The Average Cost of Auto Insurance (2026 Rates to Expect)

How much does auto insurance cost per month? Annual premiums average $660 for minimum and $1,512 for full coverage, though factors that affect auto insurance rates can change the price.

Age has the biggest impact on the average auto insurance cost per month. Men also pay more than women, and single drivers have higher rates than married couples.

This guide offers auto insurance cost calculators by age, gender, state, and driving history, plus easy ways to lower your average car insurance payment per month. Keep reading to compare rates from top companies. Enter your ZIP code to get started.

Monthly Auto Insurance Cost Comparison

How much is auto insurance a month? The average cost of auto insurance is about $55 per month for liability-only coverage and around $126 per month for full coverage.

Rates can still vary by company, driver profile, and coverage needs. Comparing full coverage vs. liability-only car insurance costs can help show the cost of auto insurance by coverage level and how much extra protection may add to your monthly premium.

Minimum vs. Full Coverage Differences

Minimum coverage covers the insurance your state requires. Full coverage provides protection for your vehicle, including damage from collisions, theft, or other covered losses.

Across the insurers shown, full coverage costs about $88 more per month on average. The added premium helps cover damage to your vehicle after collisions, theft, severe weather, and other covered losses.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage Level

Your average monthly car insurance rate depends on several personal factors, along with the coverage level you choose.

Nearly every state requires minimum auto insurance with liability coverage, which is usually the cheapest option. Companies like Geico and Erie may offer lower rates, but adding collision and comprehensive coverage increases your monthly premium.

Full coverage isn’t required in most states, so choosing liability only can lower your monthly bill. Meeting the minimum car insurance requirements may make sense for an older vehicle, but it won’t cover repairs to your own auto.

In 14 states, drivers may need PIP or MedPay in addition to liability coverage. These benefits can help cover medical expenses after a crash, regardless of who was at fault. The table below shows what each coverage level costs per month on average.

• Minimum Liability: $55 per month
• Minimum With PIP: $80 per month
• Minimum With MedPay: $60 per month
• Full Coverage: $126 per month

These added minimums can raise the average monthly cost of auto insurance, especially in states that require PIP or MedPay. Research your state’s laws and requirements before buying coverage to make sure you’re carrying the right amount.

Learn More: 10 Best Auto Insurance Companies for Cheap Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Since many factors affect monthly rates, get multiple insurance quotes from at least three different companies to find the cheapest auto insurance for full coverage. Then compare costs by state, age, gender, driving history, and credit score using the charts below.

The Ages That Usually Pay Less

Teen drivers tend to pay the most, especially when they are new to driving. Rates often drop over the years, with drivers in their 50s usually getting some of the better prices.

Among 16-year-olds, male drivers pay about $321 per month for minimum coverage, while female drivers pay about $291 per month for the same policy.

Average car insurance rates by age begin falling after 25 as drivers gain experience. Young men often pay more because insurers associate them with higher risks of accidents and violations. The price difference between men and women usually becomes smaller with age.

While age affects what drivers pay, the makeup of the nation’s licensed driving population also provides useful context. Middle-aged and older adults account for the largest shares of U.S. drivers. The chart below shows the distribution across six age groups.

Why do men pay more than women for auto insurance? Younger men tend to have more accidents and traffic violations, especially during their teen years. The gap usually becomes smaller as drivers get older.

A clean driving record can help keep your rate down as the years pass. Accident-related increases often drop off after three to five years, though the timing depends on your insurer and state.

Higher Auto Insurance Rates for New Drivers

First-time drivers may pay around $200 to $300 per month, depending on their age, location, and coverage. Auto insurance for young adults and teens is often more expensive because they have less driving.

Older drivers may pay less if they add a teen to an existing policy rather than buy a separate policy. Compare average monthly rates by age and state to find the best option near you.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates Increases When Adding a Teen Driver

Adding a teen driver will usually raise your monthly premium because insurers see first-time drivers as higher risk. However, the increase is often lower when the teen is added to a parent’s, guardian’s, or roommate’s policy.

On average, new drivers can save about $125 per month or $1,500 per year this way. Read more about the best auto insurance companies for teens to compare lower-cost options.

How Marital Status Affects Auto Insurance Rates

Insurance companies often view married drivers as lower risk than single drivers. That can lead to slightly cheaper monthly rates, depending on the provider and driver profile.

Savings are usually modest, but they can still help lower overall policy costs. Compare the best auto insurance companies for married couples to find the right policy.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Marital Status

Some states restrict insurers’ use of marital status when calculating premiums. Hawaii Auto Insurance rules do not allow companies to use it when setting rates.

Michigan Auto Insurance follows a similar rule, so insurers must rely on other pricing factors. These may include driving history, location, vehicle type, and coverage level.

Massachusetts Auto Insurance regulations also prevent insurers from using marital status in rate calculations. This keeps a driver’s relationship status from affecting the quoted premium.

Companies instead consider details such as driving history, location, vehicle, and selected coverage. These factors can still cause rates to vary from one driver to another.

Your Driving Record Can Shape What You Pay

Your rate may change based on the tickets, accidents, and claims on your record. A longer stretch of safe driving can work in your favor when insurers review your price.

For example, most companies will increase your rates by 21%-22% after a speeding ticket. Some companies raise rates more than others for speeding violations.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates Before & After a Ticket

For example, Geico charges 20% more per month after a speeding ticket, raising minimum rates to $66 a month. Travelers only raises rates by 19%. Compare auto insurance companies for drivers with speeding tickets to see more quotes.

How do auto insurance companies check driving records? Risk-assessment companies like LexisNexis research driver records across states to gather information like speeding violations and at-fault accidents.

The Impact of an Accident on Auto Insurance Costs

Auto insurance for drivers with accidents often costs more because a recent claim can signal greater risk. After one accident, monthly rates may rise from around $100 to $120, depending on the insurer and driver.

Not every insurer handles an accident the same way. Some raise rates sharply after a claim, while others keep the surcharge closer to what you were paying before.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates Before & After an Accident

How much is Liberty Mutual auto insurance per month after an accident? Its rate rises about 37%, from a clean-record price to roughly $112 per month. This is one of the larger increases in the table and may make the company less affordable after a claim.

After an accident, it may be worth checking quotes before your policy renews. Our guide to cheap auto insurance after an accident can help you compare lower-cost options with similar coverage.

Geico costs $38 less per month than Liberty Mutual after an accident. Erie also has one of the smallest rate increases, at just $20.

Geico and Erie may be worth checking after an accident, especially if larger insurers quote higher prices. Compare their rates, coverage, and discounts before deciding.

What a DUI Means for Your Insurance Premium

A DUI can raise your insurance rate much more than a minor violation. Insurers view impaired driving as a serious risk, so even one offense may lead to a sharp increase in monthly premiums.

Still, the cost of auto insurance by driving record depends on the company and how it evaluates high-risk drivers. This chart compares clean-record and one-DUI rates, showing which insurers charge more and when High-Risk Auto Insurance may be worth comparing.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates Before & After a DUI

Rates rise sharply after a DUI, but the increase isn’t the same with every insurer. Geico is the cheapest option in the table at $94 per month, while Liberty Mutual is the most expensive at $141 per month.

Since insurers price DUI risk differently, it helps to compare several quotes. If your state requires proof of coverage, learn how to get SR-22 auto insurance from Geico and what to expect during the filing process.

Credit Tiers and Auto Insurance Pricing

Your credit history may change the rate you’re offered, but insurers don’t all treat it the same way. In states where credit is allowed, a lower score can sometimes mean a higher monthly premium.

The price difference can become more noticeable as credit moves from good to fair or poor. The chart compares average minimum coverage rates by credit score across several insurers.
Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Credit Score

Good credit often keeps minimum coverage rates closer to the standard price, while fair or poor credit may result in higher rates. Since companies weigh credit differently, the best companies for credit-based auto insurance may offer a better deal.

Geico, Erie, and State Farm offer rates starting near $55 per month, though prices vary by driver. Paying bills on time, keeping a clean record, and comparing the best auto insurance companies for drivers with bad credit may help you find cheaper coverage.

Your State Can Make a Big Difference

Washington’s average for minimum coverage is about $55 a month. Move across state lines, though, and that number can change as local laws, repair prices, and claim costs come into play.

Nevada, Florida, and New Jersey have the highest minimum liability rates. Compare auto insurance rates by state to see how average auto insurance costs by state vary by location and coverage level.

Is $100 a month expensive for auto insurance? Not necessarily. Many drivers pay less for minimum liability coverage, while full coverage averages around $126 per month because it offers broader protection.

Your rate depends on where you live, the coverage you choose, your insurer, and your driving and claims history. Checking a few quotes is the easiest way to see whether $100 a month is a fair price for you.

For example, Virginia drivers pay about $61 per month on average. By comparison, auto insurance in Georgia costs around $95 per month, even with 25/50/25 liability limits.

Ohio has the same liability limits but averages only $38 per month. This difference shows how claims patterns, state regulations, and local market conditions can affect premiums.

What does auto insurance cost in California? California auto insurance averages about $97 per month, though many providers charge less. Allstate and Liberty Mutual are among the few with average rates above $100.

Texas often has higher auto insurance costs than lower-priced states such as Iowa and Kansas. More fatal crashes are one reason Texas auto insurance rates can run higher.

Rates can also change from one city to another. Washington averages about $71 per month, but Seattle drivers may pay more due to heavier traffic, coastal weather, and a higher risk of theft.

The same applies to auto insurance in Illinois,where Chicago drivers may pay more than the state average of $52 due to higher local risks. Similar market changes are discussed in Auto Insurance Companies Pulling Out of California.

How Vehicle Type Affects Car Insurance Premiums

The vehicle you drive plays a big part in what you pay for insurance. Repair prices, safety ratings, theft rates, and replacement costs can all cause one model to cost more to insure than another.

Sedans are usually the answer to “what type of auto is cheapest to insure?” Meanwhile, auto insurance rates by make and model are often higher for trucks, SUVs, and luxury vehicles because repairs and replacements tend to be more expensive.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Vehicle Type

What is the hardest auto to insure? Luxury, sports, and specialty vehicles are often more difficult or expensive to cover because they cost more to repair or replace.

Drivers with valuable or unique vehicles may need broader protection to cover those added risks. Policies such as classic car insurance can offer more appropriate coverage, but they usually come with higher monthly rates.

How you use and pay for your vehicle can also shape your insurance rate. Mileage, commuting, and driving for work may all affect your coverage needs and monthly cost.

Leasing or having an auto loan can also change your insurance requirements. Many lenders want more than basic coverage to help protect the vehicle. That usually means adding collision and comprehensive coverage, which can raise your premium.

Insurers also consider how you own and use the vehicle. A leased or financed auto may need more coverage than one you own outright, and using it for work can raise the cost.

Before you compare quotes, consider how you use your auto and whether your lender requires certain coverage. Sorting out those details first will make the next questions easier to answer.

• Do you lease your vehicle? The lessor may require you to carry more than liability coverage, increasing your monthly auto insurance quotes.
• Do you have an auto loan? Most lenders require drivers to carry full coverage insurance for the length of the loan. You may also add gap insurance to cover your loan if you total the vehicle before paying it off. Both will raise your monthly insurance costs.
• Are other drivers listed on your policy? Companies assess the risk of all drivers listed on a policy, which can raise or lower rates depending on your driving records.
• Do you use your vehicle for work? Personal policies don’t cover work-related accidents, so you’ll need to add commercial auto insurance or shop for business add-ons. Both will raise your monthly insurance rates.

Rideshare and delivery drivers may need extra coverage if they use their vehicle for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or similar services. A personal policy may not cover accidents that happen while the vehicle is being used for paid work.

The best rideshare auto insurance companies offer add-ons to a personal policy. These options can help drivers get the right protection without paying for a full commercial policy.

Sports Car Auto Insurance Costs

Sports cars, especially newer models, usually cost more to insure. Their higher value, powerful engines, and expensive parts can make repairs—and insurance—more costly.

Insurance rates also rise because sports cars may need specialized parts and more expensive maintenance. That is why average full coverage costs for many popular models can exceed $200 per month.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates for Popular Sports Cars

Insurers pay close attention to a vehicle’s safety record, theft rate, and accident history. Those details can shape what they expect to pay when a claim happens.

Autos with costly parts or weaker safety results often come with higher premiums. Even two similar models can be priced differently if one is more expensive to repair.

Vehicles involved in more severe crashes may cost more to insure than models with strong safety ratings. Their higher claim costs can lead to noticeably higher premiums.

Before you buy auto insurance for sports cars, compare rates based on the exact make and model. Looking at safety features, repair costs, and theft risk may help you find a lower price.

Insurance Costs for Hybrids and EVs

Hybrids and EVs can be pricier to insure when repairs involve the battery, sensors, or other specialized parts. That extra work may leave their monthly rates above those of many gas-powered autos.

The repair bill can climb quickly when an EV or hybrid needs specialty parts or someone trained to work on the system. Even the safety sensors can add to the cost if they need to be replaced and recalibrated.

Depending on the vehicle, you could pay an extra $20 to $40 each month for coverage. Rates also change based on the model, local repair prices, parts supply, and whether nearby shops can handle the work.

Before choosing a policy, compare quotes using the same coverage limits. Check how each insurer handles battery damage, specialty repairs, and replacement costs so you know what the policy may cost over time.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates for Popular Hybrid Vehicles

Battery packs and advanced technology can make even minor repairs expensive. Some insurers may total the vehicle rather than repair it when battery damage is involved.

Drivers can still lower costs by comparing companies that price EVs more competitively. Look for providers that offer electric vehicle auto insurance discounts to help reduce your monthly rate.

Auto Insurance Cost Comparison From Top Competitors

Auto insurance prices can vary quite a bit from one company to another. Looking at rates side by side makes it easier to spot which insurers charge less for minimum or full coverage.

State Farm has the largest market share and remains one of the lower-cost options in this table. Its average full coverage rate is about $133 per month, while minimum coverage is about $59.

20 Largest U.S. Auto Insurers: Market Share & Monthly Rates

Is $120 a month good for auto insurance? It can be, especially for full coverage from a major provider. For comparison, the average State Farm auto insurance is about $133 per month, while Geico and USAA also offer competitive rates across several driver profiles.

Review our USAA vs. Geico auto insurance comparison for coverage and pricing, then check rates every few months. Be sure the policy also meets your state’s requirements, since the cheapest option may not offer enough protection.

Geico, State Farm, and USAA are available in all 50 states, but USAA is limited to military members and their families. Other companies may only sell policies in certain regions or states.

Because availability and pricing can change by ZIP code, compare local options before choosing a provider. Use auto insurance by ZIP code to find cheaper companies and coverage choices near you.

How to Get the Cheapest Monthly Auto Insurance Rates

How much should insurance for an auto be per month? The average monthly cost is about $55 for minimum policies and $126 for full coverage, though your rate can change by driver profile, state, and insurer.

You may be able to lower your premium by adjusting coverage, comparing companies, or using available savings programs. Follow these tips to lower your auto insurance rates before choosing or renewing a policy.

• Be Added to a Policy: With most companies, adding a high-risk driver to a parent’s or roommate’s policy is cheaper than buying a new policy for a single young driver.
• Bundle Policies. Compare auto quotes from your home or renters insurance company for cheaper rates. Most companies offer a 10% or more discount to help drivers save money by bundling home and auto insurance.
• Increase Deductibles: The deductible is the upfront amount you pay before the insurance policy covers costs. Increasing this amount reduces the risk to the insurance company and lowers your average auto payment per month.
• Reduce Coverage: You’ll pay the lowest possible rates if you can only afford to carry the state minimum liability. However, you’ll be responsible for your own damages and medical costs if you’re involved in an accident or other incident.

Your rates may increase if you add more coverage, are involved in an accident, get a DUI, or receive a speeding ticket. How to get the cheapest auto insurance quotes starts with comparing costs by age, state, and driving record.

Insurance companies offer auto insurance discounts for paperless billing, good grades, low mileage, and more. Ask about all the discounts you qualify for before buying to save money.

Top Auto Insurance Discounts by Category

If you want cheaper auto insurance per month, start with discounts that match your driving habits. Safe driver and low-mileage savings can reach 30%, while bundling may lower costs by about 20%.

Even if your record is not perfect, smaller discounts can still help reduce your premium. New auto savings, auto pay, paid-in-full, and anti-theft discounts may lower rates when combined.

How Telematics Can Lower Auto Insurance Prices

Safe drivers and people who do not log many miles each year may be able to lower costs with usage-based insurance (UBI). These programs are offered by many national insurers and base discounts on how you actually drive.

Most UBI plans track habits such as speed, braking, mileage, and time of day. If your driving is steady and low-risk, the savings can be meaningful over time.

Top Usage-Based Auto Insurance (UBI) Programs

Allstate and Nationwide show some of the biggest savings in this table, with discounts of up to 40%. That makes them strong options for drivers looking for the cheapest usage-based auto insurance.

These programs reward careful behavior rather than relying solely on standard rating factors. For drivers with safe habits, telematics can be a practical way to lower monthly premiums.

Some high-risk drivers may not qualify for UBI, especially if they need SR-22 insurance. Telematics programs are usually designed for drivers with safer habits, so that eligibility can depend on your record and the insurer’s rules.

These programs may increase your rate if they pick up habits like hard braking or frequent late-night driving. Check the provider’s terms first to see whether UBI is likely to save you money.

Compare Auto Insurance Rates to Start Saving Today

What is the average cost of auto insurance per month? Drivers over 25 with good records pay the lowest rates, $55 per month, for liability-only insurance. The average cost for full coverage auto insurance is $126 a month.

Several factors affect the average cost of auto insurance, including your risk as a driver, the number of vehicles and drivers on your policy, mileage, coverage options, and insurance history.

You should compare monthly auto insurance costs by state to see what drivers in your area pay. USAA, Geico, and State Farm often offer cheaper rates than competitors, but prices vary by profile. Start by comparing State Farm vs. USAA auto insurance.

Other factors that affect auto insurance costs, including credit score, gender, marital status, and occupation, can also affect rates. These details may change your premium or discount eligibility, even with a clean driving record.

Insurers don’t all price risk the same way, so checking quotes from at least three companies can pay off. Once you know the coverage you need, enter your ZIP code to compare free local rates.