Which states have the worst drivers?
The worst drivers by state are determined by uninsured driver percentage, DUI arrests, and traffic incidents. Approximately 29% of Mississippi drivers are uninsured, which is the highest percentage in the United States. Meanwhile, New Jersey has the lowest uninsured percentage. Worst driver statistics have a small impact on your auto insurance rates. Before buying an insurance policy, shop around and compare multiple companies to get the best rates.
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Insurance and Finance Writer
Maria Hanson grew up with a unique passion and understanding of both the automotive and insurance industries. With one grandfather in auto mechanics and another working in insurance, you could say automotive insurance is in her blood. Her love of research and finance serves her well in studying insurance trends and liability. Maria has expanded her scope of expertise to home, health, and life i...
Maria Hanson
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Tracey L. Wells
Updated November 2023
- Mississippi has the worst drivers in the United States
- Mississippi has the highest number of uninsured drivers in the nation
Have you ever wondered which states have the worst drivers? Comparing the best and worst drivers by state could mean big savings for your auto insurance rates.
What state contains the most incompetent drivers? Do you live in a state that has a high uninsured driver percentage? Don’t worry—we’ll answer your questions.
Our guide has everything you need to know about the worst drivers in the United States. Also, we’ll show you how much car insurance costs for each state.
Read on to learn more about the worst drivers by state. Enter your ZIP code if you want to start comparing multiple insurance companies in your area.
Which states contain the most unfavorable drivers?
Locating the states with the most unfavorable drivers may be time-consuming. Fortunately, we’ve done the research for you. Check out the list below, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to locate the states with the worst drivers:
States With The Worst Drivers (2021)
| Rank | States | Percentage of Drivers Insured | DUI Arrests per 1,000 Drivers | Fatalities per 100 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled | Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | 70.6 % | 2.56 | 1.56 | 100.00 |
| 2 | North Dakota | 87.0% | 8.68 | 1.02 | 91.30 |
| 3 | California | 83.4 % | 4.42 | 1.06 | 90.58 |
| 4 | Florida | 79.6 % | 2.18 | 1.41 | 86.96 |
| 5 | Nevada | 89.6 % | 5.44 | 1.06 | 84.06 |
| 6 | Oklahoma (Tie) | 86.6 % | 3.59 | 1.43 | 83.33 |
| 6 | Tennessee (Tie) | 76.3 % | 3.50 | 1.37 | 83.33 |
| 8 | Arizona | 88.2 % | 3.36 | 1.40 | 81.88 |
| 9 | Kentucky | 86.1% | 5.14 | 1.48 | 78.99 |
| 10 | Missouri | 83.6 % | 3.33 | 1.11 | 77.54 |
| 11 | Arkansas | 80.7% | 2.84 | 1.36 | 74.64 |
| 12 | Alabama | 80.5% | 0.01 | 1.30 | 73.91 |
| 13 | Wyoming | 94.2 % | 7.50 | 1.44 | 71.74 |
| 14 | South Carolina | 89.1% | 2.01 | 1.73 | 71.01 |
| 15 | Colorado | 83.7% | 4.64 | 1.09 | 70.29 |
| 16 | Alaska (Tie) | 83.9% | 5.39 | 11. 4 | 68.84 |
| 16 | New Mexico (Tie) | 78.2 % | 2.89 | 1.53 | 68.84 |
| 18 | Idaho | 86.8% | 6.30 | 1.24 | 68.12 |
| 19 | Louisiana | 88.3 % | 1.60 | 1.42 | 67.39 |
| 20 | Washington | 78.3 % | 4.84 | 0.83 | 66.67 |
| 21 | Maryland | 85.9% | 4.07 | 0.87 | 65.22 |
| 22 | Georgia (Tie) | 87.6 % | 0.77 | 1.12 | 62.32 |
| 22 | Oregon (Tie) | 89.3 % | 4.25 | 1.37 | 62.32 |
| 24 | Hawaii | 90.7% | 4.29 | 0.98 | 61.59 |
| 25 | Texas | 91.7% | 3.60 | 1.25 | 60.87 |
| 26 | Rhode Island | 83.5% | 3.26 | 0.75 | 59.42 |
| 27 | Michigan | 74.5% | 3.58 | 0.96 | 57.97 |
| 28 | Montana (Tie) | 91.5% | 4.53 | 1.43 | 56.52 |
| 28 | Wisconsin (Tie) | 86.7% | 5.57 | 0.85 | 56.52 |
| 30 | Nebraska | 90.7% | 3.97 | 1.17 | 53.62 |
| 31 | Iowa (Tie) | 88.7% | 4.25 | 1.00 | 52.90 |
| 31 | South Dakota (Tie) | 92.6 % | 8.65 | 1.03 | 52.90 |
| 33 | Virginia | 89.5% | 3.46 | 0.97 | 50.72 |
| 34 | Indiana (Tie) | 84.2 % | 1.86 | 0.98 | 50.00 |
| 34 | Kansas (Tie) | 89.1% | 2.63 | 1.29 | 50.00 |
| 34 | Minnesota (Tie) | 90.1% | 5.86 | 0.60 | 50.00 |
| 37 | North Carolina | 92.6 % | 1.53 | 1.12 | 46.38 |
| 38 | Ohio | 87.0% | 1.53 | 1.01 | 43.48 |
| 39 | Delaware (Tie) | 91.5% | 0.56 | 1.29 | 41.30 |
| 39 | Illinois (Tie) | 88.2 % | 0.05 | 0.94 | 41.30 |
| 41 | West Virginia | 90.8% | 2.11 | 1.36 | 39.86 |
| 42 | Maine | 95.1% | 5.20 | 1.06 | 36.23 |
| 43 | New York | 95.9% | 2.05 | 0.75 | 35.51 |
| 44 | Connecticut (Tie) | 93.7% | 2.91 | 0.79 | 25.36 |
| 44 | Vermont (Tie) | 91.2 % | 4.74 | 0.64 | 25.36 |
| 46 | New Jersey | 96.9% | 3.31 | 0.71 | 24.64 |
| 47 | Utah | 93.5% | 2.40 | 0.75 | 22.46 |
| 48 | New Hampshire | 93.9 % | 4.28 | 0.73 | 18.84 |
| 49 | Pennsylvania | 94.0 % | 1.39 | 1.03 | 13.04 |
| 50 | Massachusetts | 96.5% | 1.90 | 0.51 | 0.00 |
The NHTSA measured all states by looking at the number of fatalities per 100 million vehicles and DUI arrests.
From 2020 – 2021, Mississippi was among those states with a high index of unfavorable drivers. Meanwhile, Massachusetts had the lowest index, making it the state with the most favorable drivers.
Which states have the best drivers?
Vermont, New Jersey, Utah, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts have the lowest index and are among the states with the most responsible drivers.
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Which states have the highest percentage of uninsured drivers?
Another way to determine which state has the most incompetent drivers is to examine the percentage of uninsured drivers.
Let’s look at the uninsured driver rates in each state. Use the search box in the top right-hand corner of the table to quickly locate your state.
Percentage Of Uninsured Motorists By State
| States | Uninsured Motorist Percentage |
|---|---|
| Mississippi | 29.40% |
| Michigan | 25.50% |
| Tennessee | 23.70% |
| New Mexico | 21.80% |
| Washington | 21.70% |
| Florida | 20.40% |
| Alabama | 19.50% |
| Arkansas | 19.30% |
| District of Columbia | 19.10% |
| California | 16.60% |
| Rhode Island | 16.50% |
| Missouri | 16.40% |
| Colorado | 16.30% |
| Alaska | 16.10% |
| Indiana | 15.80% |
| Maryland | 14.10% |
| Kentucky | 13.90% |
| Oklahoma | 13.40% |
| Wisconsin | 13.30% |
| Idaho | 13.20% |
| Ohio | 13.00% |
| North Dakota | 13.00% |
| Georgia | 12.40% |
| Arizona | 11.80% |
| Illinois | 11.80% |
| Louisiana | 11.70% |
| Iowa | 11.30% |
| Kansas | 10.90% |
| South Carolina | 10.90% |
| Oregon | 10.70% |
| Virginia | 10.50% |
| Nevada | 10.40% |
| Minnesota | 9.90% |
| Hawaii | 9.30% |
| Nebraska | 9.30% |
| West Virginia | 9.20% |
| Vermont | 8.80% |
| Montana | 8.50% |
| Delaware | 8.50% |
| Texas | 8.30% |
| South Dakota | 7.40% |
| North Carolina | 7.40% |
| Utah | 6.50% |
| Connecticut | 6.30% |
| New Hampshire | 6.10% |
| Pennsylvania | 6.00% |
| Wyoming | 5.80% |
| Maine | 4.90% |
| New York | 4.10% |
| Massachusetts | 3.50% |
| New Jersey | 3.10% |
New Jersey has the lowest uninsured driver percentage at only 3.10%. However, Mississippi has the highest uninsured driver percentage.
Ultimately, these statistics can affect your overall car insurance rates. However, you can secure inexpensive insurance if you qualify for discounts.
What are the top ten states containing the most unfavorable drivers?
Let’s recap which states contain the most incompetent drivers. Review the list below to see the top 10 worst drivers by state:
- Mississippi
- Michigan
- Tennessee
- New Mexico
- Washington
- Florida
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.)
- California
Do you live in any of the above-listed states? Uninsured drivers, who reside in these states, are in danger of facing criminal charges and legal fees if they’re caught driving without insurance.
What are the top ten states with the best drivers?
The uninsured driver rate list is lengthy. Just in case you missed it, we’ll list the top ten states (according to the Insurance Information Institute) with the most favorable drivers:
- New Jersey
- Massachusetts
- New York
- Maine
- Wyoming
- Pennsylvania
- New Hampshire
- Connecticut
- Utah
- South Dakota
As you research more details about the worst drivers in America, you’ll find different results.
What is the cost of auto insurance rates by state?
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), car insurance rates are $90 a month on average. However, your rates may vary depending on where you live.
The NAIC rates come from the best conditions for drivers, regardless of the uninsured driver rate in your state.
Let’s look at the cost of auto insurance for each state.
Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates by State
| States | Average Monthly Liability Rates | Average Monthly Collision Rates | Average Monthly Comprehensive Rates | Average Monthly Full Coverage Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $37 | $28 | $14 | $79 |
| Alaska | $47 | $31 | $12 | $90 |
| Arizona | $48 | $25 | $16 | $89 |
| Arkansas | $36 | $29 | $17 | $82 |
| California | $45 | $36 | $8 | $88 |
| Colorado | $49 | $25 | $17 | $91 |
| Connecticut | $59 | $32 | $11 | $102 |
| Delaware | $69 | $28 | $11 | $107 |
| District of Columbia | $58 | $41 | $19 | $118 |
| Florida | $76 | $26 | $11 | $113 |
| Georgia | $55 | $30 | $14 | $98 |
| Hawaii | $39 | $27 | $9 | $75 |
| Idaho | $32 | $20 | $10 | $62 |
| Illinois | $40 | $27 | $11 | $77 |
| Indiana | $34 | $22 | $11 | $67 |
| Iowa | $27 | $19 | $16 | $62 |
| Kansas | $32 | $23 | $21 | $76 |
| Kentucky | $47 | $24 | $12 | $83 |
| Louisiana | $73 | $37 | $19 | $128 |
| Maine | $30 | $23 | $9 | $62 |
| Maryland | $55 | $31 | $13 | $100 |
| Massachusetts | $52 | $34 | $12 | $98 |
| Michigan | $72 | $37 | $13 | $121 |
| Minnesota | $39 | $20 | $16 | $76 |
| Mississippi | $41 | $29 | $18 | $88 |
| Missouri | $38 | $24 | $16 | $79 |
| Montana | $34 | $23 | $21 | $77 |
| Nebraska | $33 | $21 | $20 | $74 |
| Nevada | $64 | $27 | $10 | $100 |
| New Hampshire | $35 | $26 | $9 | $70 |
| New Jersey | $76 | $33 | $11 | $119 |
| New Mexico | $44 | $24 | $15 | $84 |
| New York | $71 | $34 | $15 | $120 |
| North Carolina | $31 | $26 | $11 | $67 |
| North Dakota | $25 | $22 | $20 | $67 |
| Ohio | $35 | $24 | $10 | $69 |
| Oklahoma | $40 | $27 | $20 | $88 |
| Oregon | $53 | $20 | $8 | $81 |
| Pennsylvania | $43 | $29 | $13 | $85 |
| Rhode Island | $68 | $36 | $11 | $116 |
| South Carolina | $50 | $24 | $16 | $89 |
| South Dakota | $26 | $19 | $24 | $69 |
| Tennessee | $37 | $27 | $13 | $77 |
| Texas | $49 | $33 | $19 | $101 |
| Utah | $45 | $23 | $10 | $78 |
| Vermont | $30 | $26 | $11 | $68 |
| Virginia | $38 | $25 | $12 | $74 |
| Washington | $53 | $24 | $9 | $86 |
| West Virginia | $43 | $28 | $18 | $88 |
| Wisconsin | $33 | $20 | $12 | $65 |
| Wyoming | $29 | $24 | $23 | $75 |
| National Average | $48 | $29 | $13 | $90 |
Several factors determine whether affordable auto insurance is available to you. You’ll likely pay slightly more than the projected average.
What are the best and worst states for traffic violations and accidents?
Before we conclude, let’s explore the best and worst states by various traffic infractions, convictions, and accidents.
Which states are the most favorable and least favorable for speeding tickets?
In some states, speeding tickets remain on your driving record for three years. However, other states keep speeding infractions on your record for two years or less.
Let’s look at which states are best and worst for speeding violations.
Best and Worst States for Speeding Tickets
| Best | Worst |
|---|---|
| New Mexico | Hawaii |
| Mississippi | Wisconsin |
| Oklahoma | New Jersey |
Although New Jersey is one of the most favorable states for drivers overall, it’s one of the least favorable states for speeding tickets.
Which states are best and worst for citations?
Citations include other traffic infractions, such as seat belts, texting while driving, or running a red light. Let’s review another table to see which states are best and worst for citations.
Best and Worst States for Citations (texting while driving, seat belt, etc.)
| Best | Worst |
|---|---|
| Tennessee | North Dakota |
| New Hampshire | Iowa |
| Kentucky | Oregon |
The most favorable states for drivers are the eastern states. Meanwhile, central and western states contain the least favorable drivers.
Which states are the most favorable and least favorable for accidents?
Accidents happen more than we want them to, but some states have more accidents than others. Let’s examine the top three best and worst states for accidents.
Best and Worst States for Accidents
| Best | Worst |
|---|---|
| Michigan | Tennessee |
| West Virginia | Massachusetts |
| Oklahoma | Rhode Island |
Michigan was rated as one of the least favorable states for drivers but the most favorable for drivers who want to avoid accidents, whereas Tennessee is the worst state for accidents.
Which states are best and worst for DUI convictions?
DUIs are extremely discouraged by all states; however, some states have more DUI rates than others. Let’s look at the top three states in the best and worst categories.
Best and Worst States for DUI Convictions
| Best | Worst |
|---|---|
| New York | Wyoming |
| Hawaii | Tennessee |
| South Carolina | North Dakota |
New York and South Carolina had the fewest DUI convictions, but Wyoming DUI cases increased over the past year.
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The Worst Drivers by State: The Bottom Line
Learning about states that contain the worst drivers can help you prepare for car insurance costs. States with unfavorable drivers tend to have higher auto insurance rates.
However, you can secure affordable rates when personal factors match up with a low risk of filing auto insurance claims.
Now that you know more about the worst drivers by state, use our free online quote tool to compare multiple insurance companies near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between worst drivers and auto insurance rates?
The statistics on worst drivers can influence auto insurance rates, as insurance companies consider factors like accident frequency, traffic violations, and uninsured drivers in a state.
How can I find the best auto insurance rates in a state with bad drivers?
Shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the most competitive rates, as each insurer has its own criteria for determining premiums.
Are there discounts available to offset higher insurance rates in states with bad drivers?
Yes, insurance companies offer discounts such as safe driver, good student, multi-policy, and safety feature discounts to help offset higher rates.
What are the consequences of driving without insurance in states with a high percentage of uninsured drivers?
Driving without insurance is illegal and can result in fines, license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and other legal consequences.
How can I become a safer driver?
Improve your driving skills by taking defensive driving courses and practicing safe habits like obeying traffic laws, avoiding distractions, and maintaining a defensive mindset.
What should I do after a car accident?
After a car accident, make sure everyone is safe, exchange information with the other driver(s), document the scene, notify your insurance company, and seek medical attention if necessary.
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