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Jerry Data & Research
The Average Cost of Car Insurance
On average, US drivers pay approximately $121/month for car insurance—but you may be able to lower these rates by smart shopping.
Written by Kianna Walpole
Edited by Amy Bobinger
Jump to:
- Drivers pay approximately $121 per month on car insurance
- Minimum liability costs less than full coverage, but it can leave you vulnerable
- These providers offer the lowest average rates
- The average cost of car insurance by demographic
- Other factors that can impact your average car insurance rates
- Car insurance rose by 24% from 2022 to 2023—here’s why
- You can save up to 20% on the average cost of car insurance with these tips
- FAQ
- Meet our experts
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The average cost of
car insurance
in the US is $77 per month for state minimum coverage and $165 per month for full coverage. In the past two years, car insurance has increased by approximately 24%, but by shopping smart, you can find affordable rates for the protection you need.Drivers pay approximately $121 per month on car insurance
Drivers in the US pay an average of $121 per month for car insurance. This breaks down to $77 per month for the state minimum, and $165 per month for full coverage—however, your car insurance rates will vary based on several factors, such as your age, driving history, and location.
State regulations and car insurance laws vary depending on where you live. While some states mandate $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability and $25,000 per accident in property damage coverage, others may require higher limits, or more coverage, thus raising costs.
To help visualize the difference in car insurance premiums across states, Jerry experts gathered the average cost of car insurance for each state. Here are the results:
State | Minimum coverage | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|
$64 | $149 | |
$61 | $157 | |
$66 | $161 | |
$66 | $200 | |
$60 | $181 | |
$98 | $183 | |
$77 | $185 | |
District of Columbia | $83 | $164 |
$174 | $312 | |
$104 | $213 | |
$44 | $114 | |
$42 | $102 | |
$63 | $138 | |
$56 | $114 | |
$55 | $135 | |
$109 | $199 | |
$105 | $260 | |
$60 | $129 | |
$91 | $192 | |
$41 | $75 | |
$118 | $197 | |
$67 | $133 | |
$65 | $162 | |
$59 | $147 | |
$45 | $124 | |
$43 | $109 | |
$73 | $152 | |
$52 | $121 | |
$43 | $82 | |
$93 | $181 | |
$54 | $159 | |
$63 | $150 | |
$122 | $211 | |
$49 | $106 | |
$60 | $137 | |
$70 | $149 | |
$53 | $133 | |
$67 | $152 | |
$113 | $218 | |
$53 | $124 | |
$59 | $155 | |
$85 | $198 | |
$67 | $132 | |
$61 | $130 | |
$36 | $80 | |
$65 | $145 | |
$42 | $103 | |
$59 | $134 | |
$29 | $89 | |
Average coverage cost | $77 | $165 |
But it’s not just your demographic factors that can change your auto insurance rates. Other factors, such as your coverage levels and additional insurance options can also influence your final premium amount. To make sure you’re getting the best rate for your specific profile, compare quotes frequently from multiple insurance companies.
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Minimum liability costs less than full coverage, but it can leave you vulnerable
Regardless of where you live, all drivers in the US are required to purchase their state minimum limits for
liability insurance
. On average, this type of policy costs around $77 per month, and generally includes both bodily injury coverage
and property damage insurance
.A liability-only policy will cover any medical expenses or property damages for third parties up to your policy limits. This type of coverage does not pay for your medical bills unless you live in a state that requires
medical payments coverage
(MedPay) or personal injury protection
(PIP). It doesn’t cover damage to your vehicle, either. Your car insurance rates can vary based on a lot of factors, like where you live, the car you drive, and your driving record. But since all insurance companies calculate rates differently, you may also pay more or less depending on the insurance company you choose. Here’s how much you can expect to pay, on average, for a minimum liability car insurance policy with these top providers:
Insurance company | Monthly coverage cost | Annual coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
$105 | $1,266 | |
$85 | $1,019 | |
$66 | $791 | |
$116 | $1,380 | |
$94 | $1,123 | |
$74 | $890 | |
$61 | $734 | |
$79 | $947 | |
$58 | $693 |
Full coverage can provide added protection in a variety of scenarios
While liability coverage is generally the cheapest car insurance on a monthly basis, most drivers will benefit from a
full coverage car insurance policy
, complete with comprehensive
and collision coverage
. And you may be required to carry this type of policy if you’re leasing or financing a vehicle.The national average for a full coverage auto insurance policy is about $165 per month, but rates can change based on your driving and insurance history. Take a look at the average cost of a full coverage policy with some of the top providers in the US:
Insurance company | Monthly coverage cost | Annual coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
$215 | $2,584 | |
$198 | $2,380 | |
$130 | $1,559 | |
$321 | $3,857 | |
$239 | $2,864 | |
$146 | $1,756 | |
$155 | $1,860 | |
$178 | $2,317 | |
$162 | $1,939 |
Drivers should also consider other add-on insurance options, such as
roadside assistance
, which will come to your aid with a tow or minor mechanical help if you break down while you’re driving, and uninsured motorist coverage
, which helps provide coverage if you’re in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. Additionally, drivers should look into increasing their liability limits beyond their state requirements. A serious accident can easily cause damages that exceed state minimum liability limits—and if you can’t afford to pay the remaining balance, your assets and future income could be on the line.
These providers offer the lowest average rates
To help drivers find more affordable—and reliable—car insurance, Jerry experts conducted one of the largest surveys in the nation. In this survey, over 15,000 respondents rated their current providers in three major categories: customer satisfaction, policy cost, and claims handling.
After taking these results into consideration and looking at our own in-house data, we found that these providers had the cheapest average rates and highest customer ratings combined:
Insurance company | Minimum coverage | Full coverage | Cost rating | Overall Jerry rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$52 | $167 | 3.4 | 4.6 | |
$57 | $140 | 5.0 | 4.7 | |
$59 | $141 | 4.2 | 4.6 | |
$61 | $155 | 4.0 | 4.3 | |
$66 | $130 | 4.6 | 4.6 | |
$70 | $164 | 4.2 | 4.5 | |
$74 | $146 | 3.5 | 4.3 | |
$78 | $178 | 3.8 | 4.2 |
While these rates are already relatively lower, drivers can continue to save even more with the
Jerry
app. With Jerry, you can build a custom profile and compare quotes from dozens of auto insurance companies at once, so it’s easy to find the best rates for you. Are you paying more than the average rate?
Are you paying more than the average rate?
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The average cost of car insurance by demographic
Your coverage choices are only one part of the insurance equation. When it comes to your auto insurance policy, your age (or driving experience), driving record, and vehicle type can also change how your premiums are calculated.
Drivers under 22 have some of the highest average car insurance rates
The average cost of car insurance for teen drivers in the US is approximately $395 per month. This places the going rate for
teen car insurance
at around 169% higher than drivers between the ages of 22 and 65.According to a recent article by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, young drivers (16-21) are more likely to underestimate or not recognize dangerous situations and make more critical errors due to their lack of experience behind the wheel1. As a result, a majority of insurers view this age demographic as
high-risk
, ultimately leading to increased premium costs.Once motorists turn 22, rates tend to decrease, with the most significant drop occurring once a driver reaches 25. In most states, rates increase once again when drivers turn 65+. Similar to teen drivers, insurers deem more senior motorists as higher risk due to age-related factors, such as impaired vision and slower reaction times.
Drivers between 55 and 64 tend to see the lowest rates at $116 per month. Here’s a further breakdown of how much, on average, drivers in the US pay based on their age:
Age | Minimum coverage | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|
<18 | $280 | $649 |
18-21 | $205 | $463 |
22-25 | $126 | $296 |
26-34 | $92 | $215 |
35-44 | $85 | $191 |
45-54 | $80 | $178 |
55-64 | $75 | $157 |
65+ | $79 | $158 |
To lower costs, Jerry experts often recommend that teen drivers remain on a parent or guardian’s policy, and that both young motorists and senior drivers take advantage of
car insurance discounts
, such as paid in full, loyalty programs, or good student. A poor driving record can increase your average car insurance rate by 68%
On average, drivers with violations pay 68% more for premiums compared to those with a
clean driving record
, raising rates from $121 per month to $203 per month. Any infraction or violation on your record—whether it’s a single
speeding ticket
or DUI
charge—can increase your car insurance rates. However, the total cost increase depends on the type of violation you have and your state laws. Here’s a look at the average cost of insurance drivers pay after specific violations or infractions:Violation/infraction | Average coverage cost |
|---|---|
Failure to stop | $182 |
Illegal turn | $182 |
Driving on a suspended license | $185 |
Driving without a seat belt | $192 |
Passing a school bus | $198 |
Cell phone use | $201 |
Careless driving | $210 |
DUI | $213 |
Speeding - Major | $248 |
More serious violations, such as a DUI or reckless driving charge will increase your rates the most and come with an
SR-22 requirement
. With an SR-22, the average cost of car insurance rises to $207 per month. While some providers, such as GEICO
and Progressive
, offer competitive rates for those with SR-22s, most insurers opt to exclude these higher risk drivers from their coverage plans. If you’re paying over the average for car insurance after a violation, you can find cheaper car insurance prices by comparing rates among providers. Additionally, some states allow drivers to complete a defensive driving program to either stop points from going on their record or have points removed entirely.
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Minimize the impact of violations
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America’s 10 most popular cars cost an average of $1,878 a year to insure
Your vehicle will also have an impact on your car insurance rates. Insurers look at things like how safe a vehicle is, how frequently drivers file serious claims, the cost of repairing or replacing the car, and even how often that model is stolen when they’re setting rates.
To help you better understand how your vehicle choice affects what you pay for car insurance, our experts analyzed the coverage costs for the ten top-selling vehicles in the US, according to Edmunds2.
The average cost of car insurance coverage for these vehicles is approximately $157 per month, although your own auto insurance costs may vary. Here’s a closer look at what drivers pay on average for their monthly auto insurance premiums with the top 10 vehicles in the US:
Vehicle type | Average coverage cost |
|---|---|
$164 | |
$142 | |
$150 | |
$129 | |
$156 | |
$172 | |
$163 | |
$257 | |
$145 | |
$150 |
It’s also important to note that any modifications to your vehicle can influence your premium costs as well. Similarly, the age of your vehicle can also have an impact on your rates. New cars tend to cost more than their older counterparts due to newer technology and increased repair and replacement costs. As a result, insurers raise premiums to offset these added expenses.
Other factors that can impact your average car insurance rates
Driver age, location, driving experience, and vehicle type are the most influential factors when it comes to averaging car insurance premiums. However, there are a few other factors that can change your premium costs, depending on where you live, including:
- Your insurance history: Drivers with acoverage lapseon their insurance history will typically see their rates climb from the average $121 per month to approximately $203 per month (a 69% increase). Similarly, if you’ve filed recently filed an insurance claim, your rates could average $166 per month.
- Your credit score: Drivers with a poor credit score (< 600) pay an average of $223 per month for car insurance—a 21% increase compared to those with moderate credit (601-699) and a 52% increase compared to those with high credit (700+). Remember,California,Hawaii,Michigan, andMassachusettsprohibit the use of credit when calculating premium costs.
- Your marital status: On average, single drivers pay 7% more for car insurance than those who are married. Oftentimes, insurance companies seemarried driversas more cautious and financially responsible drivers, which is why they generally see cheaper rates. Insurers inHawaii,Massachusetts, andMontanacannot use marital status when determining rates.
Car insurance rose by 24% from 2022 to 2023—here’s why
In 2022, the average cost of car insurance was approximately $176 per month, or $2,112 per year. In 2023, this rate increased to $219 per month, or $2,627 per year. So, what prompted the large jump? Here are a few key reasons.
Inflation and supply chain shortages
After the pandemic, many areas experienced a rise in the cost of living—and these increased costs have led to higher costs for replacement parts. As a result, mechanics and repair technicians have had to charge customers more to compensate for the loss.
A shortage of labor is also contributing to higher prices. With less workers in the field, factories are slower to ship parts and auto shops need more time to repair vehicles. Slower repairs mean that insurance companies are paying more for rental cars during this waiting period.
Increasing auto theft rates
From 2022 to 2023, auto theft rates in the US increased from 1,008,756 to 1,020,729—a number that’s been steadily rising since 20193. This is a major concern for insurers, as more drivers are filing theft claims, which drives up the overall cost of insurance as a way to offset the extra expenses.
Climate change
Based on data from the National Centers for Environmental Information, the yearly temperature in North America has increased by 0.23°F since 19104. As a result, a heatwave in the West broke over 1,000 heat records in 2022, and major flooding in southern Illinois in 2016 trapped several residents in their homes for an extended period of time5.
For this reason, several home and auto insurers have ceased writing new policies in states like
California
and Illinois
for the time being. And for insurance companies that have stayed in these high-risk areas, the higher chance that policyholders may file a claim leads to an increase in the cost of coverage for all motorists. You can save up to 20% on the average cost of car insurance with these tips
Although the average cost of car insurance is relatively inexpensive, it may not be an accurate representation of what you’ll ultimately pay for coverage. If you find your rates to be higher—or even lower—than the average cost, you can still save on premiums with these tips.
- Continuously shop for car insurance: Even with a policy in place, it’s always best to keep shopping for car insurance to avoid missing out on any deals. With Jerry, you can turn on the auto-reshop feature and be notified of any potential savings opportunities with your provider or other insurers in your area.
- Search for discounts: Most insurance companies offercar insurance discountsto help drivers save on costs. Depending on your provider, you may qualify for good driver, student away at school, multi-car, or automatic payment discounts.
- Raise your deductible: If you have comprehensive insurance or collision coverage on your policy, you canraise your deductible amountto lower your monthly costs. However, it’s important to remember to never increase your deductible past what you can realistically afford after an accident.
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Lower your premiums with Jerry!
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FAQ
What is the average cost of car insurance per month?
On average, US drivers pay approximately $121 per month for car insurance. That equates to around $77 per month for the state minimum, and $165 per month for
full coverage policies
.How much is car insurance on average in the US?
The average cost of car insurance in the US is around $121 per month. However, drivers may experience higher or lower rates depending on their driver profile, location, vehicle type, and more.
Who normally has the cheapest car insurance?
Anchor General
, Madison Mutual
, and Travelers
tend to have the cheapest overall rates for drivers in the US. However, it’s important to remember that there is no one single provider who will offer the lowest premiums for all drivers. To find your ideal rate, compare quotes. How does the type of vehicle you drive affect your car insurance premiums?
Your vehicle make, model, year, and modifications can all impact your rates. The more expensive and unique parts you use in your vehicle, the higher repair and replacement costs will be. This is also true for vehicles that are either luxury, sport, or classic. Similarly, the older your vehicle is, the cheaper it will be to insure, as its core components are less costly to exchange.
Is auto insurance cheaper for homeowners?
Car insurance is typically cheaper for homeowners than renters. On average, homeowners pay 11% less for car insurance than those who rent, as homeowners are often viewed as more financially responsible by insurers, and qualify for
bundling and multi-policy discounts
.Meet our experts
Kianna Walpole
Expert Insurance Writer & Editor
Kianna Walpole is an insurance writer and editor with a comprehensive background in consumer behavior and online publishing. With experience in car insurance, maintenance, and repair, she is dedicated to building informative content that helps customers reduce costs while achieving the best service. Prior to joining the Jerry editorial team, Kianna worked as a junior editor in the content marketing industry, using consumer data and key insights to create and edit content for an array of large-scale clients in the real estate, cybersecurity, and healthcare industries.
Amy Bobinger
Licensed Insurance Agent — Expert Insurance Editor
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars.
Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
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