Why is my auto insurance so high?
Your personal factors may be the reason why auto insurance is so high. Auto insurance quotes are based on specific factors, such as driving record, insurance history, credit, and even age. If you have factors that relate to high-risk, your car insurance rates will be more expensive. On average, you could pay as low as $90 a month, but your rates could increase at an insurance company. If you're asking, "why is my auto insurance so high?" you can shop around and compare multiple companies to avoid high auto insurance.
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Travis Thompson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Travis Thompson has been a licensed insurance agent for nearly five years. After obtaining his life and health insurance licenses, he began working for Symmetry Financial Group as a State Licensed Field Underwriter. In this position, he learned the coverage options and limits surrounding mortgage protection. He advised clients on the coverage needed to protect them in the event of a death, critica...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Feb 28, 2024
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Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance providers please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 28, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance providers please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Speeding violations and other traffic infractions can increase your rates
- Your auto insurance rates may be high because of your credit history
- Auto insurance quotes are lower for senior drivers
Did you receive a car insurance quote that generated expensive rates? Several factors determine the average cost of auto insurance. Sometimes those characteristics produce cheaper rates, but there is a chance that those quotes may generate costly rates.
But some of our readers asked: “Why is my first car insurance so expensive?” Don’t worry – our guide answers this question and help you on how to lower your auto insurance premiums.
This article explains why auto insurance is expensive, which factors affect insurance quotes, and where you can find affordable auto insurance rates.
Read on to learn how to change auto insurance providers. Enter your ZIP code in the free online tool above if you’re ready to compare multiple insurance companies near you.
Why is my auto insurance so high?
You may be wondering what to do if your car insurance is too high. Multiple factors affect your auto insurance rates, such as where you live, your driving record, and your credit score.
Here’s a list of factors that affect car insurance rates.
- Age
- Credit score
- Coverage level
- Commute mileage
- Deductible
- Driving record
- Gender
- Location
- Marital Status
- Vehicle make and model year
- Vehicle type
Each car insurance company calculates rates differently, so your quotes will not be the same as quotes online. The most accurate quote is found when you use your personal factors.
However, it is helpful to look at sample auto insurance rates. The estimates you’ll see in this article are forecasted insurance rates for general situations, so your rate will vary.
Read more:
- How does your credit score affect Auto Insurance rates?
- What factors affect the cost of Auto Insurance?
- What is the difference between a car’s make” and “model”?”
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How does age affect auto insurance rates?
Car insurance companies use your age to determine insurance rates. Age shows your overall driving experience and your risk of filing a claim.
Younger drivers take more risks and have a higher risk of filing an auto insurance claim. Therefore, auto insurance companies issue more expensive rates when teens and young adults are connected to an insurance policy.
Let’s look at some sample rates for young, middle-aged, and senior drivers.
Read more: How Age Affects the Cost of Auto Insurance
Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates by Age, Gender, and Marital Status
| Companies | Single 17-Year-Old Female Rates | Single 17-Year-Old Male Rates | Single 25-Year-Old Female Rates | Single 25-Year-Old Male Rates | Married 35-Year-Old Female Rates | Married 35-Year-Old Male Rates | Married 60-Year-Old Female Rates | Married 60-Year-Old Male Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $774 | $887 | $285 | $298 | $263 | $260 | $243 | $249 |
| American Family | $500 | $678 | $191 | $225 | $184 | $185 | $166 | $168 |
| Farmers | $710 | $762 | $246 | $253 | $213 | $213 | $195 | $204 |
| Geico | $471 | $523 | $198 | $189 | $192 | $193 | $187 | $190 |
| Liberty Mutual | $968 | $1,143 | $330 | $375 | $317 | $321 | $287 | $307 |
| Nationwide | $480 | $598 | $224 | $241 | $197 | $199 | $178 | $185 |
| Progressive | $724 | $802 | $225 | $230 | $191 | $181 | $166 | $171 |
| State Farm | $496 | $610 | $195 | $213 | $173 | $173 | $156 | $156 |
| Travelers | $776 | $1,071 | $194 | $208 | $182 | $183 | $171 | $173 |
| USAA | $401 | $449 | $166 | $177 | $129 | $128 | $121 | $121 |
We included gender and marital status with age-based auto insurance to show how multiple factors determine car insurance rates at once. And the results show married senior drivers pay the least for auto insurance.
Meanwhile, single teen drivers have more expensive car insurance rates per month. When you turn 25, your insurance rates will start to decrease.
Why is my auto insurance so high at 25 years old?
Your car insurance rates depend on where you buy your policy. Some companies still charge expensive rates even if you are 25 or older.
You can also expect your auto insurance cost to be expensive if you do not have insurance history. A driver without an insurance history is almost like a new driver.
The car insurance company will not know your risk level, so they will give you higher rates until you prove you are a safe driver.
Does a clean driving record provide affordable auto insurance rates?
Yes, it does. You can save up to 35% on car insurance if you maintain a clean driving record. But some auto insurance companies will not provide the maximum savings right away.
Do not worry – we compared the best auto insurance companies in America and compiled their estimates by driving record. Here is what we found:
Average Monthly Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record and Company
| Companies | Monthly Rates with a Clean Driving Record | Monthly Rates w/ One Speeding Violation | Monthly Rates w/ One Accident | Monthly Rates w/ One DUI Conviction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | $179 | $220 | $266 | $406 |
| American Family | $224 | $252 | $310 | $361 |
| Nationwide | $229 | $259 | $283 | $379 |
| State Farm | $235 | $266 | $283 | $303 |
| Progressive | $283 | $334 | $398 | $331 |
| Travelers | $287 | $355 | $357 | $478 |
| Farmers | $288 | $340 | $377 | $393 |
| Allstate | $318 | $374 | $416 | $522 |
| Liberty Mutual | $398 | $475 | $517 | $634 |
Geico car insurance is the most affordable until you compare rates for DUI convictions. DUIs drive up your rates by at least 25%.
However, State Farm is the cheapest company for DUI convicted drivers, followed by Progressive and American Family. Meanwhile, Liberty Mutual and Allstate are the most expensive companies regardless of driving record.
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Why is my auto insurance so high with a clean record?
Insurance companies may charge expensive rates regardless of your driving record. This may be because the car insurance company wants to build a trusting contract with the customer.
In other words, the auto insurance company wants to see if you are a safe driver. So, you will need to keep your policy without having any traffic infractions and accidents.
How does credit history affect auto insurance rates?
Your car insurance company may consider your credit history to determine your insurance rates. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), good credit is associated with low risks of filing claims.
Therefore, drivers with good credit pay significantly less than drivers with poor credit. Here is an example of credit-based auto insurance rates.
Average Monthly Credit-Based Auto Insurance Rates by Company
| Companies | Monthly Rates Based on Good Credit | Monthly Rates Based on Fair Credit | Monthly Rates Based on Bad Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $152 | $185 | $308 |
| State Farm | $181 | $238 | $413 |
| Geico | $203 | $249 | $355 |
| American Family | $224 | $264 | $372 |
| Nationwide | $244 | $271 | $340 |
| Progressive | $302 | $330 | $395 |
| Farmers | $306 | $325 | $405 |
| Allstate | $322 | $382 | $541 |
| Travelers | $338 | $362 | $430 |
| Liberty Mutual | $366 | $467 | $734 |
USAA is the cheapest company in the United States, but it is only available for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families (immediate family). But State Farm and Geico are the following companies that provide cheap auto insurance.
What is a coverage level, and how does it affect auto insurance rates?
The coverage level is a short way of saying what coverage limits you have on your policy. For example, the minimum car insurance requirement in most states is 25/50/25.
The 25/50/25 is an abbreviation that describes the coverage amounts. Here’s what it means:
- $25,000 for bodily injury of one person per accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury of multiple people per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
These limits correlate to the lowest coverage level. However, a medium coverage level is 50/100/50, and a high coverage level is 100/300/100.
When you raise your coverage level, it increases your car insurance rates. The degree of those rising costs varies for each company.
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What is commute mileage, and how does it change auto insurance quotes?
Commute mileage is another way of saying annual mileage. Car insurance companies use commute mileage to determine how often you drive.
For instance, an auto insurance company asks for annual mileage to determine the distance from your home to your job location. Drivers with high commute mileage usually pay more for car insurance per month.
But if you limit your commutes and choose ride sharing options, you can save at least 5% off car insurance.
How much are auto insurance rates by the state?
Car insurance rates vary for each state. Let’s look at the average auto insurance rates based on the latest National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) reports.
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 |
Michigan and Louisiana are the most expensive states in America. Meanwhile, Iowa and Maine are the cheapest states in the nation.
Read more: The Essential Cheap Iowa Auto Insurance Rates Guide
Why is my auto insurance deductible so high?
You can choose your deductible, but car insurance companies may recommend a deductible amount. Deductibles are from $0 to $1,000. Higher deductibles produce cheaper rates, but low deductibles generate more expensive rates.
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How much are auto insurance rates based on vehicle make?
The car you drive is a significant factor that determines insurance rates. Some vehicles are statistically less likely to endure severe damage during an accident, such as Ford F-150s and GMC Sierras.
Also, auto insurance companies consider the value of your vehicle. Cars with higher values often produce more expensive insurance rates.
Let’s look at the average cost of car insurance for the most popular cars in the United States.
Monthly Auto Insurance Rates by Vehicle and Coverage Option
| Vehicles | Monthly Comprehensive Rates | Monthly Collision Rates | Monthly Liability Rates | Monthly Full Coverage Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | $26 | $38 | $33 | $109 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | $26 | $45 | $37 | $122 |
| Honda Civic | $22 | $53 | $37 | $127 |
| Honda Accord | $22 | $40 | $33 | $108 |
| Toyota Camry | $25 | $48 | $33 | $118 |
| Nissan Altima | $26 | $48 | $33 | $119 |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | $27 | $48 | $33 | $120 |
| Toyota Corolla | $25 | $45 | $33 | $115 |
| Honda CR-V | $22 | $33 | $28 | $94 |
| Dodge RAM | $29 | $45 | $37 | $126 |
The Honda Civic is the most expensive vehicle, but the Honda CR-V is the cheapest. But Ford F-150 has the most affordable auto insurance for trucks.
Your car insurance rates will vary, though. The latest vehicles have higher values and costly rates, but older models have more affordable rates.
Why is my auto insurance quote so high after adding a vehicle?
Some vehicle types can produce more expensive rates. Sedans (passenger cars) are more likely to encounter car accidents, so insurance rates for most of those cars are more expensive than average.
If you have a luxury or sports car, your rates could be even more costly per month. Use the VIN during the quote process to narrow car insurance costs.
How do I get cheaper auto insurance rates?
You can secure cheaper rates through car insurance discounts. When you get a quote, do not buy it right away.
Speak with an agent over the phone or in person and ask about deals you can add to your auto insurance quote. Some of the best discounts include a safe driver discount and a good credit discount.
You can get safe driver (also called a defensive driver discount) discounts when you have a clean driving record. Some companies provide savings up to 35%.
A good credit discount provides at least 20% off your car insurance bill, too. However, each company is different when calculating how much you save.
See what other discounts are available and stack as many as you can to save hundreds of dollars per year.
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Why is my auto insurance so high: The Bottom Line
Specific factors increase your car insurance rates, such as a bad driving record, poor credit, and no insurance history. The good news is that each of these areas can improve over time.
In the meantime, focus on getting any available discounts. If you cannot get any deals from an insurance company, you can always shop around until you find a company with reasonable auto insurance rates.
Now that you know why auto insurance is so high, use our free online quote tool to find the most affordable insurance companies in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions: Why is my auto insurance so high?
Do you want to learn more about why auto insurance is so high? Read these answers to frequently asked questions to learn more.
#1 — What can I do if my auto insurance is too expensive?
You take off specific coverage options to save money. For example, you can switch to liability-only coverage and save 53% on car insurance.
#2 — Is $500 a month too much for auto insurance?
It depends on your personal factors. If you have a clean driving record and a steady car insurance history, $500 may be too expensive. Shop around until you can find affordable rates.
#3 — Which type of auto insurance should you avoid?
Do not buy car insurance coverage that you do not need. For instance, a person with a 20-year-old vehicle should not get full coverage insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my auto insurance premium higher than expected?
There can be several reasons for your auto insurance premium being higher than you anticipated. Here are some common factors that can contribute to higher premiums:
- Driving Record: If you have a history of traffic violations, accidents, or claims, insurance companies may consider you a higher-risk driver, resulting in higher premiums.
- Age and Experience: Younger and inexperienced drivers often face higher insurance premiums due to statistically higher accident rates in these groups.
- Vehicle Type: The make, model, and year of your vehicle can impact your insurance premium. Expensive cars, sports cars, or vehicles with a high theft rate generally have higher premiums.
- Coverage Options: The type and amount of coverage you choose can affect your premium. Comprehensive coverage, which includes protection against theft, vandalism, and natural disasters, tends to be more expensive.
- Location: The area where you live can impact your insurance rates. If you reside in an area with a high crime rate or a high incidence of accidents, your premiums may be higher.
- Credit History: Some insurance companies consider credit history when determining premiums. If you have a poor credit score, it may result in higher insurance rates.
- Annual Mileage: The more you drive, the higher the risk of being involved in an accident. If you have a long daily commute or frequently use your vehicle for long distances, it can increase your premium.
Are there any other factors that can affect my auto insurance premium?
Yes, in addition to the factors mentioned earlier, here are a few more variables that can impact your auto insurance premium:
- Deductible Amount: Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium, but it means you will pay more out-of-pocket in the event of a claim.
- Insurance History: If you have gaps in your insurance coverage or a history of policy cancellations, insurers may see you as a higher-risk customer and charge higher premiums.
- Claims History: If you’ve made multiple claims in the past, it may raise your premium. Insurance companies may view you as more likely to make future claims.
- Marital Status: Married individuals often receive lower insurance rates compared to single individuals, as studies show that married couples tend to have fewer accidents.
- Bundling Policies: Insuring multiple assets, such as your home and vehicle, with the same insurance company can often lead to discounted rates.
Can my credit score affect my auto insurance premium?
Yes, some insurance companies take credit history into account when determining premiums. If you have a lower credit score, it can result in higher insurance rates. It is advisable to maintain a good credit score to potentially receive lower premiums.
Will my auto insurance premium decrease over time?
In some cases, yes. As you gain more driving experience and maintain a clean driving record, your insurance premiums may decrease. Additionally, reaching certain age milestones, such as turning 25, may also lead to lower rates. However, it’s essential to note that individual circumstances can vary, and insurance premiums are determined by multiple factors.
Are there any discounts available that can help reduce my auto insurance premium?
Yes, many insurance companies offer various discounts that can help lower your premium. Some common discounts include:
- Safe Driver Discounts: If you have a clean driving record without any recent accidents or traffic violations, you may qualify for a safe driver discount.
- Multi-Policy Discounts: Insuring multiple vehicles or bundling your auto insurance with other policies, such as home or renters insurance, can often lead to discounted rates.
- Good Student Discounts: If you are a student with good grades, you may be eligible for a discount on your auto insurance.
- Anti-Theft Device Discounts: Installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle, such as alarms or tracking systems, can help reduce the risk of theft and potentially earn you a discount.
- Low Mileage Discounts: If you drive fewer miles than the average driver, you may qualify for a low mileage discount.
- Defensive Driving Course Discounts: Completing a recognized defensive driving course can sometimes result in a discount on your premium.
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Travis Thompson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Travis Thompson has been a licensed insurance agent for nearly five years. After obtaining his life and health insurance licenses, he began working for Symmetry Financial Group as a State Licensed Field Underwriter. In this position, he learned the coverage options and limits surrounding mortgage protection. He advised clients on the coverage needed to protect them in the event of a death, critica...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.