How Much Is Car Insurance Per Month? Compare Cheap Full Coverage Quotes by State (2026 Guide)

 

Car insurance is a necessary expense for every driver — but how much you’ll actually pay per month depends heavily on where you live, what coverage you choose, and your personal profile.

In 2026, car insurance costs are still varied across the United States, with some states significantly cheaper than others and others remaining among the most expensive in the nation. This guide breaks down average monthly costs by state, explains why prices vary so much, and gives you actionable tips to compare cheap full coverage quotes in 2026.

📌 National Average: What Drivers Pay in 2026

According to insurance pricing data compiled from industry sources:

·         The national average cost for full coverage car insurance is about $178–$179 per month (around $2,136–$2,148 per year).

·         For liability-only coverage, the average is much lower — approximately $99–$100 per month.

These averages are based on drivers with clean records and standard coverage (including liability, collision, and comprehensive) and can vary significantly based on personal and regional factors.

📍 Why Insurance Costs Differ From State to State

Insurance companies calculate premiums using risk factors like:

·         Crash frequency and severity

·         Traffic congestion and population density

·         Weather events and natural disaster exposure

·         Vehicle crime and theft rates

·         Average repair costs
…plus your personal profile (age, driving record, credit history, vehicle type, mileage, etc.).

As a result, average monthly rates vary widely across states.

🚗 Average Monthly Full Coverage Rates by State (2026)

Here’s a snapshot of full coverage car insurance monthly averages across the U.S. in 2026 based on the latest data:

State	Avg. Monthly Full Coverage
New Hampshire	~$79
Wyoming	~$85
Iowa	~$102
Idaho	~$103
North Dakota	~$105
Ohio	~$114
Alabama	~$137
Hawaii	~$143
Texas	~$205
Colorado	~$213
California	~$191
Florida	~$227
New Jersey	~$259
Washington, D.C.	~$308

Note: These figures represent median or rolling averages from Insurify’s January–February 2026 data.

🟢 Lowest-Cost States for Full Coverage

·         New Hampshire: ~$79/month — among the most affordable in the nation.

·         Wyoming: ~$85/month — low crash density and fewer claims help keep rates down.

·         Iowa & Idaho: ~$102–$103/month — significantly below the national average.

🔴 Most Expensive States

·         Washington, D.C.: ~$308/month — consistently high due to dense traffic and claim rates.

·         New Jersey: ~$259/month — high population and claim costs influence pricing.

·         Florida: ~$227/month — high accident and weather risk areas contribute to high premiums.

California sits around $191 per month for full coverage — slightly above the national average, but not among the very highest states.

📊 Full Coverage vs. Minimum Liability

It’s helpful to compare full coverage with minimum liability to understand how monthly costs change based on the protection level you choose.

According to 2026 data:

·         Full Coverage: ~ $178–$179/month (national average)

·         Liability Only: ~ $99–$100/month (national average)

That means full coverage typically costs 80–90% more than minimum liability — but it also protects your vehicle and offers extra safeguards like collision and comprehensive coverage.

🧠 What “Full Coverage” Really Means

“Full coverage” is not a specific policy — it generally includes:

✔ Liability insurance (required in all states)
✔ Collision coverage — covers your car after a crash
✔ Comprehensive coverage — covers theft, vandalism, weather damage
✔ Uninsured/Underinsured motorist protection (optional but recommended)

Because full coverage protects both others and you, it’s significantly more expensive than carrying only the legal minimum liability.

🛠 Tips to Compare Cheap Full Coverage Quotes in 2026

Finding the lowest monthly premium doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Here’s how to approach it:

🧾 1. Compare Multiple Quotes

Use online comparison tools to get personalized rates from different insurers based on your age, ZIP code, vehicle, and driving history.

🎓 2. Ask About Discounts

Common discounts include:

·         Safe driver

·         Multi-policy (e.g., home + auto bundle)

·         Good student

·         Defensive driving programs

📊 3. Consider Your Deductible

Higher deductibles lower your monthly premium — but make sure you can afford the deductible if you have a claim.

🚘 4. Maintain a Clean Driving Record

Accidents and violations raise premiums significantly.

🏁 Final Thoughts: What to Expect in 2026

In 2026, average car insurance rates remain varied across the U.S., but overall pricing has become a bit more stable after significant increases in previous years. Insurify data suggests average full coverage premiums are around $178–$179 per month nationwide, with some states offering much cheaper rates and others costing far more.

Where you live plays a major role — a driver in New Hampshire or Wyoming could pay less than half what a driver in New Jersey or Washington, D.C. pays for similar coverage.

Remember: rates posted here are averages. Your own monthly cost could be higher or lower based on your profile and the insurer you choose — so always compare multiple quotes to find the best price.