Consumers in 21 states saw lower rates on average this month, as auto insurance rates began to stabilize. Following a year of record rate increases in 2008, this is welcome news for consumers. The average rates quoted in February were higher than January's rates in 9 states and were essentially unchanged in 17 states. See all states for a complete list.
Show All States| State | February 2009 Premium | $$ Changes | % Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AL | $1582 | ($59) | -3.6% |
| AR | $1912 | ($55) | -2.8% |
| AZ | $1831 | $20 | 1.1% |
| CA | $1829 | ($10) | -0.6% |
| CO | $1639 | ($46) | -2.8% |
| CT | $2151 | $60 | 2.9% |
| DC | $2880 | ($272) | -8.6% |
| DE | $2509 | $18 | 0.7% |
| FL | $2007 | ($55) | -2.7% |
| GA | $1671 | ($2) | -0.1% |
| IA | $1367 | $80 | 6.2% |
| ID | $1382 | $21 | 1.6% |
| IL | $1540 | $0 | 0.0% |
| IN | $1503 | ($19) | -1.2% |
| KS | $1664 | ($73) | -4.2% |
| KY | $2036 | $37 | 1.9% |
| LA | $2613 | ($18) | -0.7% |
| MD | $2192 | ($0) | -0.0% |
| ME | $1348 | ($10) | -0.8% |
| MI | $2125 | $7 | 0.3% |
| MN | $1632 | ($30) | -1.8% |
| MO | $1624 | ($14) | -0.8% |
| MS | $1934 | ($59) | -3.0% |
| MT | $1612 | ($46) | -2.8% |
| NC | $1620 | ($63) | -3.7% |
| ND | $1665 | $12 | 0.8% |
| NE | $1534 | ($116) | -7.0% |
| NH | $1568 | $4 | 0.3% |
| NJ | $2542 | $35 | 1.4% |
| NM | $1862 | ($15) | -0.8% |
| NV | $2182 | $0 | 0.0% |
| NY | $3486 | $685 | 24.5% |
| OH | $1318 | ($7) | -0.5% |
| OK | $1846 | $5 | 0.2% |
| OR | $1610 | ($30) | -1.9% |
| PA | $2183 | ($108) | -4.7% |
| RI | $2388 | ($82) | -3.3% |
| SC | $1663 | $62 | 3.9% |
| SD | $1453 | ($67) | -4.4% |
| TN | $1563 | ($13) | -0.9% |
| TX | $1976 | ($1) | -0.0% |
| UT | $1899 | $74 | 4.1% |
| VA | $1745 | $61 | 3.6% |
| VT | $1257 | ($168) | -11.8% |
| WA | $1848 | ($46) | -2.4% |
| WI | $1376 | $36 | 2.7% |
| WV | $2020 | ($74) | -3.5% |
| WY | $1918 | $99 | 5.4% |
February auto rates dropped 1% compared to January 2009. The lowest annual car insurance quotes, on average, decreased from $1,908 per year to $1,888 annually. Rates were up 8% in total last year.
"Auto insurance rates fell to their lowest point since May 2008. After an 8% overall rate increase in 2008, the February RateWatch data shows one bright spot for the economy. Car insurance rates dropped or were unchanged in 36 states. For drivers who may have needed to let a policy lapse, it's a good time to compare rates online and re-start a policy."
Our study of 3,842 drivers who reported savings after switching car insurance companies at Insurance.com showed annual savings ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Savings vary by state. Savings reported by new customers in February, 2009.
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