Car insurance rates have largely remained stable throughout the summer, and that trend continued in July. The national average rate for full-coverage car insurance held steady at $187 per month through July, according to Insurify data. The national average liability rate was idle as well, remaining at $98.
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Average cost of car insurance by state as of August 2026
Insurance rates can vary greatly by location, which influences factors like exposure to extreme weather, repair costs, traffic congestion, and vehicle crime rates.
Here are the monthly averages for full and liability coverage across the country.
State | Full | Liability |
|---|---|---|
| National | $187 | $98 |
| Alabama | $141 | $66 |
| Alaska | $101 | $61 |
| Arizona | $163 | $90 |
| Arkansas | $152 | $74 |
| California | $201 | $97 |
| Colorado | $217 | $96 |
| Connecticut | $223 | $162 |
| Delaware | $262 | $166 |
| Florida | $237 | $141 |
| Georgia | $259 | $156 |
| Hawaii | $125 | $62 |
| Idaho | $108 | $64 |
| Illinois | $162 | $83 |
| Indiana | $129 | $65 |
| Iowa | $111 | $56 |
| Kansas | $154 | $78 |
| Kentucky | $193 | $120 |
| Louisiana | $209 | $106 |
| Maine | $139 | $75 |
| Maryland | $302 | $192 |
| Massachusetts | $138 | $103 |
| Michigan | $227 | $129 |
| Minnesota | $183 | $93 |
| Mississippi | $185 | $89 |
| Missouri | $180 | $92 |
| Montana | $137 | $62 |
| Nebraska | $134 | $68 |
| Nevada | $256 | $162 |
| New Hampshire | $83 | $52 |
| New Jersey | $256 | $182 |
| New Mexico | $135 | $65 |
| New York | $226 | $148 |
| North Carolina | $114 | $69 |
| North Dakota | $113 | $65 |
| Ohio | $117 | $64 |
| Oklahoma | $169 | $83 |
| Oregon | $156 | $91 |
| Pennsylvania | $161 | $90 |
| Rhode Island | $300 | $177 |
| South Carolina | $256 | $160 |
| South Dakota | $153 | $62 |
| Tennessee | $132 | $60 |
| Texas | $205 | $110 |
| Utah | $147 | $93 |
| Vermont | $145 | $58 |
| Virginia | $206 | $117 |
| Washington | $183 | $95 |
| Washington, D.C. | $258 | $149 |
| West Virginia | $154 | $82 |
| Wisconsin | $126 | $57 |
| Wyoming | $94 | $50 |
5 states with the highest car insurance rates as of August 2026
Maryland and Rhode Island remain the most expensive locations for car insurance in the nation. Nevada jumps into the top five, replacing Washington, D.C.
State | Overall Average | Average Quote: Liability Only | Average Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $247 | $192 | $302 |
| Rhode Island | $238 | $177 | $300 |
| New Jersey | $219 | $182 | $256 |
| Delaware | $214 | $166 | $262 |
| Nevada | $209 | $162 | $256 |
5 states with the lowest car insurance rates as of August 2026
New Hampshire retains the top spot for the most affordable car insurance, with rates well below the national averages of $98 per month for liability and $187 for full coverage. All five states remain in the same position as the previous month.
State | Overall Average | Average Quote: Liability Only | Average Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $67 | $52 | $83 |
| Wyoming | $72 | $50 | $94 |
| Alaska | $81 | $61 | $101 |
| Iowa | $84 | $56 | $111 |
| Idaho | $86 | $64 | $108 |
Rate increases on the way?
While car insurance rates have held steady or even slightly decreased in the first half of 2026, that trend may not continue through the rest of the year, according to Insurify’s Mid-Year Car Insurance Report.
Insurify’s data scientists project 32 states will see rate increases in the final months of 2026, led by Connecticut with a 4% projected increase, West Virginia (3%), and Delaware, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Kentucky, Nevada, Wyoming, and Illinois all with a 2% projected increase.
Some states already experienced rate increases in early 2026. Connecticut, for example, has seen a 10% increase in statewide car insurance rates already this year, and Kentucky has seen a 7% increase so far. For other states, like West Virginia, the forecasted rate increases are the latest projection for a turbulent insurance market.
But not all states face rate increases in the final months of 2026. Insurify projects that car insurance rates in New Mexico will decrease by 3% by the end of the year and that rates in Arkansas, Minnesota, and Colorado will all decrease by 2% by the end of the year.
Factors that affect car insurance rates
Car insurance rates can vary significantly among drivers based on many factors that insurers use to estimate risk. Some common rating factors include:
Driving history: Insurers consider whether a driver has a clean record or infractions such as speeding, driving under the influence (DUI), or causing an accident.
Age: Driving experience and accident risk closely correlate with age, actuarial data shows.
Gender: Statistically, women are less likely than men to cause accidents and engage in risky behaviors like aggressive driving.
Location: Where a policyholder lives and drives affects their exposure to risk factors such as extreme weather, vehicle crime rates, and accident rates.
Credit history: Data indicates that drivers with better credit are less likely to file car insurance claims than those with poor credit.
Vehicle make and model: Vehicles that are less expensive or have multiple safety features cost less to insure.
Vehicle usage: Driving fewer miles per year reduces a vehicle’s exposure to the day-to-day risks of driving.
Vehicle equipment: Safety features like lane-keeping assist and blind-spot warning can help reduce the risk of accidents.
Coverage type: Generally, liability-only coverage costs less than full-coverage car insurance.
Coverage limits: The amount of coverage you buy affects annual premiums. Minimum coverage is typically the cheapest, but it doesn’t offer enough financial protection for most drivers.
Deductible: A higher collision and comprehensive coverage deductible (liability coverage has no deductible) reduces rates, as the insurer assumes less risk for the cost of repairs.
How to save on car insurance
Every state except New Hampshire requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage. Insurance professionals recommend buying more coverage to provide greater financial protection in the event of an at-fault accident. And if a driver leases or finances a vehicle, the leasing company or lender will require them to buy full-coverage car insurance.
Drivers can take the following steps to reduce the cost of car insurance:
Drive safely. Avoid speeding, hard braking, distracted driving, and other risky driving behaviors that could cause a claim.
Look for discounts. Most insurers offer discounts, such as good student or multi-car discounts, that can help reduce premiums.
Increase the deductible. A higher collision and comprehensive deductible typically leads to lower rates.
Adjust coverages. Liability-only coverage is the cheapest insurance available, and minimum coverage is the cheapest liability option. But drivers should be careful and buy enough coverage to adequately protect themselves financially.
Comparison shop. Drivers should compare rates from multiple companies every time their policy comes up for renewal.
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