- Which states have the lowest car insurance rates in 2026?
- Which states have the most expensive car insurance rates in 2026?
- What are the cheapest car insurance companies in each state?
- How much does full coverage car insurance cost, on average, in each state?
- What is the minimum car insurance coverage required by law in each state?
- Cheapest car insurance by state for different driver profiles
- Why do car insurance costs vary by state? Our expert weighs in
- How can you find the cheapest car insurance in your state?
- Car insurance rate trends by state (2019–2025)
- Methodology
- FAQ: Car insurance costs by state
Which states have the lowest car insurance rates in 2026?
The five states with the cheapest car insurance rates are Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Hawaii and Ohio.
- In Vermont, the average cost of full coverage car insurance is $918 lower than the national average
- Areas with low population density and little severe weather have lower rates
Take a look at the table below to see how the rates stack up in the five cheapest states.
| State | Full coverage | Liability-only (50/100/50) | State minimum | Why it's cheap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | $1,660 | $435 | $392 | Low population density, rural areas, low crime |
| New Hampshire | $1,689 | $608 | $567 | Low population density, lack of minimum coverage requirement, lack of severe weather |
| Hawai'i | $1,757 | $549 | $477 | Limits on non-driving rating factors, low theft rate |
| Ohio | $1,783 | $513 | $475 | Many rural areas, few uninsured motorists |
| Maine | $1,808 | $478 | $469 | Low population density, few uninsured motorists |
Which states have the most expensive car insurance rates in 2026?
Louisiana, Florida, Washington, D.C., Nevada and Colorado are the most expensive states for car insurance. Why are these states more costly than others? Weather, traffic, claims, litigation costs, and the number of uninsured drivers all play a part in determining insurance rates.
- In Louisiana, you’ll pay about $1,421 more a year than the national average for full coverage insurance
- In Michigan, car insurance costs an average of $1,386 more for full coverage
Below are the top five most expensive states for car insurance, their rates and the reasons why they're so pricey.
| State | Full coverage | Liability only (50/100/50) | State minimum | Why it's expensive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $3.999 | $1,338 | $1,033 | Severe weather, litigation, many uninsured motorists |
| Michigan | $3,964 | $1,390 | $1,303 | High no-fault insurance coverage limits |
| Nevada | $3,963 | $1,414 | $1,212 | Dense urban areas, high tourism, high cost of repairs and medical care |
| Florida | $3,916 | $1,635 | $1,228 | Severe weather, litigation, no-fault insurance, many uninsured motorists, high tourism |
| Washington, D.C. | $3,465 | $1,052 | $918 | Dense population, high theft and accident rates |
SUMMARY: What makes car insurance cheaper in some states?
The primary factors that make car insurance cheap or more expensive are population density, weather severity, uninsured motorist rates and the cost and frequency of litigation. States with low population density, a lot of rural areas and a low rate of uninsured drivers, like Vermont and Maine, consistently have the lowest rates. States with high population density, frequent severe weather and high rates of uninsured motorist and litigation, like Florida and Louisiana, have the highest.
States with cheaper rates tend to have:
- Low population density
- Rural areas
- Low rates of uninsured motorists
- Low theft and crash rates
States with more expensive rates tend to have:
- High population density
- Severe weather
- High rates of uninsured motorists
- High rates of litigation
- More tourists on the road
What are the cheapest car insurance companies in each state?
The cheapest car insurance company in each state varies, but GEICO and USAA are consistently among the most affordable national carriers, while regional carriers like Erie Insurance are frequently cheaper where they operate. USAA is available only to military members, veterans and their families. Select your state below to find the cheapest car insurance companies in each state for full coverage car insurance, which includes comprehensive and collision and pays for damage to your car.
All rates below are based on the following coverage levels:
- Bodily injury liability – $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident for bodily injury to others
- Property damage liability – $100,000 per accident for property damage to others
- Comprehensive and collision coverage with $500 deductibles
| Company | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,546 | $129 |
| Travelers | $1,650 | $137 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,873 | $156 |
| Allstate | $1,948 | $162 |
| Nationwide | $1,965 | $164 |
| Country Financial | $2,083 | $174 |
| Progressive | $2,503 | $209 |
| Safeway Insurance | $2,940 | $245 |
| Farmers | $3,294 | $274 |
| USAA | $1,561 | $130 |
How much does full coverage car insurance cost, on average, in each state?
Full coverage car insurance costs $138 a month in Vermont, the cheapest state, and $333 a month in Louisiana. Rates vary by location within the state (expect higher rates in major cities) and by carrierAn insurance carrier is the company that provides your car insurance policy and pays claims..
Rates differ by state due to :
- Severe weather
- Theft and crime rates
- Accident rates
- Legally required coverage and the type of insurance law (no-fault or tort)
Take a look at the table below to see average annual rates for each state for a full coverage policy.
| State | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $2,578 | $215 |
| Alabama | $2,116 | $176 |
| Alaska | $2,167 | $181 |
| Arizona | $2,420 | $202 |
| Arkansas | $2,942 | $245 |
| California | $3,444 | $287 |
| Colorado | $3,181 | $265 |
| Connecticut | $2,742 | $228 |
| Delaware | $3,157 | $263 |
| Florida | $3,916 | $326 |
| Georgia | $2,503 | $209 |
| Hawaii | $1,757 | $146 |
| Idaho | $1,901 | $158 |
| Illinois | $1,938 | $162 |
| Indiana | $1,894 | $158 |
| Iowa | $2,460 | $205 |
| Kansas | $2,496 | $208 |
| Kentucky | $2,624 | $219 |
| Louisiana | $3,999 | $333 |
| Maine | $1,808 | $151 |
| Maryland | $1,999 | $167 |
| Massachusetts | $2,429 | $202 |
| Michigan | $3,964 | $330 |
| Minnesota | $2,591 | $216 |
| Mississippi | $2,397 | $200 |
| Missouri | $2,151 | $179 |
| Montana | $2,476 | $206 |
| Nebraska | $2,095 | $175 |
| Nevada | $3,963 | $330 |
| New Hampshire | $1,689 | $141 |
| New Jersey | $3,122 | $260 |
| New Mexico | $2,577 | $215 |
| New York | $2,596 | $216 |
| North Carolina | $2,638 | $220 |
| North Dakota | $2,439 | $203 |
| Ohio | $1,783 | $149 |
| Oklahoma | $2,993 | $249 |
| Oregon | $2,048 | $171 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,327 | $194 |
| Rhode Island | $2,878 | $240 |
| South Carolina | $2,417 | $201 |
| South Dakota | $2,575 | $215 |
| Tennessee | $2,235 | $186 |
| Texas | $3,106 | $259 |
| Utah | $2,356 | $196 |
| Vermont | $1,660 | $138 |
| Virginia | $1,835 | $153 |
| Washington | $2,389 | $199 |
| Washington, D.C. | $3,465 | $289 |
| West Virginia | $2,415 | $201 |
| Wisconsin | $2,343 | $195 |
| Wyoming | $2,061 | $172 |
Note that state minimums for car insurance increase in New Jersey as of January 1, 2026.
People ask
What company has the cheapest car insurance rates?
Nationally, Travelers has the cheapest car insurance rates among major carriers at $1,962 a year, although USAA has lower rates ($,1628) if you are an eligible military member, veteran, or family member. However, the cheapest carrier for you may differ, depending on where you live, your driving record, your vehicle and other factors; regional carriers and major national carriers like GEICO are frequently the lowest-cost option depending on location.
What is the minimum car insurance coverage required by law in each state?
State minimum car insurance coverage differs in each state. Every state except New Hampshire requires drivers to carry liability insuranceLiability insurance covers sums that an insured becomes legally obligated to pay because of bodily injuries or property damage, or financial losses caused to other people. for bodily injury and property damage. No-fault states also require personal injury protectionPersonal injury protection (PIP) pays for your medical, hospital and funeral expenses resulting from a car accident, regardless of who's at fault. and may require medical payments coverageAn auto insurance coverage that provides coverage for medical expenses incurred by you and your passengers in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault., and some mandate uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. In New Hampshire, drivers are financially responsible for damages they cause, and there are minimum limits for those who do purchase insurance (most do).
- Most states require liability coverage to pay for injuries and property damage you cause to others
- No-fault states require personal injury protection and in some cases medical payments coverage to cover injuries to you and your passengers regardless of fault.
- Some states require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to cover damages done by drivers without insurance or with insufficient limits.
Find your state below to see the state minimum requirements for car insurance.
| State | State minimum coverage requirement |
|---|---|
| Alaska | 50/100/25 |
| Alabama | 25/50/25 |
| Arkansas | 25/50/25 |
| Arizona | 25/50/15 |
| California | 30/60/15 |
| Colorado | 25/50/15 |
| Connecticut | 25/50/25 |
| Washington, D.C. | 25/50/10 |
| Delaware | 25/50/10 |
| Florida | 10/20/10 |
| Georgia | 25/50/25 |
| Hawaii | 20/40/10 |
| Iowa | 20/40/15 |
| Idaho | 25/50/15 |
| Illinois | 25/50/20 |
| Indiana | 25/50/25 |
| Kansas | 25/50/25 |
| Kentucky | 25/50/25 |
| Louisiana | 15/30/25 |
| Massachusetts | 20/40/5 |
| Maryland | 30/60/15 |
| Maine | 50/100/25 |
| Michigan | 50/100/10 |
| Minnesota | 30/60/10 |
| Missouri | 25/50/25 |
| Mississippi | 25/50/25 |
| Montana | 25/50/20 |
| North Carolina | 50/100/50 |
| North Dakota | 25/50/25 |
| Nebraska | 25/50/25 |
| New Hampshire | 25/50/25 |
| New Jersey | 30/70/25 |
| New Mexico | 25/50/10 |
| Nevada | 25/50/20 |
| New York | 25/50/10 |
| Ohio | 25/50/25 |
| Oklahoma | 25/50/25 |
| Oregon | 25/50/20 |
| Pennsylvania | 15/30/5 |
| Rhode Island | 25/50/25 |
| South Carolina | 25/50/25 |
| South Dakota | 25/50/25 |
| Tennessee | 25/50/25 |
| Texas | 30/60/25 |
| Utah | 30/65/25 |
| Virginia | 50/100/25 |
| Vermont | 25/50/10 |
| Washington | 25/50/10 |
| Wisconsin | 25/50/10 |
| West Virginia | 25/50/25 |
| Wyoming | 25/50/20 |
*Some state rates will vary based on the addition of a hurricane deductible and may be much higher when included.
Cheapest car insurance by state for different driver profiles
A speeding ticket will increase your rates by an average of 30%, while a DUI can double your rates. Rate increases vary by state, violation and the carrier; State Farm frequently appears as the cheapest choice after a DUI. Select your state and the risk factor below to view average rates by carrier.
State Farm $2,448 $204 Nationwide $3,030 $253 GEICO $3,179 $265 Travelers $3,265 $272 National General $4,004 $334 Progressive $4,249 $354 Farmers $5,124 $427 Mercury Insurance $5,710 $476 Allstate $6,295 $525
Why do car insurance costs vary by state? Our expert weighs in
Brenda Wells, director of the Risk Management & Insurance program at East Carolina University, lists these reasons for car insurance rate differences by state:
- Traffic patterns and driving in general can vary from place to place, resulting in different accident rates.
- Weather and climate in some states (such as heavy ice, flooding, etc.) will vary, and that means claims will vary, which affects rates.
- The cost of living varies from state to state, so, for instance, a doctor's bill in North Carolina might be $100, and in California, it might be $200. This affects the cost of claims, which affects rates.
- The legal system in each state can vary (and also can vary by county.) For instance, in Texas, there are some counties where it’s just understood that the insurer will lose if a lawsuit occurs. In other places, it might be just the opposite. Lawsuits and the settlements that result from them directly impact the cost of claims. The rules of law can also vary from place to place, affecting how lawsuits are conducted and resolved and again impacting claims costs.
How can you find the cheapest car insurance in your state?
The single best way to find the cheapest car insurance in your state is to compare as many quotes as you can. You should also ask about discounts like bundling, and keep your credit and driving record clean. Review your policy regularly and consider a higher deductible for lower rates. Follow these steps to find the best rate on car insurance:
- Shop around to compare multiple quotes. Gather at least three quotes to compare similar liability limits and deductibles. You can switch car insurance policies and insurers at any time.
- Look for discounts. Insurers typically offer several types of discounts, so ask which may apply to you
- Bundling discounts– combining home and auto
- Safe driver discounts
- Discounts for anti-theft devices
- Autopay discounts
- Discounts through membership in a group or profession
- Low mileage discounts
- Customer loyalty discounts- staying with the same insurer for many years
- Be a safe driver and avoid tickets. This is one of the best things you can do to keep your rates down. Just one speeding ticket can increase your rates by as much as 25%.
- Maintain strong credit. Insurers might use what's known as a credit-based insurance score to place you in a risk category and to figure out the cost of your insurance. Like a consumer credit score, this is a three-digit number. Only a few states do not use credit for car insurance rating.
- Choose a higher deductible. A higher deductible means a lower monthly premium. However, you'll want to make sure you have enough money in the bank to cover your deductible should you need to file a claim.
- Purchase liability-only insurance. If you drive an older car, purchase only liability coverage and skip the comprehensive and collision insurance. This only applies if you own your car outright.
- Review your policy at least once a year. Review your policy annually to make sure it still meets your needs and look for any discounts you might be missing.
Car insurance rate trends by state (2019–2025)
Overall, with a few exceptions, car insurance rates took a significant jump in 2025. Prices were higher in 2019, decreased in 2022 and rose again from there.
California is one state where rates have steadily increased. The same is true in Florida.
If you take a look at the table below, you can see how car insurance rates have trended up or down in the last few years.
| State | 2019 | 2022 | 2023 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $1,466 | $1,354 | $1,676 | $2,215 |
| Alabama | $1,684 | $1,451 | $1,860 | $2,107 |
| Arkansas | $1,688 | $1,423 | $1,957 | $2,723 |
| Arizona | $1,774 | $1,480 | $1,812 | $2,333 |
| California | $2,018 | $2,110 | $2,416 | $3,010 |
| Colorado | $1,952 | $1,807 | $2,337 | $3,222 |
| Connecticut | $1,894 | $1,736 | $1,725 | $2,726 |
| Washington, D.C. | $2,138 | $1,845 | $2,157 | $3,394 |
| Delaware | $1,940 | $2,135 | $2,063 | $3,097 |
| Florida | $2,150 | $2,583 | $2,694 | $3,852 |
| Georgia | $1,911 | $1,570 | $1,970 | $2,739 |
| Hawaii | $1,589 | $1,306 | $1,517 | $1,721 |
| Iowa | $1,302 | $1,319 | $1,630 | $2,228 |
| Idaho | $1,234 | $1,045 | $1,428 | $1,791 |
| Illinois | $1,461 | $1,378 | $1,532 | $1,901 |
| Indiana | $1,231 | $1,184 | $1,515 | $1,856 |
| Kansas | $1,615 | $1,529 | $1,900 | $2,410 |
| Kentucky | $2,356 | $1,869 | $2,228 | $2,976 |
| Louisiana | $2,565 | $2,535 | $2,883 | $4,180 |
| Massachusetts | $1,413 | $1,528 | $1,726 | $2,430 |
| Maryland | $1,777 | $1,486 | $1,746 | $2,273 |
| Maine | $1,032 | $1,100 | $1,175 | $1,701 |
| Michigan | $3,489 | $2,158 | $2,352 | $3,146 |
| Minnesota | $1,587 | $1,463 | $1,911 | $2,561 |
| Missouri | $1,750 | $1,948 | $1,982 | $2,410 |
| Mississippi | $1,624 | $1,494 | $2,008 | $2,455 |
| Montana | $1,933 | $1,751 | $2,193 | $2,541 |
| North Carolina | $1,400 | $1,324 | $1,741 | $2,587 |
| North Dakota | $1,520 | $1,285 | $1,665 | $2,079 |
| Nebraska | $1,455 | $1,955 | $1,902 | $2,387 |
| New Hampshire | $1,034 | $1,268 | $1,265 | $1,650 |
| New Jersey | $1,942 | $1,928 | $1,902 | $2,736 |
| New Mexico | $1,583 | $1,516 | $2,049 | $2,486 |
| Nevada | $2,446 | $1,978 | $2,060 | $3,284 |
| New York | $2,066 | $2,072 | $1,870 | $2,898 |
| Ohio | $1,160 | $998 | $1,417 | $1,739 |
| Oklahoma | $1,796 | $1,700 | $2,138 | $2,705 |
| Oregon | $1,520 | $1,249 | $1,678 | $1,927 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,630 | $1,256 | $1,872 | $2,428 |
| Rhode Island | $2,006 | $1,717 | $2,061 | $2,706 |
| South Carolina | $1,555 | $1,902 | $2,009 | $2,367 |
| South Dakota | $1,547 | $1,553 | $2,280 | $2,635 |
| Tennessee | $1,441 | $1,313 | $1,677 | $2,214 |
| Texas | $1,783 | $1,796 | $2,043 | $2,631 |
| Utah | $1,487 | $1,428 | $1,825 | $2,250 |
| Virginia | $1,148 | $1,224 | $1,469 | $1,837 |
| Vermont | $1,328 | $1,081 | $1,319 | $1,504 |
| Washington | $1,610 | $1,213 | $1,608 | $2,175 |
| Wisconsin | $1,275 | $1,311 | $1,664 | $2,026 |
| West Virginia | $1,600 | $1,536 | $2,005 | $2,557 |
| Wyoming | $1,689 | $1,617 | $1,758 | $1,984 |
Methodology
We partnered with Quadrant Information Services to field average auto insurance rates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. National and state average rates are based on three coverage levels: state minimum, 50/100/50 liability-only, and full coverage with 100/300/100 liability and $500 deductibles.
Unless otherwise indicated, averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:
- Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
- Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
- Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
- 40-year-old driver
- Honda Accord LX
- Good credit
- A clean driving record
- 12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage
Additional rate data is drawn based on:
- All available year, make and model data
- Ages ranging from 16 to 75
- Excellent, fair and poor credit
- All available traffic violations
- One or more at-fault accidents
Learn more about our data and methodology.
FAQ: Car insurance costs by state
Why is car insurance so expensive in Florida?
Florida has the fourth-highest car insurance rates in the nation, at an average of $3,916 a year, due to severe weather, including hurricanes, one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the country, a no-fault insurance system that increases medical claim costs, heavy tourism traffic and the highest rate of insurance litigation in the nation.
Is it cheaper to pay my car insurance premium monthly or annually?
Paying annually is usually cheaper than paying monthly; however, annual payment may not be available to you as most insurers offer six-month policy terms and 12-month terms are unusual. Many insurers charge a monthly installment fee that adds up for the year, and some offer a paid-in-full discount for paying upfront for the full term. Ask your insurer about any installment fees or paid-in-full discounts before you choose a payment plan.
Is car insurance cheaper in no-fault states?
No, car insurance is not cheaper in no-fault states; in fact, it's usually more expensive. No-fault laws can lead to large medical claims and are more vulnerable to fraud, driving up rates. No-fault states like Florida ($3,916), Michigan ($3,964) and New Jersey ($3,122) all have rates above the national average of $2,578 a year.
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