Average Car Insurance Cost by State in 2026: Full Rankings

What's a "normal" car insurance rate? It depends on where you live. A driver in Maine might pay $97 per month for full coverage, while someone in Florida pays $208 for the same protection [1]. That's a $1,338 difference per year, just based on your address.

If you've ever wondered whether your rate is fair for your state, this guide has the answer. Below, you'll find average car insurance costs for all 50 states (plus D.C.) in 2026, along with a simple way to check whether you're paying more than you should.

Quick check: Enter your zip code to compare rates from top carriers in about 2 minutes. It's free, and there's no obligation.

National Average Car Insurance Cost in 2026

The national average for full coverage car insurance in 2026 is about $1,803 per year ($150 per month), based on QuoteFii's analysis of NAIC and BLS government data [2][3]. Minimum coverage (liability only) averages roughly $866 per year ($72 per month) [2][3].

Here's some good news: rates are finally stabilizing. The BLS Consumer Price Index for motor vehicle insurance climbed 17.4% in 2023 and 17.8% in 2024, then sharply decelerated [2]. By early 2026, the 12-month change had fallen to near zero (+0.16%) [2]. For most drivers, that means premiums have stopped rising for now.

That said, these numbers are averages. Your actual rate depends on your state, age, driving record, credit score (in most states), and the car you drive. The state-by-state table below will give you a much better comparison point than the national number alone.

Car Insurance Cost by State: Full 2026 Table

Full coverage car insurance costs range from $97 per month in Maine to $208 per month in Florida, based on NAIC data analyzed by QuoteFii [1][2][3]. The table below shows every state's average and how it compares to the $150/month national figure.

State	Avg. Monthly (Full Coverage)	Avg. Annual (Full Coverage)	vs. National Avg.
Alabama	$133	$1,590	12% below
Alaska	$132	$1,582	12% below
Arizona	$157	$1,885	5% above
Arkansas	$135	$1,625	10% below
California	$148	$1,776	1% below
Colorado	$173	$2,075	15% above
Connecticut	$158	$1,891	5% above
Delaware	$164	$1,967	9% above
Florida	$208	$2,499	39% above
Georgia	$182	$2,189	21% above
Hawaii	$104	$1,251	31% below
Idaho	$103	$1,230	32% below
Illinois	$131	$1,575	13% below
Indiana	$108	$1,293	28% below
Iowa	$105	$1,265	30% below
Kansas	$123	$1,481	18% below
Kentucky	$126	$1,514	16% below
Louisiana	$207	$2,481	38% above
Maine	$97	$1,161	36% below
Maryland	$167	$2,008	11% above
Massachusetts	$148	$1,772	2% below
Michigan	$164	$1,970	9% above
Minnesota	$128	$1,533	15% below
Mississippi	$146	$1,748	3% below
Missouri	$138	$1,658	8% below
Montana	$124	$1,484	18% below
Nebraska	$124	$1,484	18% below
Nevada	$167	$2,006	11% above
New Hampshire	$108	$1,294	28% below
New Jersey	$177	$2,122	18% above
New Mexico	$136	$1,631	9% below
New York	$198	$2,376	32% above
North Carolina	$115	$1,374	24% below
North Dakota	$100	$1,205	33% below
Ohio	$108	$1,301	28% below
Oklahoma	$138	$1,660	8% below
Oregon	$133	$1,590	12% below
Pennsylvania	$133	$1,596	11% below
Rhode Island	$179	$2,143	19% above
South Carolina	$158	$1,901	5% above
South Dakota	$121	$1,451	19% below
Tennessee	$127	$1,519	16% below
Texas	$180	$2,165	20% above
Utah	$134	$1,610	11% below
Vermont	$100	$1,201	33% below
Virginia	$129	$1,552	14% below
Washington	$129	$1,548	14% below
Washington, D.C.	$190	$2,279	26% above
West Virginia	$128	$1,538	15% below
Wisconsin	$105	$1,254	30% below
Wyoming	$123	$1,479	18% below

Last updated: March 2026 [1] | Sort and explore this data in our interactive table See also: State minimum coverage requirements

Cheapest States for Car Insurance in 2026

Maine has the lowest average full coverage rate in the country at $97 per month ($1,161/year), which is 36% below the national average [1]. Here are the five states where drivers pay the least:

1. Maine: $97/month ($1,161/year), 36% below the national average
2. Vermont and North Dakota (tied): $100/month (~$1,200/year), 33% below average
3. Idaho: $103/month ($1,230/year), 32% below average
4. Hawaii: $104/month ($1,251/year), 31% below average
5. Iowa and Wisconsin (tied): $105/month (~$1,260/year), 30% below average

What do these states have in common? Lower population density, fewer accidents per capita, and generally favorable regulatory environments. Maine, Vermont, and North Dakota are among the most rural states in the country, which means less traffic congestion and fewer collision claims [3].

If you live in one of these states and your rate is still above the national average, that's a strong signal to compare quotes.

Most Expensive States for Car Insurance in 2026

Florida has the highest average full coverage rate at $208 per month ($2,499/year), which is 39% above the national average [1][2]. Here are the five most expensive states:

1. Florida: $208/month ($2,499/year), 39% above the national average
2. Louisiana: $207/month ($2,481/year), 38% above average
3. New York: $198/month ($2,376/year), 32% above average
4. Washington, D.C.: $190/month ($2,279/year), 26% above average
5. Georgia: $182/month ($2,189/year), 21% above average

Texas ($180), Rhode Island ($179), and New Jersey ($177) round out the top eight [1].

Why are these states so expensive? Each has its own mix of factors:

• Florida is a no-fault state, meaning your own insurer pays medical bills regardless of who caused the accident. That system, combined with widespread fraud (costing insurers an estimated $1 billion+ annually) and hurricane risk, drives costs up significantly [3].
• Louisiana combines severe weather exposure (hurricanes, flooding), high accident rates, and one of the highest uninsured driver rates in the country [3].
• New York has high population density, expensive medical costs, and a no-fault insurance system that increases baseline premiums [3].
• Georgia saw one of the steepest rate increases in recent years, driven by rising accident severity and litigation costs [2].

For a complete breakdown of which states are no-fault and what coverage each requires, see our state requirements table.

Living in an expensive state doesn't mean you can't find a better rate. Carriers price risk differently, so the "most expensive" carrier in your state might charge double what the cheapest one does for the same coverage. That's exactly why comparing matters.

Are You Paying More Than Your State Average?

Drivers who pay 20% or more above their state average with a clean driving record can typically save by comparing quotes. A Consumer Reports survey of more than 40,000 drivers found that those who switched saved a median of $461 per year [4]. Compare your last bill to the table above to see where you stand.

If your rate is 20% or more above your state average and you have a clean driving record, there's a good chance you could save by comparing quotes. A Consumer Reports survey of more than 40,000 drivers found that those who switched saved a median of $461 per year [4]. In that survey, the median annual premium was $1,452, so the typical switcher cut their bill by roughly a third.

Here's a quick way to think about it. Say you're a 35-year-old driver in Texas with a clean record, and you're paying $260 per month. The Texas average for full coverage is $180 per month [1]. You're paying about 44% above average, or roughly $960 more per year. Even if comparing quotes only gets you halfway to the average, that's $480 back in your pocket every year.

Of course, some factors legitimately push your rate above average:

• Age: Drivers under 25 pay significantly more, averaging $297 per month for full coverage, nearly double the $150 national average [5].
• Driving record: An at-fault accident or speeding ticket can raise your rate by 20-50% for 3-5 years.
• Credit score: In most states, a lower credit score means a higher rate. Only California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan ban the use of credit in insurance pricing [3].
• Vehicle type: Newer, more expensive, or high-performance cars cost more to insure.
• Coverage level: Carrying higher limits or lower deductibles raises your premium.

If none of those apply to you and your rate is still above average, it's time to compare quotes and see what other carriers would charge.

Which States Saw the Biggest Rate Changes in 2026?

While the national average barely moved (up just 0.67%), some states saw much bigger swings [2]:

Biggest increases:

• New Jersey: +10.5%
• Nevada: +6.4%
• California: +6.1%
• New York: +6.0%
• Washington, D.C.: +5.4%

Biggest decreases:

• Iowa: -6.2%
• Minnesota: -5.3%
• Arkansas: -4.7%
• Missouri: -4.5%
• Illinois: -4.3%

If you live in a state where rates dropped, your insurer may not pass those savings along automatically. In the Consumer Reports survey, 34% of drivers didn't even realize their rate had gone up because increases were bundled with small discounts that masked the change [4]. The same thing works in reverse: your state's average may have dropped, but your renewal notice might still show an increase.

This is why checking your rate at every renewal period is one of the simplest moves you can make. Even a 5-minute comparison can reveal whether you're paying a "loyalty penalty" for sticking with the same carrier.

What Affects Your Rate Beyond Location

Two drivers in the same zip code can pay very different amounts for car insurance. Age, driving record, credit score, vehicle type, and coverage choices all shift your rate up or down from your state's baseline:

Age: This is the single biggest factor after location. Drivers under 25 pay about $297 per month for full coverage, nearly double the $150 national average [5]. Rates drop to the $150 baseline at 25 and stay relatively flat through age 64. Seniors 65+ pay slightly less ($143/month). For a detailed breakdown of how age, driving record, and credit score affect what you pay, see our guide to car insurance costs by age and profile.

Driving record: A clean record over the past 3-5 years is your strongest leverage for a lower rate. One at-fault accident can increase your premium by 40% or more, and the impact stays on your record for three to five years in most states [3].

Credit score: In 46 states plus D.C., insurers use credit-based insurance scores as a rating factor. Drivers with poor credit pay significantly more than those with excellent credit for the same coverage [3].

Vehicle: The year, make, model, and safety rating of your car all matter. A 2024 Honda Civic costs less to insure than a 2024 BMW M4 because it's cheaper to repair and less likely to be stolen.

Coverage choices: Choosing a $1,000 deductible instead of $500 can lower your premium by 10-15%. Dropping collision coverage on an older car you own outright can save even more. If you're not sure what coverage you actually need, our guide to comparing auto insurance rates walks through it step by step.

How to Lower Your Car Insurance Rate

Comparing quotes from multiple carriers is the single most effective way to lower your rate, with the median switcher saving $461 per year [4]. If the table above shows you're paying more than your state average, here are the most effective steps:

1. Compare quotes from at least three carriers. This is the single most effective move. Rates vary widely between companies for the same driver and coverage. Reddit users regularly report cutting their premiums in half just by shopping around [6].

2. Ask about discounts you might be missing. Multi-policy bundles (home + auto), good driver discounts, defensive driving course credits, low-mileage discounts, and autopay/paperless billing discounts are all common. One Reddit user reported saving nearly $80 every six months after completing a $40 defensive driving course [6].

3. Raise your deductible. Bumping from $500 to $1,000 can lower your premium noticeably. Just make sure you can afford to pay the deductible if you need to file a claim.

4. Review your coverage annually. If you drive an older car that's worth less than $4,000, carrying collision and "comprehensive" (other than collision) coverage may cost more than the car is worth. Dropping those coverages could save you hundreds per year.

5. Pay in full if possible. Many carriers charge fees for monthly installment plans. Paying your six-month or annual premium upfront can save $50-$100 per year [6].

6. Check your rate after life changes. Moved to a new state? Your rate should change. Turned 25? Rates typically drop. Got married, bought a home, or improved your credit? All of these can lower what you pay.

FAQ

What is the cheapest state for car insurance?

Maine has the lowest average full coverage rate at $97 per month ($1,161 per year), which is 36% below the national average of $150 per month [1]. Vermont and North Dakota (both $100/month) are the next most affordable states.

Why is car insurance so much more expensive in some states?

The biggest factors are state insurance laws (no-fault vs. at-fault systems), weather and natural disaster risk, rates of uninsured drivers, traffic density, and fraud. Florida, Louisiana, and New York consistently rank among the most expensive due to a combination of these factors [2][3].

How much should a 25-year-old pay for car insurance?

At 25, you enter the baseline age tier where the national average is about $150 per month for full coverage [5]. However, your actual rate depends heavily on your state, driving record, and credit. A 25-year-old with a clean record in Ohio might pay less than $120, while the same driver in Florida could pay $250+.

Does car insurance cost more in cities than rural areas?

Yes, typically by 10-30%. Urban areas have more traffic, higher accident rates, more theft, and more uninsured drivers. Your specific zip code within a state can affect your rate as much as the state itself.

How often should I compare car insurance quotes?

At minimum, every time your policy comes up for renewal (every 6 or 12 months). You should also compare after any major life event, such as moving, turning 25, getting married, or buying a new car. Drivers who compare regularly pay less over time [4].

The Bottom Line

Your state has a huge impact on what you pay for car insurance. But within your state, rates can vary by hundreds of dollars between carriers for the exact same coverage and driver profile.

If the table above shows you're paying more than your state average (and your driving record is clean), that's worth investigating. The typical driver who switches saves about $461 per year [4]. Over five years, that's more than $2,300.

Ready to find out what you should be paying? Enter your zip code to compare rates from top carriers in about 2 minutes. It's 100% free, no obligations.

State-level figures on this page are CPI-adjusted estimates based on NAIC premium data and BLS Consumer Price Index data. See our methodology for details. Individual sources are listed below.

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