As of April 2025, the average cost of car insurance in the U.S. is around $2,685 per year (or about $224 per month) but rates vary widely based on factors like age, location, driving history, and coverage level.
Car insurance is a necessary expense for most drivers – is in fact a legal requirement in most states - but the price you pay can be drastically different from what others pay.
Understanding the average cost of car insurance and the factors that influence it can help you make informed decisions, find the best rates, and ensure you’re not overpaying for coverage.
In this article, we’ll break down the average cost of car insurance by state, age, coverage level, and other key factors, plus share tips on how to lower your premiums.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost on Average?
The average cost of car insurance can be very different from the actual cost. Actual costs can range from thousands per year depending on various factors.
Breaking Down Costs by Coverage Type
There are two main types of car insurance policies:
Minimum Coverage: Covers only what is legally required by your state (liability coverage for damages you cause to others). This can cost as little as $300 per year in some states.
Full Coverage: Includes liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance, covering both your car and others. This usually costs upwards of $1,200+ per year.
Here’s a rough estimate of what you might pay for each type of coverage:
Average Cost of Car Insurance by Age
Age is one of the most significant factors affecting car insurance rates. Younger drivers, particularly teenagers, tend to pay the highest rates due to their inexperience and higher likelihood of accidents.
Insurance companies consider teenage drivers high-risk because they are more likely to be involved in accidents. Rates typically start to decrease significantly after age 25, assuming a clean driving record.
Average Cost of Car Insurance by State
Where you live significantly impacts how much you pay for car insurance. States with higher populations, more accidents, severe weather, or high levels of uninsured drivers tend to have higher premiums.
Most Expensive States for Car Insurance (Full Coverage)
New York - $4,192
Florida - $4,151
Louisiana - $3,994
Nevada - $3,577
Colorado - $3,207
Least Expensive States for Car Insurance (Full Coverage)
Beyond age and location, several other factors determine how much you pay for car insurance:
1. Driving Record
Accidents, speeding tickets, and DUI offenses can significantly increase your premium.
A clean driving record can result in discounts.
2. Vehicle Type
Sports cars and luxury vehicles tend to have higher insurance costs due to expensive repairs and higher theft rates.
Family sedans and minivans generally have lower insurance premiums.
3. Credit Score
Many insurance companies use your credit score to assess risk.
A higher credit score can lead to lower premiums (except in states like California and Hawaii, where credit-based pricing is banned).
4. Annual Mileage
The more you drive, the higher your risk of an accident.
Low-mileage drivers (under 7,500 miles/year) may qualify for discounts.
5. Coverage Limits and Deductibles
Higher coverage limits mean higher premiums, but better protection.
Raising your deductible (what you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in) can lower your premium.
How to Lower Your Car Insurance Costs
While some factors affecting car insurance rates are out of your control, there are many ways to reduce your premiums:
1. Shop Around for Quotes -Different insurance companies calculate risk differently, so compare at least three quotes.
2. Bundle Insurance Policies -Some insurers offer multi-policy discounts when you combine car and home/renters insurance.
3. Maintain A Clean Driving Record - Avoiding accidents and traffic violations can keep your rates low.
4. Take Advantage of Discounts -Ask about, safe driver discounts, low mileage discounts, good student discounts, defensive driving course discounts, etc.
5. Improve Your Credit Score - A good credit score can save you in insurance costs in some states.
The average cost of car insurance varies based on factors like age, location, driving history, and vehicle type.
By understanding what affects your rate and taking proactive steps—such as shopping around, raising your deductible, and maintaining a clean driving record—you can potentially lower your insurance costs.
Does Paying the Minimum Payment Each Month Hurt Your Credit?
Does paying the minimum payment hurt your credit? Learn how it can negatively affect your credit score, financial health, and total credit utilization.
