Is Full Coverage expensive?

Asked by: May Bogisich  |  Last update: January 9, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (21 votes)

The average full coverage car insurance cost is $1,895 per year, or about $158 per month. That's based on coverage of 100/300/100 ($100,000 per person, $300,000 per incident for injuries, and $100,000 for property damage.) The average cost of state minimum coverage, which offers much less coverage, is $502 annually.

Is full coverage the most expensive?

The average cost of a full coverage auto policy in the United States is $2,638 per year. Because of the additional financial protection that full coverage adds, it is typically much more expensive than minimum coverage car insurance, which is $767 per year on average.

Why am I paying so much for full coverage insurance?

Driving record

Incidents such as accidents (even if you weren't at fault), speeding violations, reckless driving, and driving while intoxicated can increase premiums. If you've filed a claim in the past few years, this might also result in an increase to your premium.

Is $500 for car insurance a lot?

Whether or not a premium of $500 would be considered a lot for car insurance depends on what kind of coverage you're paying for and how frequently. The monthly national average cost of car insurance for full coverage is about $220, so a monthly premium of $500 would be considered significantly more expensive.

Why is my insurance over $1,000?

Car accidents and traffic violations are common explanations for an insurance rate increase, but other reasons why your car insurance rate can go up include changing your address, adding a new vehicle or driver, increases to claims in your ZIP code, and increases to car repair/replacement cost.

The WORST Cars for Insurance Coverage in 2024

37 related questions found

Is it better to have a $500 or $1000 deductible?

Since a lower deductible equates to more coverage, you'll have to pay more in your monthly premiums to balance out this increased coverage. A survey commissioned by InsuraQuotes found that an increase in deductible from $500 to $1,000 had an average of 8-10% reduction in premium costs.

At what point is full coverage not worth it?

Paying for comprehensive and collision — the coverages that many people mean when they say "full coverage" — may not be worth it if your car's value is minimal and your policy includes a high deductible. Usually, you have to have comprehensive and collision on a financed car because most lenders require it.

How can I lower my full coverage car insurance?

If you're wondering how to get a lower car insurance rate, use these methods for lowering your premium:
  1. Qualify for insurance discounts. ...
  2. Increase your deductible. ...
  3. Reduce your coverage. ...
  4. Compare rates. ...
  5. Try usage-based insurance. ...
  6. Take a defensive driving course. ...
  7. Get a car that's cheaper to insure.

Does credit score affect car insurance?

How credit-based insurance scores work. Most U.S. insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores along with your driving history, claims history and many other factors to establish eligibility for payment plans and to help determine insurance rates. Again, except in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.

What is the cheapest insurance for full coverage?

The cheapest companies for full coverage car insurance
  • Travelers — $112 per month. Travelers' full coverage averages $112 per month for comprehensive and collision coverages.
  • USAA — $114 per month. USAA full coverage averages $114 per month for comprehensive and collision coverages.
  • Nationwide — $123 per month.

Is full coverage cheaper when you own the car?

Is car insurance cheaper if you own your car? Car insurance premiums don't automatically go down when you pay off your car, but you can probably lower your premium by dropping coverage that's no longer required. Banks and financing companies who loan you money for your car are called lienholders.

Is $100 a month for insurance a lot?

Paying $100 a month for car insurance is not particularly expensive. The average car insurance policy costs anywhere from $56 per month for state-minimum coverage to $176 per month for full coverage, and individual car insurance rates vary depending on factors such as your driving record, age and location.

Is it smart to have full coverage?

Risk Tolerance: Full coverage can provide peace of mind by protecting your car from various risks, including accidents, theft, and weather damage. If you prefer the extra security, keeping full coverage might be worth it, even after the car is paid off.

At what age does car insurance go down?

Both male and female drivers see the biggest drop in average annual car insurance premiums between the ages of 18 and 19. This is because younger drivers are seen by most auto insurance companies as riskier to insure due to their overall inexperience behind the wheel.

Who typically has the cheapest insurance?

Geico, Nationwide and Travelers are among the least expensive for car insurance. Americans are paying a lot for car insurance these days: Average annual rates for a full coverage policy are up to $2,638 per year, while minimum coverage averages $767 per year.

Why is full coverage insurance so high?

While insurance companies base rates on a medley of personal and economic factors, this steep rise is largely a reflection of the increase in car insurance claims, bad accidents and vehicle costs insurers have had to contend with in recent years.

At what point should you drop full coverage on your car?

For example, you might want to drop comprehensive coverage if: You park your car in the garage and protect it from animals, falling objects, and severe weather. You plan to replace your car next time it needs big repairs. Your car is worth less than the deductible on your comprehensive coverage.

What are the disadvantages of having full coverage car insurance?

The only real disadvantage of “full coverage” car insurance is the possibility that you may be paying for more car insurance than you need, given your vehicle's value and your financial situation.

What does full coverage include?

When financing or leasing a vehicle, your lender may use the term "full coverage." That means they require you to carry comprehensive and collision plus anything else your state mandates. Liability is a mandatory coverage in nearly every state, while comprehensive and collision (physical damage coverages) are optional.

What happens if I don't put full coverage on my car?

Having only the minimum liability required by your state with no additional coverage leaves a large gap when it comes to repairing your vehicle after an accident.

How much will full coverage cover?

The average full coverage car insurance cost is $1,895 per year, or about $158 per month. That's based on coverage of 100/300/100 ($100,000 per person, $300,000 per incident for injuries, and $100,000 for property damage.)

What deductible is too high?

In 2023, health insurance plans with deductibles over $1,500 for an individual and $3,000 for a family are considered high-deductible plans.

Can the color of your car affect your insurance premium?

Does car color affect insurance rates? The color of your car doesn't affect your insurance rate. Instead, your insurance company uses other information, like your car's age, location, usage, and your driving record, to help determine insurance rates.

Do I get my deductible back if I'm not at fault?

Yes, if you have to pay your deductible and you were not at fault, you may be able to get it back from the at-fault driver's insurance company. This is called subrogation. Your insurance company will pursue the at-fault driver's insurance company to recover the money paid for the damages, including your deductible.