Auto Rates by State

Shopping for auto insurance requires time and effort. Car insurance prices can vary greatly from one state to another and from company to company. If you want to get the best rates out there, take the time to do proper research and compare at least five quotes from different insurers.

Find the right coverage at the best possible rates by comparing car insurance quotes. Simply enter your zip code above!

Each state has its coverage requirements and limits. Before buying car insurance, make sure you know how much coverage is required where you live.

Auto Insurance Rates by State

Statistics show that the average driver has spent $685 on car insurance in 1999, $830 in 2003, and $789 in 2008. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, over 77 percent of drivers purchase fully comprehensive coverage in addition to liability insurance. Washington, Louisiana, New Jersey, Florida, New York, and Delaware are the most expensive states to buy auto insurance.

Most Expensive States to Insure Your Car

California, Louisiana, Michigan and Ohio are the most expensive states to insure your car. The following list shows how much money the average driver pays on car insurance each year:

1. Louisiana- $2,500
2. Michigan- $2,100
3. California- $1,700
4. Washington- $1,126
5. New Jersey- $1,081
6. New York- $1,044
7. Ohio- $1,000

Cheapest States to Be Insured In

Drivers who live in Maine, Indiana, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Kansas, Idaho, Iowa, and Nebraska pay the lowest rates on car insurance. Buying coverage in Iowa will cost you less than $519 a year. Insuring your car in North Dakota costs approximately $503.

The difference between the most and least expensive state for car insurance is 255 percent. Car insurance rates are higher in states with many uninsured motorists. A recent study has shown that New Mexico, Mississippi, Alabama, and Oklahoma are the top states with uninsured motorists. The fewest uninsured drivers live in Massachusetts, Maine, North Dakota, and Vermont.

Types of Auto Insurance

Insurance companies determine your rates based on several factors. Although average premiums are a bit higher in some states, what really determines how much you pay for coverage is your insurance provider. The type of coverage you choose affects your rates too. Shopping around and comparing auto insurance quotes from multiple companies is the best way to save money. Before you start searching for coverage, learn about the main types of car insurance.

Depending on what type of coverage you choose, you will pay more or less on auto insurance. Drivers can opt for liability insurance, collision insurance, comprehensive insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection coverage, and personal injury protection insurance. Other popular options include gap insurance, rental reimbursement insurance, and emergency road service insurance. The first step in choosing the right type of coverage is to know the laws in your state.

Liability Insurance

This type of insurance is required in most states. It covers the cost of repairing any property (vehicles or buildings) damaged in car accident for which you are at fault. Most drivers go beyond that minimum requirement in order to be fully protected. This type of coverage is designed to offer protection against third party insurance claims.

Buying liability insurance in Alabama will cost you approximately $354 a year. The same type of coverage costs $450 in California, $427 in Colorado, $698 in Delaware, $736 in Florida, and $485 in Oregon. If you live in Washington, you will pay about $551 on liability insurance. New York residents pay approximately $687 a year.

Collision Insurance

This type of coverage is ideal for drivers with new cars that are worth more then $4000. If you have an older vehicle, you can drop off collision coverage. This will help you get lower rates. Collision insurance pays for damages to your car caused by collision with another object. If you purchase this type of coverage, the insurance company will pay for damage to your car regardless of who causes the accident. Deductibles usually range from $250 to $1000.

Collision insurance costs $310 a year in Alabama, $281 in Florida, $192 in Iowa, and $331 in New York. Drivers who live in Illinois pay approximately $287 on collision coverage. In Louisiana, you must pay about $410 for this type of insurance. The most expensive states to buy collision coverage are Louisiana, Connecticut, California, Michigan, New York, and Rhode Island.

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive insurance is one of the most popular types of coverage due to the numerous benefits provided. While liability and collision insurance policies only cover damages resulted from a car accident, comprehensive insurance pays for weather damage, animal collision, theft, flood, vandalism, hail damage, and personal accidents. It also covers malicious damage to your vehicle, medical expenses, loss of personal property carried in your car, and damage due to improper maintenance. Despite its high price, millions of drivers purchase comprehensive coverage every year.

The most expensive states to buy comprehensive insurance are Arizona, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Wyoming. Drivers who live in Maine, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire get the best rates on comprehensive coverage.

Personal Injury Protection Insurance

If you purchase this type of coverage, the insurance company will pay your medical bills along with those of your passengers. Personal injury protection insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages in the event of a car accident regardless of who is at fault. This type of insurance is mandatory in Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington.

Types of Auto Insurance Discounts

Regardless of where you live, there are several things you can do in order to get the best price on car insurance. Many companies offer lower rates to those who buy coverage online. Adding safety devices to your vehicle can help you reduce costs. Maintain an outstanding credit record and you will get low auto insurance premiums. Buying car insurance from the same provider for at least three years is a great way to save money on your policy.

When shopping for auto insurance, ask about the discounts that are being offered. Comparing quotes online can help you save thousands of dollars a year. If you prove that you are a safe driver, you will receive a discount. Keeping your vehicle in a garage at night and taking defensive driving classes are some of the best ways to lower your rates.
If you own two or more cars, insure them under the same roof. This will help you get a discount. For extra savings, raise your deductible. Pay for car insurance in one lump sum if possible.

Go Shopping Online

The easiest way to save money on car insurance is to do proper research and compare quotes online. Many websites provide customers with free car insurance quotes, online calculators and other great tools that will help you get a good deal on coverage. Comparing auto insurance quotes is very easy and it only takes a few minutes. After you choose three to five quotes, compare them side-by-side. Consider both the price and the coverage provided. This will help you find a car insurance plan that offers comprehensive coverage at reasonable rates