Something as simple as moving from one ZIP code to another in the same city — even if you’ve just moved 20 minutes away and your driving record, claims history and vehicle remain the same — can cause your car insurance rates to increase or decrease significantly.
Learn about the role ZIP codes play in how much you pay for car insurance.
Find average rates in your ZIP code
Check rates in your neighborhood using our average rate tool below, which reflects your insurance company’s experience with losses in your neighborhood. Drivers in areas with higher overall crime rates may still pay lower-than-expected rates if more people use public transportation than own a vehicle, or if local drivers are less likely to file insurance claims.
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)
The factors for your own ZIP code will differ, of course, and even within the same ZIP, rates from different insurers vary substantially. Each car insurance company does its own math and has its own claims experience in your area. That can make a major difference as you compare their rates.
Does my ZIP code affect my car insurance rates?
Yes, ZIP codes do affect how much you pay for coverage. Insurance companies take your location into account when setting your rate.
When setting rates, insurers look at the claims history within a certain geographic area, which is why where you live has a pronounced impact on the auto insurance premium you pay.
In your particular ZIP code, factors that can drive rates higher include the number of:
- Vehicles stolen
- Claims for property stolen out of a car
- Fraudulent injury claims
- Reports of vandalism
Even something like damage caused by a tornado — anything that would generate an insurance claim — can drive rates higher.
However, many other factors influence your auto insurance rates, beyond where you live.
Other variables that impact rates include:
- The make and model of the vehicle you drive
- How the car performs in collisions
- How and when you use the car
- Whether you have a clean driving record
- Your credit score
States such as California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan don’t allow insurance companies to use credit scores to calculate car insurance rates.
What is a garaging ZIP code or a garaging address?
A garaging ZIP code or address refers to where you park your car the majority of the time, whether it’s in a driveway, garage or along the street. Typically, that’s at your primary residence, and so the ZIP code in your address would be the garaging ZIP. Insurers determine your location as the first step in setting a base car insurance rate. Then the cost is adjusted up or down, depending on other variables.
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Do you get a discount for parking your car in a garage?
Yes, some insurers may offer a small discount if you park your car in a garage because it can reduce the risk of theft, vandalism and weather-related damage. However, it is not a guaranteed discount, so ask your insurer whether garage parking affects your rate.
If you are planning a move, see how much your car insurance will change.
Urban areas typically have higher rates than rural areas
Living in an urban area rather than a rural area can have a major impact on rates. In a metro area with more cars on the road and heavier traffic, accidents are more likely, pushing rates higher. The most expensive ZIP codes for car insurance tend to be in major cities or areas prone to severe weather storms.
On the other hand, less populated areas tend to have lower rates. Our average car insurance rates guide provides costs by coverage level, state, ZIP code and company so you can get an idea of what you can expect to pay for your particular situation.
— Michelle Megna contributed to this story.
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