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Auto Insurance Rates Decline or Hold Steady in 33 States and D.C.

Insurance.com RateWatch reports trends in car insurance rates, based on more than a million comparison quotes a year. In September, rates quoted were higher than August's rates in 13 states, essentially unchanged in 9 states and lower in 24 states and the District of Columbia. See all states for a full list. Show All States

Rate Changes by State

State	Sep 2009 Premium	$$ Changes	% Changes
AL	$1604	$29	1.8%
AR	$1836	($63)	-3.3%
AZ	$1626	($111)	-6.4%
CA	$1790	($34)	-1.8%
CO	$1574	$11	0.7%
CT	$2009	($47)	-2.3%
DC	$2490	($251)	-9.2%
DE	$2368	($36)	-1.5%
FL	$2110	$26	1.3%
GA	$1690	($9)	-0.5%
IA	$1301	($51)	-3.8%
ID	$1275	($54)	-4.1%
IL	$1471	$22	1.5%
IN	$1503	($9)	-0.6%
KS	$1615	$5	0.3%
KY	$2065	($61)	-2.9%
LA	$2474	($91)	-3.5%
MD	$2345	$13	0.6%
ME	$1307	($35)	-2.6%
MI	$2068	($41)	-1.9%
MN	$1627	$3	0.2%
MO	$1556	($52)	-3.2%
MS	$1918	($35)	-1.8%
MT	$1541	($34)	-2.2%
NC	$1675	$0	0.0%
ND	$1657	$9	0.6%
NE	$1492	($23)	-1.5%
NH	$1428	($116)	-7.5%
NJ	$2757	($46)	-1.6%
NM	$1719	($49)	-2.8%
NV	$2056	($31)	-1.5%
OH	$1325	($8)	-0.6%
OK	$1850	$82	4.6%
OR	$1535	($43)	-2.7%
PA	$2185	$94	4.5%
RI	$2419	($199)	-7.6%
SC	$1611	($52)	-3.1%
SD	$1551	$92	6.3%
TN	$1513	($34)	-2.2%
TX	$1968	$22	1.1%
UT	$1729	$128	8.0%
VA	$1675	$44	2.7%
VT	$1438	$116	8.8%
WA	$1767	$41	2.4%
WI	$1344	$19	1.4%
WV	$2010	($71)	-3.4%
WY	$1814	$67	3.8%

Largest Rate Increases

Pennsylvania4.5%
Oklahoma4.6%
South Dakota6.3%
Utah8%
Vermont8.8%

Largest Rate Decreases

District of Columbia-9.2%
Rhode Island-7.6%
New Hampshire-7.5%
Arizona-6.4%
Idaho-4.1%

U.S. Auto Insurance Rates Averaged $1,855 Annually in September

Auto insurance rates decreased less than 0.9% nationally in September. The lowest average annual car insurance quotes declined from $1,870 per year to $1,855 annually. Car insurance rates increased 8% in total in 2008, but dropped dramatically in December 2008 and have remained relatively level throughout 2009.

Win With a Good Coverage Strategy

"Sports fans should check their policies before heading to a game, to make sure they’re covered for things like costly dents, scratches and broken side mirrors that can occur in the parking lot. If not, now is a great time to shop for insurance."

-Sam Belden VP, Strategic Alliances

RateWatch reports the lowest average annual car insurance rates quoted to consumers who compared rates at Insurance.com.
The rates in this study came from more than a dozen leading auto insurance companies in 46 states and the District of Columbia.
More than 1 million drivers get comparison quotes from Insurance.com each year.

Tailgate Tips: Make Sure You're Covered for the Game

Preparation is key. Much can happen during tailgates, like vehicle damage from vandalism or flying footballs. If you only buy collision insurance you won’t be covered for vandalism, non-driving accidents and fires.
Play good defense. Parking lots are prime targets for car theft and robbery, especially when thieves know you’re away from your car for an extended period of time. To prevent robbery, don’t leave valuables visible. Many auto insurance companies won’t cover items stolen from a car - even if they were securely stored.
Avoid penalties. Not only is drinking and driving deadly, a DUI is also expensive. According to Insurance.com data, the average lowest rate quoted to drivers with a Driving While Intoxicated violation was $435 more than those without violations.