Shopping around and comparing car insurance rates is one of the best ways to save money on car insurance. While it’s true that insurers look at many of the same factors when setting rates, each of them has their own calculation. It should come as no surprise that two companies may charge vastly different rates for the same driver.
While auto insurance rates tend to inch up over time, rates may go down for some drivers. By shopping around, you could find that your current insurer offers the best rates for the type of coverage you want. Or, you may find that switching is a must.
There are many factors that are considered when setting auto insurance rates, including your:
- Zipcode
- Annual mileage
- Marital status
- Driving history
- Vehicle information (ie. make, year, and model)
In some states, your credit history and/or gender may also be used to determine your rates.
Comparing Auto Insurance Rates
Despite using the same factors to set rates, each insurance company evaluates these factors in a unique way. It’s hard to know which company emphasizes a clean driving history or which one cares more about where you live.
To help you get started, below you’ll find average annual rates for both minimum and full coverage car insurance by the company and by state.
Compare Rates by Age
While your driving history is important, it’s not the only factor that insurers look at when calculating your auto insurance rate. Age also has a significant impact on how much you’ll pay. It’s well known that teen drivers have extremely high insurance rates. Drivers over the age of 75 also tend to pay more.
We’ve compiled average annual rates from some of the top auto insurers in the country to make comparing options a little easier. Below are yearly rates for 20-year-olds by the company and by the state for both full and minimum coverage.
| Company | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
| Allstate | $3,706 | $1,067 |
| American Family | $2,374 | $1,038 |
| Farmers | $3,550 | $1,421 |
| Geico | $2,304 | $715 |
| Nationwide | $2,976 | $1,369 |
| Progressive | $3,546 | $1,244 |
| State Farm | $2,683 | $979 |
| Travelers | $2,874 | $851 |
| USAA | $2,298 | $755 |
| *USAA is only available to active duty military, veterans, and their families. | ||
It should come as no surprise that car insurance rates for 20-year-old drivers vary from state to state. Here’s how your state stacks up.
| State | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
| Alabama | $3,632 | $1,253 |
| Alaska | $2,650 | $836 |
| Arizona | $3,294 | $1,254 |
| Arkansas | $3,850 | $1,189 |
| California | $3,564 | $1,152 |
| Colorado | $3,969 | $1,137 |
| Connecticut | $3,638 | $1,785 |
| Delaware | $4,741 | $2,086 |
| Florida | $4,890 | $1,875 |
| Georgia | $3,714 | $1,639 |
| Hawaii | $1,143 | $370 |
| Idaho | $2,124 | $723 |
| Illinois | $3,172 | $1,147 |
| Indiana | $2,409 | $802 |
| Iowa | $2,124 | $528 |
| Kansas | $3,478 | $991 |
| Kentucky | $4,915 | $1,877 |
| Louisiana | $5,873 | $2,102 |
| Maine | $2,469 | $834 |
| Maryland | $4,490 | $2,045 |
| Massachusetts | $2,618 | $1,006 |
| Michigan | $4,616 | $1,766 |
| Minnesota | $2,884 | $1,052 |
| Mississippi | $3,636 | $1,250 |
| Missouri | $3,543 | $1,087 |
| Montana | $3,543 | $1,087 |
| Nebraska | $2,915 | $803 |
| Nevada | $5,052 | $2,223 |
| New Hampshire | $2,448 | $899 |
| New Jersey | $3,883 | $1,750 |
| New Mexico | $2,784 | $858 |
| New York | $3,958 | $1,747 |
| North Carolina | $1,533 | $505 |
| North Dakota | $2,344 | $677 |
| Ohio | $2,298 | $838 |
| Oklahoma | $3,632 | $1,018 |
| Oregon | $2,599 | $1,263 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,380 | $998 |
| Rhode Island | $4,820 | $1,971 |
| South Carolina | $3,178 | $1,271 |
| South Dakota | $2,567 | $592 |
| Tennessee | $2,954 | $933 |
| Texas | $3,805 | $1,444 |
| Utah | $3,371 | $1,385 |
| Vermont | $2,410 | $757 |
| Virginia | $2,884 | $1,079 |
| Washington | $2,783 | $1,068 |
| Washington, D.C. | $3,785 | $1,472 |
| West Virginia | $3,442 | $1,098 |
| Wisconsin | $2,602 | $776 |
| Wyoming | $2,937 | $647 |
Compare Rates for 35-Year-Olds
Drivers around the age of 35 typically pay much less for auto insurance than drivers in their 20s. Below you can compare the average car insurance rates for 35-year-old drivers from some of the top insurers in the country.
| Company | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
| Allstate | $1,994 | $648 |
| American Family | $1,454 | $593 |
| Farmers | $1,745 | $639 |
| Geico | $1,233 | $370 |
| Nationwide | $1,332 | $545 |
| Progressive | $1,739 | $625 |
| State Farm | $1,381 | $473 |
| Travelers | $1,426 | $455 |
| USAA | $1,238 | $396 |
| *USAA is only available to active duty military, veterans, and their families. | ||
As you can see, auto insurance rates for 35-year-olds are much cheaper than those for 20-year-old drivers. In many states, 35-year-old drivers can pay less than $1,100 a year.
Here’s how your state stacks up:
| State | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
| Alabama | $1,701 | $558 |
| Alaska | $1,292 | $396 |
| Arizona | $1,637 | $571 |
| Arkansas | $1,854 | $477 |
| California | $1,967 | $624 |
| Colorado | $1,899 | $489 |
| Connecticut | $1,659 | $814 |
| Delaware | $2,027 | $918 |
| Florida | $2,775 | $1,085 |
| Georgia | $1,698 | $709 |
| Hawaii | $1,128 | $365 |
| Idaho | $1,027 | $330 |
| Illinois | $1,383 | $478 |
| Indiana | $1,133 | $349 |
| Iowa | $1,131 | $237 |
| Kansas | $1,791 | $470 |
| Kentucky | $2,423 | $859 |
| Louisiana | $2,986 | $920 |
| Maine | $1,074 | $364 |
| Maryland | $1,987 | $908 |
| Massachusetts | $1,163 | $456 |
| Michigan | $2,084 | $876 |
| Minnesota | $1,463 | $535 |
| Mississippi | $1,819 | $549 |
| Missouri | $1,694 | $520 |
| Montana | $1,773 | $407 |
| Nebraska | $1,401 | $345 |
| Nevada | $2,489 | $965 |
| New Hampshire | $1,143 | $389 |
| New Jersey | $1,901 | $957 |
| New Mexico | $1,461 | $396 |
| New York | $2,008 | $934 |
| North Carolina | $1,255 | $402 |
| North Dakota | $1,233 | $355 |
| Ohio | $1,066 | $380 |
| Oklahoma | $1,906 | $458 |
| Oregon | $1,355 | $672 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,525 | $453 |
| Rhode Island | $2,065 | $833 |
| South Carolina | $1,561 | $588 |
| South Dakota | $1,466 | $299 |
| Tennessee | $1,404 | $406 |
| Texas | $1,725 | $599 |
| Utah | $1,596 | $640 |
| Vermont | $1,074 | $336 |
| Virginia | $1,354 | $506 |
| Washington | $1,293 | $461 |
| Washington, D.C. | $1,867 | $718 |
| West Virginia | $1,580 | $496 |
| Wisconsin | $1,206 | $354 |
| Wyoming | $1,484 | $336 |
Compare Rates for Drivers with a DUI
After being charged with a DUI, you can expect your auto insurance rate to increase. In some instances, it may go up by 75% or more. To try and lower your car insurance rate, the only factor you can control is your insurance company.
A DUI can impact your insurance rate for up to 10 years. After getting a DUI, the best thing you can do is shop around for the best price available.
Below you’ll find company averages for 35-year-old drivers before and after getting a DUI.
| Company | Drivers with a clean record | Drivers with a DUI |
| Allstate | $1,994 | $2,964 |
| American Family | $1,454 | $1,754 |
| Farmers | $1,745 | $2,531 |
| Geico | $1,233 | $2,935 |
| Nationwide | $1,332 | $2,848 |
| Progressive | $1,739 | $2,213 |
| State Farm | $1,381 | $2,455 |
| Travelers | $1,426 | $2,376 |
| USAA | $1,238 | $2,049 |
| *USAA is only available to active duty military, veterans, and their families. | ||
While you can expect your auto insurance rates to increase after a DUI, how much it will increase depends on where you live. Review the chart below to see how your state measures up.
| State | Drivers with a clean record | Drivers with a DUI |
| Alabama | $1,701 | $2,709 |
| Alaska | $1,292 | $2,003 |
| Arizona | $1,637 | $2,871 |
| Arkansas | $1,854 | $2,914 |
| California | $1,967 | $4,789 |
| Colorado | $1,899 | $2,989 |
| Connecticut | $1,659 | $3,696 |
| Delaware | $2,027 | $3,746 |
| Florida | $2,775 | $3,794 |
| Georgia | $1,698 | $3,145 |
| Hawaii | $1,128 | $4,357 |
| Idaho | $1,027 | $1,615 |
| Illinois | $1,383 | $2,661 |
| Indiana | $1,133 | $2,299 |
| Iowa | $1,131 | $1,914 |
| Kansas | $1,791 | $3,075 |
| Kentucky | $2,423 | $4,801 |
| Louisiana | $2,986 | $5,331 |
| Maine | $1,074 | $1,443 |
| Maryland | $1,987 | $3,775 |
| Massachusetts | $1,163 | $2,042 |
| Michigan | $2,084 | $5,543 |
| Minnesota | $1,463 | $2,956 |
| Mississippi | $1,819 | $2,869 |
| Missouri | $1,694 | $2,633 |
| Montana | $1,773 | $2,770 |
| Nebraska | $1,401 | $2,592 |
| Nevada | $2,489 | $3,855 |
| New Hampshire | $1,143 | $2,301 |
| New Jersey | $1,901 | $3,834 |
| New Mexico | $1,461 | $2,506 |
| New York | $2,008 | $3,405 |
| North Carolina | $1,255 | $2,627 |
| North Dakota | $1,233 | $2,182 |
| Ohio | $1,066 | $2,194 |
| Oklahoma | $1,906 | $2,670 |
| Oregon | $1,355 | $2,276 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,525 | $3,445 |
| Rhode Island | $2,065 | $3,910 |
| South Carolina | $1,561 | $2,576 |
| South Dakota | $1,466 | $2,297 |
| Tennessee | $1,404 | $3,115 |
| Texas | $1,725 | $3,019 |
| Utah | $1,596 | $2,384 |
| Vermont | $1,074 | $1,818 |
| Virginia | $1,354 | $2,698 |
| Washington | $1,293 | $2,245 |
| Washington, D.C. | $1,867 | $2,851 |
| West Virginia | $1,580 | $2,990 |
| Wisconsin | $1,206 | $2,238 |
| Wyoming | $1,484 | $2,791 |
Compare Rates for Drivers with Poor Credit
In most states, your credit history is one of the biggest factors that affect what you pay for car insurance. Insurers look at your credit history to determine the likelihood of you filing a claim.
While a poor credit score could double your rate in some cases, each insurance company weighs your credit score differently. In some instances, the impact fluctuates by state.
Below you’ll find full coverage rates for drivers aged 35 with poor credit.
| Company | Drivers with good credit | Drivers with poor credit |
| Allstate | $1,994 | $3,004 |
| American Family | $1,454 | $2,323 |
| Farmers | $1,745 | $2,725 |
| Geico | $1,233 | $1,758 |
| Nationwide | $1,332 | $1,772 |
| Progressive | $1,739 | $3,242 |
| State Farm | $1,381 | $3,381 |
| Travelers | $1,426 | $2,239 |
| USAA | $1,238 | $2,157 |
| * USAA is only available to active duty military, veterans, and their families. | ||
Certain states don’t allow auto insurance companies to use credit scores when setting rates. These include California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan. It’s also important to remember that insurers use credit differently from state to state.
Below is a comparison of full coverage rates for drivers aged 35 with poor credit by state.
| State | Drivers with good credit | Drivers with poor credit |
| Alabama | $1,701 | $3,141 |
| Alaska | $1,292 | $1,921 |
| Arizona | $1,637 | $2,773 |
| Arkansas | $1,854 | $3,163 |
| California | $1,967 | $1,967 |
| Colorado | $1,899 | $3,172 |
| Connecticut | $1,659 | $2,745 |
| Delaware | $2,027 | $3,426 |
| Florida | $2,775 | $4,514 |
| Georgia | $1,698 | $2,917 |
| Hawaii | $1,128 | $1,128 |
| Idaho | $1,027 | $1,753 |
| Illinois | $1,383 | $2,250 |
| Indiana | $1,133 | $1,878 |
| Iowa | $1,131 | $2,122 |
| Kansas | $1,791 | $3,000 |
| Kentucky | $2,423 | $4,312 |
| Louisiana | $2,986 | $5,806 |
| Maine | $1,074 | $1,910 |
| Maryland | $1,987 | $3,188 |
| Massachusetts | $1,163 | $1,163 |
| Michigan | $2,084 | $2,084 |
| Minnesota | $1,463 | $2,824 |
| Mississippi | $1,819 | $3,289 |
| Missouri | $1,694 | $2,855 |
| Montana | $1,773 | $2,851 |
| Nebraska | $1,401 | $2,848 |
| Nevada | $2,489 | $3,559 |
| New Hampshire | $1,143 | $1,764 |
| New Jersey | $1,901 | $3,218 |
| New Mexico | $1,461 | $2,508 |
| New York | $2,008 | $4,356 |
| North Carolina | $1,255 | $1,701 |
| North Dakota | $1,233 | $2,230 |
| Ohio | $1,066 | $1,998 |
| Oklahoma | $1,906 | $3,111 |
| Oregon | $1,355 | $2,177 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,525 | $2,693 |
| Rhode Island | $2,065 | $3,614 |
| South Carolina | $1,561 | $3,114 |
| South Dakota | $1,466 | $3,059 |
| Tennessee | $1,404 | $2,746 |
| Texas | $1,725 | $2,766 |
| Utah | $1,596 | $2,885 |
| Vermont | $1,074 | $1,805 |
| Virginia | $1,354 | $2,521 |
| Washington | $1,293 | $1,547 |
| Washington, D.C. | $1,867 | $3,082 |
| West Virginia | $1,580 | $2,774 |
| Wisconsin | $1,206 | $3,114 |
| Wyoming | $1,484 | $2,428 |
Compare Auto Insurance Rates for Drivers with an At-Fault Accident
Your history of auto accidents will significantly impact your insurance rates. To get the best rate possible, it helps to compare each insurer’s average rates for drivers with an at-fault accident before you begin comparison shopping.
For drivers with an on-record accident, you’ll want to compare quotes one, three, and five years after the accident. This helps to ensure that you’re getting the best and cheapest rate possible.
Be aware that the company that offers the cheapest rates for a driver with a clean history may not offer the lowest rates for drivers with an at-fault accident on their record. This is why it’s important to compare rates with your circumstances in mind.
Below you’ll find full coverage rates for a 35-year-old driver that has an at-fault accident on their record by the company.
| Company | Drivers with a clean record | Drivers with a recent at-fault accident |
| Allstate | $1,994 | $2,982 |
| American Family | $1,454 | $1,559 |
| Farmers | $1,745 | $2,498 |
| Geico | $1,233 | $2,004 |
| Nationwide | $1,332 | $2,105 |
| Progressive | $1,739 | $2,765 |
| State Farm | $1,381 | $1,794 |
| Travelers | $1,426 | $2,145 |
| USAA | $1,238 | $1,779 |
| *USAA is only available to active duty military, veterans, and their families. | ||
There are state regulations that limit how much insurance companies can increase your auto insurance rates after a crash. But one thing that’s for sure is that your rates will increase after an at-fault accident.
Below you’ll find full coverage rates for a 35-year-old driver that has an at-fault accident on their record by state.
| State | Drivers with a clean record | Drivers with a recent at-fault accident |
| Alabama | $1,701 | $2,460 |
| Alaska | $1,292 | $1,989 |
| Arizona | $1,637 | $2,493 |
| Arkansas | $1,854 | $2,738 |
| California | $1,967 | $3,339 |
| Colorado | $1,899 | $2,740 |
| Connecticut | $1,659 | $2,626 |
| Delaware | $2,027 | $2,802 |
| Florida | $2,775 | $3,990 |
| Georgia | $1,698 | $2,627 |
| Hawaii | $1,128 | $1,531 |
| Idaho | $1,027 | $1,452 |
| Illinois | $1,383 | $2,045 |
| Indiana | $1,133 | $1,655 |
| Iowa | $1,131 | $1,619 |
| Kansas | $1,791 | $2,618 |
| Kentucky | $2,423 | $3,401 |
| Louisiana | $2,986 | $4,292 |
| Maine | $1,074 | $1,559 |
| Maryland | $1,987 | $2,943 |
| Massachusetts | $1,163 | $1,959 |
| Michigan | $2,084 | $3,213 |
| Minnesota | $1,463 | $2,111 |
| Mississippi | $1,819 | $2,795 |
| Missouri | $1,694 | $2,347 |
| Montana | $1,773 | $2,474 |
| Nebraska | $1,401 | $2,106 |
| Nevada | $2,489 | $3,550 |
| New Hampshire | $1,143 | $1,715 |
| New Jersey | $1,901 | $3,008 |
| New Mexico | $1,461 | $2,064 |
| New York | $2,008 | $2,759 |
| North Carolina | $1,255 | $2,172 |
| North Dakota | $1,233 | $1,776 |
| Ohio | $1,066 | $1,579 |
| Oklahoma | $1,906 | $2,678 |
| Oregon | $1,355 | $2,070 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,525 | $2,352 |
| Rhode Island | $2,065 | $2,919 |
| South Carolina | $1,561 | $2,246 |
| South Dakota | $1,466 | $1,934 |
| Tennessee | $1,404 | $2,144 |
| Texas | $1,725 | $2,944 |
| Utah | $1,596 | $2,383 |
| Vermont | $1,074 | $1,486 |
| Virginia | $1,354 | $2,045 |
| Washington | $1,293 | $1,821 |
| Washington, D.C. | $1,867 | $2,692 |
| West Virginia | $1,580 | $2,294 |
| Wisconsin | $1,206 | $1,686 |
| Wyoming | $1,484 | $2,045 |
Tips to Compare Car Insurance Rates and Quotes
Although it does take some time and effort to compare car insurance rates, the good news is that each quote you receive should be free. While some insurers require a downpayment to begin coverage, quote estimates should always be free of charge.
Now, here’s what you need to do to get started comparing car insurance rates and quotes.
- Gather Necessary Information
Because insurers tend to use specific details to set rates, there are some things you’ll want to have on hand to make a price comparison as easy as possible.
Personal Information – This includes your address, date of birth, driver’s license, occupation, and marital status. You must provide this information to everyone included in the policy.
Vehicle Information – This includes vehicle identification number (VIN), mileage, and date of purchase.
Driving History – This includes all violations, claims, and tickets that you’ve had over the past 3-5 years. You’ll also want to provide information about any driving courses you’ve completed.
Current Insurance Information – Provide your current or previous insurer’s name for anyone on the policy. Most insurers want to see your coverage history to ensure that you’re currently covered and have a good track record of maintaining coverage.
- Choose the Right Liability Coverage
Auto insurance offers financial protection, and not just for your car. If you’re involved in a serious accident, damage and injuries can easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you’re at fault for a serious accident, victims could sue you. This could result in assets being seized.
Liability auto insurance protects you from these worst-case scenarios. This is why it’s important to choose the right auto liability limits.
So, how much liability coverage should you have? It’s recommended that you have as much coverage as your net worth.
Liability coverage is available in several levels, such as 50/100/50 or 250/500/250. These numbers represent the individual injuries/total injuries/property damage.
Liability insurance is available in thousand-dollar increments, so when you choose a 250/500/250 policy, your coverage includes:
- $250,000 for bodily injuries per person you injure in a crash
- $500,000 total for all bodily injuries
- $250,000 for damage to any property (ie. cars, buildings, etc.)
Make sure that the coverage you choose provides the right amount of financial cushion. It’s also important to know what’s required in your state. Some states require personal injury protection, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and/or medical payments coverage.
- Determine if You Need Full Coverage Insurance
It’s important to note that liability coverage doesn’t pay for your injuries or damages to your car. It also doesn’t cover any injuries sustained by passengers in the event of a crash you caused. This is where full coverage car insurance comes into play.
Full coverage car insurance includes liability coverage as well as comprehensive and collision coverage. Collision insurance covers the following:
- Damage to your car in an at-fault accident
- Damage to your car if you hit an object (i.e. fence, pole, mailbox, etc.)
- Damage to your car if someone else hits you
On the other hand, comprehensive insurance covers the value of your car if it’s stolen or damaged by weather, fire, floods, falling objects, explosions, or crashes involving an animal. It also covers damage caused by civil disturbances.
- Collect and Compare Quotes
Get as many car insurance quotes as possible so that you can ensure you’re getting a good deal. Not only should you compare quotes from regional companies, you’ll also want to get quotes from big insurers such as Progressive, Geico, and State Farm.
When comparing car insurance rates, be sure that each quote includes all of the same details, such as coverage levels, deductibles, drivers and cars, and discounts.
Whether you’re looking for cheap car insurance for imports, two-week car insurance for under 21s, or other coverage types, shopping around is the only way to get the best bang for your buck. It’s important to spend time comparing car insurance rates to find what is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Renew my Car Insurance with a Claim Pending?
Renewing car insurance whilst a claim is pending is possible. Most insurers will quote you auto insurance rates with the assumption that the claim has been settled. However, when shopping for quotes, be sure that you’re honest about any outstanding claims that you have.
Does DUI Diversion Affect Car Insurance?
Most likely, yes. Depending on the circumstances of your DUI, you may face significantly higher premiums. Being charged with a DUI means that you’re a higher-risk driver in the eyes of any auto insurer. Depending on where you live and the circumstances, your rates may be three to five times higher.
Can I Insure a Car with a Salvage Title?
Cars with salvage titles can’t be driven on public roads, which means insurance can’t be purchased on the vehicle. However, if a salvage car has been refurbished and rebuilt, it may qualify for a rebuilt title. If you have a USAA car insurance salvage title or any other salvage title, chances are you can’t insure the vehicle.
Featured Image: Unsplash @ Jamie Street
