Average Car Insurance Rates by Coverage
Updated daily · Rates vary by state, driver profile & vehicle
Rates are averages and vary significantly by ZIP code, driving history, vehicle type, and insurer. Compare free quotes above to find your exact rate — no credit impact.
Why compare auto insurance quotes?
Save up to $1,247/year
The same coverage can cost wildly different amounts from different insurers. Drivers who compare save an average of $947/year.
Takes just 2 minutes
Our smart comparison tool searches 50+ insurers simultaneously. No need to visit individual websites or sit on hold.
Zero credit impact
Getting quotes uses only a soft inquiry. Your credit score is completely unaffected no matter how many quotes you compare.
How to Find Cheap Car Insurance Without Sacrificing Coverage
The biggest mistake drivers make is sticking with the same insurer year after year. Car insurance rates change constantly — your insurer may have quietly raised your premium while competitors lowered theirs.
The most effective way to get cheap car insurance is to compare multiple quotes at once. Our free tool checks 50+ insurers in under 2 minutes, showing you real rates for your exact situation.
Full Coverage vs. Liability — What's the Difference?
Liability insurance is the minimum required in most states. It covers damage and injuries you cause to others — but nothing for your own vehicle. If you cause an accident, your car repair costs come out of your pocket.
Full coverage insurance adds collision coverage (your car after any accident) and comprehensive coverage (theft, weather, fire, vandalism). For newer vehicles or financed cars, lenders typically require full coverage.
Car Insurance Discounts You Might Be Missing
Most drivers are leaving money on the table. Insurance companies offer dozens of discounts that many policyholders don't know to ask about. Here are the most valuable:
High-Risk Driver Insurance — Coverage After an Accident or DUI
A DUI, at-fault accident, or serious traffic violation can dramatically increase your car insurance rates — sometimes by 50–200%. If you've been labeled a high-risk driver, some standard insurers may even decline to cover you.
However, specialist high-risk auto insurers and non-standard insurance companies offer coverage specifically for drivers with imperfect records. Rates can still vary enormously between providers, making comparison even more important. Most drivers are able to reduce their high-risk premium back to normal levels within 3–5 years by maintaining a clean record.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does car insurance cost per month on average?
The national average for full coverage car insurance is approximately $150–$180/month ($1,800–$2,160/year). Liability-only coverage averages $50–$80/month. Your actual rate depends on your state, age, driving record, vehicle, and insurer.
What factors affect car insurance rates the most?
The biggest factors are: your driving record (accidents and violations), your location (state and ZIP code), your vehicle (make, model, year), your age, your credit score (in most states), and the coverage level you choose.
Can I get car insurance with a suspended license?
Getting car insurance with a suspended license is very difficult. Most standard insurers will decline. However, some non-standard insurers may offer you an SR-22 policy, which is a certificate of financial responsibility required to reinstate your license in most states.
How often should I compare car insurance quotes?
Insurance experts recommend comparing quotes every 6–12 months or whenever you have a major life event (new car, move, marriage, adding a driver). Rates change constantly and loyalty doesn't always pay — switching insurers is how most drivers save hundreds per year.
Is it better to pay car insurance monthly or annually?
Paying annually (upfront) almost always saves money. Most insurers charge an installment fee of 2–5% for monthly payments. On a $1,800 annual premium, that could cost an extra $36–$90 per year. If you can afford it, pay in full.