Car Insurance Rates by State (March 2024)

Car insurance rates are up 17% in 2023, but some states are feeling the burn more than others.

Erin Gobler
Written byErin Gobler
Erin Gobler
Erin Gobler
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  • Certificate of financial planning from Boston University

Erin is a personal finance writer and journalist with work featured in major publications. Her writing explores investing, credit cards, mortgages, insurance, and more.

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Courtney Mikulski
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
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Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.

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Britney Balk
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Updated March 14, 2024

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Cheapest recent rates

Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $34/mo for liability only and $46/mo for full coverage.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 14, 2024

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from March 14, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 14, 2024

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from March 14, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Car insurance rates increased by 17% nationwide in the first six months of 2023. As a result, policy shopping has increased by 20% since 2022, with more drivers comparing car insurance rates to save money.[1] Policyholders are feeling the financial impact of rate increases in some states more than others.

Insurance companies consider local factors, like accident rates and natural disaster risk, to price premiums. As a result, auto insurance rates vary widely by state, even between neighboring areas. While South Carolina drivers have the sixth-highest average rate for car insurance at $217, North Carolinians have the sixth-lowest costs, paying an average of $83 monthly.

Insurify turned to its database of more than 90 million quotes to find out where coverage is the most and least expensive and which drivers face the largest auto insurance rate increases by state.

Quick Facts
  • As one of two states that currently don’t require car insurance, New Hampshire has the cheapest rates in the country. A new Virginia law requires all drivers to carry insurance by July 1, 2024, which will leave New Hampshire as the only state without mandatory coverage.[2]

  • Car insurance rates have spiked 17% nationwide in 2023, with more increases expected by the end of the year. New Mexico drivers saw the greatest increase, with rates surging 38% in the first half of the year, according to Insurify’s Mid-Year Auto Report.

  • Michigan has the most expensive rates in the country and some of the steepest minimum car insurance requirements.

  • The cost of car insurance is 268% higher in Michigan than in the least expensive state, New Hampshire.

Car insurance rates by state

Car insurance companies consider local factors when setting rates, so the cost of coverage varies by state. Insurify’s data scientists determined the average monthly cost of car insurance in all states with sufficient data.

StateAverage Cost: Full CoverageAverage Cost: Liability OnlyTotal Average
Alabama$168$63$115
Arizona$194$93$144
Arkansas$236$102$169
California$232$119$175
Colorado$210$83$146
Connecticut$338$190$264
Delaware$210$128$169
Florida$299$212$256
Georgia$238$144$191
Hawaii$111$64$87
Idaho$143$70$106
Illinois$179$78$129
Indiana$138$69$104
Iowa$167$62$114
Kansas$172$77$124
Kentucky$249$176$213
Louisiana$316$156$236
Maine$177$88$132
Maryland$292$171$231
Massachusetts$198$97$148
Michigan$353$186$269
Minnesota$205$101$153
Mississippi$192$74$133
Missouri$235$94$164
Montana$198$93$146
Nebraska$213$88$151
Nevada$313$188$251
New Hampshire$126$55$90
New Jersey$211$111$161
New Mexico$194$70$132
New York$183$150$166
North Carolina$109$56$83
North Dakota$150$88$119
Ohio$152$69$110
Oklahoma$204$90$147
Oregon$171$98$135
Pennsylvania$193$91$142
Rhode Island$181$137$159
South Carolina$269$165$217
South Dakota$170$63$117
Tennessee$172$78$125
Texas$248$119$184
Utah$177$97$137
Vermont$161$67$114
Virginia$168$93$131
Washington$196$88$142
Washington, D.C.$232$124$178
West Virginia$181$74$128
Wisconsin$136$61$98
Wyoming$173$67$120
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

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States with the most expensive car insurance rates

State legislation, climate, accident rates, and risk play a significant role in insurance pricing. Insurify updates state and insurance company rates below monthly, though the order of most and least expensive states may slightly change as prices fluctuate. These states have the most expensive car insurance as of September 2023.

1. Michigan

Michigan has the most expensive car insurance in the country. Drivers pay an average monthly rate of $269 compared to the national average of $157. Car insurance premiums increased by 31% in Michigan in the first half of 2023 — a significantly higher jump than the 17% increase nationwide.

Michigan is one of 12 no-fault states, meaning each driver’s own insurer pays medical claims after an accident, regardless of who caused the collision. In theory, no-fault laws speed up the claims process and reduce litigation, but they leave loopholes for scammers that can drive up statewide rates. As a result, drivers in no-fault states pay an average of 13% more for auto insurance than drivers in at-fault states, Insurify data shows.

Additionally, the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association, which manages the state’s catastrophic claims fund, increased fees for drivers in July 2023. Drivers with unlimited personal injury protection must pay $122 a year, up from $86. Still, a few insurance companies in Michigan offer more affordable coverage.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
Auto-Owners11066
USAA11167
Chubb12072
Safeco14984
GEICO168101
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

2. Florida

Like Michigan, Florida has no-fault insurance laws, which can leave room for fraud. At $7,250, the median amount paid per injury claim is 54% higher than the U.S. average of $4,700, according to the Insurance Research Council.[3]

In March 2023, Florida enacted HB 837, legislation designed to reduce frivolous litigation against insurance companies. The number of property damage liability claims per 100 insured vehicles is 10% higher in Florida than the national average. But fraud isn’t the only factor driving up insurance prices. Climate catastrophes are also affecting rates in Florida. Nearly one-third of Florida counties are in “relatively high” or “very high” climate risk zones, according to data from FEMA.[4]

Hurricanes and other natural disasters increase the frequency and severity of claims, and those costs trickle down to Florida policyholders, who pay an average monthly rate of $256. Florida drivers can find cheaper coverage with a few insurance companies that offer lower-than-average rates.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
State Farm8069
GEICO8271
Hugo8677
Allstate138120
Travelers167142
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

3. Nevada

Nevada drivers face one of the country’s most expensive car insurance rates and have the second-fastest-rising costs, with a 36% increase in the first half of 2023. The state’s average monthly auto insurance costs now hover at $251.

Out-of-town drivers who are unfamiliar with local roads may pose a higher accident risk and contribute to Nevada’s high insurance rates. Las Vegas is the second-largest travel and tourism market in the U.S., according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.[5]

In 2022, the state saw its fifth-deadliest year on the roads in the past three decades, with 382 traffic fatalities. Impairment and speeding are the largest factors related to deadly crashes in Nevada.[6] Severe accidents result in more expensive claims, and companies readjust insurance pricing across the state accordingly. Some Nevada insurers offer more affordable rates than others.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
COUNTRY Financial6037
State Farm8854
GEICO10565
USAA12276
Allstate15797
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

4. Connecticut

Connecticut drivers pay an average of $264 monthly for car insurance, compared to the $157 national average. Though Connecticut’s car insurance costs are the fourth-highest in the U.S., drivers spend less than 3% of their household income on coverage. For comparison, Louisiana drivers pay 6% and have the fifth-highest costs.

The state’s car insurance costs may be higher because Connecticut has more affluent residents, with a median household income of more than $83,000 compared to just over $69,000 nationwide.[7] Well-off drivers may buy more expensive vehicles, and luxury cars tend to have higher insurance premiums since repairs and replacement parts are costly.

Comparing rates is the best way to find affordable car insurance in Connecticut. State Farm currently offers the cheapest liability-only insurance, with an average monthly rate of $59.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
State Farm9859
GEICO12172
USAA13480
Safeco15489
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

5. Louisiana

Louisiana drivers pay a monthly average of $236 for car insurance. Rates only increased by 6% in the first six months of 2023 compared to 17% nationwide.

Insurance companies are likely charging higher rates in Louisiana because of the risk of severe weather and natural disasters, which can lead to costly car repairs and replacements for drivers with comprehensive coverage. Insurers paid or reserved to pay $13.9 billion for Hurricane Ida damage alone, according to the Louisiana Department of Insurance.[8]

Louisiana drivers can still find rates as low as $76 from State Farm, so it’s a good idea to compare policies to find the best deal.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
State Farm12176
USAA15295
Allstate196123
GEICO197124
Safeco252140
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

6. South Carolina

South Carolina saw a 19% increase in car insurance premiums in the first six months of 2023, and the average cost of an annual premium surpassed $2,000. Drivers currently pay an average monthly rate of $217.

The state’s high accident rate could be affecting car insurance costs. Twelve percent of South Carolina drivers had an at-fault accident on record compared to the national average of 8.8%. South Carolina also has the highest fatal crash rate in the country, according to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) data.[9]

South Carolina drivers with an at-fault accident on record pay a monthly average of $249 for liability-only insurance. USAA provides the state’s cheapest liability-only coverage overall, at an average monthly rate of $51.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
USAA8351
Auto-Owners8955
State Farm9156
Nationwide12680
Allstate14288
State Auto16293
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

7. Maryland

Maryland drivers pay a monthly average of $231 for car insurance. Policyholders saw a 13% increase in the first six months of 2023 — a slightly lower-than-average spike compared to 17% nationally.

Like South Carolina, the number of accidents may influence the state’s high insurance premiums. Maryland has the sixth-highest at-fault accident rate in the country, which could be raising the average cost of car insurance.

Maryland drivers may find rates as low as $105 from Safeco. The cheapest policy for you depends on your driving record, age, proof of prior insurance, vehicle type, and other unique factors.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
USAA150105
GEICO178125
State Farm193135
Erie218153
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

8. New York

New York only saw a 3% increase in car insurance costs in the first six months of 2023, but rates in the state were already higher than average. Drivers in the Empire State currently pay an average of $166.

New York is the eighth most densely populated state, according to U.S. Census data, and crowded roads can increase the risk of accidents. Larger populations typically mean drivers are at a higher risk of accidents and therefore are more likely to file a claim, increasing the risk for insurance companies.

Shopping around can help New York drivers save, with liability-only rates as low as $140 from CSAA.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
CSAA201140
Safeco216151
Liberty Mutual288207
Midvale Home & Auto295220
Progressive365245
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

9. Georgia

Georgia’s car insurance costs increased slightly less than the national average, with a 15% spike in the first half of 2023. Drivers currently pay a monthly average of $191.

More than 10% of Georgia drivers have an at-fault accident on record, which is 20% more drivers than the national average. A large number of accidents combined with the high risk of natural disasters could account for Georgia’s expensive car insurance rates.

Georgia drivers may need to hunt for a good deal on car insurance. Hugo offers liability-only coverage for as low as $56.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
Hugo6356
Auto-Owners9365
State Farm10070
COUNTRY Financial10271
Allstate10977
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

10. Kentucky

Kentucky drivers saw a 6% decrease in car insurance premiums in the first six months of 2023 but still pay the 10th most for coverage. The current average cost of auto insurance in Kentucky is $213.

Kentucky has a higher fatal crash rate than the U.S. average, with 17.9 deaths per 100,000 residents compared to 12.9 per 100,000 nationwide.[9] The state also has no-fault laws, which are associated with higher car insurance rates.

Auto-Owners currently offers the cheapest car insurance in Kentucky, with an average liability-only rate of $68.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
Auto-Owners9365
State Farm10070
GEICO162113
Safeco180106
National General273132
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

States with the cheapest car insurance rates

Some states pay less for car insurance than others. A low risk of natural disasters, a high number of insured motorists, a small population, and other local factors can influence insurance pricing. These are the least expensive states to buy car insurance in as of September 2023.

1. New Hampshire

New Hampshire has the cheapest car insurance rates in the country. Drivers in the state pay an average monthly insurance rate of $90, compared to the national average of $157.

One of the major reasons for New Hampshire’s cheap car insurance is its minimum insurance requirements. The state doesn’t require all drivers to have car insurance. Instead, drivers can choose to buy liability insurance or prove they have enough money to meet the state’s minimum financial responsibility requirements.

New Hampshire’s insurance requirements aren’t the only reason premiums in the state are so low. The state has one of the lowest rates of car accident fatalities in the country.[9] Drivers can find affordable car insurance with numerous companies in New Hampshire.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
GEICO5838
State Farm6442
USAA6744
Safeco6845
Liberty Mutual10148
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

2. Hawaii

Drivers in Hawaii pay the second-lowest insurance rates in the country, with an average monthly premium of $87. Hawaii may have affordable car insurance for a couple reasons. First, Hawaii ranks fifth in the nation for the lowest rate of accident fatalities.[9]

Additionally, the state has relatively low liability coverage requirements. Hawaii is a no-fault state, meaning it requires personal injury protection. However, the state only mandates $10,000 in PIP, $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident of bodily injury liability, and $10,000 of property damage liability coverage.

Hawaii also has some of the best drivers in the country, according to an Insurify study from 2022, which showed more than 86% of the state’s drivers had a clean driving record.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Full Coverage
Midvale Home & Auto13668
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

3. Wyoming

Wyoming drivers pay an average of $120 a month for car insurance, which breaks down to $173 for full coverage and $67 for liability-only policies.

Wyoming has the lowest population density in the country, which means less crowded roads and fewer insurance claims.[10] The state also has a lower fatal accident rate than the U.S. average, with 0.99 deaths per 100 million miles traveled compared to 1.37 nationwide, according to IIHS data.[9]

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
Progressive9556
Bristol West20485
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

4. Idaho

The average cost of car insurance is $106 in Idaho. However, rates spiked 18% in the first half of 2023 — slightly more than the national average increase of 17%.

Relatively speaking, Idaho’s minimum insurance requirements are about average, but the state is one of the least populated, with around 2 million people, according to U.S. Census estimates. Fewer people on the road could contribute to lower insurance premiums.

Safeco currently offers the cheapest liability-only coverage in Idaho, with an average monthly rate of $48.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
Safeco8048
Progressive9556
National General9754
Liberty Mutual10652
Dairyland12756
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

5. Wisconsin

Wisconsin drivers pay an average car insurance premium of $98. The state’s bodily injury liability requirements are roughly average compared to other states — $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage. But its property damage liability requirement is lower than most states, at just $10,000 per accident.[11]

Wisconsin also ranks better than the national average for the rate of accident fatalities, according to the IIHS.[9] The state’s average number of traffic fatalities per 100,000 residents is 10.5 compared to 12.9 nationally.

USAA offers the cheapest car insurance in Wisconsin, with an average monthly liability only rate of $22. However, another insurer may offer a better rate depending on your driving history, so comparing quotes is always a good idea.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
USAA4422
State Farm4523
Auto-Owners4623
Mile Auto5535
Erie6130
American Family6633
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

6. North Carolina

North Carolina drivers pay an average monthly car insurance premium of $83. Though North Carolina doesn’t have the lowest insurance requirements — you need uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance in addition to their liability coverage — drivers in the state still enjoy some of the lowest rates.

Car insurance rates could be cheaper in North Carolina because only 7.4% of drivers are uninsured compared to the U.S. average of 12.6%, according to the Insurance Research Council (IRC).[12]

Midvale Home & Auto currently offers the cheapest average car insurance rates in North Carolina, at $36 per month for liability-only coverage.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
Erie6040
GEICO6946
Midvale Home & Auto6936
Safeco9250
Liberty Mutual11746
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

7. Indiana

Indiana drivers have the seventh-lowest car insurance rates in the country, with a monthly average rate of $104. The state has a 13% lower cost of living than the national average, according to the Economic Research Institute.[13] Indiana is also an at-fault state, where car insurance rates are typically lower than in no-fault states.

However, Indiana has the country’s fifth fastest-rising car insurance rates, with an increase of 28% compared to the national average of 17% in the first half of 2023.

Auto-Owners provides the cheapest car insurance in Indiana, with an average liability-only rate of $27. Indiana drivers can find affordable car insurance from multiple insurers.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
Auto-Owners5127
State Farm5529
USAA5831
GEICO6032
American Family8143
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

8. Ohio

Ohio drivers saw a 16% increase in car insurance prices in the first six months of 2023. The Buckeye State’s rates are still some of the most affordable in the nation, at an average of $110 a month.

Competition among numerous insurance companies keeps Ohio insurance rates lower than average. Insurance is the sixth-largest industry in the state, with more than 275 insurers based in Ohio.[14]

Mile Auto currently offers the lowest average rate, at $38 for liability-only insurance, but Ohioans have plenty of options to compare that to.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
Mile Auto5738
State Farm7139
Erie8346
Auto-Owners8346
GEICO9050
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

9. Massachusetts

Massachusetts drivers have the ninth-lowest car insurance rates in the U.S., with an average monthly cost of $148. Midvale Home & Auto offers the cheapest liability-only insurance in Massachusetts, at an average monthly rate of $67.

Only 3.5% of Massachusetts drivers are uninsured, making it the second most-insured state in the country after New Jersey.[12] An insurance company may charge more in states with a large percentage of uninsured motorists since it could end up footing the bill if you get into a collision with a driver without coverage.

Massachusetts car insurance is cheaper than many states, but drivers should still compare multiple rates to find the best price.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
Midvale Home & Auto11067
Safeco15785
Liberty Mutual195117
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

10. Iowa

Iowa drivers saw a 17% increase in car insurance rates in the first half of 2023, right on par with the nationwide average. The state still has some of the lowest car insurance costs in the county, with an average monthly rate of $114.

The Hawkeye State ranks 38th out of 50 states and Washington, D.C., for population density. The lower number of cars on the road and fewer claims could explain the state’s affordable car insurance rates.[10]

Auto-Owners offers the cheapest liability-only insurance in Iowa, at an average monthly rate of $22.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance CompanyAverage Quote: Full CoverageAverage Quote: Liability Only
Auto-Owners4322
USAA4623
GEICO5025
American Family5327
Allstate5628
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

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Why do car insurance rates vary by state?

States set their own minimum insurance requirements for drivers, but insurance companies face different levels of risk that stem from the population, the number of uninsured drivers, and accident rates. Here’s why car insurance rates vary so much by state.

Minimum car insurance requirements

One of the most important factors that affect a state’s car insurance rates is its insurance requirements, including the type and amount of coverage that drivers are required to have.

Nearly every state in the country — all but New Hampshire and Virginia — requires drivers to have car insurance.[15] Most states require just two types of coverage: bodily injury and property damage liability insurance.

However, those requirements range widely. For example, Florida requires just $10,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, while Alaska and Maine require $50,000.[16] [17] [18]

In addition to liability coverage, some states require drivers to purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which applies when someone is in an accident that a driver without insurance or enough insurance causes.

Finally, a handful of states require drivers to have personal injury protection (PIP) to pay their medical bills if they’re in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. Most states that require PIP are known as no-fault states, meaning drivers file medical claims with their own insurance company after an accident, no matter who caused it.[19]

“States [have high] rates generally due to unfavorable laws,” says Scott Hammersand, a licensed personal insurance advisor with Overmyer Hall Associates in Columbus, Ohio. “[Drivers in] no-fault states will pay more because it doesn’t matter if you are a good driver when your policy has to pay a part of your medical bills for someone else’s poor driving.”

Traffic conditions

Another reason car insurance rates vary from state to state is that traffic conditions also vary. Generally speaking, drivers pay more for car insurance in urban areas with more people on the road.[20]

When you’re driving in heavy traffic, insurance companies no longer only have to consider your risk factors and driving history. They must also consider the fact that you’re among many other drivers who could get in a crash with you.

Good to Know

Some of the most dangerous states to drive in are also some of the states with the lowest average car insurance premiums. Ohio has the highest rate of drivers with moving violations and speeding tickets but also has premiums below the national average, according to Insurify data.

Weather events

Local weather events can also affect average car insurance premiums in your state. Car accidents often increase during extreme weather, such as heavy rain or snow. 

And it’s not just cars on the road that are at greater risk of incident. Storms can cause tree branches to fall on your car, hail to crack your windshield, flash flooding to flood your vehicle, and more.

Between the increased risk of car accidents and other damage to vehicles, claims tend to rise, as do the premiums for drivers in that area. For example, Louisiana and Florida are the states with the highest rate of flood claims, and they’re also among the top five states for expensive auto insurance.[21]

Do you have to change your car insurance when you move states?

Whether you have to change car insurance when you move states depends on your current insurance company and the amount of coverage you have.

“It’s imperative that you update your driver’s license, auto registration, and insurance when you permanently move states,” Hammersand says.

Of course, it’s not just a matter of whether your insurance company provides coverage in your new state. You’ll also have to determine whether your current coverage is sufficient since every state has its own minimum insurance requirements. In some cases, that might require increasing your bodily injury and property damage liability coverages.

Finally, you’ll have to learn if your new state has any additional requirements your former state didn’t have. Several states require uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. And a handful of states have no-fault insurance laws, which require drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP).

Your new state may have the same minimum requirements as your old one, in which case you won’t have to update your coverage. But you should still inform your insurance company about the move.

“Insurance can get tricky, as they could have grounds to decline your claim if you failed to notify them of your move,” Hammersand says.

Keep in Mind

Even if you had the cheapest insurance available in your previous state, it’s always a good idea to shop around when getting a new policy. The cheapest insurer in your previous state may not be the cheapest in your new state, so get quotes from at least three companies to compare rates.

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Car insurance rates by state FAQs

Want to learn more about how your state affects your car insurance rates? Our insurance experts answered the most frequently asked questions.

  • What state has the highest car insurance rates?

    Michigan has the most expensive car insurance, with an average rate of $269. A major reason Michigan drivers pay so much is that the state has the steepest minimum insurance requirements in the country.

  • Which state has the cheapest car insurance rates?

    New Hampshire has the cheapest car insurance rates in the country, at an average of $90 monthly. One reason for New Hampshire’s affordable insurance rates is that it’s one of just two states in the country that currently doesn’t require liability insurance for all drivers. New Hampshire also has one of the lowest rates of uninsured drivers and fatal car accidents.

  • Does your car insurance cover you in all 50 states?

    Each car insurance policy originates from just one state, but that doesn’t mean it only applies there. Generally speaking, your insurance policy will provide coverage in all states. However, it won’t cover incidents in other countries.

Erin Gobler
Erin Gobler

Erin Gobler is a personal finance writer and journalist based in Madison, Wisconsin. With more than five years of experience, Erin has covered topics such as investing, credit cards, mortgages, insurance, and more. Her work has been featured in major publications like Business Insider, Fox Business, and Time. Erin received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 2013, studying journalism and political science. She also received a certificate of financial planning from Boston University in 2022.

Courtney Mikulski
Edited byCourtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
Courtney Mikulski
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
  • 3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content

  • Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score

Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.

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Britney Balk
Reviewed byBritney BalkInsurance Sales Agent
Britney Balk
Britney BalkInsurance Sales Agent
  • 10+ years of experience in the insurance space

  • Prior roles at Allstate, State Farm, and Root Inc.

Britney is an insurance sales agent with Property and Casualty Insurance credentials and more than a decade of experience working for notable brands.

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