Here’s how much car insurance costs in each state, plus why rates are so high and how you can lower yours.
That’s a national average, however — the difference from one state can be almost $3,000. Your premiums will also vary based on your age, gender, driving record, credit history and other factors.
Car insurance is a big expense these days: The average cost of a full coverage policy sits at $2,458 a year in November 2024, according to Bankrate analysis of Quadrant Information Services data, while minimum coverage costs $678 a year.
Rates also vary by company: Geico and Auto-Owners are among our picks for the cheapest car insurance companies .
Geico coverage and services are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and there are 16 different types of discounts available. In addition to the standard coverage options, Geico offers various optional add-ons, such as emergency roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and mechanical breakdown insurance.
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
Auto-Owners offers affordable premiums with high customer satisfaction ratings. There are 12 different types of discounts available, as well as various other types of insurance besides auto.
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
Car insurance premiums vary widely across the U.S., from $340 a month in Florida to $155 a month in Idaho.
Car insurance premiums rose 25% between 2023 and 2024. The surge has been fueled by several factors, according to the Insurance Information Institute .
There are several things you can do to lower the cost of car insurance.
Look for discounts
Many insurers offer discounts for students, military members and even homeowners. Looking for an insurer that offers the right discount for your situation could help you save.
Pay your premium in full
If you can afford it, pay your six-month or annual premium in full. Not only does this help you avoid installment fees, but it can also come with a discount from some insurers.
Bundle your coverage
Getting your renters or homeowners insurance from the same place you get car insurance can save you more than 20%, depending on the provider.
Don’t buy more insurance than you need
Add-ons like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement sound great, but you may already be covered with your credit card, AAA membership or elsewhere.
Think about dropping coverage
Full coverage is usually the smarter choice, but if your car is worth less than 10 times your premium, you might be better off with just liability-only insurance.
Improve your credit score
Insurers associate your credit history with your likelihood of filing a claim and, in most states, your credit score factors into your premiums. The higher your credit score, the lower your car insurance cost. Raising your score by paying bills on time and checking your credit report for errors could reduce what you’ll pay.
Raise your deductible
Your deductible is the dollar amount you need to spend before your insurance company kicks in its share. Increasing a $200 deductible to $500 could reduce collision and comprehensive coverage costs by as much as 30%, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Raise it to $1,000 and you could save more than 40%. Be sure you can afford to pay the extra out-of-pocket expense, though.
Shop around
Don’t settle for the first car insurance quote you get — you may be able to find a better price. Getting three to five quotes with the same coverage and deductible can help you ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.
How much is car insurance?
