Average car insurance cost in 2026
| Coverage | Per year | Per month |
|---|---|---|
| Full coverage (liability + collision + comprehensive) | $2,357 | about $196 |
| State minimum liability | $650 | about $54 |
35-year-old driver, clean record, good credit. Source: NerdWallet 2026 rate analysis.
How your record changes the price
| Driver profile | Full coverage / yr | vs clean record |
|---|---|---|
| Clean record, good credit | $2,357 | – |
| One speeding ticket | $3,022 | +28% |
| One at-fault accident | $3,514 | +49% |
| DUI | $4,424 | +88% |
| Poor credit, clean record | $3,939 | +67% |
| 20-year-old driver | $4,712 | +100% |
Source: NerdWallet 2026 rate analysis. Percentages calculated from those figures.
Compare car insurance quotes in your area
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Sponsored listings. FindBestInsurance may be paid when you click them.Cheapest and most expensive states
| Most expensive (full coverage) | Per year | Least expensive | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $4,290 | Wyoming | $1,148 |
| New Jersey | $3,718 | Vermont | $1,556 |
| Texas | $3,640 | New Hampshire | $1,578 |
| Nevada | $3,497 | Maine | $1,711 |
| Kentucky | $3,298 | North Carolina | $1,789 |
What decides your rate
- Where you live: crash rates, theft, weather, repair costs and lawsuits in your area.
- Your driving record: tickets and accidents usually affect your price for three to five years.
- Age and experience: drivers under 25 pay the most; prices usually fall through your 30s to 60s.
- Credit-based insurance score: used in most states (California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan limit or ban it).
- Your car: its value, repair costs, safety features and theft rate.
- Coverage and deductible: higher limits cost more; a higher deductible lowers your premium.
- How much you drive: low mileage can qualify for discounts or pay-per-mile cover.
How to pay less
Compare at least three quotes, because insurers weigh these factors very differently. Then ask for every discount you qualify for (see car insurance discounts), and consider whether you still need full coverage on an older car (see full coverage vs liability).
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of car insurance per month?
About $196 a month for full coverage and $54 a month for minimum coverage for a 35-year-old with a clean record and good credit, based on NerdWallet’s 2026 data.
Which state has the cheapest car insurance?
Wyoming, at about $1,148 a year for full coverage, followed by Vermont and New Hampshire.
How much does an accident raise car insurance?
In NerdWallet’s 2026 data, one at-fault accident raised the average full coverage price from $2,357 to $3,514 a year, about 49%.
Does credit affect car insurance?
In most states, yes. Drivers with poor credit paid about $3,939 a year for full coverage versus $2,357 with good credit.
Sources
- NerdWallet: How much is car insurance? (2026 rate analysis)
- Insurance Information Institute: What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?
Figures checked November 7, 2026. Insurance rules and prices change and vary by state and insurer; confirm details with the insurer or your state.