Average Cost of Car Insurance (2026)
The average cost of car insurance is $177 a month for a full coverage Full coverage includes collision and comprehensive, which cover your own car for damage and theft. policy and $68 a month for minimum coverage.
What you pay for car insurance depends on several rate factors, including the car you drive as well as your driving history, age, gender and more. Car insurance rates also differ widely by state and insurance company.
How much is car insurance?
Car insurance costs $177 a month, on average, but you’ll likely pay more or less than that based on how much coverage you get and where you buy your policy.
Travelers has an average rate of $135 a month, for example. This is the cheapest rate of the large auto insurance companies we surveyed. You may get an even lower rate from regional or local car insurance companies like Erie Erie is available in IL, IN, KY, MD, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WI and Washington, D.C. and Country Financial Country Financial is available in AL, AK, AZ, CO, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MN, MO, ND, NV, OK, OR, TN, WA and WI. .
USAA is cheaper if you or a family member are active-duty or retired military. Its average rate is $125 a month.
Annual car insurance rates by company
| Company | Minimum coverage | Full coverage | LendingTree score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Erie | $44 | $131 |  |
 | Country Financial | $61 | $134 |  |
 | Travelers | $59 | $135 |  |
 | State Farm | $56 | $144 | |
 | American Family | $51 | $146 | |
 | Auto-Owners | $51 | $154 | |
 | Progressive | $69 | $160 | |
 | Geico | $65 | $173 |  |
 | Nationwide | $76 | $190 |  |
 | Farm Bureau | $57 | $195 | |
 | Amica | $107 | $235 | |
 | Allstate | $104 | $248 | |
 | AAA | $93 | $255 |  |
 | Farmers | $101 | $258 | |
 | USAA* | $39 | $125 | |
With different companies offering such different rates, it’s important to compare car insurance quotes from several companies before you decide which one is the best for you.
Comparing quotes side by side is one of the best ways to get the cheapest car insurance rate for the coverage types and amounts you need.
Car insurance cost by state
The state you live and drive in can have a big impact on what you pay for car insurance.
- Wyoming drivers pay an average of $27 a month for minimum coverage Minimum coverage always includes liability insurance, which covers injuries as well as vehicle and property damage you cause to others. Some states also require additional coverage, such as uninsured motorist or personal injury protection. car insurance, for example, while drivers in Nevada pay $147 a month.
- In Vermont, full coverage car insurance costs $101 a month, on average. The average cost in Nevada is $280 a month.
Even within your state, what you pay for car insurance can be higher or lower than the average cost because of other factors, like your age, gender and vehicle.
Annual car insurance costs by state
| State | Minimum coverage | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $59 | $153 |
| Alaska | $48 | $135 |
| Arizona | $82 | $201 |
| Arkansas | $59 | $197 |
| California | $69 | $182 |
| Colorado | $78 | $238 |
| Connecticut | $128 | $265 |
| Delaware | $116 | $256 |
| Florida | $87 | $264 |
| Georgia | $68 | $155 |
| Hawaii | $46 | $126 |
| Idaho | $45 | $127 |
| Illinois | $61 | $154 |
| Indiana | $53 | $144 |
| Iowa | $36 | $149 |
| Kansas | $64 | $199 |
| Kentucky | $84 | $176 |
| Louisiana | $94 | $277 |
| Maine | $43 | $107 |
| Maryland | $84 | $172 |
| Massachusetts | $70 | $152 |
| Michigan | $78 | $218 |
| Minnesota | $68 | $194 |
| Mississippi | $59 | $176 |
| Missouri | $70 | $198 |
| Montana | $46 | $183 |
| Nebraska | $48 | $171 |
| Nevada | $147 | $280 |
| New Hampshire | $50 | $113 |
| New Jersey | $119 | $209 |
| New Mexico | $66 | $188 |
| New York | $92 | $192 |
| North Carolina | $60 | $124 |
| North Dakota | $43 | $158 |
| Ohio | $48 | $124 |
| Oklahoma | $55 | $193 |
| Oregon | $86 | $172 |
| Pennsylvania | $56 | $166 |
| Rhode Island | $94 | $224 |
| South Carolina | $66 | $152 |
| South Dakota | $31 | $177 |
| Tennessee | $53 | $150 |
| Texas | $79 | $199 |
| Utah | $90 | $193 |
| Vermont | $35 | $101 |
| Virginia | $67 | $132 |
| Washington | $71 | $188 |
| Washington, D.C. | $95 | $218 |
| West Virginia | $56 | $150 |
| Wisconsin | $41 | $146 |
| Wyoming | $27 | $111 |
Car insurance companies often charge higher or lower rates depending on things like:
- How many claims are filed in a state or city
- How much those claims cost them
- Population density
- Accident and crime rates
- Likelihood of severe weather
A state’s car insurance requirements also impact the average price of a policy. Some states require a lot less coverage than others, and that can help drivers there get a cheaper rate than they would in other states.
Although there’s nothing you can do about the factors listed above, you can counter them by driving safely, avoiding claims and comparing quotes from several companies at least once a year.
Cheapest states for car insurance
Vermont is the state with the cheapest full coverage car insurance rates, which average $101 a month. Maine is next at $107, followed by Wyoming at $111.
Cheapest full coverage car insurance by state
| State | Monthly rate | Difference from U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | $101 | -43% |
| Maine | $107 | -40% |
| Wyoming | $111 | -37% |
| New Hampshire | $113 | -36% |
| North Carolina | $124 | -30% |
| Ohio | $124 | -30% |
| Hawaii | $126 | -29% |
| Idaho | $127 | -28% |
| Virginia | $132 | -26% |
| Alaska | $135 | -24% |
Full coverage auto insurance usually includes liability Liability insurance covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. It’s required by law in almost every state. , collision Collision covers damage to your car from a collision with another vehicle or object. and comprehensive Comprehensive covers your car for theft and damage from non-collision causes, like fire, flood and vandalism. .
Wyoming is the state with the cheapest liability insurance, or minimum coverage, with rates that average $27 a month. South Dakota is next at $31, then Vermont at $35.
Cheapest states for liability insurance
| State | Monthly rate | Difference from U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $27 | -61% |
| South Dakota | $31 | -55% |
| Vermont | $35 | -49% |
| Iowa | $36 | -47% |
| Wisconsin | $41 | -40% |
| Maine | $43 | -37% |
| North Dakota | $43 | -37% |
| Idaho | $45 | -33% |
| Hawaii | $46 | -33% |
| Montana | $46 | -33% |
Car insurance tends to cost less in places with lower accident rates, less crime or both. Medical and car repair costs can also impact an area’s insurance costs.
Car insurance cost by age
Younger drivers usually pay more for car insurance than older drivers with more experience on the road. A lot more.
- The average 18-year-old driver pays $208 a month for minimum car insurance.
- These drivers also pay an average of $497 a month for full coverage car insurance.
Teen car insurance rates are often double or even triple the amount a typical 30-year-old driver pays for the same amount of coverage.
Car insurance rates for 18-year-olds vs. 30-year-olds
| Policy type | 18-year-old | 30-year-old | % difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $497 | $177 | 181% |
| Minimum coverage | $208 | $68 | 206% |
Young drivers pay the highest car insurance premiums of any age group. This is mostly because insurers see them as a high risk due to their lack of experience behind the wheel.
Teen drivers usually see their rates go down as they age and keep a clean driving history.
Car insurance cost after a speeding ticket
The average cost of car insurance after a speeding ticket is $219 a month for full coverage. This is 24% higher than the average cost with a clean driving record.
Erie is the company with the cheapest car insurance after a ticket, charging an average rate of $143 a month. This is just 9% higher than what the company charges a typical driver with a clean record. However, Erie isn’t available nationwide.
Cheapest car insurance after a speeding ticket
| Company | Clean record rate | Speeding ticket rate | % difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erie | $131 | $143 | 9% |
| State Farm | $144 | $156 | 8% |
| Auto-Owners | $154 | $164 | 6% |
| Country Financial | $134 | $169 | 26% |
| American Family | $146 | $173 | 18% |
USAA is the second-cheapest company for drivers with a speeding ticket on their records, at $153 a month. But only members of the military and their families can buy policies from USAA.
State Farm is the cheapest national auto insurer for most drivers, with an average rate of $156 a month. It offers many more car insurance discounts than Erie, so if you can get a few, State Farm could be your best option.
Car insurance costs after an accident
Drivers with an at-fault accident on their records pay $263 a month for full coverage car insurance, on average. This is 50% higher than what your average driver with a clean record pays.
State Farm has the cheapest car insurance for drivers with an accident on their records, at $163 a month. This is just 13% more than what the company charges drivers with clean records.
Cheapest car insurance after an accident
| Company | Clean record rate | Accident rate | % difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $144 | $163 | 13% |
| Country Financial | $134 | $182 | 36% |
| Erie | $131 | $186 | 42% |
| Travelers | $135 | $195 | 44% |
| Auto-Owners | $154 | $209 | 36% |
An accident stays on your record for three to five years, and during this time you’ll likely pay higher car insurance rates.
Car insurance cost with a DUI
The average cost of full coverage car insurance after a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction is $329 a month. That’s 86% more than what a driver with a clean record pays for the same amount of car insurance.
Progressive is the best company for cheap car insurance with a DUI, charging an average of $208 a month. It’s also the company with the smallest average rate increase after a DUI. Progressive charges drivers with clean records $160 a month, which means its DUI rate is just 30% more.
Cheapest car insurance after a DUI
| Company | Clean record rate | DUI rate | % difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $160 | $208 | 30% |
| Erie | $131 | $217 | 66% |
| Travelers | $135 | $224 | 66% |
| American Family | $146 | $270 | 85% |
| Auto-Owners | $154 | $305 | 98% |
After teen drivers, car insurance companies consider drivers with a DUI on their records to be the riskiest to insure. This is why drivers with DUIs pay much higher rates for car insurance than drivers with clean records do.
A DUI can stay on your insurance record for three to five years, and you’ll probably pay higher rates the whole time.
If your license is suspended after a DUI, you’ll probably have to file an SR-22 form with the state. The SR-22 proves you carry the minimum amount of car insurance your state requires. You’ll need this to reinstate your license.
Car insurance cost by credit score
Drivers with poor credit pay an average rate of $345 a month for car insurance, according to our data. This is a 95% increase over what those with good credit pay for the same policy.
If you have poor or bad credit, get a quote from Country Financial to see what it will charge you. We found this regional company to have the cheapest car insurance for bad credit, at $195 a month. This is 46% more than the average rate it charges drivers with good credit.
Cheapest car insurance with bad credit
| Company | Clean record rate | Poor credit rate | % difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Country Financial | $134 | $195 | 46% |
| American Family | $146 | $241 | 65% |
| Travelers | $135 | $249 | 84% |
| Progressive | $160 | $271 | 69% |
| Nationwide | $190 | $279 | 47% |
Again, don’t ignore USAA if you or a close family member has military ties. It has the second-cheapest rates for drivers with poor credit, at an average of $227 a month. American Family comes in second for most drivers, at $241 a month.
These states currently ban the practice:
- California
- Hawaii
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
Factors that impact your car insurance cost
What you pay for car insurance is based on several factors, including where you live (your ZIP code) and the make and model of the vehicle you drive.
Other factors that determine your car insurance rate include your:
- Annual mileage
- Driving record
- Insurance claim history
- Policy coverage limits and deductible
- Age
- Gender
- Marital status
- Credit history (in some states)
Car insurance companies weigh these rate factors differently when setting your quote. One company may see your age or claim history as being a greater risk than another company, for example, and charge you more because of it.
This is why car insurance quotes can differ so much between companies. It’s also why comparing car insurance quotes from multiple companies can help you get the cheapest rate for the coverage you need.
How to lower your car insurance costs
Some of the best ways to lower your car insurance rate are to look for discounts, consider raising your deductible Your deductible is your share of repair costs for a collision or comp claim. Your insurance company pays the rest. and compare quotes from several companies.
Get discounts
Qualifying for one or more car insurance discounts can save you a lot of money. Some of the most common discounts reward people who:
- Bundle multiple insurance policies with one company
- Insure more than one vehicle
- Drive safely
- Get good grades
- Go paperless
- Pay for their policies up front and in full
Increase your deductible
Raising your car insurance deductible lowers your overall rate. Since your deductible is what you pay out of pocket when you file a claim, make sure you can afford that amount before you change it.
Compare quotes
Comparing car insurance quotes from a number of companies side by side lets you see which one offers the best price for the coverage you need. Use the same info for each quote so you can make the most accurate comparison.
Frequently asked questions
The average cost of car insurance is $68 a month if you buy minimum coverage. For full coverage car insurance, the average cost is $177 a month.
Nevada is the most expensive state for full coverage car insurance. Its drivers pay $280 a month, on average. Louisiana is next, at $277 a month.
Nevada also has the most expensive minimum coverage rate of $147 a month. Connecticut has the next-highest rate of $128 a month.
Vermont is the cheapest state for full coverage car insurance. Its rates average $101 a month. Maine is next-cheapest, at $107 a month.
Wyoming and South Dakota have the cheapest minimum coverage rates, at $27 a month and $31 a month, respectively.
How we selected the cheapest car insurance companies
LendingTree uses insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services using publicly sourced insurance company filings. Rates are based on an analysis of hundreds of thousands of car insurance quotes for a typical driver. Prices are shown for comparative purposes only. Your own rates may be different.
Unless noted otherwise, quotes are for a full coverage policy for a 30-year-old man with good credit and a clean driving record who drives a 2018 Honda CR-V EX.
Coverage limits
Minimum liability policies provide liability coverage with the state’s required minimum limits.
Full coverage policies include collision, comprehensive and liability coverage:
- Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $50,000
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident
- Collision: $500 deductible
- Comprehensive: $500 deductible
How we evaluated car insurance companies
Our team of insurance experts rated insurance companies based on several categories. These categories include average rates, discounts, coverage options, third-party customer service ratings and app/website experience. We weighted these categories based on what customers value in an insurance company.
For third-party customer service ratings, we included Complaint Index scores from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and financial strength ratings from AM Best. NAIC Complaint Index scores are used to determine how satisfied customers are with their claims, while financial strength ratings from AM Best reflect the ability to pay out claims.
*USAA is only available to current and former members of the military as well as certain family members.