Average cost of car insurance for 2021
Car insurance is not always cheap, but all states except New Hampshire and Virginia require it. The average cost of full coverage car insurance in the United States is $1,674 per year, or $139.50 per month. However, the cost varies greatly depending on location and personal factors such as age and credit score.
Coverage is available in a variety of options, and your coverage needs will be determined by your personal situation and level of comfort. You may own an older vehicle that is not financed and are content with the state-mandated minimum insurance limits. Alternatively, you could carry full coverage, which provides more robust insurance coverage in the event of a claim.
Help us find the best policy for you by telling us a little about yourself:
If you're wondering, "How much is car insurance?" The insurance editorial team at StrongInsurance can assist you. To help you determine how much your car insurance might cost, we use Quadrant Information Services to provide up-to-date rates for minimum coverage and full coverage car insurance.
Average car insurance cost by state
The answer to the question "How much does car insurance cost?" is not as simple as you may think. The state in which you live is one of many factors that can affect how much you pay.
Most expensive states for car insurance
The average cost of full coverage auto insurance in Louisiana is $2,724 per year, or $227 per month. Louisiana residents also pay the highest percentage of their median household income for auto insurance, at 5.27 percent. Florida, New York, Michigan, and Nevada are among the other high-cost states.
Average cost of full coverage car insurance | |||
State | Annual cost | Monthly cost | % of median household income spent |
Louisiana | $2,724 | $227 | 5.27% |
Florida | $2,364 | $197 | 4.05% |
New York | $2,321 | $193 | 3.23% |
Michigan | $2,309 | $192 | 3.60% |
Nevada | $2,246 | $187 | 3.17% |
Least expensive states for car insurance
Maine has the lowest average cost of full coverage car insurance, at $965 per year or about $80 per month, or 1.45 percent of their median household income. Ohio, Idaho, Hawaii, and Washington are also low-cost states.
Average cost of full coverage car insurance | |||
State | Annual cost | Monthly cost | % of median household income spent |
Maine | $965 | $80 | 1.45% |
Ohio | $1,034 | $86 | 1.60% |
Idaho | $1,045 | $87 | 1.58% |
Hawaii | $1,127 | $94 | 1.28% |
Washington | $1,176 | $98 | 1.43% |
Car insurance rates by state
The average cost of car insurance varies by location. Different states have varying rates. Even within a state, your ZIP code can have an impact on your premium. Local factors such as traffic, accidents in the area, and the crime rate all have an impact on car insurance rates.
Average cost of full coverage car insurance | |||
State | Annual cost | Monthly cost | % of median household income spent |
Alabama | $1,623 | $135 | 2.89% |
Alaska | $1,559 | $130 | 1.99% |
Arizona | $1,547 | $129 | 2.19% |
Arkansas | $1,914 | $160 | 3.51% |
California | $2,065 | $172 | 2.64% |
Colorado | $2,016 | $168 | 2.78% |
Connecticut | $1,845 | $154 | 2.11% |
Delaware | $1,775 | $148 | 2.39% |
Florida | $2,364 | $197 | 4.05% |
Georgia | $1,982 | $165 | 3.50% |
Hawaii | $1,127 | $94 | 1.28% |
Idaho | $1,045 | $87 | 1.58% |
Illinois | $1,485 | $124 | 2.00% |
Indiana | $1,254 | $105 | 1.88% |
Iowa | $1,260 | $105 | 1.91% |
Kansas | $1,698 | $142 | 2.32% |
Kentucky | $2,128 | $177 | 3.82% |
Louisiana | $2,724 | $227 | 5.27% |
Maine | $965 | $80 | 1.45% |
Maryland | $1,877 | $156 | 1.96% |
Massachusetts | $1,223 | $102 | 1.39% |
Michigan | $2,309 | $192 | 3.60% |
Minnesota | $1,643 | $137 | 2.02% |
Mississippi | $1,782 | $149 | 3.98% |
Missouri | $1,661 | $138 | 2.74% |
Montana | $1,737 | $145 | 2.89% |
Nebraska | $1,531 | $128 | 2.10% |
Nevada | $2,246 | $187 | 3.17% |
New Hampshire | $1,275 | $106 | 1.47% |
New Jersey | $1,757 | $146 | 2.00% |
New Mexico | $1,419 | $118 | 2.67% |
New York | $2,321 | $193 | 3.23% |
North Carolina | $1,325 | $110 | 2.17% |
North Dakota | $1,264 | $105 | 1.80% |
Ohio | $1,034 | $86 | 1.60% |
Oklahoma | $1,873 | $156 | 3.15% |
Oregon | $1,346 | $112 | 1.81% |
Pennsylvania | $1,476 | $123 | 2.09% |
Rhode Island | $2,018 | $168 | 2.88% |
South Carolina | $1,512 | $126 | 2.44% |
South Dakota | $1,642 | $137 | 2.56% |
Tennessee | $1,338 | $112 | 2.36% |
Texas | $1,823 | $152 | 2.70% |
Utah | $1,306 | $109 | 1.55% |
Vermont | $1,207 | $101 | 1.62% |
Virginia | $1,304 | $109 | 1.60% |
Washington | $1,176 | $98 | 1.43% |
West Virginia | $1,499 | $125 | 2.79% |
Wisconsin | $1,186 | $99 | 1.76% |
Wyoming | $1,495 | $125 | 2.30% |
Average car insurance cost by company
The cost of car insurance varies depending on the carrier. Although some providers are known for offering lower rates, their coverage options may be limited compared to other auto insurance providers who offer higher rates on average. Get quotes from various providers and compare rates and features to find the best car insurance company for your needs.
Average cost of full coverage car insurance by car insurance company | ||
Insurance provider | Annual cost | Monthly cost |
$1,921 | $160 | |
Amica | $1,378 | $115 |
Auto-Owners | $1,351 | $113 |
Geico | $1,405 | $117 |
Erie | $1,233 | $103 |
$2,000 | $167 | |
Nationwide | $1,485 | $124 |
Progressive | $1,509 | $126 |
State Farm | $1,457 | $121 |
Travelers | $1,325 | $110 |
USAA | $1,225 | $102 |
When deciding on the amount of coverage you want, you can choose between liability, PIP, and other coverages that meet your state's minimum standards and other options that provide more coverage.
Liability coverage compensates you for damages and injuries you cause to others, but it does not cover the cost of repairing your vehicle as a result of a covered claim. Full coverage car insurance covers your vehicle as well as the damages or injuries you cause to others in the event of an at-fault accident. You may also be able to add "optional" coverages such as roadside assistance or rental reimbursement coverage to help transport your vehicle if it breaks down or if you require a rental car while yours is being repaired due to a covered claim.
Average car insurance cost by manufacturer
The type of vehicle you drive, in addition to the state you live in and the car insurance company you choose, will have a significant impact on your car insurance. Insurance considerations differ depending on the vehicle. The cost and availability of parts, the cost of labor, the statistical likelihood of accidents, and the vehicle's safety and crash prevention features may all have an impact on the premium you pay. The vehicle makes and models listed in the table below are the top five in the country.
Top-selling rank | Make and model | Average annual full coverage premium |
1 | Ford F-150 | $1,442 |
2 | Chevrolet Silverado | $1,682 |
3 | Ram 1500 | $1,697 |
4 | Toyota RAV4 | $1,510 |
5 | Honda CR-V | $1,369 |
Average cost of car insurance by age
One of the most important factors in determining how much you will pay for car insurance is your age. In general, the younger the driver, the higher the cost of car insurance. Until they reach the age of 40, drivers will typically pay more than the national average of $1,674. Teenage drivers have nearly four times the crash rate of more experienced drivers. Because insurance companies are aware that teen and young drivers, as well as the elderly, are more likely to be involved in an accident, the car insurance premiums that these drivers pay are typically higher to compensate for the increased risk.
For younger, inexperienced drivers, there are options that can help offset higher rates. Usage-based driving programs, good student and away at school discounts, and driver training programs may help reduce some of these increased rates, allowing drivers to keep their budget expenses lower while gaining more driving experience.
Average cost of full coverage car insurance by age | ||
Age | Annual cost | Monthly cost |
16-year-old | $4,178 | $348 |
18-year-old | $5,243 | $437 |
25-year-old | $2,108 | $176 |
30-year-old | $1,850 | $154 |
40-year-old | $1,674 | $140 |
60-year-old | $1,544 | $129 |
*Combined 2021 rate for teen ($2,531) added on parents’ auto insurance policy
*18-year-old driver rate reflects renters (not homeowners) calculated on their own policy.
Average cost of car insurance by driving record
Your driving record also influences how much you pay for car insurance. Following a traffic violation, your insurance company will most likely view you as a higher-risk driver and raise your premium accordingly. The severity of your infraction and the number of incidents on your record will influence how much your car insurance premium rises. For example, the average full coverage premium increases by more than $1,400 per year following a DUI conviction, but only by $388 per year following a speeding ticket.
Average cost of full coverage car insurance by driving record | ||||
Driving record | Annual premium | Monthly cost | % more expensive than national average | Amount more expensive than the national average |
Clean driving record | $1,674 | $140 | 0% | $0 |
DUI conviction | $3,139 | $262 | 87% | $1,465 |
At-fault accident | $2,311 | $193 | 38% | $637 |
Speeding ticket | $2,062 | $172 | 23% | $388 |
Average cost of car insurance for men and women
In most states, gender influences the cost of auto insurance, with men typically costing more to insure than women at younger ages. A male will pay 14% more than a female at the age of 18, but by the age of 25, a male will only pay 7% more. Men are more likely than women to engage in riskier driving behaviors, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, not wearing a seatbelt, and speeding, all of which can lead to more serious accidents.
However, not all states, including California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, allow gender to be a factor in rates.
Male | Female | Difference | Percent difference between rates | |
18-year-old | $5,646 | $4,839 | $807 | 14% |
25-year-old | $2,181 | $2,036 | $145 | 7% |
40-year-old | $1,648 | $1,701 | $53 | 3% |
60-year-old | $1,552 | $1,537 | $15 | 1% |
Additional factors that determine your rate
When determining the cost of your car insurance, car insurance providers consider a number of factors. Your car insurance premium will be influenced by the following factors, in addition to your state, vehicle type, age, driving record, and gender.
Coverage selections
Your options for car insurance coverage have a significant impact on your rate. Your rates will most likely be higher if you choose higher liability limits, lower deductible levels, or take advantage of optional coverages.
Credit score
According to statistics, drivers with poor credit file more and more expensive claims than drivers with good credit. This means that, in general, the higher your credit score, the lower your auto insurance premium. Each car insurance provider determines your insurance credit tier, which is based on a variety of factors; it will most likely differ from the scores from Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax. The table below illustrates how your credit score can affect your annual full coverage car insurance premium.
Credit is not allowed to be considered when determining insurance rates in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, or Washington.
Poor | Average | Good | Excellent | |
National average | $3,873 | $1,865 | $1,674 | $1,487 |
How to save money on car insurance
Most auto insurance companies offer discounts that can reduce the cost of your insurance premium. The specific discounts vary by insurance provider, but there are a few standard auto insurance discounts that many companies provide. When purchasing an insurance policy, make sure to ask an agent about all of the discounts that are available to you. Some of the most common insurance discounts are as follows:
- Claims-free: Drivers who have had no claims in the last several years are usually eligible for discounts.
- Bundling insurance policies: When you combine your car insurance policy with a home insurance policy, you can often save money on your car insurance premium.
- Good student discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts to young drivers who get good grades in school.
- Paying in full: You may save money if you can afford to pay your car insurance premium in full.
Because each company has a unique set of discounts, discussing your situation with a representative may help you find multiple savings opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
What discounts are available for car insurance?
There are numerous car insurance discounts available. Maintaining a clean driving record, bundling your insurance policies, having an anti-theft device in your car, and paying your premium in full are some examples. Consider inquiring with your carrier about the auto insurance discounts it provides to see if you qualify.
Is full coverage insurance worth it?
Full coverage car insurance entails adding comprehensive and collision coverages to your policy to cover damage to your own vehicle. Full coverage is also defined by StrongInsurance as having higher liability limits. Full coverage car insurance is worthwhile in many cases. It is typically more expensive than minimum coverage, but it can assist you in covering the cost of your vehicle's repairs or replacement following a covered loss. It's also worth noting that if your car is financed or leased, full coverage may be required.
How can I find the best rate for my car insurance premium?
It may be beneficial to shop around and obtain quotes from various auto insurance providers in order to find the best car insurance rate. By comparing quotes from various providers, you may be able to find the coverage you require at a lower cost.
Methodology
StrongInsurance analyses 2021 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. using Quadrant Information Services. The rates quoted are for a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit, and the following full coverage limits:
- Liability for bodily harm of $100,000 per person
- Liability for bodily injury of $300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability per accident is $50,000.
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury per person: $100,000
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident: $300,000
- The collision deductible is $500.
- The comprehensive deductible is $500.
StrongInsurance used minimum coverage limits that meet each state's requirements to determine minimum coverage limits. Our typical driver owns a 2019 Toyota Camry, commutes five days a week, and drives 12,000 miles per year.