By Bob Allen | June 23, 2026
The national average cost of car insurance in 2026 is approximately $190 per month ($2,276/year) for a full coverage policy. Rates range from as low as $115/month in New Hampshire to over $352/month in Maryland. Where you live is one of the single biggest factors in what you pay — rates can vary by more than $200 per month just by crossing a state line.
Car insurance rates vary dramatically across the United States — and in 2026, understanding those differences can mean saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year. Whether you’re shopping for a new policy, moving to a new state, or just wondering if you’re overpaying, this guide breaks down the average car insurance cost by state so you can compare with confidence.
We compiled data from multiple reputable 2026 sources — including ValuePenguin, Experian, Insurify, The Zebra, and MoneyGeek — to give you the most current picture of what drivers are actually paying.
Before diving into the state-by-state data, here’s where the national average stands heading into mid-2026:
| Coverage Type | Avg Monthly Cost | Avg Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Liability Coverage | ~$98 – $131/mo | ~$1,176 – $1,572/yr |
| Full Coverage | ~$186 – $208/mo | ~$2,232 – $2,496/yr |
Sources: Insurify (June 2026), Experian (May 2026), ValuePenguin (2026). Rates reflect averages for a driver aged 20–70 with a clean record. Individual rates vary based on age, driving history, vehicle, and ZIP code.
The good news: after years of sharp increases, car insurance costs are stabilizing in 2026. According to ValuePenguin, the national average rose just 0.67% in 2026 — a major slowdown from the double-digit spikes seen between 2022 and 2024. More than half of states are expected to see rates drop or hold flat this year.
The gap between the cheapest and most expensive states is striking. Drivers in Maryland pay on average more than three times what drivers in New Hampshire pay for the same level of coverage.
The table below shows estimated average monthly full coverage car insurance rates for all 50 states in 2026, compiled from multiple industry sources. Rates represent averages for a driver with a clean record and good credit. Your actual rate will vary.
| State | Avg Monthly (Full Coverage) | Avg Annual (Full Coverage) | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $182 | $2,184 | Near average |
| Alaska | $165 | $1,980 | Below average |
| Arizona | $200 | $2,400 | Near average |
| Arkansas | $168 | $2,016 | Below average |
| California | $215 | $2,580 | Above average |
| Colorado | $272 | $3,264 | Well above average |
| Connecticut | $305 | $3,660 | Well above average |
| Delaware | $302 | $3,624 | Well above average |
| Florida | $311 | $3,732 | Well above average |
| Georgia | $198 | $2,376 | Near average |
| Hawaii | $138 | $1,656 | Below average |
| Idaho | $123 | $1,476 | Well below average |
| Illinois | $166 | $1,992 | Below average |
| Indiana | $148 | $1,776 | Below average |
| Iowa | $135 | $1,620 | Below average |
| Kansas | $162 | $1,944 | Below average |
| Kentucky | $205 | $2,460 | Above average |
| Louisiana | $324 | $3,888 | Well above average |
| Maine | $135 | $1,620 | Below average |
| Maryland | $352 | $4,224 | Well above average |
| Massachusetts | $162 | $1,944 | Below average |
| Michigan | $255 | $3,060 | Above average |
| Minnesota | $158 | $1,896 | Below average |
| Mississippi | $188 | $2,256 | Near average |
| Missouri | $188 | $2,256 | Near average |
| Montana | $155 | $1,860 | Below average |
| Nebraska | $153 | $1,836 | Below average |
| Nevada | $315 | $3,780 | Well above average |
| New Hampshire | $115 | $1,380 | Well below average |
| New Jersey | $228 | $2,736 | Above average |
| New Mexico | $168 | $2,016 | Below average |
| New York | $262 | $3,144 | Above average |
| North Carolina | $125 | $1,500 | Well below average |
| North Dakota | $142 | $1,704 | Below average |
| Ohio | $140 | $1,680 | Below average |
| Oklahoma | $188 | $2,256 | Near average |
| Oregon | $172 | $2,064 | Below average |
| Pennsylvania | $198 | $2,376 | Near average |
| Rhode Island | $276 | $3,312 | Well above average |
| South Carolina | $182 | $2,184 | Near average |
| South Dakota | $148 | $1,776 | Below average |
| Tennessee | $172 | $2,064 | Below average |
| Texas | $212 | $2,544 | Above average |
| Utah | $172 | $2,064 | Below average |
| Vermont | $122 | $1,464 | Well below average |
| Virginia | $142 | $1,704 | Below average |
| Washington | $192 | $2,304 | Near average |
| Washington D.C. | $248 | $2,976 | Above average |
| West Virginia | $168 | $2,016 | Below average |
| Wisconsin | $140 | $1,680 | Below average |
| Wyoming | $131 | $1,572 | Below average |
Rate estimates compiled from Insurify, ValuePenguin, Experian, The Zebra, and MoneyGeek (2026 data). Figures represent averages for a driver with a clean record and good credit carrying full coverage. Rates are for comparison purposes — your actual premium will vary based on your age, vehicle, ZIP code, driving history, and the insurer you choose.
Averages are a starting point. Compare real quotes for your ZIP code in minutes — free, no obligation.
The difference between paying $115 a month in New Hampshire and $352 a month in Maryland isn’t random. Here are the biggest factors that cause state-by-state variation:
Every state sets its own minimum liability coverage requirements. States with higher minimums — like Michigan, which requires up to $1 million in property damage liability per accident inside the state — tend to have higher average rates. States with lower requirements, like Iowa and North Carolina, tend to have lower baseline costs.
When uninsured drivers cause accidents, the cost spreads to everyone else through higher premiums. Florida’s uninsured driver rate of roughly 20% is one of the primary reasons it ranks among the most expensive states, according to MoneyGeek. Maine’s rate of just 5.7% helps keep its premiums among the lowest in the country.
More cars on the road means more accidents. Nevada’s high rates are driven partly by traffic congestion around Las Vegas and Reno, where most of the state’s population is concentrated. Rural states like Vermont, Wyoming, and Idaho benefit from fewer vehicles and fewer claims.
States prone to hurricanes, floods, hail, and severe weather generate more comprehensive and collision claims. Florida and Louisiana face enormous pressure from hurricane and flood exposure every year, which pushes rates higher for all drivers — not just those directly affected.
Louisiana’s injury claims run roughly 200% above the national average, driven largely by the state’s litigation environment, according to MoneyGeek. States where injured parties are more likely to sue — and where jury awards are larger — cost insurers more, and those costs are passed on to drivers.
Areas with higher vehicle theft and vandalism rates see higher comprehensive coverage premiums. Urban areas in high-theft states add meaningful cost to full coverage policies.
After a brutal stretch of rate increases between 2022 and 2024 — when national premiums climbed roughly 46%, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data — 2026 is bringing relief for many drivers.
According to ValuePenguin, the national average is expected to increase by less than 1% in 2026. More than half of states are projected to see rates drop. Iowa leads the way with an estimated 6.19% decrease, followed by Minnesota at 5.29% and Arkansas at 4.70%.
Not all states are seeing relief, however. New Jersey drivers faced a 15.8% rate hike in 2025 — the largest of any state — following new minimum coverage requirements that took effect in January 2026. Nevada, California, New York, and Washington D.C. are also expected to see above-average increases this year.
No matter what state you live in, these strategies can help you pay less than the average:
This is the single most effective way to save. According to ValuePenguin, shopping around could save drivers more than $500 per month in high-cost states like Connecticut, where the cheapest and most expensive insurer can vary by over 400%. Never renew without comparing — the best rate from last year may not be the best rate today.
A ticket or accident can raise your rates by an average of 54% nationally, according to ValuePenguin. Safe driving is the most reliable long-term strategy for keeping premiums low.
In most states, insurers use a credit-based insurance score to help determine your rate. Drivers with excellent credit consistently pay significantly less than drivers with poor credit for the same coverage. Even small improvements to your credit score can lead to meaningful savings at renewal.
Most major insurers offer discounts of 5% to 25% when you bundle auto and home or renters insurance together. If you’re already shopping for car insurance, it’s worth getting a bundled quote.
Raising your collision and comprehensive deductible from $250 to $500 or $1,000 can reduce your premium by 10% to 20% on those coverages. Just make sure you have enough savings to cover the higher deductible if you need to file a claim.
Discounts for good students, safe drivers, low mileage, military service, paperless billing, and paying in full can add up quickly. Always ask your insurer to walk through every discount you may qualify for.
Also comparing quotes at AcornQuotes.com is another great way to see competitive rates across multiple providers side by side.
The national average cost of car insurance in 2026 is approximately $190 per month, or $2,276 per year, for a full coverage policy, according to Experian data. Minimum liability coverage averages around $98 per month nationally, according to Insurify.
New Hampshire and Vermont consistently rank as the cheapest states for car insurance in 2026, with average full coverage rates around $115 to $128 per month — well below the national average. Idaho, North Carolina, and Wyoming are also among the most affordable.
Maryland is the most expensive state for car insurance in 2026 according to Experian, with average full coverage premiums of $352 per month. Louisiana, Nevada, Florida, and Connecticut also rank among the most expensive states.
Car insurance rates vary by state because of differences in state minimum coverage requirements, population density, weather risks, accident rates, uninsured driver rates, vehicle theft rates, and local insurance regulations and litigation environments.
After significant increases between 2022 and 2024, car insurance rates have been stabilizing in 2026. The national average increased just 3% in 2025, and more than half of states are projected to see rates drop or hold steady in 2026, according to ValuePenguin.
The most effective way to lower your car insurance rate is to compare quotes from multiple insurers. Other strategies include maintaining a clean driving record, improving your credit score, bundling auto and home insurance, raising your deductible, and asking about available discounts.
Averages only tell part of the story. Compare personalized auto insurance quotes from trusted providers — free, with no obligation.
About the Author
Bob Allen is a contributing writer at OwlQuotes.com with years of experience researching the insurance marketplace, tracking rate trends, and helping consumers understand their coverage options. His focus is on making insurance comparison straightforward and accessible for everyday Americans across all 50 states.
