Average costs & what affects rates
A side-by-side look at what auto, renters, and life insurance tend to cost, and the general factors that move those costs up or down — built entirely from publicly reported averages, not personalized quotes.
1. At a glance
National averages, side by side. Click a card to jump to the full breakdown.
Auto Insurance
Full coverage, national average. State range: ~$1,450–$4,190/yr.
See full Auto breakdown ↓Renters Insurance
Standard policy, national average. State range: ~$106–$1,050/yr.
See full Renters breakdown ↓Life Insurance
$500K term, broad average across ages 20–60. Illustrative only.
See full Life breakdown ↓2. Auto insurance costs
Sourced from aggregated 2026 analyses of public rate filings (Experian, ValuePenguin, MoneyGeek, Insurify, The Zebra, carinsurance.com). Averages only — your rate will differ.
| Coverage level | Average per year |
|---|---|
| State-minimum liability only | ~$1,570 |
| Full coverage | ~$2,300–$2,950 |
| Age band | Typical annual range |
|---|---|
| Teens (16–19) | ~$7,000–$10,000+ |
| Young adults (20–25) | ~$1,800–$2,800 |
| Adults (26–64) | ~$1,500–$2,600 |
| Seniors (65+) | ~$1,600–$2,400 |
| Credit tier | Typical annual range |
|---|---|
| Excellent credit | ~$1,650–$1,900 |
| Average credit | ~$2,000–$2,600 |
| Poor credit | ~$2,600–$6,250 |
| Record change | Typical premium increase |
|---|---|
| One speeding ticket | ~10%–30% (avg. ~24%) |
| One at-fault accident | ~20%–88% (avg. ~44%) |
| A DUI/DWI conviction | ~70%–150%+ (avg. ~88%) |
| State example | Approximate annual average |
|---|---|
| Lowest-cost states (e.g., Vermont) | ~$1,450 |
| National average | ~$2,900 |
| Highest-cost states (e.g., Maryland) | ~$4,190 |
Major rating factors
*Restricted or prohibited in some states — see Section 5.
Tends to raise auto rates
- At-fault accidents or DUI/speeding convictions
- Poor credit-based score, where allowed
- High-traffic or high-theft ZIP codes
- Low deductible or high coverage limits
- High annual mileage
- A lapse in prior coverage
Tends to lower auto rates
- Clean driving record over time
- Good credit-based score, where allowed
- Anti-theft and safety features
- Higher deductible
- Low annual mileage
- Bundling with another policy (e.g., renters)
3. Renters insurance costs
Sourced from aggregated 2026 analyses (Insurance Information Institute, NerdWallet, MoneyGeek, ValuePenguin, Experian). Averages only — your rate will differ.
| Coverage amount | Approximate annual average |
|---|---|
| $20,000 | ~$150–$182 |
| $30,000 | ~$200 |
| $40,000 | ~$288 |
| $50,000 | ~$270 |
| $100,000 | ~$480–$505 |
| State example | Approximate annual average |
|---|---|
| Lowest-cost states (e.g., Wyoming, Wisconsin) | ~$106–$120 |
| National average | ~$150–$180 |
| Highest-cost states (e.g., Louisiana) | ~$950–$1,050 |
| Credit tier | Approximate annual average |
|---|---|
| Good/excellent credit | ~$182 |
| Poor credit | ~$483 |
Major rating factors
*Restricted or prohibited in some states — see Section 5.
Tends to raise renters rates
- Prior claims (theft, water damage, liability)
- Higher coverage limits
- High-crime or high-weather-risk area
- Poor credit-based score, where allowed
- Lower deductible
Tends to lower renters rates
- Smoke detectors, deadbolts, security systems
- Claims-free history
- Higher deductible
- Good credit-based score, where allowed
- Bundling with an auto policy
4. Life insurance costs (illustrative)
These are general illustrations only, not quotes. Approximated from 2026 published rate data (MoneyGeek, Ramsey, PinnacleQuote, Guardian) for a healthy, non-smoking applicant, $500,000, 20-year term.
| Age at purchase | Range, male | Range, female |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | ~$14–$18/mo | ~$12–$16/mo |
| 30 | ~$18–$30/mo | ~$15–$25/mo |
| 40 | ~$28–$45/mo | ~$24–$38/mo |
| 50 | ~$65–$90/mo | ~$50–$75/mo |
| 60 | ~$180–$220/mo | ~$140–$180/mo |
Major rating factors
†Gender-based pricing rules vary by state and policy type — see Section 5.
Tends to raise life premiums
- Older age at application
- Tobacco or nicotine use
- Higher-risk occupation or hobbies
- Family history of certain conditions
- Larger coverage amount or longer term
Tends to lower life premiums
- Applying at a younger age
- Non-smoker / nicotine-free status
- Good overall health at underwriting
- Shorter term length or smaller coverage amount
- Healthy family history
5. Where credit, gender & other factors are restricted
Not every rating factor is allowed everywhere. Some states limit or fully prohibit certain factors by law.
| Factor | Line of insurance | Restriction status |
|---|---|---|
| Credit-based insurance score | Auto | Prohibited in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts & Michigan; partially restricted in Maryland, Oregon & Utah |
| Credit-based insurance score | Renters / Home | Prohibited or restricted in California, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, Massachusetts, Oregon & Utah |
| Gender | Auto | Prohibited in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina & Pennsylvania |
| Gender | Life insurance | Permitted in most states; unisex rating is sometimes required in specific contexts, like certain employer-sponsored group plans |
6. Sources & methodology
Figures on this page are aggregated from the Insurance Information Institute (III.org), the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC.org), and independent analyses of public rate filings and industry data published by Experian, ValuePenguin, MoneyGeek, Insurify, The Zebra, carinsurance.com, NerdWallet, Guardian Life, PinnacleQuote, and Ramsey Solutions (all 2025–2026). Ranges reflect how these sources can differ in methodology, sample profile, and timing — they are meant to show general market patterns, not a single authoritative number.
Averages only — your rate will differ
This site provides general educational information only. Insurance is regulated by state and rates vary widely. Consult a licensed professional or insurer for advice specific to your situation. Data is based on publicly available averages and may not reflect current individual rates.