CarInsuranceGuide.us
2026 Data

Average Car Insurance Rates by State 2026

Full coverage and minimum coverage costs for all 50 states. Find out how your state compares and why rates differ so dramatically.

$2,314
National avg/year (full)
$640
National avg/year (min)
$1,353
Cheapest state (Vermont)
$4,788
Most expensive (Michigan)

Car Insurance Rates by State — All 50 States

Full coverage = liability + collision + comprehensive. Rates for a 35-year-old driver with a clean record, 2022 sedan.

State Full Coverage/yr Min Coverage/yr
Alabama$2,147$637
Alaska$2,025$521
Arizona$2,595$765
Arkansas$2,286$568
California$2,416$671
Colorado$3,057$684
Connecticut$2,539$853
Delaware$2,904$986
Florida$3,945$1,128
Georgia$2,754$896
Hawaii$1,638$412
Idaho$1,421$392
Illinois$2,063$581
Indiana$1,674$463
Iowa$1,589$401
Kansas$2,147$531
Kentucky$2,838$874
Louisiana$3,618$1,243
Maine$1,381$378
Maryland$2,681$892
Massachusetts$1,892$542
Michigan$4,788$1,574
Minnesota$2,085$623
Mississippi$2,317$683
Missouri$2,573$712
Montana$2,103$487
Nebraska$2,031$521
Nevada$3,276$987
New Hampshire$1,487$362
New Jersey$3,024$1,143
New Mexico$2,108$573
New York$3,516$1,321
North Carolina$1,598$432
North Dakota$1,742$421
Ohio$1,514$408
Oklahoma$2,543$681
Oregon$1,987$621
Pennsylvania$2,156$624
Rhode Island$2,987$934
South Carolina$2,384$735
South Dakota$1,872$483
Tennessee$1,923$523
Texas$2,643$743
Utah$1,978$531
Vermont$1,353$342
Virginia$1,687$481
Washington$2,073$587
West Virginia$1,894$498
Wisconsin$1,543$412
Wyoming$1,876$487

Why Do Rates Vary So Much by State?

State Minimum Requirements

Each state sets its own minimum liability limits. States requiring higher minimums (like NJ, NY) push up baseline premiums. New Hampshire has no mandatory minimum — drivers choose their own coverage.

No-Fault vs. At-Fault Laws

Michigan, Florida, New York, and 9 other states use no-fault laws requiring Personal Injury Protection (PIP). These states typically cost more because every driver's policy pays their own medical bills regardless of who caused the crash.

Weather & Natural Disasters

Florida hurricanes, Texas hailstorms, and Colorado hail (highest hail damage in the US) drive comprehensive claim costs up, which insurers pass on as higher premiums for all drivers.

Traffic Density & Theft Rates

Urban states like NJ, NY, and CA have more accidents per mile driven. States with high vehicle theft rates (California, Washington) also see higher comprehensive coverage costs.

Uninsured Driver Rate

About 12.6% of US drivers are uninsured nationally. Mississippi (~29%), Michigan (~26%), and Tennessee (~24%) have the highest rates — meaning insured drivers pay more to cover uninsured motorist claims.

Legal & Medical Cost Climate

States with high lawsuit rates and expensive medical costs see higher bodily injury claims. Louisiana is notorious for high litigation rates, contributing to its very high premiums.

5 Most Expensive States

1. Michigan$4,788/yr
2. Florida$3,945/yr
3. New York$3,516/yr
4. Louisiana$3,618/yr
5. Nevada$3,276/yr

These states average 42–107% above the national average. No-fault laws, weather, and high litigation are common causes.

5 Cheapest States

1. Vermont$1,353/yr
2. Maine$1,381/yr
3. Idaho$1,421/yr
4. New Hampshire$1,487/yr
5. Ohio$1,514/yr

These rural, low-density states have fewer accidents, lower medical costs, and less litigation — resulting in 35–42% below-average rates.

How to Lower Your Rate Regardless of State

Compare Quotes

The same driver can pay 40–60% less just by choosing a different insurer. GEICO and Progressive typically undercut State Farm and Allstate by $800–$1,100/year nationally.

Use Telematics

Safe driving apps (Nationwide SmartRide, Progressive Snapshot, State Farm Drive Safe) can cut rates 20–40%. Worth it for most drivers in high-cost states.

Raise Your Deductible

Going from a $500 to $1,000 deductible typically cuts collision & comprehensive premiums 10–15%. Good strategy in low-theft, low-weather-risk areas.

See What You'd Actually Pay in Your State

State averages are a starting point. Your actual rate depends on your age, driving record, vehicle, and which insurer you choose. Get a quote to see your real number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which state has the cheapest car insurance?

Vermont at $1,353/year for full coverage. Maine ($1,381) and Idaho ($1,421) are close behind. These rural states have low traffic density and fewer severe weather events.

Why is Michigan car insurance so expensive?

Michigan requires unlimited Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage — meaning no dollar cap on medical bills after an accident. This unique law drove rates to $4,788/year average, more than double the national average. Michigan reformed its PIP law in 2020, and rates have started to decline.

What is the national average for full coverage car insurance?

$2,314/year ($193/month) for full coverage (liability + collision + comprehensive) as of 2026. Minimum coverage only averages $640/year but leaves you financially exposed.

Does moving states affect my car insurance?

Yes — significantly. Moving from Ohio ($1,514/yr) to Florida ($3,945/yr) could more than double your premium. Moving from NY to VA could save you $1,800+/year. Always get new quotes when you relocate.

Are state average rates accurate for my situation?

State averages are benchmarks only. Your actual rate varies based on age (teens pay 3x more than adults), driving record (1 accident = 40–50% rate increase), vehicle value, annual mileage, and credit score in most states. Compare quotes for your specific profile.