CarInsurance.com Insights
- The national average cost of car insurance is $2,578 per year for a full-coverage policy.
- Comparing quotes shows how different insurers see you as a driver, making it easier to spot big price gaps or coverage differences.
- Using the same coverage limits for every quote helps you make a fair comparison and avoid choosing a cheaper policy that gives you less protection.
- Knowing what affects your rate, such as your mileage, driving record and vehicle type, can help you understand why prices vary from one insurer to another.
- When your policy is up for renewal, it’s a good idea to shop around because your rate may have changed since you first bought your policy.
Comparing car insurance quotes from three insurance companies can help you find the cheapest policy for your individual situation and coverage needs. For reference, the average cost of car insurance in the U.S. is $2,578 for a full coverage policy, but rates range from $977 to $7,837 depending on your location, age and other factors.
Data show that more consumers are comparison shopping for the most affordable coverage, even if they’re happy with their current policy. In 2025, auto insurance shopping reached a record high, with nearly half of all active policies reviewed at least once in the past year, according to the 2026 LexisNexis U.S. Auto Insurance Trends Report.
If you’re shopping for car insurance for the first time, or are thinking about renewing your policy, we’ll share average rates from widely available car insurance companies and explain how to effectively compare rates so you can get the best and cheapest coverage.
Compare car insurance quotes by company
Car insurance rates can vary widely by company, even for the same driver profile and coverage limits. For example, a full-coverage policy from Allstate costs an average of $3,159 per year for a 40-year-old driver, while the same coverage from Nationwide costs $2,524 per year.
To compare car insurance rates, see how companies compare at three coverage levels below. The rates shown are the average annual rates for:
- State-minimum liability only: Limits vary based on your state
- Liability-only coverage: 50/100/50 ($50,000 bodily injury per person, $100,000 bodily injury per accident and $50,000 property damage per accident)
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability limits ($100,000 bodily injury per person, $300,000 bodily injury per accident and $100,000 property damage per accident) with comprehensive and collision coverage and $500 collision/comprehensive deductibles
In the table below, compare car insurance rates for various coverage levels and insurers.
| Company | State minimum | Liability only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $946 | $1,059 | $3,159 |
| Farmers | $950 | $1,064 | $3,207 |
| GEICO | $539 | $651 | $2,159 |
| Nationwide | $932 | $941 | $2,524 |
| Progressive | $752 | $864 | $2,569 |
| State Farm | $1,025 | $1,139 | $2,875 |
| Travelers | $767 | $833 | $1,962 |
| USAA* | $406 | $465 | $1,628 |
Note: USAA is available only to members of the military community and their families.
Step-by-step guide on how to compare quotes
To compare car insurance rates, you must first decide how much coverage you need and have the details about your car, location and listed drivers. The exact amount you pay for coverage – your rate – may be more or less after the insurance company finalizes its calculations.
Here are five steps to help you compare car insurance quotes and find the best deal on coverage.
Step 1: Use the car insurance comparison tool to compare quotes
If you’ve moved, want to know how much car insurance costs in your neighborhood or are a new driver, use our car insurance comparison tool, which shows the average car insurance rate in each ZIP code.
Calculate car insurance rates by ZIP code
Rates vary by location. Our tool helps you understand how your ZIP code impacts your premium.
For 30 year old Male ( Full - 100/300/100)
Step 2: Review your existing car insurance policy and assess your coverage
The four main types of car insurance are:
- Liability car insurance: Liability covers others’ property damage and medical expenses. If you have few assets, you don’t need high limits. If you own a home or have savings, you do — limits of 100/300/100 are recommended. That means $100,000 per person, up to $300,000 per accident and $100,000 for property damage.
- Uninsured motorist coverage: This comes in two forms. Uninsured motorist bodily injury pays for medical bills if you’re injured in an accident that an uninsured driver causes. Uninsured property damage pays to fix your car. Some states require these coverages, but if yours doesn’t, ask yourself whether you could cover the cost of damages if a driver hits you without car insurance.
- Collision coverage: Collision coverage covers damage to your car. It pays out only up to the car’s actual cash value. If your vehicle is old, you may not need this optional protection.
- Comprehensive insurance: Comprehensive, or “other than collision,” covers theft and damage to your car from hail, floods, fire, vandalism and animal strikes. Like collision coverage, this will pay you up to the amount the insurance company values your car. You may not need extra coverage if you drive an older vehicle or if your car is paid off.
Also, choose your deductible. Remember that if you have a claim, the deductible will be your out-of-pocket expense for repairing or replacing your car. You’ll have to pay the deductible each time you file a claim. Choose an amount that you can pay from savings — your car won’t be repaired until you pay your share.
How deductibles affect your ratesThe nationwide average for comprehensive coverage only with a $250 deductible is $541 per year. The rate for comprehensive with a $500 deductible is $451 per year, and the rate for comprehensive with a $1,000 deductible is $360 annually.
Step 3: Gather information about drivers and vehicles
Comparing car insurance rates side-by-side saves you from repeatedly giving out the same information. Once you know what coverage you need, gather the following information to request car insurance quotes.
- Names, birthdates and license numbers of all drivers to be covered.
- Make and model of each car to be covered.
- The driving history, including accidents and driving violations, of all drivers to be covered by the policy.
Step 4: Compare insurance rates from different companies
Now, you can begin collecting car insurance quotes. Request rates from at least three insurers. Compare coverage using the same liability limits, identical deductibles and optional coverages.
Also, follow up with potential insurers about any car insurance discounts you may qualify for. Additional discounts not part of the online quote process may be offered. For instance, you may be asked how many miles you drive a year to see if you’re eligible for a low-mileage discount, but you may not be asked what your teen driver’s grades are, which could snag you a good-student discount.
Step 5: Research potential car insurance companies
When you’re ready to buy, research the insurers that offer the cheapest rates to make sure they offer good claims service and can pay their claims.
- Check the company’s financial strength rating through AM Best.
- Check for complaints against the company with the NAIC.
- Research complaint rates online at the Better Business Bureau and your state insurance department.
- Check out our best car insurance companies list.
How to compare car insurance as a first-time driver
Before you can start comparing car insurance quotes, there are three decisions you need to make:
- Liability coverage limits: You can choose the state minimum liability limit or get higher coverage limits for more financial protection.
- Whether the car needs collision and comprehensive coverage: You might benefit from a full coverage policy with collision and comprehensive insurance if you lease or finance your vehicle, or have a newer car.
- Which deductible you can afford: Full coverage policies typically have a deductible. Choosing a higher deductible will lower your premium, and vice versa.
A car insurance quote form typically asks for information like your name and home address, vehicle type and VIN number, annual mileage, how the car is used and your recent driving history. You’ll also need to input your desired coverage types, coverage limits and deductibles.
Once the form has been submitted, you’ll see your estimated quote. The U.S. national average full coverage car insurance premium is $2,578 per year, but the lowest widely available carrier rate is $1,628. Understanding average rates can help you determine whether your quoted rate is competitive.
Sophie’s tip
Before getting car insurance quotes, you should choose your liability limits, decide whether you want full coverage, and pick a deductible that fits your budget.
Speak with a friendly agent and get your quote in minutes!
When to compare car insurance: Life changes that reset your rate
Car insurance companies use a variety of rating factors to calculate premiums, including your location, age, coverage limits and driving record. Here are examples of life events that could reset your rate and make comparison shopping even more important:
- Wren: Recently bought a car and is purchasing her first car insurance policy.
- Marisol: Is buying a new car this weekend and wants to drive it home the same day.
- Odell: Recently turned 16 and got his driver’s license, but when he got a car insurance quote for teens, the price made him sit down.
- Roan: Moving to a new state, so his minimum coverage requirements and premiums could change.
- Beatrix: Went to renew her car insurance policy, but her rate increased for no obvious reason, like a recent claim.
Whatever brought you here, the job is the same: see your real number for your situation, then decide. We don’t sell policies, so the comparison is the product.
Sophie’s tip
You should compare car insurance quotes when you purchase a policy for the first time, buy a new car, move to a new state or experience a rate increase at renewal.
Rates by state: How much you can save by shopping around
Louisiana has the highest average car insurance rate in the country, followed closely by Michigan, Nevada and Florida.
The gap between the highest and lowest average rates is the amount you could potentially save in your state by comparing car insurance quotes from different companies. Michigan has the largest gap at $5,866, with Delaware at $4,793 and Texas at $4,498
The table below compares the highest and lowest rates from widely available insurers in each state.
| State name | Average highest rate | Average rate | Average lowest rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $2,928 | $2,167 | $1,831 |
| Alabama | $3,294 | $2,116 | $1,546 |
| Arkansas | $4,008 | $2,942 | $1,918 |
| Arizona | $3,193 | $2,420 | $1,734 |
| California | $4,486 | $3,444 | $2,039 |
| Colorado | $4,217 | $3,181 | $1,496 |
| Connecticut | $3,620 | $2,742 | $1,621 |
| Washington, D.C. | $4,908 | $3,465 | $1,991 |
| Delaware | $6,579 | $3,157 | $1,786 |
| Florida | $6,137 | $3,916 | $2,448 |
| Georgia | $4,119 | $2,503 | $1,807 |
| Hawaii | $2,478 | $1,757 | $1,296 |
| Iowa | $3,195 | $2,460 | $1,923 |
| Idaho | $2,885 | $1,901 | $1,313 |
| Illinois | $2,851 | $1,938 | $1,428 |
| Indiana | $2,782 | $1,894 | $1,192 |
| Kansas | $4,263 | $2,496 | $1,834 |
| Kentucky | $3,866 | $2,624 | $1,828 |
| Louisiana | $5,206 | $3,999 | $2,230 |
| Massachusetts | $3,361 | $2,429 | $1,646 |
| Maryland | $3,455 | $1,999 | $1,561 |
| Maine | $2,389 | $1,808 | $977 |
| Michigan | $7,837 | $3,964 | $1,971 |
| Minnesota | $3,397 | $2,591 | $1,837 |
| Missouri | $2,980 | $2,151 | $1,692 |
| Mississippi | $3,711 | $2,397 | $1,779 |
| Montana | $3,341 | $2,476 | $2,058 |
| North Carolina | $4,342 | $2,638 | $1,460 |
| North Dakota | $2,892 | $2,439 | $1,978 |
| Nebraska | $4,149 | $2,095 | $1,625 |
| New Hampshire | $2,656 | $1,689 | $1,216 |
| New Jersey | $4,534 | $3,122 | $2,373 |
| New Mexico | $3,785 | $2,577 | $1,518 |
| Nevada | $6,064 | $3,963 | $2,206 |
| New York | $3,599 | $2,596 | $1,258 |
| Ohio | $2,214 | $1,783 | $1,512 |
| Oklahoma | $4,997 | $2,993 | $2,194 |
| Oregon | $2,655 | $2,048 | $1,539 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,884 | $2,327 | $1,770 |
| Rhode Island | $3,864 | $2,878 | $2,124 |
| South Carolina | $4,790 | $2,417 | $1,731 |
| South Dakota | $4,212 | $2,575 | $1,504 |
| Tennessee | $3,152 | $2,235 | $1,686 |
| Texas | $6,136 | $3,106 | $1,638 |
| Utah | $4,472 | $2,356 | $1,550 |
| Virginia | $2,660 | $1,835 | $1,240 |
| Vermont | $1,857 | $1,660 | $1,513 |
| Washington | $2,618 | $2,389 | $2,033 |
| Wisconsin | $2,994 | $2,343 | $1,607 |
| West Virginia | $3,765 | $2,415 | $1,907 |
| Wyoming | $3,222 | $2,061 | $1,271 |
Sophie’s tip
A big gap in your state doesn’t mean you’re overpaying — it means quotes are worth your time. Three quotes are usually enough to find where you land.
How to get the cheapest car insurance quotes
There are three ways to lower your car insurance quote. You can raise your deductible, remove comprehensive and collision coverage from an older car and make sure to claim every discount you qualify for. Each option affects your premium, so review all three before picking a policy.
Understanding variables that impact rates
When comparing car insurance costs, keep in mind that many factors influence rates. The primary considerations include your age, where you live, the type of car you drive, your driving record, your credit history and how much coverage you buy.
Increase your deductible to lower your premiums
The deductible you pay, if you have a full coverage policy, will affect your price. Higher deductibles lower your rates because insurers assume you will file fewer claims. If your deductible is $1,000, it doesn’t make sense to file a claim for damage under that amount or even for a bit more than that, since you’ll have to pay the deductible before your insurance pays out.
Fewer claims mean your potential cost to your insurer is lower, so you pay less. On the other hand, a low deductible, say $500, means you’ll likely file more claims. So, a low deductible will increase your rates.
Sophie’s tip
Choose a deductible you know you could afford right away if needed. Raising it from $500 to $1,000 will lower your premium, but only if you can pay that amount out of pocket when making a claim.
Drop optional coverages you don’t need
If you own a car outright that’s worth less than $3,000 and is 10 years old or older, it might not make financial sense to carry the optional comprehensive and collision coverages. You only get paid up to the actual cash value of your car if you file a claim under these portions of your policy.
Get all the discounts you can
Not all drivers qualify for all discounts, so be sure to get the ones that match your driver profile. Standard car insurance discounts include those for bundling with your home insurance company, paying your policy in full, paying electronically, meeting low mileage requirements, having safety and anti-theft features installed, insuring more than one vehicle with the same company, staying accident-free for three to five years and maintaining a high grade-point average.
Check customer reviews
Be sure to read customer reviews of companies you are considering. Also, check the insurance companies’ social media and Facebook pages on your list to see what policyholders have to say about their experiences.
Why do quotes for the same driver/vehicle come back at different rates?
Insurance companies evaluate a variety of factors when setting premiums, including your age, credit history, driving record, vehicle type and claim history. Each insurer weighs these factors differently, so the same driver can receive varying quotes from different companies.
Here are some of the key factors insurance companies look at when pricing your policy:
- Where you live: Insurance companies consider the frequency and cost of accidents, vandalism/theft and weather events in your area to set a base rate.
- Your age: Rates are cheapest for drivers in their 40s, 50s, and 60s and then increase again at age 70. Teens and young drivers pay the most.
- Your credit history: Drivers with bad credit pay more for coverage than those with good credit. If you have bad credit, you can still save on coverage by comparing quotes, but be prepared for more expensive rates.
- Your driving record: At-fault accidents, speeding tickets and DUIs increase your rates.
- Your vehicle make/model: Car insurance costs also vary by make and model, as insurance companies consider, along with other factors we’ve mentioned already, how safe the vehicle is, its rate of accident claims, and how much it costs to repair.
How to decide on an insurance company
Once you’ve gotten personalized rate quotes from at least three insurance companies, you can take the final step: choosing an insurer. When evaluating insurance providers, you should pay attention to three main things:
- Coverage limits: Identify which insurer can offer you the lowest price for the highest coverage amount. You can adjust coverage at renewal, so the decision isn’t permanent.
- Financial strength and complaints: Look up the insurer’s financial strength rating from AM Best and check its complaint record through the NAIC.
- Deductible: Select a deductible that you could comfortably afford to pay out of pocket this week if you had a claim. You can change your deductible in the future, but lowering your deductible will raise your rate.
Sophie’s tip
You’re ready to select an insurance company once you’ve chosen your coverage limits, evaluated the insurer’s financial stability and customer complaints, and decided on a deductible.
Key takeaways on comparing quotes
Get car insurance quotes once you’ve selected coverage limits and an affordable deductible, and verified the insurer’s financial stability. It’s typically recommended to shop for quotes at least once a year or upon renewal to ensure you’re not paying too much. If your rate increased at renewal, you should also compare new quotes.
“You should compare car insurance quotes to ensure you’re getting the best coverage at the most competitive price,” said James Brau, Joel C. Peterson Professor of Finance at Brigham Young University. “It also helps you find the policy that meets your specific needs and budget, avoiding overpaying or being underinsured. When you compare, always make sure it is apples to apples, meaning the same exact services from each firm.”
Frequently Asked Questions: Comparing car insurance quotes
What do I need to get my first car insurance quote?
Before you get your first car insurance quote, you need to decide on your liability limits, whether you want full coverage and what deductible works for your budget. Be prepared with information like your VIN, annual mileage and recent driving record when you start requesting quotes, as most insurers will ask for these details.
Why should you compare car insurance quotes?
Car insurance rates can vary widely from insurer to insurer, and personal factors such as where you live, what you drive, and how old you are can also influence the bottom line. To get the best rate on the coverage you need, experts recommend getting quotes from at least three carriers. Be sure to use similar coverage and deductible amounts when getting quotes to ensure you’re making an apples-to-apples comparison between carriers.
How can I qualify for discounts?
Car insurance companies offer a wide range of discounts to entice new customers and to retain existing ones. Common savings include bundling your auto and home, renters, or condo insurance; maintaining a clean driving record; switching to paperless billing and paying your bill in advance; and others.
Can I switch insurance companies mid-policy if I find a cheaper rate?
Yes. You can cancel your current policy at any time and switch to a new insurer. Most companies refund unused premiums and may even help you transfer coverage seamlessly — just make sure there’s no lapse in coverage between policies.
Does comparing quotes affect my credit score or insurance rate?
No. Comparing quotes on CarInsurance.com doesn’t impact your credit score. Most insurers use a soft credit inquiry, which doesn’t affect your rating or show up on your credit report.
What’s the difference between full coverage and minimum coverage when comparing quotes?
- Minimum coverage meets your state’s legal requirements but may not pay for your car’s damage in an accident.
- Full coverage includes liability, collision, and comprehensive — offering broader protection but at a higher cost.
Comparing both helps you see how much more protection you can get for a small premium difference.
How can I tell which insurance company is the best for me?
The best insurer isn’t always the cheapest — it’s the one that balances price, service and reliability. Check each company’s:
- Customer satisfaction scores
- Financial strength (AM Best rating)
- Available discounts
- Claims handling reputation
CarInsurance.com provides this information alongside rate comparisons to help you make a confident decision.
Why do car insurance quotes vary so much between companies?
Each insurer uses its own risk algorithm to price policies. Factors like your ZIP code, driving history, and vehicle type are weighed differently by each company — which is why one may charge $1,500 while another offers $1,100 for similar coverage.
What’s the best time of year to shop for car insurance?
There’s no specific season for savings, but rates often rise or fall when insurers file new rate plans — typically in spring or fall. The best time to compare is when your renewal date approaches or after a premium increase.
Can I compare quotes for multiple vehicles or drivers at once?
Yes. CarInsurance.com’s quote tools let you include more than one vehicle or driver, which helps identify multi-car or multi-driver discounts that can lower your total premium.
How often should I compare car insurance quotes?
Review your coverage every six to 12 months before your current policy’s renewal date. Even if your driving habits or the vehicles you own haven’t changed, you may find that another insurer can offer coverage at a lower rate. If you have experienced a major life change or your coverage needs have changed — by moving, marrying or divorcing, adding a teen driver, buying a new vehicle, and so on — it’s even more important to compare car insurance quotes.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- LexisNexis. “Growth Through Precision in a Changing U.S. Auto Insurance Market.” Accessed August 2026.
- NAIC. “How to File a Complaint and Research Complaints Against Insurance Carriers.” Accessed August 2026.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com analyzed millions of auto insurance quotes, using data from its 2026 State of Auto Insurance Report to calculate average rates.
Estimated premiums are based on a sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record and good insurance score, carrying a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100 and $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage, unless otherwise stated.
Figures reflect a nationwide average for standalone comprehensive coverage at the stated deductible, from Quadrant Information Services, 2026.
The rates are for comparison purposes only. Your actual premium will vary based on your location, driving history, vehicle type, deductible selection and coverage needs. Read the detailed methodology for more information.
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