How much is car insurance on average?
The average cost of car insurance is $1,163 every six months ($194 per month).[1] Of our customers, 39% said they’re paying too much for car insurance.[2] Whatever your reason for shopping for auto insurance might be, we’re here to help.
💡Remember: Auto insurance quotes vary widely based on individual rating factors. Dive into the data below to see how age, gender, location and type of vehicle can affect your car insurance rate.
Which car insurance companies have the lowest monthly rates?
As part of our car insurance rate analysis, we compared premiums from some of America’s best car insurers. Check out average auto insurance rates from the best car insurance companies below. Keep in mind your individual rates will vary, depending on your driving history.
Travelers
Travelers offers the cheapest car insurance, with an average 6-month policy cost at $818.
USAA
For members of the military and their families, USAA is an excellent choice with an average policy costing $982 for six months.
GEICO
GEICO policies cost $955 for the average driver.
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $764 |
| USAA | $885 |
| GEICO | $954 |
| Progressive | $1,083 |
| Nationwide | $1,094 |
| State Farm | $1,144 |
| Farmers | $1,252 |
| Allstate | $1,501 |
Car insurance costs by location
Car insurance is regulated at the state level and priced by ZIP code. Your exact location can have a major impact on your premium.
📍 The map below shows the average car insurance premium in each state. Compare that number with your premium to see whether you are paying too much for auto insurance.
Car insurance rates depend on unique factors
Beyond location, several personal factors are considered when rating a policy. Age, credit, driving history, and coverage are the most important. In short, young drivers, high-risk drivers, and low-credit drivers will be paying the highest premiums.
Average car insurance rates by driver age
In the eyes of your car insurance company, age directly correlates to driving experience. This is why teens pay such high premiums—brand new drivers often mean a higher risk for accidents. Gender can play a role, too, but the price difference is minimal after your teenage years.
The table below features average full coverage premiums for each age group. For teens, these rates reflect a teen on their parents’ car insurance policy.
| Age Group | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| 16-19 | $2,846 |
| 20s | $1,682 |
| 30s | $1,054 |
| 40s | $1,174 |
| 50s | $986 |
| 60+ | $1,326 |
Car insurance costs by coverage level
Simply put, more coverage means a higher cost. Your deductible also affects your auto insurance price: choosing a higher deductible can reduce your monthly premium, while a lower deductible usually increases it.
Check out the data below to see how much car insurance costs at each coverage level.
Average car insurance premium by driving record
Getting any type of violation — even a minor one — can have major impacts on your premium. Most insurance providers will raise rates for three to five years after any violation, ticket or claim. Driving safely and keeping a clean driving record is one of the best ways to save money on car insurance.
Take a look at the table below to see how much a specific ticket or violation can impact your rate over the course of a six-month policy.
Average cost of car insurance by credit score
In most states, car insurance companies use your credit score to determine risk. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), drivers with low credit not only file more claims than drivers with high credit, but their claims tend to be more expensive. This makes credit a predictor of claim severity.
| Credit tier | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Poor (below 580) | $2,340 |
| Average (680-719) | $1,381 |
| Good (680-719) | $1,256 |
| Excellent (720+) | $1,061 |
Car insurance quotes for different vehicles
Your car type directly affects your car insurance rates. Insurers use its VIN to look up mileage, accident history, and other details to calculate a personalized premium. Use our tool to find average costs for your vehicle type.
How car insurance premiums are calculated
“Average” car insurance rates are hard to calculate, thanks to the myriad of rating factors contributing to any driver’s auto insurance premium. In short, car insurance is priced to suit the risk that each driver poses to an insurer.
Car insurance pricing also varies by company; every insurer weighs factors differently when underwriting a policy. The smartest way to find a fair rate? Skip the guesswork and compare quotes side by side.
