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The highest cost states to insure your vehicle

A breakdown

Auto insurance is a necessary expense for vehicle owners across the United States, but the cost can vary significantly depending on a range of factors. Understanding these costs can help consumers make informed decisions about their insurance needs and budgets. This post explores the average auto insurance costs in the US, highlighting key statistics and factors that influence premiums.

The numbers referenced are based on a report issued by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and can be found here.

Key Statistics

  • Countrywide Combined Average Premium (2022): $1,258
  • Median State Combined Average Premium (2022): $1,128
  • Increase in Countrywide Average Expenditure from 2021 to 2022: 6.09%
  • Increase in Countrywide Combined Average Premium from 2021 to 2022: 5.75%

Understanding Average Expenditures and Premiums

The combined average premium is the sum of the average premiums for liability, comprehensive, and collision coverages. This figure represents the average cost of a full auto insurance policy in a given state.

Factors Influencing Insurance Costs

Many factors contribute to the differences in average expenditures and premiums between states, including:

  • Underwriting and loss adjustment expenses
  • Types and amounts of coverages purchased
  • Use of telematics
  • Weather conditions
  • Driving locations and accident rates
  • Traffic density and vehicle theft rates
  • Auto repair costs
  • Population density and medical/legal costs
  • Per capita disposable income
  • Rate and form filing laws
  • Liability insurance requirements
  • Auto laws (e.g., seat belt, speed limits)

Insurance rates are primarily based on the cost of paying claims. Broad state characteristics, such as urban population, miles driven per highway mile, and disposable income per capita are correlated with auto insurance premiums.

Average Insurance Costs by State

Top States by Combined Average Premium

RankState2022 Combined Average Premium
2Louisiana$1,742.87
1Florida$1,703.09
4New York$1,676.31
5District of Columbia$1,628.81
6New Jersey$1,522.89
7Georgia$1,513.33
9Texas$1,470.12
3Michigan$1,428.65
8Nevada$1,420.51
10California$1,249.83

Top States by Average Comprehensive Premium

RankState2022 Average Comprehensive Premium
1South Dakota$407.21
2Wyoming$395.54
3Colorado$371.73
4Montana$333.70
5Oklahoma$297.92
6Louisiana$281.04
7North Dakota$279.61
8Arkansas$259.15
9Minnesota$255.14
10Michigan$190.59

Top States by Average Liability Premium

RankState2022 Average Liability Premium
1Florida$1,152.02
2Louisiana$990.58
3New York$989.32
4New Jersey$932.65
5Nevada$926.56
6Georgia$895.70
7District of Columbia$805.93
8Michigan$758.44
9Maryland$754.16
10Connecticut$796.41

Top States by Average Collision Premium

RankState2022 Average Collision Premium
1District of Columbia$586.01
2Rhode Island$487.17
3Michigan$479.62
4Louisiana$471.25
5Maryland$450.06
6Massachusetts$445.31
7New Jersey$441.78
8Connecticut$424.27
9Georgia$419.69
10Florida$371.15

Factors Affecting State-to-State Differences

Several variables can explain the state-to-state differences in auto insurance costs:

  1. Urban Population: States with higher urban populations tend to have higher premiums due to increased traffic density and accident rates.
  2. Miles Driven per Highway Mile: States with higher traffic volumes often see more accidents, leading to higher insurance costs.
  3. Disposable Income per Capita: Higher disposable incomes can lead to increased claim costs, affecting premiums.

Conclusion

Auto insurance costs in the US vary widely due to a multitude of factors, including location, driving habits, and economic conditions. Understanding these costs can help consumers better navigate their insurance options and make informed decisions. By considering the key statistics and factors influencing premiums, vehicle owners can better manage their auto insurance expenses.

For more detailed information on auto insurance costs in your state, consult the latest report from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) (Press Release Point).