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When it comes to car insurance, men typically pay more than women, especially those who are teen drivers. Insurance companies base premiums on risk, and statistics show that men are more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors, including speeding, not wearing seatbelts, and driving under the influence (DUI).
However, gender is only part of the puzzle. Car insurance rates can also depend on factors such as age, driving history, credit score, vehicle type, location, and driving frequency. In some cases, a woman may pay more than a man if, for example, she drives a high-performance vehicle or has a poor driving record.
Why does gender matter for auto insurance rates?
Auto insurance companies look at various factors when calculating your car insurance rates, but risk is the most significant one underlying all other factors. The riskier you are in the eyes of the insurance company, the more likely you are to get in an accident or file a claim. Therefore, you'll pay more for car insurance than less risky drivers.
So, why do men pay more for car insurance? A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that men are more likely than women to engage in risky driving behaviors such as speeding, aggressive driving, driving under the influence (DUI), and not wearing seatbelts. Men are also more likely to be involved in serious accidents or to be killed in an accident than women are. In 2022, 14,062 male drivers died in accidents while the number of female drivers who died in accidents was 5,489.
Men, particularly younger ones, not only get into more accidents, but their insurance claims also tend to be higher. Higher repair bills and medical costs mean the insurance company has to pay more, which trickles down to how much you have to pay for car insurance.
State rules on considering gender in setting rates
It may seem unfair that car insurance premiums often depend on your gender. While most states use the gender-pricing model to calculate premium costs, six states have banned the use of gender as a factor in car insurance premiums. These states actually prohibit insurers from using any personal characteristics like age, education, occupation, credit score, and employment status as factors in car insurance premium costs.
States that ban insurers from gender pricing for car insurance premiums include:
- California
- Hawaii
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
Opponents of gender-based pricing for car insurance argue that two drivers with identical records should pay the same regardless of gender. In states banning gender-based pricing, insurers must rely more heavily on your driving record, past claims, and location as risk factors.
So, do men or women pay more for car insurance?
Generally, men tend to pay more for car insurance, especially younger men and teens. According to data from The Zebra, men usually pay around 1% to 4% more for car insurance than women nationwide. That may not sound like a lot, but the gap can be more significant for teenage drivers and those under 25.
There are a few states where women pay more than men, such as Florida, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. In past years, there were many states where women paid more than men, despite data showing that the stereotype of women being statistically worse drivers was untrue.
Here's a comparison of the average monthly full coverage car insurance rates for men and women of different ages. As you can see, both men and women see an increase in their premiums when they reach their 70s.
| Age Group | Male Average Rate | Female Average Rate |
| Teen (18 and under) | $414 | $325 |
| 20s | $282 | $245 |
| 30s | $209 | $197 |
| 40s | $188 | $181 |
| 50s | $166 | $163 |
| 60s | $158 | $152 |
| 70s | $173 | $159 |
Source: Insurify
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Other factors affecting premiums
While gender usually plays a role in how much you pay for car insurance, it's far from the only factor. Insurance companies also often look at the following.
- Driving history: Regardless of your gender, speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs may send your rates through the roof.
- Age: Teens and younger drivers usually pay more because they have less experience behind the wheel. Rates typically drop as you age, but once you reach 70, they may increase slightly.
- Marital status: Insurers usually see married drivers as less risky and safer, leading to lower premiums.
- Location: Where you live can impact your insurance premiums. For example, you'll probably pay more if you live in a city with high traffic and theft rates than in a quiet, small town.
- Vehicle type and features: Luxury vehicles, sports cars, and those with high repair costs usually come with higher premiums. However, safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and anti-theft systems can earn you a discount.
- Credit score: Your credit can impact your rate for car insurance. A higher credit score can get you lower premiums. This is one of those personal details not used in all states for determining car insurance premiums.
- Vehicle use: The more you drive, the more likely you are to get into an accident, so the more you'll have to pay for car insurance.
- Coverage levels and deductibles: The cheapest option for car insurance premiums is to carry your state's minimum liability coverage. The more coverage you have, the more expensive your premiums will be. The deductible and limits you choose also affect your rate. For example, having a lower deductible on your comprehensive insurance will likely lead to more expensive premiums than having a higher deductible.
How men and women can save money
If you want to save money on car insurance, here are some things you can do for lower premiums, regardless of gender.
Average rate:
1. Consider usage-based insurers
Some insurers offer usage-based or telematics programs that track your driving habits through an app or plug-in device. If you show safe driving habits, these insurers may give you a discount. However, your rates might rise if the data shows that you're a risky driver.
2. Take advantage of all applicable discounts
Most insurers offer a number of discounts that you can use to lower your premiums. Common discounts include:
- Multi-policy bundling
- Loyalty
- Good student
- Defensive driver
- Pay in full
- Vehicle safety equipment
3. Compare policies and companies
It can be worthwhile to shop around with different insurance providers every couple of years to find the best rates on car insurance. Make sure you compare apples to apples with the same coverage types, deductibles, coverage limits, and add-ons.
4. Raise deductibles and lower coverage limits
Opting for a higher deductible or lower coverage limit can lower your premium. Just be sure that you can afford to cover out-of-pocket costs if you need to file a claim and that you have at least the minimum coverage required in your state.
5. Forgo full coverage
If you're considering forgoing full coverage, proceed with caution. If you lease or are still paying for your vehicle, your lender or leasing company may require you to carry full coverage, including liability, collision, and comprehensive.
Even if you've paid off your car and own it outright, it still may be wise to keep this costlier insurance unless the vehicle's value has depreciated to a point where it doesn't make financial sense to repair or replace it after an accident.
6. Practice safe driving habits
Insurance companies don't like to pay claims. By driving safely and avoiding accidents, tickets, and claims, you may be able to keep your rates low over the long term.
7. Raise your credit score
In the states that allow insurers to use your credit history to assess risk, raising your credit score may have a meaningful impact on your insurance rates. You can improve your credit score by paying your bills on time, reducing debt, and monitoring your credit reports.
FAQs
Which gender usually pays the most for car insurance?
Men, especially those in their teens and 20s, usually pay more for car insurance than women. They have to pay more due to statistically riskier driving habits and higher claims costs. However, six states currently ban using gender as a factor in calculating premiums.
Why are women sometimes charged more for car insurance?
Many factors affect car insurance rates which may contribute to why insurers charge some women more for coverage. For example, a woman who drives a sports car may have to pay more for insurance than a man who drives a modest sedan because her vehicle is considered a bigger risk and costlier to repair.
Why do car insurance providers usually charge men more?
Insurance providers usually charge men more for car insurance because they're statistically riskier drivers who have a higher chance of reckless behaviors, such as speeding and DUIs. Studies also show that more men than women die in car crashes and that men are more likely to file claims.
Bottom line
Your gender can influence your car insurance rates, but it's just one of many factors that insurers consider when determining your premium. Driving habits, age, location, vehicle type, credit score, and even marital status can all play a role in what you pay.
On average, men tend to pay more for car insurance due to their perceived higher-risk driving behavior and costlier claims. However, that is not always the case, and some states prohibit gender as a factor in determining insurance rates.
Regardless of your gender, be sure to get and compare quotes from the best car insurance companies to find the most affordable policy.
Average rate:
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