10 States Where Drivers Pay the Most for Car Insurance

We all know that owning a car is expensive these days, but some drivers feel the strain more than others. Beyond just the purchase price, consumers can also expect to shell out a pretty penny for things like fuel and maintenance costs, and we can't forget about car insurance.

While nationally, car owners pay an average of $192 a month for full-coverage auto insurance, unfortunately, residents in certain states pay even more. That means, saving money on car insurance has a lot to do with where you're choosing to live.

Our research team at FinanceBuzz analyzed data from Insurify, a car insurance rate comparison site, to determine the most expensive states for drivers. Here are the 10 most expensive states for car insurance.

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

Compare car insurance rates in Ohio

See if you qualify for a lower rate in less than 2 minutes

Currently Insured?

Yes

No

Multiple Cars?

Yes

No

Homeowner

Yes

No

Age

30-39

• 18-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60-69
• 70-79
• 80+

Compare Quotes

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

Great News! We’ve located some excellent quote options just for you.

Where can we send you info and recommendations?

Enter Email

Bundle Home & Auto to Save More?

Yes

No

Active Military?

No

Yes

Compare Quotes

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Monthly cost (full coverage): $234

At almost 22% above the national average, the Centennial state has several factors contributing to its high insurance premiums.

Between high instances of car-damaging hail and other weather events to the second-highest vehicle theft rate of any state, insurance companies are passing the pain onto consumers.

Installing anti-theft devices and practicing safe driving habits are two ways to score discounts on your monthly rate.

Monthly cost (full coverage): $234

Another state that's 22% above the national average, Georgia premiums are high due to a number of factors, including its high number of uninsured or underinsured drivers. In fact, according to one report, Georgia has more uninsured and underinsured motorists than nearly any other state. This causes insurance companies to raise the rates on everyone else to compensate.

The good news? Georgia has a state law that requires insurers to give at least a 10% discount for safe drivers with no accident history. Additionally, you can save money on car insurance by taking a state-approved driver improvement course.

Monthly cost (full coverage): $252

Between hurricanes, uninsured drivers, and rampant car insurance fraud, Florida's premiums are 31% higher than the national average.

If you're looking for ways to save, bundling home and auto insurance can help, as can maintaining a high credit score, as Florida is one of the states that allows insurers to consider this factor when determining rates.

Monthly cost (full coverage): $258

A whopping 34% above the national average, Nevada has several major factors contributing to premiums skyrocketing. The explosion and crowding around Las Vegas are significant factors, as high traffic congestion increases the likelihood of accidents.

That, coupled with the nation's third-highest vehicle theft rate, means that insurance companies have had to raise rates. Installing an anti-theft device can net you a solid discount, in addition to parking your car in a secure location.

Monthly cost (full coverage): $271

The First State has rates that are 41% higher than the national average, partly due to congested roadways and mandatory coverage.

The state requires all car insurance policies to have PIP (personal injury protection) in addition to the regular vehicle liability policy. This significantly increases the cost. With road congestion, distracted driving, and weather-related issues, it's not surprising that rates in Delaware have increased in recent years.

Monthly cost (full coverage): $274

Uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory in South Carolina, and that, coupled with historically bad crashes, has driven the cost of insurance to 43% above the national average.

Vehicle fatality rates in the state are among the highest in the nation, so it's not surprising how pricey getting coverage is. Safe driving discounts and bundling home and auto insurance can reduce your monthly costs.

Monthly cost (full coverage): $284

Several state policies may have contributed to Michigan's average auto insurance premium being 48% higher than the national average.

Until 2020, the state mandated that every auto policy include unlimited personal injury protection. Drivers can now choose a different option, though the policy remains the default.

Monthly cost (full coverage): $318

New York has a "no-fault" system that requires personal injury protection. Pair that with being the most congested city in the country, and it could explain the massive 66% increase in insurance premiums over the national average.

New York City is plagued by cars and congestion, which often means more crashes and, consequently, drives up the cost of insurance.

Monthly cost (full coverage): $343

A high crime rate with significant car vandalism and carjackings is one of the reasons why the monthly premium in Maryland is 79% above the nationwide average.

Thieves stole approximately $343 million in vehicle theft value reported in 2023, one of the highest values of stolen cars in the country. That, coupled with mandatory insurance for the uninsured and underinsured, drives rates up.

Monthly cost (full coverage): $359

Washington, D.C. tops the list at $359 per month for full coverage, compared with the national average $192. That's an 87% difference.

Costs likely run high because the city leads the nation in vehicle theft rate and has the third-highest share of uninsured drivers. That means companies are raising premiums to cover that risk. Dense urban traffic also boosts crash risk and claims.

Shopping around for a new insurance company can only get you so far. Ultimately, where you live has a greater impact on your monthly premiums than the insurance provider you choose.

In dollars, the "state penalty" versus the national average ranges from $504 to $2,004 more per year. Over five years, that's $2,520 to $10,020 extra out of pocket. When considering where to move, consider the transit options and the real long-term cost of owning a car.