Auto Insurance Average Cost

Auto insurance is a necessary expense for all vehicle owners. It helps protect you and your car in case of accidents, theft, or damage. However, the cost of auto insurance can vary depending on several factors. In this article, we will discuss the average cost of auto insurance in the United States and the factors that affect it.

What is the Average Cost of Auto Insurance?

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the average cost of auto insurance in the United States is $1,004 per year. However, this is just an average, and the cost of auto insurance can vary widely depending on where you live, your driving history, the type of car you drive, and other factors.

Factors That Affect Auto Insurance Cost

There are several factors that can affect the cost of auto insurance. Let’s take a look at some of the most important ones:

1. Your Age and Gender

Younger drivers, especially those under the age of 25, are often charged higher auto insurance rates because they are considered to be riskier drivers. Additionally, men are generally charged higher rates than women because they are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents.

2. Your Driving History

If you have a history of accidents, speeding tickets, or other traffic violations, you will likely have to pay higher insurance rates. That’s because insurance companies consider you to be a riskier driver.

3. Your Location

Where you live can also affect your insurance rates. Urban areas with higher traffic volumes and higher rates of car theft are generally charged higher rates than rural areas with lower traffic volumes and lower crime rates.

4. Your Car

The type of car you drive can also affect your insurance rates. Cars that are more expensive to repair or are more likely to be stolen are generally charged higher rates. Additionally, cars with high safety ratings and lower accident rates are often charged lower rates.

5. Your Coverage

The more coverage you have, the higher your insurance rates will be. For example, if you have a policy with a high deductible, you will likely pay lower rates than someone with a lower deductible because you are taking on more risk.

Auto Insurance Cost by State

The cost of auto insurance can vary widely depending on which state you live in. Let’s take a look at the average cost of auto insurance by state:

State
Average Annual Cost
Alabama
$768
Alaska
$1,065
Arizona
$986
Arkansas
$736
California
$1,731
Colorado
$1,095
Connecticut
$1,262
Delaware
$1,274
Florida
$1,364
Georgia
$905
Hawaii
$755
Idaho
$574
Illinois
$878
Indiana
$661
Iowa
$558
Kansas
$724
Kentucky
$904
Louisiana
$1,405
Maine
$666
Maryland
$1,054
Massachusetts
$1,184
Michigan
$2,141
Minnesota
$788
Mississippi
$726
Missouri
$831
Montana
$875
Nebraska
$638
Nevada
$1,103
New Hampshire
$756
New Jersey
$1,417
New Mexico
$780
New York
$1,388
North Carolina
$705
North Dakota
$592
Ohio
$681
Oklahoma
$839
Oregon
$904
Pennsylvania
$926
Rhode Island
$1,327
South Carolina
$827
South Dakota
$573
Tennessee
$771
Texas
$1,035
Utah
$772
Vermont
$699
Virginia
$734
Washington
$845
West Virginia
$968
Wisconsin
$680
Wyoming
$633

FAQs

1. What is the cheapest state for auto insurance?

The cheapest state for auto insurance is Maine, where the average annual cost is $666.

2. What is the most expensive state for auto insurance?

The most expensive state for auto insurance is Michigan, where the average annual cost is $2,141.

3. How can I save money on my auto insurance?

There are several ways to save money on your auto insurance, including:

  • Safe driving: Avoid accidents and traffic violations to keep your rates low.
  • Bundle policies: Consider bundling your auto insurance with other types of insurance, such as home or renters insurance, to save money.
  • Shop around: Compare rates from different insurance companies to find the best deal.
  • Choose a higher deductible: The higher your deductible, the lower your insurance rates will be.
  • Drive a safer car: Cars with high safety ratings and lower accident rates are often charged lower rates.

4. What type of auto insurance coverage do I need?

Most states require drivers to have liability insurance, which covers damages you may cause to other people or their property in an accident. However, you may also want to consider additional coverage options, such as collision coverage, which covers damage to your own car, or comprehensive coverage, which covers non-collision damage, such as theft or vandalism.

5. How often should I review my auto insurance policy?

You should review your auto insurance policy at least once a year to make sure you are getting the best coverage for your needs and the best rates. Additionally, you should review your policy after major life events, such as getting married or buying a new car, to make sure your coverage is still adequate.