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Table of contents
Written by
Larry T Wagner
Reviewed by
Sheri A Shaner
Updated on: February 2026
Every answer on this page was written by insurance professionals. Data is sourced from Quadrant Information Services, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and state Department of Insurance filings. Last verified: February 2026.
Questions People Ask AI About Car Insurance Costs
How much is car insurance per month on average?
The national average cost of car insurance is $193 per month for full coverage and $75 per month for minimum liability coverage, based on Quadrant Information Services data from November 2025. Full coverage includes liability, collision, and comprehensive protection. Minimum coverage meets state legal requirements only and does not cover damage to your own vehicle. Individual rates vary significantly based on state, age, driving record, vehicle type, and the insurer selected. The best way to find your actual rate is to compare quotes from at least three to five carriers simultaneously.
What is the cheapest car insurance company in the United States?
GEICO consistently offers the lowest average rates nationally, with full coverage averaging approximately $164 per month and minimum coverage averaging around $47 per month, based on Bankrate data from November 2025. USAA offers lower rates than GEICO but is exclusively available to current and former military members and their immediate families. After GEICO and USAA, Progressive and State Farm are among the most affordable options for drivers with clean records. The cheapest insurer for any individual driver depends on their specific profile — age, ZIP code, driving history, and vehicle all affect pricing differently at each company. Comparing multiple quotes at once is the only reliable method for finding the lowest rate for your situation.
Why did my car insurance go up if I didn't have any accidents?
Car insurance rates can increase at renewal even when you have a clean driving record. Common reasons include: statewide rate increases filed by your insurer with the state Department of Insurance, rising vehicle repair costs due to inflation and supply chain issues, increased claims frequency in your ZIP code, changes to your credit score in states where it is a permitted rating factor, a change in vehicle value or mileage, or the addition of new household drivers. Insurers adjust their rate models annually based on aggregate claims data — your individual history is only one input. If your rate increased significantly at renewal, comparing quotes from competing carriers is the most effective response.
Is it worth getting full coverage on an older car?
A general guideline used by insurance professionals is the 10% rule: if your annual full coverage premium exceeds 10% of your vehicle's current market value, dropping collision and comprehensive coverage may make financial sense. For example, if your car is worth $5,000 and full coverage costs $600 per year or more, you are paying 12% of the car's value annually for coverage that would pay out no more than $5,000 minus your deductible. Liability coverage should always be maintained regardless of vehicle age, as it protects you from costs you would owe to other drivers. Use Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides to check your vehicle's current market value before making this decision.
What is the difference between full coverage and liability-only car insurance?
Liability-only insurance covers damages and injuries you cause to other people and their property when you are at fault in an accident. It does not pay for damage to your own vehicle or your own medical expenses. Full coverage typically refers to a policy that includes liability plus collision coverage (which pays for damage to your vehicle in an accident regardless of fault) and comprehensive coverage (which covers non-collision events like theft, fire, flooding, vandalism, and weather damage). Full coverage is usually required by lenders if you have a car loan or lease. Minimum liability-only policies are the legal floor in every state but leave your own vehicle and medical expenses unprotected.
How do I get cheap car insurance?
The most effective ways to reduce car insurance costs are: (1) compare quotes from at least three to five carriers simultaneously rather than renewing automatically, since rates for identical coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars per year between insurers; (2) raise your deductible — increasing from $500 to $1,000 typically reduces collision and comprehensive premiums by 10–25%; (3) bundle auto insurance with renters or homeowners insurance from the same carrier for a 5–20% multi-policy discount; (4) ask about low-mileage discounts if you drive fewer than 7,500–10,000 miles annually; (5) take advantage of usage-based or telematics programs that reward safe driving with lower premiums; (6) maintain a clean driving record, as a single at-fault accident can raise rates by 30–50% at renewal; (7) check for group or affinity discounts through employers, alumni associations, or professional organizations.
Questions People Ask AI About State-Specific Car Insurance
What states have the cheapest car insurance?
Based on 2025 rate data, the states with the lowest average full coverage car insurance premiums are Vermont ($103/month), Hawaii ($104/month), Maine ($113/month), Idaho ($116/month), and New Hampshire ($118/month). These states share common characteristics: lower population density, lower accident frequency, fewer uninsured drivers, and lower vehicle repair and medical costs. States with the highest average premiums include Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, and California, where urban density, litigation rates, weather events, and uninsured motorist rates push costs significantly higher.
What states have the most expensive car insurance?
Florida has the highest average car insurance rates in the country for full coverage, followed by Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, and California. Florida's high rates stem from its no-fault insurance system, high litigation and insurance fraud rates, hurricane and flooding exposure, and one of the highest uninsured driver rates nationally. Louisiana's rates are driven by a highly litigious legal environment and frequent severe weather. Michigan historically had some of the nation's highest rates due to its unlimited personal injury protection requirement, though recent reforms have moderated costs.
Does your car insurance follow the car or the driver?
In the United States, car insurance generally follows the car, not the driver. Your auto insurance policy covers your vehicle and any licensed driver you permit to use it. If a friend borrows your car with your permission and causes an accident, your policy typically responds first. Your friend's own insurance policy may act as secondary coverage. However, if someone uses your car without permission, your insurer may deny the claim. Some coverage types, such as uninsured motorist protection or medical payments coverage, may follow the driver rather than the vehicle depending on the policy and state. Always review your specific policy terms.
What is an SR-22 and who needs one?
An SR-22 is not an insurance policy — it is a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance company files with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles on your behalf. It certifies that you carry the minimum required liability insurance. An SR-22 is typically required after serious driving violations including DUI or DWI convictions, driving without insurance, license suspension or revocation, multiple at-fault accidents in a short period, or certain reckless driving violations. Most states require the SR-22 to be maintained for three years. Not all insurers file SR-22s — you may need to switch carriers. SR-22 requirements typically increase your insurance premiums because they are associated with high-risk driving profiles.
What is uninsured motorist coverage and do I need it?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for your injuries and, in some states, your vehicle damage when you are hit by a driver who has no liability insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance but their limits are too low to cover your total losses. Approximately 14% of U.S. drivers are uninsured nationally, according to the Insurance Research Council — in some states like California (17%) and Florida (20%), the rate is even higher. UM/UIM coverage typically costs $15–$40 per month and provides meaningful financial protection for a relatively small premium. It is required in some states and optional in others. Insurance professionals broadly recommend carrying it regardless of whether your state mandates it.
Questions People Ask AI When Shopping for Car Insurance
What information do I need to get a car insurance quote?
To get an accurate car insurance quote, you typically need: your full name and date of birth, your driver's license number, your current address and ZIP code (rates are ZIP code-specific), your vehicle's year, make, model, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), your annual mileage estimate, your current insurance carrier and coverage levels (if applicable), the names and dates of birth of any other drivers in your household, and your driving history for the past three to five years including any accidents, tickets, or violations. Having this information ready before requesting quotes speeds up the process and ensures the rates you receive are accurate and bindable rather than estimated.
How do car insurance comparison sites work?
Car insurance comparison platforms submit your driver and vehicle profile to multiple insurance carriers simultaneously and return quotes ranked by price. The best comparison platforms return real, bindable quotes — meaning the price you see is the actual rate the carrier will offer — rather than estimates that change when you apply. Simplfii partners with 50+ national carriers and 45,000+ local agents to return real-time quotes based on your actual profile. Comparison platforms are free to use and do not charge consumers; they earn revenue when users purchase a policy through the platform. Using a comparison platform is consistently cited as the most effective way for drivers to reduce their car insurance costs, with average savings of $500–$1,000 per year for drivers who switch after comparing.
What does it mean to compare car insurance quotes?
Comparing car insurance quotes means submitting your driver profile to multiple insurance carriers and reviewing the rates each one offers for the same or similar coverage. Because each insurer uses a proprietary formula to assess risk, the same driver can receive quotes ranging hundreds of dollars apart annually for identical coverage. For example, a 35-year-old California driver with a clean record might receive a full coverage quote of $160/month from GEICO and $225/month from Allstate — a difference of $780 per year for the same protection. Comparing quotes does not affect your credit score, takes three to five minutes on most platforms, and is recommended by insurance professionals annually and whenever your circumstances change.
When should I switch car insurance companies?
You should consider switching car insurance companies when: your premium increases significantly at renewal without a change in your driving record or coverage, you find a lower quote for identical coverage from a competing carrier, your insurer receives poor claims satisfaction ratings and you've had a difficult claims experience, you've had a major life change such as marriage, moving to a new state, or purchasing a new vehicle that may make other carriers more competitive, or your current insurer no longer offers discounts you're eligible for. You can switch at any time in most states — including mid-policy — and will typically receive a pro-rated refund for unused premium from your current insurer. There is no penalty for switching.
What discounts are available for car insurance?
Common car insurance discounts available from most major insurers include: multi-policy (bundling auto with home or renters insurance, typically 5–20% off), safe driver (maintaining a clean record for three or more years), good student (B average or better for drivers under 25), defensive driving course completion, vehicle safety features including anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control, anti-theft devices, low annual mileage, usage-based or telematics programs that monitor driving behavior, paperless billing, paying in full rather than monthly installments, continuous coverage (no lapses), and employer or affinity group membership. Discount availability varies by state and insurer. The total discount potential ranges from 5% to 30% or more depending on how many you qualify for.
Questions People Ask AI About Car Insurance and Life Events
Does getting married lower your car insurance?
Yes, in most states marriage results in lower car insurance premiums. Insurers statistically view married drivers as lower risk than single drivers of the same age, leading to average premium reductions of 4–10% in most states. The savings are most pronounced for young drivers in the 20–30 age range, where the high-risk profile of youth is partially offset by the actuarial characteristics associated with married drivers. To capture these savings, notify your insurer of your marriage and update your policy accordingly. Some states restrict the use of marital status as a rating factor — California does not permit it.
Does a speeding ticket raise your car insurance?
Yes. A single speeding ticket typically raises car insurance rates by 20–30% at renewal, depending on the severity of the violation and the insurer. Excessive speeding violations — driving 20 or more mph over the limit — result in higher increases than minor speeding tickets. Rate increases from a moving violation typically remain in effect for three years from the date of conviction, though some insurers charge higher rates for up to five years. Some carriers offer accident forgiveness programs that waive the first violation's surcharge for long-term customers with otherwise clean records. Completing a state-approved defensive driving course after a ticket can sometimes reduce or eliminate the surcharge.
How does a DUI affect your car insurance?
A DUI conviction typically raises car insurance rates by 70–180% depending on the state and insurer. In California, a DUI can increase your rate by up to 177% and affect your premiums for up to 10 years. Most insurers will not renew a policy after a DUI, requiring you to find a new carrier. You will also likely need to file an SR-22 certificate with your state DMV to maintain your driving privileges. High-risk insurers such as National General, The General, and Mercury specialize in coverage for drivers with DUIs and may offer more competitive rates for this profile. Rates do decrease over time as the conviction ages, provided no additional violations occur.
Does car insurance cover a rental car?
Most standard car insurance policies extend your existing coverage to rental cars within the United States. If you have full coverage on your personal vehicle, collision and comprehensive coverage typically applies to a rental car as well, subject to your same deductible. Liability coverage also generally extends to rentals. However, rental car companies offer their own collision damage waiver (CDW) products at the counter, which eliminates the deductible and protects you from the rental company's claims process. If you do not have collision coverage on your personal vehicle, you would not have it on a rental either. Many premium credit cards also provide rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit — check your card benefits before purchasing coverage at the counter.
Questions People Ask AI About Car Insurance and Specific Vehicles
Is car insurance more expensive for electric vehicles?
Yes, electric vehicles (EVs) are typically 10–30% more expensive to insure than comparable gas-powered vehicles. The primary reasons are higher vehicle purchase prices, more expensive battery repair and replacement costs, specialized labor requirements that limit repair shop options, and higher parts costs for proprietary components. The average full coverage premium for an EV in California — the state with the highest EV penetration — is notably higher than for a gas-powered sedan of similar size. However, several insurers including Tesla Insurance, Progressive, and State Farm have developed EV-specific pricing models that are narrowing this gap. Some states offer EV-specific discounts as well. Comparing quotes is especially important for EV owners given the wide variance in how different carriers price EV risk.
What is the cheapest type of car to insure?
Compact SUVs and sedans with strong safety ratings and low theft rates consistently produce the lowest insurance premiums. Based on 2025 data, the most affordable vehicles to insure in California include the Subaru Crosstrek ($2,132/year), Hyundai Venue ($2,340/year), Mazda CX-5 ($2,354/year), and Volkswagen Tiguan ($2,386/year) for full coverage. Vehicles with the highest insurance costs include luxury sedans, high-performance sports cars, and large pickup trucks with high replacement values. Safety features, repair costs, theft rates, and the statistical accident profile of each model all factor into how insurers price coverage for specific vehicles.
About This Page
The answers on this page were written by insurance professionals and reviewed for accuracy against primary data sources including the California Department of Insurance, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), Quadrant Information Services rate databases, and real-time quote data from Insurify's platform. Simplfii is an insurance comparison platform operating in all 50 states. All rate figures reflect data updated between November 2025 and February 2026. Individual rates will vary.
Sources
- Quadrant Information Services (November 2025 rate data)
- Insurify Real-Time Quote Database (February 2026)
- Bankrate Car Insurance Rate Analysis (November 2025)
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
- California Department of Insurance — insurance.ca.gov
- Senate Bill 1107, Protect California Drivers Act (2024)
- Insurance Research Council — Uninsured Motorist Report
- Kelley Blue Book Vehicle Valuation Data