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 the most 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 pay more 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 car insurance each month? On average, liability-only coverage costs about $55 per month, and full coverage is about $126 per month.

Your rates can still change depending on the company, your driving history, and the coverage you pick. Comparing full coverage vs. liability-only car insurance costs affects your monthly costs and the extra protection you get.

Comparing Minimum vs. Full Coverage Costs

Minimum coverage meets your state’s insurance rules. Full coverage also protects your car from collisions, theft, and other types of damage.

Across the insurers shown, full coverage costs about $88 more per month on average. The added premium helps cover damage from 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.

Almost every state requires minimum auto insurance with liability coverage, which is usually the most affordable option. Companies like Geico and Erie may have lower rates, but adding collision and comprehensive coverage will raise 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 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.

How Age & Gender Influence Auto Insurance Premiums

Teen drivers tend to pay the most, especially when they are new to driving. Rates often drop over time, with drivers in their 50s usually getting some of the best 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 make up the largest share 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 over time. Accident-related increases often drop off after three to five years, though the timing depends on your insurer and state.

Why New Drivers Pay Higher Premiums

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 drive less. Learn more in our guide: Best Auto Insurance for Drivers Under 25.

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

Auto Insurance Monthly Rate Increase 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 you add the teen 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 10 Companies With the Cheapest Teen Auto Insurance to compare lower-cost options.

Comparing Car Insurance Costs for Married Drivers

Many insurance companies see married drivers as less risky than single drivers. This can mean slightly lower monthly rates, depending on the company and your personal details.

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 from using 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.

In this comparison, a speeding ticket raises minimum coverage rates by about 19%–22% for most companies.

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

If you get into an accident, your auto insurance rates could go up because insurers consider recent claims a higher risk. For example, a $100 monthly rate might rise to about $120, depending on your situation and insurer. Check out our guide: Cheap Auto Insurance After an Accident.

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 Car 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 can sharply increase monthly premiums.

Still, the cost of auto insurance based on your 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

Understanding how your credit history affects your auto insurance premium can help explain your quoted rate. In places where it is allowed, having a lower credit score might lead to a higher monthly premium. Different insurers use credit differently.

The price gap often widens as credit shifts from good to fair or poor. The chart shows how the average cost of auto insurance by credit score varies among insurers offering minimum coverage.

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 near $55 per month, but your price may differ. Building good payment habits and comparing the best auto insurance companies for drivers with bad credit can help you find the cheapest auto insurance for drivers with poor credit.

How Location Influences Auto Insurance Prices

Washington’s average for minimum coverage is about $52 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 a lot for auto insurance? Not always. Many people pay less for minimum liability, while full coverage usually costs about $126 per month since it covers more.

Your rate depends on where you live, your coverage, your insurer, and your driving record and claim history. Comparing a few quotes is the easiest way to determine whether $100 a month is a fair price for you.

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

Ohio has the same liability limits, but drivers there pay only about $38 per month. This difference shows how claims, state rules, and local market factors can change what you pay.

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 $52 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 $62 due to higher local risks.

Related: 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 costs, safety ratings, theft rates, and replacement costs can make one model cost more to insure than another.

Sedans are usually the answer to “what type of auto is the 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 cost more.

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Vehicle Type

What is the hardest auto to insure? Luxury, sports, and specialty vehicles are often harder or more 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 you use the vehicle 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 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 by 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 picking a policy, compare quotes with the same coverage limits. Find out how each insurer handles battery damage, special repairs, and replacement costs so you understand the long-term 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 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

Average auto insurance rates by insurance company can vary widely. Comparing prices side by side makes it easier to see 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.

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. Calculate your auto insurance costs and compare them with the average State Farm auto insurance rate of $133 per month, along with competitive rates from Geico and USAA.

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. To find the cheapest auto insurance quotes, start by 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 who don’t log many miles each year may be able to lower costs with usage-based insurance (UBI). Many national insurers offer these programs and base discounts on how you actually drive.

Most UBI plans track habits such as speed, braking, mileage, and time of day. If you drive steadily and low-risk, the savings can add up 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 driving rather than relying on standard rating factors. If you drive safely, telematics could help you lower your monthly premiums.

High-risk drivers, especially those who need SR-22 insurance, might not qualify for UBI. These telematics programs are mainly for people with safer driving records, so your eligibility depends on your history and the company’s rules.

If these programs notice habits like frequent hard braking or late-night driving, your rate could go up. Be sure to read the provider’s terms to see if UBI will actually save you money.

Compare Auto Insurance Rates to Start Saving Today

What is the average cost of auto insurance? A driver over 25 with a clean record may pay about $55 per month for liability-only coverage, while full coverage costs closer to $126 per month.

Rates can still vary widely from one company to another, even for the same driver. That is why it helps to compare quotes before choosing a policy, especially if your current premium no longer fits your budget.

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.

Compare monthly auto insurance costs by state to see what drivers in your area typically pay. Prices can vary based on local claim trends, repair costs, traffic density, and minimum coverage requirements.

Geico, State Farm, and USAA often offer cheaper rates than some competitors, but the best company depends on your profile. Start by comparing  State Farm vs. USAA auto insurance to see which provider may offer better value for your needs.

Other details can also nudge your rate up or down. Your credit score, gender, marital status, job, and past insurance history may affect what you pay, even with a clean driving record.

That doesn’t mean every company weighs those details the same way. One insurer may give you a better price for your profile, while another may be more competitive for a different driver.

The easiest way to check is to compare at least three quotes before choosing a policy. Once you know the coverage you need, enter your ZIP code to compare free local rates.