What is the average auto insurance cost per month?
The average auto insurance cost per month is $45 for liability and $119 for full coverage. However, rates vary widely depending on state, age, gender, and chosen auto insurance company. You will have lower average monthly rates if you maintain an accident-free record and get insurance quotes online.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 13, 2023
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 13, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Many factors affect the cost of average car insurance rates per month, including age and driving history
- State insurance laws can significantly affect the average cost of car insurance where you live
- You can lower your monthly auto insurance rates by reducing coverage levels and increasing your deductibles
If you’re wondering, what is the average auto insurance cost per month? The easiest way to find affordable auto insurance is to compare rates with different companies in your state. Factors that affect auto insurance rates include personal variables like age, gender, marital status, and where you live.
Age has one of the biggest impacts on the average car insurance cost per month. Men also pay more for car insurance per month than women, and single drivers have higher rates than married couples.
Keep reading to compare rates for different drivers from the top insurance companies in the country. This guide offers car insurance cost calculators by age, gender, state, and driving history. We’ll also explore the additional factors influencing your auto insurance quotes and easy ways to lower your monthly car insurance costs.
Comparing Average Auto Insurance Costs Per Month
How much is car insurance a month? That depends on the kind of policy you need. Liability-only policies average around $45 per month, while full coverage auto insurance costs around $119 per month. However, most drivers generally pay between $40 and $140 per month for auto insurance coverage.
Who pays the most for auto insurance? Young drivers under 25 and drivers with accidents or multiple traffic violations will pay much higher rates.
Here is a quick breakdown of the average car insurance costs for different coverage levels and drivers:
- Minimum liability coverage: $45 per month
- Full coverage: $119 per month
- Drivers with an accident: $172 per month
- Young drivers: $592 per month
- Senior drivers: $116 per month
Auto insurance for young adults and teens costs the most, while older drivers often pay less than average due to having more experience behind the wheel.
If you have an accident on your record, don’t worry. Insurance rates drop three to five years after a collision, depending on your auto insurance company.
Since so many variables impact your average monthly auto insurance rates, always compare quotes from at least three different companies. Start now with the auto insurance rate charts below and compare monthly costs by age, gender, coverage level, state, and driving history.
Average Auto Insurance Rates by Age and Gender
Compare average car insurance rates by age and gender in the table below.
How much does auto insurance cost for an 18-year-old? On average, 18-year-old male drivers pay around $503 per month for coverage, while female drivers pay $417 monthly. These rates start to decrease when drivers turn 25, but men still pay more for car insurance than women.
Why do men pay more than women for auto insurance? Male drivers — especially those under 25 — present a higher risk of fatal accidents, DUIs, and reckless driving than females. This leads to increased auto insurance costs for men in every state except Montana, Hawaii, Massachusetts, California, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina, where gender-based auto insurance rates are banned.
Average Auto Insurance Cost for a New Driver
New and inexperienced drivers pay the highest monthly rates. Sixteen-year-old male drivers pay an average of $618 per month on car insurance, while 16-year-old females pay $566 per month.
Fortunately, you can often lower new driver insurance rates by adding teens to an existing policy. Of course, your insurance company will raise rates due to the increased risk of taking on a new driver, but your monthly costs won’t be as high as they would be if you bought a new policy.
This table compares new driver auto insurance rates on a parent’s policy vs. a new policy:
On average, new drivers can save around $125 per month ($1,500 per year) when added to a parent’s, guardian’s, or roommate’s policy. Read more about the best auto insurance companies for teens.
However, Geico and USAA each list lower quotes on new policies for teen drivers, while most national companies offer cheaper rates on an existing policy. So if you’re a new driver looking for affordable coverage, compare quotes from these and more local companies to see which insurer can save you the most money.
Average Auto Insurance Rates by Coverage Level
Average monthly car insurance payments are between $45 and $123 per month, depending on your chosen coverage level.
Nearly every state requires a minimum auto insurance policy with liability coverage. Liability insurance is the lowest level of coverage you can carry and only pays for damages to another party in an at-fault accident.
Liability insurance comes with the lowest rates, but your monthly auto insurance rates will increase if you add collision and comprehensive coverage — this kind of policy is known as full coverage auto insurance.
The table below shows how much full coverage vs. liability-only car insurance costs with five top companies. The average annual auto insurance prices are at the bottom.
Full coverage auto insurance costs more per month, but you’ll pay less out of pocket if you’re involved in an accident or other incident involving your car. States don’t require full coverage insurance, so some drivers can save money by carrying liability-only policies.
However, 14 states require drivers to carry personal injury protection or medical payments coverage to cover the costs of medical bills after an accident.
These additional minimums will raise your monthly insurance rates. So, research your state auto insurance laws and car insurance requirements before you buy coverage to ensure you’re carrying the right amount.
Average Auto Insurance Rates by State
Once you know how much car insurance you need in your state, compare rates with local companies.
In the table below, you’ll find auto insurance rates by state to get an idea of how much other drivers in your area are paying monthly for coverage.
These averages are based on state minimums and a hypothetical driver with a good record. Your rates will be higher if you decide to carry more coverage or if you’ve been in an accident. DUIs and speeding tickets will also raise your rates, and your state insurance laws might dictate how much your rates can increase.
Average Auto Insurance Rates by Driving History
Insurance companies use your driving history to assess your risk level. The more traffic violations and insurance claims on your record, the higher your monthly rates will be.
How do auto insurance companies check driving records? Risk-assessment companies like LexisNexis research driver records across states to gather information like accident history and speeding violations.
Your average auto insurance cost per month will vary by violation, with some insurers charging much higher rates than others. This table shows how each insurance company charges different rates for different offenses:
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Average Rates by Company and Driving Record
| Insurance Company | Monthly Rates with a DUI | Monthly Rates with an Accident | Monthly Rates with a Ticket | Monthly Rates with a Clean Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $270 | $225 | $188 | $160 |
| American Family | $194 | $176 | $136 | $116 |
| Farmers | $193 | $198 | $173 | $139 |
| Geico | $216 | $133 | $106 | $80 |
| Liberty Mutual | $313 | $234 | $212 | $174 |
| Nationwide | $237 | $161 | $137 | $115 |
| Progressive | $140 | $186 | $140 | $105 |
| State Farm | $112 | $102 | $96 | $86 |
| Travelers | $206 | $139 | $134 | $99 |
| USAA | $108 | $78 | $67 | $59 |
| U.S. Average | $146 | $173 | $147 | $119 |
If you have offenses on your driving record, take a closer look at the average auto insurance cost per month for high-risk drivers in the sections below.
Auto Insurance Rates After a Speeding Ticket
Most companies will increase your rates by 12%-15% after a speeding ticket.
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates: One Ticket vs. Clean Record
| Insurance Company | One Ticket | Clean Record |
|---|---|---|
| AAA | $108 | $180 |
| Allstate | $188 | $166 |
| American Family | $136 | $116 |
| Farmers | $173 | $140 |
| Geico | $106 | $95 |
| Hartford | $136 | $175 |
| Liberty Mutual | $212 | $177 |
| Nationwide | $137 | $140 |
| Progressive | $140 | $120 |
| State Farm | $96 | $105 |
| Travelers | $134 | $160 |
| U.S. Average | $147 | $123 |
Some companies raise rates more than others for speeding violations. For example, Geico charges $20 more per month after a speeding ticket, while Liberty Mutual increases monthly rates by $40.
Auto Insurance Rates After an Accident
Most drivers pay around $172 a month after an accident, but some insurers can increase rates to $240 per month or more. However, car insurance rates after an accident can vary significantly from company to company.
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates: One Accident vs. Clean Record
| Insurance Company | One Accident | Clean Record |
|---|---|---|
| AAA | $220 | $180 |
| Allstate | $225 | $166 |
| American Family | $176 | $116 |
| Farmers | $198 | $140 |
| Geico | $132 | $95 |
| Hartford | $230 | $175 |
| Liberty Mutual | $234 | $177 |
| Nationwide | $161 | $140 |
| Progressive | $186 | $120 |
| State Farm | $150 | $105 |
| Travelers | $200 | $160 |
| U.S. Average | $172 | $123 |
USAA charges thousands less than Progressive, but coverage is limited to military members and their families. If you don’t qualify, you can compare rates with State Farm, Geico, Travelers, and Nationwide to find cheap auto insurance after an accident. Read more about auto insurance for drivers with accidents.
Auto Insurance Rates After a DUI
If an insurer is harsh with one offense, don’t assume it will be with another. Consider Progressive again in this car insurance rate chart for DUI offenses:
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Driving Record
| Insurance Company | One Accident | One DUI | One Ticket | Clean Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA | $220 | $240 | $220 | $180 |
| Allstate | $225 | $225 | $195 | $166 |
| American Family | $176 | $176 | $131 | $116 |
| Farmers | $198 | $198 | $176 | $140 |
| Geico | $132 | $132 | $125 | $95 |
| Hartford | $230 | $250 | $215 | $175 |
| Liberty Mutual | $234 | $234 | $217 | $177 |
| Nationwide | $161 | $161 | $175 | $140 |
| Progressive | $186 | $186 | $160 | $120 |
| State Farm | $150 | $102 | $138 | $105 |
| Travelers | $200 | $139 | $205 | $160 |
| U.S. Average | $172 | $173 | $152 | $123 |
DUIs will increase your rates by 19% on average, but Progressive won’t raise your rates by nearly as much. In fact, Progressive raises monthly rates higher after an accident than a DUI.
If you have DUIs on your record or otherwise require high-risk auto insurance, take advantage of our comparison tool above to compare free auto insurance quotes. Keep reading to compare average auto insurance rates by company.
Average Auto Insurance Rates by Company
Since every company assesses drivers differently, comparing them side by side is vital to lock in the best monthly auto insurance rates possible.
Get started with this car insurance rate chart for different drivers from the top 10 auto insurance companies in the country:
Top 10 Companies Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates by Driver Type
| Insurance Company | Rates for Teen Drivers | Rates for Senior Drivers | Rates for Military Personnel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $7225 | $1966 | $1940 |
| American Family | $5177 | $1298 | $1310 |
| Farmers | $8754 | $1582 | $1622 |
| Geico | $3391 | $937 | $966 |
| Liberty Mutual | $8744 | $1994 | $2041 |
| Nationwide | $5608 | $1349 | $1401 |
| Progressive | $9036 | $1213 | $1262 |
| State Farm | $4055 | $986 | $1031 |
| Travelers | $10009 | $1208 | $1240 |
| USAA | $2876 | $694 | $725 |
| Average | $6889 | $1393 | $1424 |
USAA, Geico, and State Farm are the top three cheapest auto insurance companies for the average driver with a good record. In addition, Geico and USAA consistently offer the best rates to drivers of all ages.
While Geico, State Farm, and USAA are available in all 50 states, remember that coverage with USAA is limited to military service members and their families. Other insurance companies aren’t available everywhere. You’ll want to compare national and local companies to see which offers the most affordable policy in your state.
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Additional Factors That Affect Monthly Auto Insurance Quotes
Many variables impact your auto insurance quotes. Most of them have to do with your risk as a driver, but some factors aren’t related to driving experience or skill at all.
Personal factors like credit score, gender, marital status, and even your occupation can increase your insurance rates. These factors can also impact your eligibility for certain discounts, which could lower your monthly insurance payments if you qualify.
Mileage, coverage options, and insurance history also significantly affect your rates. For example, according to the Insurance Information Institute, a 2021 study showed that the average cost to own and operate a 2021 model vehicle was $9,666 when the vehicle was driven 15,000 miles per year.
Why Credit Scores and Marital Status Affect Auto Insurance Costs
Credit score and marital status may not be related to your driving skills, but these variables are associated with your risk of filing a claim. Insurance companies consider drivers with low credit scores more likely to get into an accident or file a claim and will charge them higher rates accordingly.
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Credit Score
| Insurance Company | Poor Credit | Fair Credit | Good Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA | $245 | $165 | $135 |
| Allstate | $296 | $197 | $166 |
| American Family | $203 | $136 | $116 |
| Farmers | $269 | $161 | $140 |
| Geico | $148 | $100 | $82 |
| Hartford | $230 | $155 | $120 |
| Liberty Mutual | $355 | $226 | $177 |
| Nationwide | $166 | $133 | $120 |
| Progressive | $206 | $138 | $109 |
| State Farm | $200 | $118 | $91 |
| Travelers | $194 | $128 | $107 |
| U.S. Average | $226 | $148 | $123 |
Drivers with good credit pay around $123 per month, while those with fair credit scores pay around $150. Drivers with poor credit pay an average of $226 per month. If you have poor credit, you can earn lower insurance rates by paying your monthly bills on time and maintaining a good driving record.
Marital status affects auto insurance rates in much the same way — insurance companies consider married couples to be less reckless behind the wheel and more financially stable than single drivers. Read on to learn more about the best auto insurance companies for married couples.
Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Marital Status
| Insurance Company | Single Adult | Married Adult |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $291 | $125 |
| American Family | $208 | $165 |
| Farmers | $250 | $176 |
| Geico | $193 | $177 |
| Liberty Mutual | $353 | $177 |
| Nationwide | $232 | $189 |
| Progressive | $227 | $191 |
| State Farm | $204 | $206 |
| Travelers | $201 | $254 |
| U.S. Average | $233 | $197 |
Rates don’t vary as dramatically between married and single drivers, but this variable can make a difference, depending on your driving record and claims history.
Hawaii and Massachusetts are the only states that don’t allow insurance companies to use marital status or credit scores when determining rates. Michigan insurance companies don’t use marital status but still consider credit score. On the other hand, California doesn’t consider credit score but uses marital status.
Auto Insurance Cost by Vehicle Type
Additional factors that affect auto quotes include your vehicle and how you use it. For example, leasing a car or using your personal vehicle for business deliveries can affect your insurance coverage.
Your auto insurance rates could be higher or lower depending on how you answer the following questions:
- Do you lease your vehicle? The lessor may require you to carry more than liability coverage, increasing your monthly auto 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.
Driving a luxury or classic car will also affect your insurance quotes. These vehicles appreciate in value and often require more expensive repairs and maintenance. Premium car insurance policies for luxury autos and classic cars will provide the right coverage amount for these valuable vehicles but come with higher monthly rates.
Auto insurance quotes will vary among standard vehicles since insurance companies charge different rates for different vehicles based on the average cost of the car and its repairs. For example, most companies charge drivers more for truck and SUV insurance, while sedan insurance rates remain the most affordable.
Insurance companies also consider the national safety ratings and accident statistics of your vehicle’s make and model. The cars that get into the most fatal crashes will have much higher rates than the top safety picks, so research your vehicle before you buy auto insurance to secure the lowest rates.
How to Get the Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates Per Month
Researching insurance companies and double-checking your state insurance laws will help you find the cheapest auto insurance company near you. Once you know how much auto insurance you need, you can compare quotes from different local companies with our free tool below.
You should always compare auto insurance quotes from three or more insurers 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.
Drivers over 25 with good records pay the lowest rates — around $45 per month for liability-only insurance. However, if you need full coverage insurance, look for companies offering policies for around $119 per month.
Follow these tips to get the cheapest monthly auto insurance rates:
- Reduce your 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 your 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 monthly rates.
- Ask about discounts. 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.
- Bundle your insurance policies. Compare auto quotes from your home or renters insurance company for cheaper rates. Most companies offer a discount of 10% or more when you bundle home and auto insurance.
- Add yourself to an existing policy. With most companies, adding a high-risk driver to a parent’s or roommate’s policy is cheaper than buying a new one for a single young driver.
Always reassess your driving profile and compare insurance quotes every few months. Insurance companies treat driver risk differently, and you’ll find the cheapest auto insurance when you regularly compare quotes from three or more companies. Use your ZIP code below to start comparing quotes from local companies for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors influence the cost of auto insurance per month?
Insurance companies consider various factors when calculating your auto insurance rates, like age, gender, driving record, location, car make and model, coverage level, credit score, and deductible amount. These factors allow insurers to determine your risk level to insure.
Is $100 a month too much for auto insurance?
Average full coverage auto insurance rates are $119 per month, so any policy $100 or less would be a good price for car insurance.
How much more expensive is full coverage auto insurance?
On average, full coverage car insurance costs $119 per month, which is around $80 more than liability-only. Liability insurance starts at $45 per month.
Does auto insurance go down after your car is paid off?
Your insurance rates can go down after you pay off your vehicle if you lower your coverage levels. Most banks and loan providers require drivers to carry more than the minimum liability insurance. Once you pay off your auto loan, you can drop any coverages you don’t want or need.
How much does auto insurance cost for a new driver?
New drivers pay the most for car insurance. Auto insurance rates for a 16-year-old average at $618 per month for teen boys and $566 per month for teen girls. You’ll start to notice your auto insurance rates decrease after you turn 25, and while rates can drop every year after that, your costs will go up if you file an insurance claim or add additional drivers or coverages.
Does auto insurance decrease every year?
You’ll start to notice your auto insurance rates decrease after you turn 25. However, while rates can drop every year after that, your costs will go up if you file an insurance claim or add additional drivers or coverages.
What is the cheapest auto insurance company?
The cheapest auto insurance company is Geico, but it raises average auto insurance rates after an accident or DUI more than some other companies. If you’re a high-risk driver, compare multiple insurers in your area to find the cheapest auto insurance company in your state.
What can I do to lower the average auto insurance cost per month?
If you’re wondering how to lower your auto insurance rates, you can raise your deductible, maintain a good driving record, buy a car with safety features, bundle your policies, and take advantage of discounts like safe driver, good student, and low mileage discounts.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
