25 US Cities With the Most Expensive Car Insurance Rates

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is my car insurance so high?” the answer may be where you live. Car insurance rates vary significantly in different cities, and if you live in a big city, chances are you’re going to pay more than if you call a small town or the suburbs home.

Location isn’t the only factor that determines your car insurance premium. If you’ve been in an accident or have a history of speeding tickets, those incidents can drive up your rate, as can a low credit score. Different car insurance providers also have a lot of variation in their rates, which is why it’s essential to compare auto insurance quotes from several before deciding which policy to purchase.

Still, if you live in a state with high premiums, it may be tough to get a competitive rate. MoneyGeek has analyzed the numbers and identified the U.S. cities where car insurance is the most costly. You can use this guide to determine whether you live in a place with the highest car insurance rates and to identify which providers offer the best car insurance rates in your area. Keep in mind that the numbers shown are average annual premiums, not monthly rates.

25. Anaheim, California

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• Average Premium: $1,483
• Observed Premium Range: $1,044–$1,997
• Cheapest Provider: Progressive

Car insurance rates in Anaheim are costlier than other parts of the state, but not by much. Anaheim's average annual rates are 5.7% higher than the rest of California and 6% higher than the national average. Although Progressive offers the cheapest car insurance in the area, Esurance and USAA provide competitive rates as well.

24. Houston, Texas

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• Average Premium: $1,506
• Observed Premium Range: $844–$4,792
• Cheapest Provider: Farmers

Houston drivers pay big bucks to insure their cars compared to residents of other Texas cities. Houston's average annual car insurance rate is 18.5% more expensive than in other parts of Texas and 9.5% higher than the national average. Rates vary based on insurance providers and individual drivers' records and needs, so you may be able to find Houston rates that are well below $1,506.

23. Louisville, Kentucky

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• Average Premium: $1,525
• Observed Premium Range: $733–$3,272
• Cheapest Provider: State Farm

Louisville drivers pay about 14.6% more for car insurance each year than those living in other parts of Kentucky. The average annual car insurance rate in Louisville also beats the national average by 13%. State Farm and USAA offer the most affordable insurance in the area, but USAA exclusively serves military service members, veterans and families, while State Farm is available to all drivers.

22. Atlanta, Georgia

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• Average Premium: $1,567
• Observed Premium Range: $834–$2,590
• Cheapest Provider: Nationwide

Atlanta's average annual car insurance rate is among the highest in the Southeast, though, as you can see from the premium range, costs vary considerably based on the provider you choose and your qualifications. Georgia ranked 35th in the country for car insurance affordability in 2019, and Atlanta drivers paid 15% more than the national average rate.

21. Jersey City, New Jersey

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• Average Premium: $1,573
• Observed Premium Range: $896–$2,334
• Cheapest Provider: GEICO

Although Jersey City's car insurance rates are 10.4% higher than the national average, they're lower than in other areas of New Jersey, including nearby Newark. Jersey City residents can expect to pay 6% less for car insurance than other drivers in the Garden State. GEICO is the most affordable provider in Jersey City by a large margin, with average premiums from other insurance companies coming in several hundred dollars higher.

20. Long Beach, California

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• Average Premium: $1,573
• Observed Premium Range: $1,072–$2,174
• Cheapest Provider: Esurance

If you’re driving in Long Beach, you can expect to pay 11.7% more than you would in other California cities. Long Beach’s annual auto insurance rates are also 12.1% more than the national average. Esurance offers the most competitive rates in Long Beach. Progressive and USAA are the next most affordable, though their averages are about $100–$130 more, respectively.

19. Buffalo, New York

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• Average Premium: $1,599
• Observed Premium Range: $882–$3,786
• Cheapest Provider: Erie

Car insurance rates in Buffalo vary considerably depending on which insurance provider you choose and your driving record. Although $1,599 is the average annual premium, Buffalo's insurance rates are still 52% lower than the state average.

18. Jacksonville, Florida

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• Average Premium: $1,631
• Observed Premium Range: $685–$2,503
• Cheapest Provider: GEICO

Car owners in Jacksonville pay more for auto insurance than the national average, but their rates are considerably lower than in other parts of Florida. Jacksonville's annual car insurance premiums fall 21.3% below the state average but 22.1% higher than elsewhere in the U.S.

17. Henderson, Nevada

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• Average Premium: $1,715
• Observed Premium Range: $946–$2,955
• Cheapest Provider: GEICO

Henderson may not have the bright lights of Las Vegas, but it does have cheaper car insurance than Nevada's most famous city. Henderson drivers may save $60 or more over Las Vegas drivers, but they still pay 29.2% above the national average. If you're a member of the military or related to a service member or veteran, you may be able to get insurance through USAA, which has the best rates in Nevada. Most drivers should look at GEICO, which provides the second-lowest rates to a broader range of drivers.

16. Providence, Rhode Island

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• Average Premium: $1,730
• Observed Premium Range: $733–$2,992
• Cheapest Provider: State Farm

Providence's car insurance rates are much steeper than other parts of the country, to the tune of 27.9% above the national average. However, it is on par with the state average, so Providence residents don't have to worry about paying more than folks in other Rhode Island cities. State Farm is the most affordable insurance carrier, with average rates several hundred dollars lower than most other companies.

15. Orlando, Florida

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• Average Premium: $1,747
• Observed Premium Range: $825–$2,454
• Cheapest Provider: GEICO

Like Jacksonville, Orlando's car insurance rates exceed the national average but are lower than other cities in Florida. Drivers in this tourist mecca pay 30.7% more than the average U.S. annual premium, but their rates are nearly 16% less than the statewide average.

14. Newark, New Jersey

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• Average Premium: $1,775
• Observed Premium Range: $1,174–$2,374
• Cheapest Provider: GEICO

Newark is one of the most expensive cities in the country for auto insurance, and it's among the highest in New Jersey. If you live in Newark, you could pay 6% more than other New Jersey residents and 24.6% more than the average U.S. premium. Although car insurance premiums in Newark are high no matter which insurance provider you choose, GEICO's average is several hundred dollars less on average than the next two most affordable insurers, MetLife and New Jersey Manufacturers.

13. Los Angeles, California

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• Average Premium: $1,879
• Observed Premium Range: $1,040–2,795
• Cheapest Provider: Esurance

Driving is a way of life in Southern California, particularly in Los Angeles. The state's average car insurance rate is 34.5% higher than the national average cost, and LA drivers pay 34.1% more on average than drivers in other California cities. Esurance offers the lowest insurance rates in Los Angeles, though Progressive's average is less than $100 higher and may offer another affordable option.

12. North Las Vegas, Nevada

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• Average Premium: $2,030
• Observed Premium Range: $1,024–3,749
• Cheapest Provider: GEICO

The average annual car insurance premium in North Las Vegas is 15.1% higher than the state average, but generally speaking, Nevada drivers saw premiums drop in recent years. As in several other cities, USAA offers the cheapest car insurance options in North Las Vegas for those who are eligible. After USAA, GEICO provides average rates substantially lower than other insurance carriers.

11. Baltimore, Maryland

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• Average Premium: $2,036
• Observed Premium Range: $1,100–$5,094
• Cheapest Provider: Erie

At 49.3% higher than the national average, Baltimore's car insurance rates are nearly double most parts of the country. However, Baltimore drivers can take solace because their rates are on par with what they'd find throughout Maryland.

10. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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• Average Premium: $2,041
• Observed Premium Range: $1,076–$3,538
• Cheapest Provider: Travelers

Unlike Baltimore drivers, Philly car owners can’t console themselves with the knowledge that their car insurance rates are similar to the rest of the state. In Philadelphia, the average annual car insurance premium comes in at 17.4% more than Pennsylvania’s state average and 49.9% more than the average national premium.

9. Las Vegas, Nevada

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• Average Premium: $2,045
• Observed Premium Range: $811–3,518
• Cheapest Provider: GEICO

Las Vegas auto insurance premiums are roughly $145 higher annually than Nevada's state average. They're also about $620 higher than the U.S. annual average. GEICO's car insurance rates in Nevada are significantly lower than most other insurance providers, though it's essential to compare several different offers to determine the best deal.

8. St. Petersburg, Florida

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• Average Premium: $2,052
• Observed Premium Range: $916–2,911
• Cheapest Provider: GEICO

Car insurance rates in St. Petersburg vary widely based on which provider you use. GEICO offers the lowest premiums to St. Petersburg residents at an average of $1,539. Progressive rates are much higher at $2,845. The average cost for insurance in St. Petersburg is 54% higher than the national average, though it is slightly lower than Florida's average of $2,208.

7. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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• Average Premium: $2,242
• Observed Premium Range: $1,327–$3,986
• Cheapest Provider: Southern Farm Bureau

With a rate of 65.8% higher than the national average, there’s no getting around the fact that car insurance in Baton Rouge is costly. Even at the lower end, premiums are above $1,300, making auto insurance a significant expense for Baton Rouge drivers. Costs here are roughly $800 higher than the national average.

6. Tampa, Florida

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• Average Premium: $2,373
• Observed Premium Range: $932–3,346
• Cheapest Provider: GEICO

Tampa’s car insurance rates are not only 15.3% higher than the Florida average, but a staggering 78.8% higher than the average annual premium in the U.S. As is the case in a number of other cities on this list, USAA offers the lowest rates if you can qualify with a military credential. Otherwise, GEICO’s rates fall several hundred dollars below other providers. GEICO’s average is $1,649, while State Farm’s is $2,230 and MetLife’s $2,384. Rates from other providers increase from there.

5. Miami, Florida

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• Average Premium: $2,427
• Observed Premium Range: $1,099–$4,292
• Cheapest Provider: GEICO

Miami is known as a glamorous and bustling beach city, but it's also one of the costliest cities in Florida for car insurance. Drivers who live in Miami should expect to pay premiums 17.4% higher than the state average and 82% more than the national average. The cheapest car insurer in Miami is USAA for military folks and GEICO for non-military drivers.

4. Hialeah, Florida

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• Average Premium: $2,635
• Observed Premium Range: $1,151–$4,058
• Cheapest Provider: GEICO

Hialeah rounds out the Florida cities on this list with the state's highest car insurance rate. The average car insurance premium in Hialeah is nearly double the national average, and it's 27.4% more than the Florida average. As in any city, however, you may be able to get a below-average rate if you have a clean driving record, good credit and a modest car.

3. New Orleans, Louisiana

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• Average Premium: $3,166
• Observed Premium Range: $1,523–$5,178
• Cheapest Provider: Southern Farm Bureau

Auto insurance in New Orleans is more than double the national average and 11.2% higher than the state average. Residents pay even more than in Baton Rouge, which also has high premiums. New Orleans drivers looking to find the lowest car insurance rates will want to start by looking at Southern Farm Bureau’s offerings. Southern Farm Bureau has the lowest rates in the state after USAA.

2. New York, New York

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• Average Premium: $3,914
• Observed Premium Range: $1,378–$10,464
• Cheapest Provider: GEICO

Perhaps unsurprisingly, New York City car insurance rates are some of the highest in the country. Insurance premiums here are more than twice the national average — an increase of 188.1% — and they're well above the state average of $3,433. New York City drivers pay 19.5% more in average annual premiums than anywhere else in the state.

1. Detroit, Michigan

• Average Premium: $5,182
• Observed Premium Range: $1,168–$20,846
• Cheapest Provider: GEICO

Detroit has the distinction of having the highest car insurance rates in the country, 284.1% more than the national average. But drivers in Michigan are in the situation together, as Detroit’s auto insurance premiums are equal to the statewide average.

Methodology

MoneyGeek calculated insurance rates for 126 cities nationwide using data from state insurance departments and Quadrant Information Services, based on an average driver profile.

For this analysis, MoneyGeek's methodology is based on an average driver who is a 40-year-old male, drives a 2010 Toyota Camry LE and puts about 12,000 miles on his car each year. It also assumes that he has a clean driving record and comprehensive and collision coverage policy with a $1,000 deductible.

However, insurance rates are highly individualized based on each driver's profile, so your quote may look substantially different from local and national averages.

About the Author

Casey Morris is a finance and tech journalist and a writer for MoneyGeek. She has written for Forbes Asia, The Christian Science Monitor, The Washington Post and a number of finance publications and institutions. Morris is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School.