Average Cost of Auto Insurance in 2024 (+How to Save)
The average cost of auto insurance per month is $45 for minimum insurance and $119 for full coverage. Many factors affect auto insurance rates, including age and driving record. It's easy to lower auto insurance costs by choosing the minimum amount of auto insurance you need in your state and adding discounts.
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Dani Best
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
Licensed Insurance Producer
UPDATED: Nov 16, 2024
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The average cost of auto insurance depends on your age, the kind of car you drive, and where you live. Credit scores can also impact rates in some states. There are several ways to lower auto insurance costs, but the most important step is to compare quotes online from as many companies as possible.
Online car insurance cost calculators make it easy to find cheap quotes. However, understanding how much you should pay for auto insurance can still be confusing.
Various factors affect your auto insurance rates, and learning what they are can help you save. Read on to learn more about the average cost of car insurance, then enter your ZIP code to find free personalized quotes from providers in your city.
- Full coverage costs $119 monthly, while minimum coverage is $45/month
- Teen drivers and people with DUIs pay the most for car insurance
- State Farm, Geico, and Erie are the cheapest auto companies
Factors That Affect The Average Cost of Auto Insurance
Many factors affect car insurance rates, but the average American pays about $45/month for minimum and $119 monthly for full coverage auto insurance. Since full coverage includes more insurance than your state’s minimum requirements, it costs more.
Most drivers buy either minimum insurance or full coverage policies, depending on their needs. While other types of coverage are available, minimum or full coverage insurance usually covers most needs.
Monthly Auto Insurance Rates by Coverage Level & Provider| Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
 | $386 | $429 |
 | $281 | $295 |
 | $327 | $375 |
 | $250 | $286 |
 | $484 | $530 |
 | $283 | $292 |
 | $311 | $363 |
 | $255 | $288 |
 | $352 | $385 |
 | $200 | $222 |
Minimum insurance refers to the minimum auto insurance you need in your state to legally drive. It’s your cheapest option for coverage, but minimum insurance doesn’t protect your vehicle. You need full coverage for that.
State law never requires full coverage, but drivers with a car loan or lease usually need it. Most states require liability insurance, and uninsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection is also common.
Regardless of your state, it’s usually a good idea to buy more coverage than the minimum requirements. Since minimum insurance only pays for damage you cause to other drivers, you’ll be responsible for paying for anything that happens to your car out-of-pocket.
Average Auto Insurance Rates by State
Some states have much higher average rates, while others enjoy much lower quotes. For instance, the average cost of car insurance in Nebraska is a low $74/month for full coverage, while Louisiana averages $128 monthly. Check below to compare the average auto insurance premium by state:
Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by State & Coverage Type| State | Collision | Comprehensive | Liability | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $28 | $14 | $37 | $79 |
| Alaska | $31 | $12 | $47 | $90 |
| Arizona | $25 | $16 | $48 | $89 |
| Arkansas | $29 | $17 | $36 | $82 |
| California | $36 | $8 | $45 | $88 |
| Colorado | $25 | $17 | $49 | $91 |
| Connecticut | $32 | $11 | $59 | $102 |
| Delaware | $28 | $11 | $69 | $107 |
| Florida | $26 | $11 | $76 | $113 |
| Georgia | $30 | $14 | $55 | $98 |
| Hawaii | $27 | $9 | $39 | $75 |
| Idaho | $20 | $10 | $32 | $62 |
| Illinois | $27 | $11 | $40 | $77 |
| Indiana | $22 | $11 | $34 | $67 |
| Iowa | $19 | $16 | $27 | $62 |
| Kansas | $23 | $21 | $32 | $76 |
| Kentucky | $24 | $12 | $47 | $83 |
| Louisiana | $37 | $19 | $73 | $128 |
| Maine | $23 | $9 | $30 | $62 |
| Maryland | $31 | $13 | $55 | $100 |
| Massachusetts | $34 | $12 | $52 | $98 |
| Michigan | $37 | $13 | $72 | $121 |
| Minnesota | $20 | $16 | $39 | $76 |
| Mississippi | $29 | $18 | $41 | $88 |
| Missouri | $24 | $16 | $38 | $79 |
| Montana | $23 | $21 | $34 | $77 |
| Nebraska | $21 | $20 | $33 | $74 |
| Nevada | $27 | $10 | $64 | $100 |
| New Hampshire | $26 | $9 | $35 | $70 |
| New Jersey | $33 | $11 | $76 | $119 |
| New Mexico | $24 | $15 | $44 | $84 |
| New York | $34 | $15 | $71 | $120 |
| North Carolina | $26 | $11 | $31 | $67 |
| North Dakota | $22 | $20 | $25 | $67 |
| Ohio | $24 | $10 | $35 | $69 |
| Oklahoma | $27 | $20 | $40 | $88 |
| Oregon | $20 | $8 | $53 | $81 |
| Pennsylvania | $29 | $13 | $43 | $85 |
| Rhode Island | $36 | $11 | $68 | $116 |
| South Carolina | $24 | $16 | $50 | $89 |
| South Dakota | $19 | $24 | $26 | $69 |
| Tennessee | $27 | $13 | $37 | $77 |
| Texas | $33 | $19 | $49 | $101 |
| Utah | $23 | $10 | $45 | $78 |
| Vermont | $26 | $11 | $30 | $68 |
| Virginia | $25 | $12 | $38 | $74 |
| Washington | $24 | $9 | $53 | $86 |
| Washington, D.C. | $41 | $19 | $58 | $118 |
| West Virginia | $28 | $18 | $43 | $88 |
| Wisconsin | $20 | $12 | $33 | $65 |
| Wyoming | $24 | $23 | $29 | $75 |
| National Average | $29 | $13 | $48 | $90 |
As you can see, there’s a significant variation in auto insurance quotes by state. The average cost of car insurance in Arkansas is $88 monthly, compared to the cheapest Montana auto insurance at $77/month. Idaho, Iowa, and Main have the most affordable car insurance.
There are several reasons for different auto insurance prices by state, including state requirements, the number of uninsured local drivers, weather risks, and crime rates. Comparing average auto insurance rates by ZIP code will give you the most accurate quotes.Kalyn Johnson Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster
This price difference is why it’s important to compare quotes from as many companies as possible. Companies use unique formulas to set rates, and you’ll likely overpay if you don’t get an average quote for car insurance from multiple providers.
Average Auto Insurance Rates by Age and Gender
Auto insurance companies carefully track claims by age and gender. Compare the average auto insurance per month based on driver age and gender below:
Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider, Gender, & Age| Insurance Company | Age: 16 Female | Age: 16 Male | Age: 25 Female | Age: 25 Male | Age: 30 Female | Age: 30 Male | Age: 60 Female | Age: 60 Male |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $608 | $638 | $181 | $190 | $168 | $176 | $150 | $154 |
| $750 | $800 | $240 | $260 | $210 | $220 | $170 | $180 |
| $810 | $773 | $172 | $180 | $160 | $167 | $120 | $128 |
| $298 | $312 | $97 | $93 | $90 | $87 | $73 | $74 |
| $723 | $785 | $187 | $215 | $174 | $200 | $148 | $159 |
| $411 | $476 | $136 | $150 | $124 | $136 | $99 | $104 |
| $801 | $814 | $141 | $146 | $131 | $136 | $92 | $95 |
| $311 | $349 | $101 | $111 | $94 | $103 | $76 | $76 |
| $719 | $910 | $107 | $116 | $99 | $108 | $89 | $90 |
| $245 | $249 | $80 | $85 | $74 | $79 | $53 | $53 |
Statistics show that young, inexperienced drivers are more likely to practice unsafe driving habits, such as driving distracted. Men also pay more for insurance for similar reasons — male drivers are more likely to receive traffic citations and cause accidents. Read how age affects your auto insurance to compare average car insurance rates by age and state.
Additionally, teens are less likely to know how to handle dangerous situations and get into more accidents, which is why auto insurance for teenagers is generally more expensive. To help teens afford car insurance, a parent or guardian can add them to an existing policy. Teen car insurance is usually half as expensive when being added to an adult’s policy.
Average Auto Insurance Rates by Driving History
When considering how auto insurance rates are calculated, all factors come down to the likelihood of you filing a claim. One of the clearest examples of your riskiness as a driver is to look at your driving history. From at-fault accidents to DUIs, traffic violations will significantly increase your rates.
Take a look below to get an idea of how much your insurance might increase after some of the most common incidents:
Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Driving Record & Provider| Insurance Company | Clean Record | One Accident | One DUI | One Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $318 | $416 | $522 | $374 |
| $318 | $310 | $361 | $252 |
| $318 | $377 | $393 | $340 |
| $318 | $266 | $406 | $220 |
| $318 | $517 | $634 | $475 |
| $318 | $283 | $379 | $259 |
| $318 | $398 | $331 | $334 |
| $318 | $283 | $303 | $266 |
| $318 | $357 | $478 | $355 |
| $318 | $210 | $292 | $183 |
Some infractions have a relatively small impact on your insurance rates. For example, speeding tickets usually only increase your rates by about 23%.
Severe violations will have a more significant impact. Too many infractions might mean you’ll need to find high-risk car insurance.
Average Auto Insurance Rates by Credit Score
While it’s easy to understand why your location, age, and driving history affect your auto insurance rates, many drivers are surprised to learn their credit score and auto insurance are also related.
Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Credit Score| Insurance Company | Good Credit | Fair Credit | Bad Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| $95 | $115 | $160 |
| $90 | $110 | $150 |
| $92 | $112 | $155 |
| $65 | $85 | $130 |
| $100 | $120 | $165 |
| $85 | $105 | $145 |
| $65 | $85 | $130 |
| $50 | $70 | $115 |
| $80 | $100 | $140 |
| $60 | $80 | $125 |
Finding affordable car insurance with a low credit score can be difficult. Companies like Geico, which usually offer low rates, can have much higher prices for people with low scores regardless of driving history.
Insurance companies look at your credit score for two reasons. The first is simply a matter of financial responsibility. Companies assume people with a higher credit score are more likely to pay their monthly bills on time. Secondly, people with lower credit scores are statistically more likely to file a claim than people with higher scores.Schimri Yoyo Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Although drivers with low credit scores usually pay higher rates, that’s not the case in every state. California, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and California don’t allow insurance companies to use your credit score when determining your rates.
Read More: Cheap Hawaii Auto Insurance
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Other Factors That Affect Auto Insurance Costs
Aside from the factors listed above, there are several other things insurance companies look at when crafting rates, including:
- Marital Status: Married people tend to file fewer claims than single drivers, so insurance companies offer discounts for people who have tied the knot.
- Annual Mileage: If you drive fewer than 10,000 miles per year, consider a usage-based program to get a low-mileage auto insurance discount.
- Car Make and Model: The type of car you drive affects your insurance rates primarily due to how expensive it is to repair. The more it costs to buy your vehicle, the higher the monthly auto insurance costs.
For example, luxury and sports cars tend to have the most expensive average insurance rates because they cost more to repair. Average sports car insurance is more expensive than standard vehicle insurance. The table below compares approximate insurance rates for cars by make and model:
Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Vehicle Type & Coverage| Make and Model | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Acura Integra | $120 | $200 |
| Dodge Charger | $140 | $230 |
| Dodge Ram | $135 | $220 |
| Ford F-150 | $130 | $210 |
| Ford Mustang | $145 | $240 |
| Honda Civic | $110 | $180 |
| Mazda MX-5 | $125 | $205 |
| Porsche 911 | $250 | $400 |
| Toyota Camry | $115 | $190 |
| Toyota GR Supra | $160 | $260 |
Companies offer the lowest rates for cars with solid reliability, good safety ratings, and low repair costs. Toyota Camry and Honda Civic have the most affordable auto insurance, while luxury cars like Porsche have the highest rates. Even Acura Integra insurance costs less than other vehicles on this list.
If you’re in the market for a new car, check how much you might pay for insurance before you buy. Learn more about how vehicle make and model affect auto insurance rates, and research SUVs and sedans with good safety ratings. Regular-sized pickup trucks usually have the lowest average car insurance quotes.
How to Get Cheap Auto Insurance
With the price of just about everything increasing, finding cheap monthly auto insurance is more important than ever. Read our affordable auto insurance reviews to find the cheapest car insurance companies, and use the following tips to maximize your savings:
- Find Discounts: The number of available auto insurance discounts should be one of the things you look at when shopping for a new policy.
- Lower Coverage: While paying more after an accident comes with a financial risk, lowering your coverage also lowers your rates. A representative can help you determine the least amount of coverage you need.
- Raise Deductibles: Your deductible is the portion you pay before your insurance kicks in — if you choose a higher auto insurance deductible, you’ll pay less per month.
- Drive Safely: Having accidents and claims on your record will increase your rates. You can keep your average auto insurance cost low by avoiding traffic violations.
- Compare Rates: Of all the things you can do to find cheap insurance rates, comparing online auto insurance quotes is one of the most important.
Finding affordable car insurance doesn’t have to be complicated, no matter your situation. You’ll find the lowest rates possible by comparing quotes, taking advantage of discounts, and choosing the right coverage amount.
Find Affordable Auto Insurance Online Today
The average cost of auto insurance starts at $45/month, but insurance companies look at various factors when setting your rates. It can be difficult to estimate which company has the lowest rates for you, so compare personalized quotes with multiple companies.
Whether you have a low credit score, lack driving experience, or have a DUI on your record, finding a policy that fits your budget requires only a little research. Start with our expert guide on how to budget for auto insurance. Companies offer plenty of ways for drivers to save on their insurance, but the easiest way is to compare as many quotes as possible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of auto insurance in the U.S.?
The average car insurance quote is $45 monthly for minimum coverage and $119 per month for full coverage policies.
Who typically has the cheapest auto insurance?
Car insurance rates depend on various factors, but State Farm, Geico, and Erie tend to have the lowest prices for most drivers. Compare quotes in our State Farm auto insurance review.
Who has the highest auto insurance rates in the U.S.?
Allstate and Liberty Mutual often have the highest car insurance rates in most states.
Who is cheaper for auto insurance, Geico or Progressive?
Geico and Progressive are very competitive when it comes to rates. Geico is often cheaper, but that can vary depending on where you live.
Does Progressive raise auto insurance rates after six months?
Progressive is known for raising rates unexpectedly at renewal for many drivers, even without claims or traffic citations on their records. Read our review on Progressive to learn more.
Is $100 per month good for auto insurance?
Yes, paying around $100/month for full coverage is very competitive. Enter your ZIP code below to find cheap auto insurance near you.
How much does auto insurance cost for a new driver?
Young, new drivers see some of the highest rates for car insurance because they lack the experience to handle some of the most dangerous situations on the road. The average 16-year-old pays about $592 monthly for full coverage insurance, which can be four times as much as older adults.
Does paying off your auto loan lower the average cost of auto insurance?
If you were carrying gap insurance, you can drop that coverage once you pay off the loan to lower your insurance rates. Learn how to cancel gap insurance.
Does the cost of auto insurance decrease every year?
Insurance rates are more likely to increase every year based on factors outside of your control — like increased claims in your neighborhood, more car thefts, or higher vandalism cases. However, auto insurance costs can decrease for various reasons, including when you gain more driving experience, increase your credit score, or when traffic incidents fall off your record.
At what age is auto insurance cheapest?
Car insurance is cheapest for drivers between 45 and 65 years old.
What’s the difference between minimum and full coverage auto insurance?
Minimum insurance refers to the minimum auto insurance coverage you have to sign up for to legally drive. Most states require liability insurance, which can include uninsured motorist and personal injury protection. Full coverage offers better protection for your vehicle and includes liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and personal injury protection insurance. However, it costs more than minimum insurance.