The average cost of full car insurance went up 26% in 2024 — here are the states with the biggest increase (2024)

Car insurance costs have been on the rise, leaving drivers searching for ways to save on car ownership costs. In fact, according to a report from Bankrate, the average annual premium of full coverage auto insurance rose to $2,543 in 2024 — up 26% from the previous year.

CNBC Select breaks down the report's findings, explaining which states have experienced the highest spike in car insurance costs — and what you can do to pay less.

Where did full coverage insurance costs increase the most?

Bankrate shared with CNBC Select that the following states have seen the largest change in full coverage auto insurance premiums since 2023:

  1. Missouri: $858 ($1,943 to $2,801) – 44.16%
  2. New Jersey: $801 ($1,754 to $2,555) – 45.69%
  3. Rhode Island: $797 ($1,886 to $2,683) – 42.29%
  4. Colorado: $781 ($2,121 to $2,902) – 36.83%
  5. Nevada: $771 ($2,779 to $3,549) – 27.73%

The national average of how much of their income a driver spends on full auto coverage is 3.41%. But in many states, drivers devote far more of their income towards car insurance. For instance, Floridian drivers spend 5.69% of their income on full coverage auto insurance, Michigan drivers spend 5.01% of their income, and those in Nevada — 4.91%. Louisiana, however, is the state where drivers spend the most of their income, putting 6.53% toward full coverage insurance.

When auto insurance costs become a problem for your budget, a knee-jerk reaction may be to switch to minimum coverage. After all, the savings can be significant. According to the report, the national average cost for full coverage car insurance is $212 per month, compared to just $62 per month for minimum coverage.

Still, minimum coverage can leave you financially vulnerable if you're found at fault in an accident. It's best to get the coverage you need and explore other money-saving tactics.

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How you can save on auto insurance

To bring down car insurance costs, you want to make sure you're getting the best deal you can. That might require switching car insurance providers. Call around and gather some quotes to see if a different company might offer lower rates for the amount of coverage you need.

CNBC Select recommends Geico which offers highly rated customer service as well as competitive rates. According to our research, it also provides the most affordable full coverage of the companies we analyzed for our list of the best cheap auto insurance companies.

Geico Auto Insurance

Read our Geico Auto Insurance review.

Another affordable provider with high customer satisfaction is Amica. Additionally, you can score one or more of its 18 discounts.

Amica Auto Insurance

  • Cost

    The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote

  • Policy highlights

    Amica offers a variety of auto insurance policies to fit your coverage needs. The company also offers a total of 18 discounts, including discounts for bundling and for students.

  • App available

    Yes

You can also consider bundling insurance policies to potentially save more by sticking with one provider for different types of insurance.

What affects auto insurance rate

If you're looking for other opportunities to lower your car insurance premiums, the following factors play a big role in determining what you pay according to the Insurance Information Institute:

  • Your credit score. In many states, insurance providers can consider your credit history when they determine your auto insurance rates. For that reason, improving your credit score can have a positive effect on your car insurance bills.
  • Your driving record. You want to avoid high-risk driving behavior and ensure you avoid any lapse in coverage. If you already have DUIs, speeding tickets or other negative marks on your driving record, it's especially helpful to shop around for a provider that can give you a lower rate. Our list of the best car insurance for high-risk drivers may be a good place to start.
  • Your vehicle. What you drive also matters. According to Allstate, some types of cars are more expensive to insure. On the other hand, certain built-in security features can qualify you for a car insurance discount.
  • Your driving habits. The more you drive, the higher you can expect your premiums to be.
  • Your demographic information. Your gender and age are also considered when an insurance provider determines your premiums.

FAQs

A newer car is usually more expensive to insure because it typically has a higher value than a used car.

It's normal for car insurance rates to increase every year even if you haven't changed your policy or filed any claims. This can happen due to multiple factors, from inflation to an increase in claims in your area.

Yes, in many states your credit score can affect your car insurance rate.

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Bottom line

Car insurance prices are on the rise. Some states have experienced average premium increases as high as 46% on full coverage. These numbers show how essential it is to spend some time shopping around for insurance products. While there are steps you can take to bring the costs down, switching providers may be the quickest solution.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of financial products.While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

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Read more

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Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.

The average cost of full car insurance went up 26% in 2024 — here are the states with the biggest increase (2024)

FAQs

The average cost of full car insurance went up 26% in 2024 — here are the states with the biggest increase? ›

Bankrate shared with CNBC Select that the following states have seen the largest change in full coverage auto insurance premiums since 2023: Missouri: $858 ($1,943 to $2,801) – 44.16% New Jersey: $801 ($1,754 to $2,555) – 45.69% Rhode Island: $797 ($1,886 to $2,683) – 42.29%

Are auto insurance rates increasing in 2024? ›

Recent estimates indicate that auto insurance premiums will increase by 7% in 2024, which is nearly double the median annual increase.

What state has the highest car insurance rates in the country? ›

Behind Louisiana at No. 1, Florida, California, Colorado and South Dakota followed as the most expensive states in the country for auto insurance.

Why are auto insurance rates skyrocketing in the US? ›

Factors such as longer repair times and more expensive rental car costs are resulting in rising prices, according to a report by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. Also, cars are becoming costlier to fix.

Why does my car insurance go up every 6 months? ›

If you notice your car insurance keeps going up each time you renew, it could be from rising car insurance rate trends over time. These are often caused by factors outside your control, like increases in the costs to repair and replace vehicles or increases in claims and claim severity in your area.

At what age do auto insurance premiums tend to drop? ›

Insurers frequently charge more to insure teen drivers to offset the higher costs associated with teen driving claims. Adults: The cost of auto insurance coverage generally begins to drop by the time a driver reaches their early 20s. By 25, drivers might notice a pretty significant reduction in their premiums.

What time of year is car insurance most expensive? ›

Drivers who insure their cars in December may pay more than 15% more than those who insure in February, the cheapest time of year, research by MoneySuperMarket found. However, December does not need to be more expensive than any other month of the year when using an insurance broker.

Who is the most expensive insurance company? ›

According to our rate averages, the most expensive car insurance often comes from The Hanover Insurance Group. The company's average rates for both liability and full-coverage insurance can be more than 400% higher than the national average.

What state has the lowest homeowners insurance rates? ›

Oklahoma is the most expensive state for home insurance at $5,317 per year, while Hawaii has the lowest home insurance rates, averaging $582 in 2024. States with more natural disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes, usually have higher insurance rates. Where you live in the state also makes a difference.

What is the most expensive state in the United States? ›

According to several studies on cost of living, Hawaii is the most expensive U.S. state to live in. Prices are typically double in Hawaii compared to those on the mainland, and the continued rise in inflation is making costs ranging from housing to health care much more expensive.

Why is my car insurance so high for no reason? ›

Your particular driver profile, which includes factors like where you live, your age and your driving record, influences what you pay for car insurance. But rising car repair costs and an increase in disaster-related claims are significant reasons why car insurance rates are surging for many drivers.

Why has car insurance gotten so expensive? ›

Some of the car insurance inflation in the US can be explained by a pause in premium increases during the pandemic and the widespread parts shortages that hobbled the entire auto industry. But much of the cost pressure for insurers is because vehicles have taken a high-tech turn.

Why is my Geico policy going up? ›

Geico may have raised your rates because of changes to your policy or circ*mstances. Examples include adding a new type of coverage, becoming eligible for an additional type of discount, being involved in an accident, or buying a new car.

Why did my car insurance go up in 2024? ›

With increasing costs across various parts of the automotive industry, from higher average repair costs to continuing supply chain issues, auto insurance companies have needed to raise rates to turn a profit.

Why did my car insurance go up when nothing changed? ›

Your car insurance can increase if the cost of repairs, labor or health care services increases. This is because car insurance companies raise rates to account for higher costs in these areas. Also, a major environmental event that damages many cars in your area can increase rates for drivers in the state.

Why does my car insurance go up every year instead of down? ›

Rate level increases often come about because of trends in the industry towards more expensive vehicle repair and medical costs. Repairs and medical costs are almost always on the rise, so overall rate decreases are a very rare occurrence.

How much will homeowners insurance increase in 2024? ›

The firm's Home Insurance Projection Report foresees a 6% rise in annual premiums in 2024. The increase will put the national average at $2,522 at the end of the year. With climate experts expecting a devastating hurricane season, home insurance costs are forecasted to surge even higher in 2025.

Why does Geico keep raising my rates? ›

Geico may have raised your rates because of changes to your policy or circ*mstances. Examples include adding a new type of coverage, becoming eligible for an additional type of discount, being involved in an accident, or buying a new car.

Do auto insurance rates increase with age? ›

States Where Age Does Not Affect Rates

In California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts, age won't have a direct effect on how much you pay for car insurance. Other factors will still have an impact, though. Your driving record, credit score, and marital status can all affect your final premium.

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