Liability car insurance costs $68 per month on average, or $814 per year, based on MoneyGeek's 2025 analysis. It covers damage and injuries you cause to others, but not your own vehicle. Adding comprehensive and collision coverage to a liability policy protects your own vehicle in the event of an accident, theft or weather damage. See our full explainer on liability car insurance for details on what's included.
How Much Does Liability Car Insurance Cost?
Updated: May 8, 2026
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Key Takeaways
Liability car insurance costs $68 per month ($814 per year) on average, based on MoneyGeek's 2025 analysis.
GEICO offers the cheapest liability car insurance among major insurers at $45 per month ($545 per year) for a driver with a clean record and good credit.
Poor credit raises liability rates by $1,039 per year compared to good credit — a larger swing than any driving violation in our data, making credit the single biggest rate factor in states that allow it.
Liability car insurance pays only for damage and injuries you cause to others; it does not cover your own vehicle. Consider full coverage car insurance if you want protection for your own car.
Liability Car Insurance Cost
Liability Car Insurance Cost by State
Wyoming is the cheapest state for liability car insurance at $26 per month ($316 per year), while Delaware is the most expensive at $110 per month ($1,323 per year), according to MoneyGeek's 2025 analysis — a gap of $84 per month or more than $1,000 per year between the two extremes. Rates vary this widely because each state sets its own minimum coverage requirements, and local litigation costs, weather patterns and uninsured motorist rates all push premiums up or down.
$26 | $316 | |
$30 | $365 | |
$33 | $396 | |
$34 | $413 | |
$36 | $430 | |
$37 | $441 | |
$38 | $457 | |
$38 | $456 | |
$40 | $476 | |
$42 | $504 | |
$42 | $499 | |
$44 | $533 | |
$45 | $541 | |
$45 | $537 | |
$46 | $547 | |
$48 | $580 | |
$48 | $574 | |
$49 | $583 | |
$50 | $604 | |
$51 | $614 | |
$51 | $612 | |
$51 | $613 | |
$51 | $607 | |
$52 | $628 | |
$54 | $647 | |
$54 | $646 | |
$56 | $675 | |
$56 | $671 | |
$57 | $687 | |
$57 | $689 | |
$58 | $696 | |
$61 | $730 | |
$64 | $774 | |
$64 | $767 | |
$64 | $771 | |
$65 | $785 | |
$69 | $826 | |
$69 | $823 | |
$70 | $836 | |
$73 | $879 | |
$74 | $885 | |
$78 | $935 | |
$80 | $962 | |
$86 | $1,035 | |
$87 | $1,045 | |
$88 | $1,052 | |
$101 | $1,207 | |
$101 | $1,214 | |
$102 | $1,225 | |
$106 | $1,270 | |
$110 | $1,323 | |
Rates based on MoneyGeek's February 2025 analysis. Current rates may differ. Use the car insurance calculator for a live estimate.
Liability Car Insurance Cost by Age
Young drivers pay the most for liability car insurance — far more than any other age group. Drivers ages 16 to 25 pay an average of $100 per month ($1,205 per year), compared to $68 per month ($814 per year) for adult drivers ages 26 to 59. That's a gap of roughly $391 per year, reflecting the higher accident rates statistically associated with inexperienced drivers. Finding cheap car insurance for teens and cheap car insurance for seniors both require targeted provider comparisons, since rates shift meaningfully with age.
Age Group | Monthly Premium | Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
Young Drivers (Age 16–25) | $100 | $1,205 |
Adult Drivers (Age 26–59) | $68 | $814 |
Senior Drivers (Age 60+) | $58 | $702 |
How Much Does Liability Insurance Cost for High-Risk Drivers?
A DUI raises the average liability premium by $642 per year, from $68 per month to $121 per month — making it the most damaging single driving event for your premium, according to MoneyGeek's 2025 data. Drivers with any risk factor on their record should compare quotes aggressively, since rate differences between insurers for high-risk drivers can be larger than the risk surcharge itself. For options, see cheap car insurance for high-risk drivers. Drivers with a DUI can find affordable options with cheap car insurance with a DUI, and those wondering how much car insurance goes up after an accident can find state-level estimates in our dedicated guide.
Driving Record | Monthly Premium | Annual Premium | vs. Clean Record |
|---|---|---|---|
Not-at-Fault Accident | $71 | $851 | +$37 |
Speeding 11–15 MPH Over | $83 | $991 | +$177 |
Texting While Driving | $84 | $1,014 | +$200 |
At-Fault Accident | $96 | $1,150 | +$336 |
DUI | $121 | $1,456 | +$642 |
How Much Does Liability Cost With Bad Credit?
Poor credit raises liability rates by $1,039 per year above good credit — from $814 to $1,853 annually — the largest single rate factor in MoneyGeek's 2025 data. Excellent credit saves $47 per year versus good credit. Drivers with low scores should explore car insurance for drivers with bad credit and insurers that don't check credit scores, which may offer more competitive rates regardless of credit history.
Credit Score | Monthly Premium | Annual Premium | vs. Good Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
Excellent | $64 | $767 | -$47 |
Good | $68 | $814 | $0 |
Fair | $94 | $1,125 | +$311 |
None | $104 | $1,247 | +$433 |
Below Fair | $116 | $1,391 | +$577 |
Poor | $154 | $1,853 | +$1,039 |
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan prohibit insurers from using credit scores to set auto insurance rates.
How to Lower Your Liability Car Insurance Cost
Five factors consistently move liability rates: insurer choice, driving record, credit score, discounts and coverage level. Insurer choice has the largest immediate impact. MoneyGeek data shows a $948 annual spread between the cheapest and most expensive insurer for the same profile.
- 1Compare Quotes From Multiple Insurers
The most reliable way to lower your liability rate is to compare quotes across multiple providers. Our data shows a $948 annual spread between the cheapest and most expensive insurers for the same driver profile. The same coverage can cost nearly twice as much depending on where you buy it. Explore cheapest liability-only car insurance for a ranked list of providers.
- 2Maintain a Clean Driving Record
Keeping a clean driving record over time is the second most impactful lever; a DUI alone adds $642 per year, and any at-fault accident stays on your record for three to five years. In states where credit is a rating factor, improving your credit score can reduce premiums by up to $1,039 per year — review why car insurance rates go up for a fuller picture of what drives premium changes.
- 3Ask About Discounts, Including Low-Mileage Programs
Ask your insurer about car insurance discounts including low-mileage programs, which can cut premiums 5% to 20% if you drive fewer than 7,500 miles per year.
- 4Understand Whether State Minimums Are Enough
Liability car insurance covers other people's damage when you're at fault, but knowing how much car insurance do I need helps you decide whether state minimums are actually sufficient for your situation. Drivers who want protection beyond the minimum should review types of car insurance to see how each coverage type adds a different layer of protection.
- 5Check Lender Requirements if You're Financing
If you're financing a vehicle, liability insurance on a financed car may not satisfy your lender's requirements. Lenders typically require comprehensive and collision in addition to liability. See full coverage car insurance for what that adds.
Cheapest Liability Car Insurance Companies
GEICO is the cheapest liability car insurance company at $45 per month ($545 per year) for a driver with a clean record and good credit, based on MoneyGeek's 2025 analysis. The spread across all 14 insurers in our data runs from $45 to $124 per month — a $948 annual gap — so provider choice is the single most controllable cost lever available to most drivers. See cheapest car insurance companies for a broader ranking across all coverage types.
GEICO | $45 | $545 | 4.56 |
National General | $50 | $603 | 4.38 |
Travelers | $51 | $607 | 4.7 |
State Farm | $51 | $613 | 4.48 |
Amica | $56 | $670 | 4.61 |
Chubb | $60 | $720 | 4.45 |
Kemper | $61 | $734 | 4 |
AAA | $67 | $799 | 4.23 |
Progressive | $69 | $825 | 4.53 |
Nationwide | $72 | $866 | 4.3 |
For young drivers, National General offers the lowest liability rate at $100 per month ($1,205 per year). For senior drivers, GEICO offers the lowest liability rate at $58 per month ($702 per year). For drivers with a DUI, National General offers the lowest liability rate at $66 per month ($793 per year). For drivers with poor credit, National General offers the lowest liability rate at $73 per month ($874 per year). Drivers in each category should also explore cheap car insurance for young adults and cheap SR-22 insurance where applicable.
National General stands out as the most consistently affordable option for high-risk drivers across all four profiles. If you have a violation, a DUI or poor credit, it's the most important insurer to include in your comparison.
Liability Car Insurance Rates: FAQ
How much does liability car insurance cost per month?
Liability car insurance costs $68 per month on average ($814 per year), based on MoneyGeek's 2025 analysis of major insurers. Rates vary by state, age, driving record and credit score. GEICO is the cheapest option at $45 per month for a clean-record adult driver. See the average cost of car insurance for a full national breakdown.
Is liability insurance cheaper than full coverage?
Yes — liability-only coverage costs $68 per month on average versus $135 per month for a 50/100/50 policy with a $500 deductible, based on MoneyGeek's 2025 data. The tradeoff is that liability does not pay for your own vehicle if you're at fault. Review what full coverage car insurance covers to decide whether the additional cost is worth it, or compare cheapest full coverage car insurance for the most affordable full-coverage options.
What is the average cost of minimum coverage car insurance?
Minimum coverage — also called liability-only or state minimum coverage — costs $68 per month ($814 per year) on average, per MoneyGeek's 2025 data. Rates range from $26 per month in Wyoming to $110 per month in Delaware. Use our car insurance calculator to get a personalized estimate, or browse cheapest liability-only car insurance for ranked provider options.
Does liability insurance cover my car if I'm at fault?
No. Liability insurance does not pay for your own vehicle — it only covers the other party's vehicle repairs and medical bills when you are at fault. To protect your own car, you need comprehensive and collision coverage, typically packaged as full coverage car insurance. If your vehicle is financed, check whether liability insurance on a financed car satisfies your lender's requirements — most lenders require full coverage.
Which company has the cheapest liability car insurance?
GEICO has the cheapest liability car insurance at $45 per month ($545 per year) for a clean-record adult driver with good credit, per MoneyGeek's 2025 data. For a full ranked list by profile, see cheapest liability-only car insurance. The right insurer depends on your specific situation — use our guide to how much car insurance do I need to set the right coverage limits before shopping.
Liability Car Insurance Cost: Methodology
MoneyGeek's rate data reflects quotes for a 40-year-old adult driver with a clean record and good credit insuring a 2022 Honda Accord. Liability-only rates reflect state minimum coverage requirements with no comprehensive or collision coverage. Data was collected in February 2025 from major insurers across all 50 states. Learn more about our methodology.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident insurance expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for almost a decade, first with LendingTree and now with MoneyGeek, conducting original research on hundreds of insurance companies and millions of insurance rates for insurance shoppers.
He writes about economics and insurance on MoneyGeek, breaking down complex topics so people can have confidence in their purchase. Like all MoneyGeek analysts, Mark collects and analyzes independent cost and consumer experience data on insurance companies to provide objective recommendations in our content that are independent of any of MoneyGeek's insurance company partnerships.
His insights on products ranging from car, home and renters insurance to health and life insurance have been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among others.
Mark holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He started his career working in financial risk management at State Street before transitioning to the analysis of the personal insurance market. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!