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

How much does auto insurance cost per month? In the U.S., monthly premiums often fall between $52 and $156, with the final price depending on the type of policy you choose.

Minimum coverage is usually cheaper, while full coverage costs more because it adds broader financial protection. Several personal factors that affect auto insurance rates the most can also change what you pay.

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

This guide offers car 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 auto insurance average cost is about $52 per month for liability-only coverage and around $156 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.

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 USAA vs. Geico auto insurance may offer lower rates, but adding collision and comprehensive coverage increases your monthly premium.

Full coverage is optional in most states, so liability-only policies may keep monthly costs lower. Meeting minimum car insurance requirements can work for older vehicles or drivers who can handle repairs, but it will not pay for damage to your own car.

Some states require medical coverage beyond liability, including 14 states with PIP or MedPay rules. These coverages help pay accident-related medical bills, regardless of fault. The breakdown below shows how average monthly costs change by coverage level.

• Minimum Liability: $52 per month
• Minimum With PIP: $80 per month
• Minimum With MedPay: $60 per month
• Full Coverage: $156 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 auto insurance rates, get get multiple insurance quotes from at least three different companies to find the cheapest auto insurance for full coverage. Then use the charts below to compare costs by state, age, gender, driving history, and credit score.

Auto Insurance Rates by State

How much is auto insurance in Washington per month? Minimum monthly rates average $52, which is similar to the national average for minimum coverage. However, some states are much cheaper or more expensive depending on local insurance rules and claim trends.

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, while full coverage averages around $156 per month because it includes broader protection.

The amount you pay depends on several factors, including your state, coverage level, insurer, and driving record and claim history. Comparing quotes can help you determine whether $100 is competitive for your profile.

For example, Virginia drivers pay about $61 per month on average. By comparison, car 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.

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by State

What’s the average cost of auto insurance in California? California auto insurance averages $97 per month, though most providers charge less. Allstate and Liberty Mutual are among the few averaging over $100.

Why is the average auto insurance cost in Texas per month higher than other states? Texas has more fatal accidents, making Texas auto insurance higher-risk. Rates can also exceed those in lower-cost states like Iowa and Kansas.

Auto insurance rates will also vary by city. For example, Washington averages $71 per month, while Seattle rates may be higher due to population size, coastal weather risks, and theft rates.

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

Auto Insurance Rates by Age & Gender

New and inexperienced drivers usually pay the highest monthly auto insurance rates. The average monthly quote by driver age is typically highest for teens, but at what age is auto insurance the least expensive? Rates generally reach their lowest point for drivers in their 50s.

Among 16-year-olds, male drivers pay about $230 per month for minimum coverage, while 16-year-old females average around $200 per month for the same policy.

These average car insurance rates by age generally start to decline after 25, though men often pay more during their teen and young adult years. At age 18, males average about $200 per month for minimum coverage, compared with roughly $180 for females.

Why do men pay more than women for auto insurance? Younger male drivers are often considered higher risk because of accident, DUI, and reckless driving trends. The gap usually narrows with age, while accident surcharges may decrease after three to five years.

Auto Insurance Rates for a New Driver

Auto insurance for young adults and teens costs the most because new drivers have less experience behind the wheel. First-time drivers often pay between $200 and $300 per month, depending on age, location, and coverage level.

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

Monthly Auto Insurance Rate 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.

Auto Insurance Rates for Married Couples

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 how insurers use marital status when setting rates. Hawaii Auto Insurance and Michigan Auto Insurance rules prohibit companies from using marital status when pricing coverage.

Massachusetts Auto Insurance regulations also exclude marital status from rate calculations. In these states, premiums are based on other factors, such as driving history, location, and coverage choices.

Auto Insurance Rates After a Speeding Ticket

Insurance companies use your driving history to assess your risk level. The average auto insurance cost by driving record rises as traffic violations and claims increase, leading to higher monthly rates.

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 Rate Increases: Clean Record vs. One Ticket

For example, Geico charges 20% more per month after a speeding ticket, raising minimum rates to $66 a month. Travelers only raise 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.

Auto Insurance Rates After an Accident

Auto insurance for drivers with accidents usually costs more because insurers see recent claims as a higher risk. After one accident, monthly rates can rise from about $100 to $120, depending on the company and driver profile.

The increase is not the same for every insurer, so comparing providers is important. Some companies raise rates more sharply after a claim, while others keep accident surcharges closer to the original monthly premium.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rate Increases: Clean Record vs. One 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.

That is one of the larger increases in the table, making Liberty Mutual less affordable for drivers with a recent claim.

Liberty Mutual may cost more after an accident than several competitors shown in the same chart. The difference can be significant at renewal.

Drivers with a recent accident should compare quotes before renewing or switching. Another insurer may offer a lower rate for the same coverage.

USAA charges about half of Liberty Mutual’s rate after an accident, but eligibility is limited to military members and their families. Geico also stands out because it has the smallest increase after one accident.

For eligible drivers, these companies may offer lower post-accident rates than larger insurers. Compare coverage, pricing, and eligibility in our USAA auto insurance review guide.

Auto Insurance Rates After a DUI

A DUI usually causes a much larger rate increase than a clean driving record. Insurers treat impaired driving as a serious risk, so monthly premiums often rise sharply after just one offense.

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 Rate Increases: Clean Record vs. One DUI

A DUI can have a major effect on your monthly premium, and some insurers raise rates much more than others. In this table, Progressive increases from $71 to $122 per month, while USAA rises from $49 to $84.

That’s why it helps to compare quotes carefully after a DUI. For more details, review coverage and pricing in our Progressive auto insurance review before choosing a policy.

Auto Insurance Rates by Vehicle Type

Insurance costs can vary by vehicle type because insurers price each model differently. Factors like repair costs, safety ratings, theft risk, and replacement value all affect monthly premiums.

What type of auto is cheapest to insure? Sedans are usually the most affordable, while auto insurance rates by make and model are often higher for trucks, SUVs, and luxury vehicles because they can cost more to repair or replace.

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.

Additional factors that affect average insurance rates by auto include how you use and finance your vehicle. Leasing, having an auto loan, or using your car for work can change the coverage you need.

These details may raise your premium because insurers look at ownership, mileage, and risk. Before comparing quotes, review how you would answer the following questions:

• 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 pay 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

If you drive a sports car, especially a newer model, you will usually pay more for car insurance. These vehicles often have higher values, stronger performance, and greater repair costs than standard cars.

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

Insurance companies also look at safety ratings, theft risk, and accident statistics for each make and model. Vehicles with weaker safety records or higher claim costs usually come with higher monthly premiums.

Cars involved in more severe crashes often cost more to insure than top safety picks. Before you buy auto insurance for sports cars, compare vehicle-specific risks to help find lower rates.

Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Insurance Costs

Hybrid models and electric vehicles can cost more to insure than many standard cars. Even with strong safety scores, EVs often have higher repair costs because of specialized parts, sensors, and battery systems.

Minimum and full coverage for these vehicles may run $20 to $40 above the average auto insurance cost monthly. The difference depends on the model, repair availability, and replacement cost.

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 instead of repairing it when battery damage is involved.

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

Auto Insurance Rates by Credit Score

How credit history affects your auto insurance premium depends on how insurers assess claim risk. In many states, drivers with lower credit scores may be viewed as more likely to file claims, which can raise monthly rates.

That pricing gap can be significant, especially as credit moves from good to fair or poor. The chart shows how the average cost of auto insurance by credit score varies across providers for minimum coverage.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Credit Score

Drivers with good credit usually pay close to the standard rate for minimum coverage. Rates by credit tier tend to rise for fair credit, though the size of the increase varies by insurance company.

Poor credit typically leads to the highest premiums in the table. That makes it worth comparing quotes carefully, since some insurers penalize lower credit scores less than others.

USAA, Geico, and State Farm are among the best companies for credit-based auto insurance, with rates starting near $59 per month. They may also offer some of the cheapest auto insurance for drivers with poor credit.

If you have poor credit, you can earn lower insurance rates by paying your monthly bills on time and maintaining a good driving record. Compare quotes from the best auto insurance companies for drivers with bad credit to find the most affordable policy near you.

Auto Insurance Rates From Top Providers

Average auto insurance rates by insurance company can vary because each provider evaluates drivers differently. Comparing rates side by side can show which companies offer lower prices 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 Insurance Companies: Market Share & Monthly Rates

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

Review our Geico auto insurance review to compare coverage and pricing, and calculate your auto insurance costs every few months to find better rates. Also check your state’s insurance requirements before choosing a policy, since the cheapest option may not provide 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 Auto Insurance Rates Per Month

How much should insurance for an auto be per month? The average monthly cost is about $61 for minimum policies and $165 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.

• 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.
• 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 car payment per month.
• Bundle Policies. Compare auto quotes from your home or renters insurance company for cheaper rates. Most companies offer a discount of 10% or more to help drivers save money by bundling home and auto insurance.
• 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

Your rates may increase if you add more coverage, have 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.

Common Auto Insurance Discounts

If you want cheaper car 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 car savings, auto pay, paid-in-full, and anti-theft discounts may lower rates when combined.

Telematics for Lower Average Auto Insurance Rates

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 instead of relying only 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 eligibility can depend on your record and the insurer’s rules.

These programs can also raise rates if they track risky habits, such as hard braking or late-night driving. Review the provider’s terms before enrolling to see whether UBI is likely to lower your average rate.

Compare Car 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 at $61 per month for liability-only insurance. The average cost for full coverage car insurance is $165 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 always compare the average cost of auto insurance per month by state to estimate what drivers in your area pay for coverage. USAA, Geico, and State Farm are the cheapest auto insurance companies, but a local insurer may offer you better rates than the competition. 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.

Insurance companies weigh risk differently, so it helps to get quotes from at least three providers. Once you know your average monthly coverage needs, enter your ZIP code to compare local rates for free.