Car Insurance Calculator: Estimate the Cost of Car Insurance for You (October 2024)

The cost of car insurance is highly personalized and varies from person to person. Car insurance companies weigh several individual rating factors when considering which rate to charge you, including your age, driving record, address, the type of car you drive and more. Using the MoneyGeek calculator, you can get a ballpark estimate of how much car insurance will cost without entering your personal information. The estimator can help you decide if it’s time to switch car insurance companies or find the right company that fits your needs and budget.

Not all car insurance companies are equal. Some will meet your needs better than others. Before you choose a company, take a look at their website to see the types of policies they offer and the coverages and discounts available. You can also check out MoneyGeek’s car insurance company reviews, including discussions on customer experience and financial strength. Keep in mind: the best car insurance company may not be the cheapest. So shopping around, comparing quotes and learning about the companies offering insurance in your area can help you find a balance between coverage and affordability.

State laws, regulations, and insurance requirements can significantly impact insurance costs. As such, your location (including your ZIP code) is a significant factor in determining your premium. For example, on average, minimum coverage in Maine costs $352 per year, while the same coverage is $5,099 in Michigan; that's a $4,747 difference.

Click on your state below to learn more about how auto insurance is calculated where you live.

MoneyGeek makes it easy to learn about car insurance and the companies that offer it. We’ve analyzed each company, including the coverages they offer, discounts you can use to keep costs low, how well they handle customer service and their ability to pay claims on time.

Car insurance pricing and coverage needs are unique to you and your household. Each car insurance company you get a quote from will request personal information to complete a driving profile, which they will use to determine your rate. You may need to provide the following:

• Date of birth
• Gender
• Marital status
• Mobile phone number
• Email address
• Driver's license number
• Previous insurance information
• Moving violation history
• Home address
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)

Considering the factors they use will help you estimate how much car insurance you need, including coverage options that may not be required but that you might want.

At MoneyGeek, we recommend most drivers get higher liability limits than many states require. We recommend at least 100/300/100 in liability coverage, which covers up to $100,000 per person for bodily injury, up to $300,000 total in bodily injury per accident and up to $100,000 for property damage liability per accident.

Many factors go into calculating your car insurance cost. Consider these when getting quotes to compare for car insurance:

• Liability-Only vs. Full Coverage: Full coverage will cost more than liability-only because of the additional coverages — comprehensive and collision coverage. Roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and gap insurance are optional coverages that may also be included as part of full coverage.
• Coverage Amounts: The more coverage, the higher your premium, but a greater level of financial protection, too. Plus, the more options you have if you’re in an accident or your car breaks down. Additional coverage could include roadside assistance, medical payments and rental car reimbursement.
• Age: Drivers under the age of 30 and over 70 are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents and have higher fatality rates. Expect higher rates for teenagers and senior drivers than other age groups.
• Location: Where you live can significantly impact your car insurance. Less dense populations in rural areas see fewer accidents and thefts than highly populated urban areas.
• Additional Coverage Required by State (PIP, UM, etc.): Some states mandate personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which costs extra. But even if optional, they may be worth considering since they can provide broader protection if you’re in an accident, whether as a pedestrian or driver, that involves a driver without insurance or minimal coverage.
• Driving Record: New drivers or drivers with several moving violations or at-fault accidents on their record are riskier to insure, which means they'll pay more for car insurance. Drivers with a history of clean driving records not only get better rates, but they also may be eligible for other discounts.
• Credit Score: Paying your bills on time can mean lower car insurance rates in states that allow companies to use credit-based insurance scores when calculating premiums.
• Car Choice: The make and model of your vehicle influence how much car insurance costs. The more your car is worth (its replacement cost value), the more you’ll pay for car insurance. This is because you’ll likely need additional coverages like comprehensive and collision, plus it will cost the insurance company more to fix your car if you file a claim.
• Marital Status: If you’re married, your spouse must be listed as a driver on your insurance policy, which is great if they have a good driving history but can be costly if not. Even so, research shows that single drivers are twice as likely to be injured in an accident than married drivers, which can account for better insurance rates for married people compared to single consumers.
• Deductible Level: Choosing a higher deductible for comprehensive or collision coverage or both will save you money on the premium, but you’ll have to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim for your vehicle's damages. Liability coverage does not have a deductible.

Not everything is in your control when it comes to car insurance rates, but there are some steps you can take to lower your car insurance costs.

Do you still have questions about using a car insurance calculator to get a ballpark estimate on costs? Here are some frequently asked questions about estimating your car insurance without using your personal information.