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Auto Insurance Rates Increase in 23 States

Insurance.com RateWatch reports trends in car insurance rates, based on more than a million comparison quotes a year. In January, rates quoted were higher than December's rates in 23 states, essentially unchanged in 11 states and lower in 13 states and the District of Columbia. See all states for a full list.

Show All States

Rate Changes by State

State	Jan 2010 Premium	$$ Changes	% Changes
AL	$1665	$55	3.4%
AR	$1890	$75	4.1%
AZ	$1510	$60	4.1%
CA	$1793	$40	2.3%
CO	$1515	($23)	-1.5%
CT	$2032	($30)	-1.4%
DC	$2669	($31)	-1.1%
DE	$2315	($156)	-6.3%
FL	$2148	$25	1.2%
GA	$1643	$7	0.5%
IA	$1256	($32)	-2.5%
ID	$1381	$9	0.7%
IL	$1488	($12)	-0.8%
IN	$1503	$63	4.3%
KS	$1606	$3	0.2%
KY	$2097	$32	1.6%
LA	$2421	($74)	-3.0%
MD	$2289	$42	1.9%
ME	$1278	$92	7.8%
MI	$2033	($27)	-1.3%
MN	$1708	$13	0.7%
MO	$1537	($99)	-6.0%
MS	$1970	$50	2.6%
MT	$1732	$186	12.0%
NC	$1510	($27)	-1.8%
ND	$1420	$5	0.4%
NE	$1569	$84	5.6%
NH	$1484	$134	9.9%
NJ	$2702	($137)	-4.8%
NM	$1719	$11	0.6%
NV	$2020	$43	2.2%
OH	$1193	($29)	-2.4%
OK	$1830	$69	3.9%
OR	$1557	$5	0.4%
PA	$2093	$35	1.7%
RI	$2300	($61)	-2.6%
SC	$1655	($4)	-0.2%
SD	$1496	($35)	-2.3%
TN	$1483	$27	1.9%
TX	$1874	$18	1.0%
UT	$1790	$117	7.0%
VA	$1539	$18	1.2%
VT	$1263	$3	0.3%
WA	$1847	$101	5.8%
WI	$1339	($6)	-0.4%
WV	$2057	$93	4.7%
WY	$1727	$130	8.2%

Largest Rate Increases

Utah7%
Maine7.8%
Wyoming8.2%
New Hampshire9.9%
Montana12%

Largest Rate Decreases

Delaware-6.3%
Missouri-6%
New Jersey-4.8%
Louisiana-3%
Rhode Island-2.6%

U.S. Auto Insurance Rates Averaged $1,844 Annually in January

Auto insurance rates increased nationally in January, rising by $23. The lowest average annual car insurance quotes rose from $1,821 per year to $1,844 annually. This marks another month of increases, with January's increase beating December's. January's rate jump now replaces December's as the largest month-to-month increase RateWatch has seen since October 2008.

Car insurance rates increased 8% in total in 2008, but dropped dramatically in December 2008 and remained relatively level throughout 2009. The increases in December 2009 and January 2010, while not drastic, could signal a shift toward higher rates for the remainder of 2010.

"We’ve watched auto insurance premiums tick up a bit over the last two months. It’s too early to call it a trend, but it should be a signal to shoppers that now is a great time to shop for car insurance. Check that you’re receiving all the discounts you’re eligible for and compare quotes so you’re confident you are getting the lowest premium for the coverage you need – and want."

-Sam Belden VP, insurance.com

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.

Did You Know?

Trying to understand auto insurance can be tricky and confusing. Some "insider" knowledge can help you understand your options and what you can do to save money and get the most out of your auto insurance.

Some of the most helpful coverages are the cheapest. Optional coverages such as gap coverage, roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and comprehensive coverage can provide a lot of protection for a little price increase.
Many factors can affect your car insurance rate. Auto insurance companies use many different criteria when evaluating an insurance application. Each company has many guidelines regarding which groups of drivers they want to accept and how much they will charge those groups they consider a greater risk.
Insurance prices vary (a lot) by company. Auto insurance is a highly competitive business and one of the most effective ways to reduce insurance costs is simply to shop around.
Want more info and 5 other tips? Check out 8 Things You Should Know About Auto Insurance.