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16 States Experience Greater than Average Rate Increases

Consumers in 16 states saw rate increases greater than the 3% national average. In addition to the top 5 states listed, rates were up more than 3% in Arkansas, Delaware, Maryland, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Washington. There were 10 states with decreases and 9 states where the change was less than one percent. Show All States

Rate Changes by State

State	3rd Quarter 2008 Premium	$$ Changes	% Changes
AL	$1725	($59)	-3.3%
AR	$1891	$57	3.1%
AZ	$1884	($42)	-2.2%
CA	$1896	$36	2.0%
CO	$1499	$10	0.7%
CT	$2069	($11)	-0.5%
DC	$2671	$206	8.3%
DE	$2374	$74	3.2%
FL	$2102	$98	4.9%
GA	$1681	$43	2.6%
IA	$1306	($20)	-1.5%
ID	$1371	($10)	-0.7%
IL	$1521	($49)	-3.1%
IN	$1483	($18)	-1.2%
KS	$1612	$99	6.6%
KY	$1947	$13	0.7%
LA	$2641	$64	2.5%
MD	$2285	$90	4.1%
ME	$1306	$21	1.6%
MI	$2018	$31	1.5%
MN	$1592	$9	0.6%
MO	$1621	($8)	-0.5%
MS	$2036	$15	0.7%
MT	$1651	$29	1.8%
NC	$1560	$65	4.4%
ND	$1521	($129)	-7.8%
NE	$1626	$120	8.0%
NH	$1435	$8	0.6%
NJ	$2574	$30	1.2%
NM	$1937	$67	3.6%
NV	$2164	($24)	-1.1%
OH	$1324	$56	4.4%
OK	$1737	$48	2.9%
OR	$1585	$39	2.5%
PA	$2157	$35	1.6%
RI	$2454	$168	7.4%
SC	$1636	$61	3.9%
SD	$1484	$58	4.1%
TN	$1529	($1)	0.0%
TX	$1924	$70	3.8%
UT	$1690	$61	3.7%
VA	$1629	$30	1.9%
VT	$1369	($45)	-3.2%
WA	$1903	$58	3.1%
WI	$1298	$22	1.7%
WV	$2010	($150)	-7.0%
WY	$1801	($84)	-4.5%

Largest Rate Increases

Florida4.9%
Kansas6.6%
Rhode Island7.4%
Nebraska8%
District of Columbia8.3%

Largest Rate Decreases

North Dakota-7.8%
West Virginia-7%
Wyoming-4.5%
Alabama-3.3%
Vermont-3.2%

U.S. Car Insurance Rates Rise for 3rd Straight Quarter

Insurance.com RateWatch for Car Insurance reports changes in actual car insurance quotes. The lowest average car insurance quotes for this quarter rose $56 over the previous quarter, from $1,893 to $1,949 per year, an increase of 3%. This marks the third consecutive quarter of rate increases, reversing the trend of rate decreases in 2007.

"RateWatch is a leading indicator of where auto insurance rates are heading. As rates continue to increase across the country, consumers will clearly benefit from seeking ways to manage their insurance costs."

-Sam Belden VP, Strategic Alliances

RateWatch analyzes the lowest average car insurance rates quoted to consumers who compared rates at Insurance.com in the 3rd quarter.
Rates have been rising all year and that trend is likely to continue into 2009. Discounts for hybrid cars, low annual mileage and safe driving will help moderate the effect of rate increases at renewal.
The rate quotes in this study came from more than a dozen leading auto insurers in 47 states and the District of Columbia. AK, HI and MA are not included.

Insurance Tips to Help You Save

Drive a hybrid? Look for an insurance company that offers a rate discount.
Low mileage discounts. If you're driving less, make sure to tell your insurance company before your next renewal.
Drive carefully. Even one or two traffic violations can increase your rate by $200-$400, depending on state laws.
Don't let your policy lapse. You’ll pay even more when you buy a new policy if you haven’t had continuous coverage.

Switching Companies May Lead to Big Savings

Our study of 5.259 drivers who switched car insurers at our site showed annual savings ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The national average savings reported was $595 a year. Savings vary by state. Savings reported by new customers in July, 2008.

Insurance.com