Compare car insurance rates in 2024

Our guide to comparing car insurance rates

According to our analysis, the average cost of car insurance in 2024 is $2,311 for full coverage and $640 for minimum coverage. However, these are just average figures; the cost of your car insurance policy will likely vary. Car insurance is not a one-size-fits-all product: your coverage limits, policy endorsements, location, driving history, credit score and vehicle type can all play a part in determining what you pay for your policy. As such, car insurance is like a fingerprint — each quote will be different, which is why it’s important to know how to compare them.

Compare car insurance rates by age

In all states except Massachusetts and Hawaii, insurers use your age to determine your auto insurance premium. When analyzing car insurance premiums by age, young drivers under the age of 25 typically see higher rates compared to adults. This is because younger drivers have less experience behind the wheel and are more likely to engage in risky driving behavior. According to our analysis, a 21-year-old driver pays an average of 69 percent more for a full coverage car insurance policy compared to a 40-year-old.

We compiled age-related data from several carriers based on 2024 rates pulled from Quadrant Information Services to give you an idea of how much you might pay at different points in your life.

Compare car insurance rates for young drivers

Teen drivers are inexperienced, which leads to a greater likelihood of accidents and risky driving. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that teens have a higher crash rate than any other age group. Because of this, teens typically cost more to insure than older drivers. We found that, depending on your teen’s age, Nationwide, Geico and Farmers tend to have lower average rates for young drivers.

Teens are not the only age group that face higher-than-average rates; drivers from the ages of 20 to 25 also see elevated car insurance prices. This is largely also because of inexperience behind the wheel, but the increase tends to be less dramatic for drivers in their early 20s compared to teen drivers. However, some young adults may find the best car insurance rates by choosing to stay on their parent’s policy as opposed to purchasing one of their own.

Insurance company	Avg. annual full coverage premium age 16*	Avg. annual full coverage premium age 18*	Avg. annual full coverage premium age 20**
Allstate	$5,192	$4,654	$6,001
Amica	$5,385	$4,949	$6,260
Auto-Owners	$3,825	$2,933	$3,320
Farmers	$7,031	$6,437	$7,152
Geico	$3,939	$3,313	$3,644
Nationwide	$2,730	$2,593	$3,968
Progressive	$4,022	$3,631	$4,227
State Farm	$4,987	$4,304	$4,744
Travelers	$3,609	$2,947	$3,839
USAA	$4,235	$2,858	$3,398

*16- and 18-year-old rate reflects the cost of a teen on their married parents’ full coverage policy. **20-year-old rate reflects the cost of being on their own separate policy.

Car insurance rates by driving history

Keeping a clean motor vehicle record (MVR) is typically one of the best ways to avoid premium increases on your car insurance policy. Because car insurance rates are based on risk, high-risk drivers generally pay more for coverage and may have trouble obtaining coverage from standard auto insurers. Insurers will review the driving history of all drivers on the policy by obtaining MVR and Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) reports (which provide your auto claims history) so providing this information up front will help ensure you receive an accurate quote.

Car insurance rates after a speeding ticket

Speeding tickets are relatively common, but most carriers still see them as an indication of high-risk driver behavior. As such, a speeding ticket on your motor vehicle record causes your average annual payment to be 21 percent more per year. On top of the increased insurance costs, you may need to pay fines and even license and/or vehicle registration reinstatement fees, depending on the severity of your infraction.

Fortunately, most carriers only consider speeding ticket convictions for three to five years when determining rates. Depending on your state, carrier and ticket severity, you will likely see your rates come back down after a few years of infraction-free driving.

Insurance company	Avg. annual premium pre-ticket	Avg. annual premium post-ticket
Allstate	$2,977	$3,310
Amica	$2,662	$3,275
Auto-Owners	$1,631	$1,959
Farmers	$2,970	$3,749
Geico	$1,782	$2,168
Nationwide	$1,564	$1,952
Progressive	$2,021	$2,610
State Farm	$2,406	$2,737
Travelers	$1,565	$2,116
USAA	$1,709	$2,082

Compare car insurance rates by credit tier

In most states, your credit tier will affect your car insurance premium. Generally, drivers with lower credit-based insurance scores tend to file more claims and are thus viewed as a higher risk by carriers. California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan ban or restrict the use of credit as an auto insurance rating factor.

Insurance company	Avg. annual premium with poor credit	Avg. annual premium with good credit
Allstate	$4,247	$2,977
Amica	$6,394	$2,662
Auto-Owners	$4,380	$1,631
Farmers	$6,271	$2,970
Geico	$2,531	$1,782
Nationwide	$2,256	$1,564
Progressive	$3,517	$2,021
State Farm	$8,968	$2,406
Travelers	$2,417	$1,565
USAA	$3,287	$1,709

How to compare car insurance rates

Before you start the process of looking for car insurance, take some time to consider what’s most important to you. Maybe you’ve outfitted your car with aftermarket parts and other customizations and need specific coverage for this. Or maybe you have a child who’s about to become a new driver and need competitive rates for adding a teen to your policy.

Whether you’re looking for endless coverage options or just the basics, understanding what you want will help guide you toward the best car insurance rates. Once you’re ready to get started, here’s how you can streamline the process:

1. Collect your personal information

Whether you get an auto insurance quote online or over the phone, you'll likely share the same personal information. This is the information you'll likely need to have on hand:

• Driver information: You'll need the names, birthdays and driver's license numbers of all the drivers you would like to add to your quote. Included drivers should be all drivers in your household plus any driver who regularly drives your vehicle.
• Vehicle information: At the very least, you will need to provide the makes and models of the vehicles you need to be covered. If you can, you may want to include your vehicle identification numbers (VIN), as this information may provide you with a more accurate quote. If you’ve outfitted your vehicle with aftermarket parts, you will need to include this information as well.
• Driving history: During the quote, the car insurance company may ask if any drivers have been in any accidents or received tickets within a specific timeframe. If you don't advise the company of past driving activity upfront, your quoted premium may go up once the company reviews your driving records after you decide to purchase the policy.
• Usage information: How often you drive can also play a role in your car insurance costs. When you are requesting quotes, an insurer will likely ask you how often you use your vehicle, your estimated annual mileage, whether or not you commute, etc.

2. Choose the right coverage levels

After you provide your personal and vehicle information, the company will ask you what coverage types you would like to include in your quote. When selecting your level of coverage, your individual needs and financial goals will dictate what coverage package is best for you. For instance, if you are leasing your vehicle, your financial lender will likely require you to carry liability limits higher than your state’s required minimum limits. Or, if you have a newer vehicle you are still paying for, you may consider adding gap insurance. Regardless of your selections, you may want to ask for similar coverage options on each quote to ensure you are conducting an apples-to-apples comparison.

Understand car insurance requirements in your state

Most states (except for New Hampshire and Virginia) require that drivers purchase a car insurance policy in order to register their vehicles. While exact state minimum requirements vary on a state-by-state basis, they all include some form of bodily injury and property damage liability. In no-fault states, you may also need to purchase personal injury protection, uninsured motorist coverage and medical payments coverage. Getting familiar with the coverage requirements in your state can help you better understand how your policy works to protect your finances; plus, it can help you spot any potential coverage gaps.

How much car insurance do you need?

Our insurance editorial team, which includes licensed insurance agents, knows that balancing affordability and coverage is key.

3. Compare auto insurance quotes

Once you’ve shared your information with the insurance company, you will receive a coverage proposal or quote in return. This typically consists of a premium estimate with the coverage options you selected and a list of covered drivers. Your quote should also already factor in any discounts you qualify for like a home and auto bundle, safe driving discount, student discount or other discount type. Discounts vary by insurer, and some may offer more savings opportunities than others.

Keep in mind that if the insurance company did not check the driving records of all drivers listed on the policy, the quote can change once you purchase the policy. And sometimes, more information is required before a policy can be issued, such as proof of address or prior insurance. The insurance company will inform you if additional information is needed, along with how to provide it and an approval timeframe.

Best car insurance companies for 2024

The best car insurance companies offer rates, coverage options, discounts, third-party scores and digital tools that fit your individual needs. 

4. Evaluate company features and reputation

Researching the top home insurance companies can reveal financial strength ratings and customer service reviews, which can help you narrow down your options. Requesting home insurance quotes will give you a better picture of policy offerings, estimated premiums and discount opportunities. Requesting quotes from more than one carrier will give you the best chance to see which company offers the best coverage for your needs and budget. Additionally, depending on how you want to manage your policy, this can be a great way to familiarize yourself with the company’s online services or connect with local insurance agents.