic violations. The SR-22 itself is not insurance — it's a filing attached to your policy.
How does my credit score affect my car insurance rate?
In most states, insurers use a credit-based insurance score (different from your FICO score) as a rating factor. Drivers with better credit-based scores typically pay less. California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan restrict or prohibit the use of credit in auto insurance rating.
What is uninsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for your injuries and damages when you're hit by a driver with no insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover your losses. Both are highly recommended — approximately 13% of U.S. drivers are uninsured nationally.
Can I get car insurance with a bad driving record?
Yes — most carriers will insure high-risk drivers, though at higher rates. Specialized high-risk carriers and non-standard market insurers focus specifically on drivers with DUIs, multiple violations, or recent accidents. SR-22 filing can be handled by most major and specialty carriers.
What is gap insurance?
Gap insurance covers the difference between what your car is worth (ACV) and what you still owe on your auto loan if your car is totaled or stolen. It's most valuable on new vehicles and those financed with low down payments, where the loan balance often exceeds the vehicle's depreciated value.
How do I compare car insurance quotes effectively?
Compare the same coverage limits and deductibles across at least 5 carriers simultaneously. Look at: premium, AM Best financial strength rating, customer satisfaction scores (J.D. Power), claims process reviews, and available discounts. The cheapest quote isn't always the best value.
Reviewed by
My Digital Kube Editorial Team
Licensed Insurance Professionals
This guide to car insurance is prepared by the My Digital Kube editorial team Rate data is based on carrier filings, state department of insurance data, and independent research. Last updated: September 28, 2026. Individual rates vary — compare quotes for your specific profile and location.

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