Frustrated when your car insurance premium increases and you have no idea why? After all, your driving record is just like it’s always been. Nothing seems to have changed. Why are you paying more than a friend who lives in a different ZIP code then?

The truth is your driving record is only one factor that determines your rates. The vehicle year, make and model of your car, what age you are, how long you’ve been driving and where you live affect your premiums. This means your ZIP code can have an impact on your car insurance rates, too.

“Car insurance premiums vary by ZIP code because insurers assess the level of risk associated with where you live,” says Ashleigh Trent, personal lines director and co-founder of TowerStreetInsurance.com. “Factors such as the local crime rate, population density, traffic patterns, weather/natural disasters, and road conditions all contribute to the likelihood of you filing an insurance claim.” 

That’s the hard truth for auto insurance premiums by ZIP code. Read more to find out about the best car insurance rates by ZIP code and to see which cities in the U.S. have the most and least expensive car insurance premiums for consumers.

Key Highlights
  • The average annual full coverage rate for car insurance with limits of 100/300/100 is $1,895.
  • The most expensive U.S. ZIP codes are found in the cities of Detroit, Michigan; North Miami Beach, Florida; and Glendale, California.
  • The cheapest ZIP codes for car insurance are in Yarmouth, Maine; Keene, New Hampshire; and Fremont, Ohio.
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Written by:
Maggie O'Neill
Contributing Researcher
Maggie has twenty years of experience working in media. She is a writer and editor on car insurance and related issues. Before joining CarInsurance.com, she reported on health, education and lifestyle for magazines, websites and newspapers in Nevada.
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Edited by:
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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Reviewed by:
Dr. James C. Brau
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Industry Expert
Dr. Brau teaches finance principles, entrepreneurial finance, financial planning, and corporate finance at Brigham Young University’s School of Business. His research includes issues related to initial public offerings, financial education, real estate, and entrepreneurial finance.
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Average car insurance rates by ZIP code

CarInsurance.com collected auto insurance premium data from every state in the U.S. and significant ZIP codes in the country. Our breakdown indicates which ZIP codes/cities have the most expensive car insurance rates and the least expensive vehicle insurance rates, on average.

Keep in mind that living in an area that is metropolitan rather than rural will lead to more expensive premiums, annual or otherwise. That’s simply because the factors that Trent mentioned above play a part in establishing your premium.

Tip iconAverage annual car insurance premiums
  • State minimum liability-only: $502
  • 50/100/50 liability-only: $647
  • Full coverage with liability limits of 100/300/100: $1,895

Check out our detailed guide on average car insurance rates by ZIP code, complete with a calculator

Most expensive car rates by ZIP code

The most expensive ZIP codes for car insurance in the U.S. are:

  1. 48223 in Detroit, Michigan
  2. 33162 in North Miami Beach, Florida
  3. 91205 in Glendale, California

Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications for the Insurance Information Institute in St. Johns, Florida, says your ZIP code can significantly affect your out-of-pocket insurance costs.

“You could reside in a large city like Chicago or Los Angeles and pay significantly different rates based on what ZIP code you live in within that city,” he says.

Now that you know that many factors go into determining auto insurance rates by ZIP code, you can take a look at the costliest insurance rates by ZIP code, based on 2024 data.

Most expensive car insurance rates by ZIP code
StateZIP codeCityAnnual premium
Michigan48223Detroit$3,689 
Florida33162North Miami Beach$3,570 
California91205Glendale$3,552 
Louisiana71351Marksville$3,420 
New York11235New York$3,157 
Pennsylvania19125Philadelphia$3,012 
Massachusetts2119Roxbury$2,993 
Georgia30314Atlanta$2,921 
Nevada89101Las Vegas$2,881 
South Dakota57764Oglala$2,871 
Kentucky41528Freeburn$2,808 
Maryland21216Baltimore$2,753 
Colorado80812Cope$2,729 
Rhode Island2909Providence$2,651 
New Jersey7114Newark$2,641 

Here are five additional ZIP codes with the costliest insurance premiums in the country: Freeburn, Kentucky ($2,808); Baltimore, Maryland ($2,753); Cope, Colorado ($2,729); Providence, Rhode Island ($2,651); and Newark, New Jersey ($2,641). 

Which cities have the highest car insurance costs? 

The most expensive cities for car insurance are North Miami Beach, Florida; Tarzana, California; Marksville, Louisiana; Hamtramck, Michigan; and Woodhaven, New York.

“Now, even if you’ve got all the positive factors on your side—a clean record, a car with top-notch safety features, low annual mileage—your zip code can still hit you hard,” says Michael Schmied, a senior financial analyst with Kredite Schweiz. “I’ve crunched the numbers enough to know that insurers put a lot of weight on location-based risks. They’re constantly assessing which areas are more likely to see claims, and that can heavily impact your rates. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but I’ve seen it time and time again—where you live can sometimes outweigh how you drive.”

Taking a closer look at the highest car insurance rates by city can help you to see what policyholders with the highest rates in these ZIP codes can end up paying. However, average rates in these cities will be lower.

Cities with the most expensive car insurance
StateCityZIP codeAnnual premiumLowest rateHighest rate
FloridaNorth Miami Beach33162$3,570 $3,172 $4,145 
CaliforniaTarzana91356$3,430 $2,328 $3,992 
LouisianaMarksville71351$3,420 $1,882 $4,170 
MichiganHamtramck48212$3,370 $2,198 $4,652 
New YorkWoodhaven11421$3,030 $2,090 $3,778 
PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia19125$3,012 $1,469 $3,701 
MassachusettsRoxbury2119$2,993 $1,412 $4,025 
GeorgiaClarkston30021$2,904 $1,803 $4,175 
South DakotaOglala57764$2,871 $1,660 $3,960 
NevadaSunrise Manor89115$2,822 $1,774 $3,714 
KentuckyFreeburn41528$2,808 $2,212 $4,152 
ColoradoCope80812$2,729 $1,537 $4,124 
Rhode IslandJohnston2919$2,644 $1,497 $4,264 
New JerseyNewark7114$2,641 $1,779 $3,408 
ArizonaPhoenix85015$2,500 $1,546 $3,272 

Now there are still other cities with costly insurance rates with five more of these including Freeburn, Kentucky ($2,808); Cope, Colorado ($2,729); Johnston, Rhode Island ($2,644); Newark, New Jersey ($2,641); and Phoenix, Arizona ($2,500).

Check out our detailed guide on the most expensive cities for car insurance in the U.S.

Cheapest car insurance rates by ZIP code

Car insurance is cheapest in the following ZIP codes:

  1. Yarmouth, Maine’s ZIP code 4096
  2. Keene, New Hampshire ZIP code 3431
  3. Fremont, Ohio’s ZIP code 43420

Geoff Cudd, a Philadelphia-based consumer advocate and owner of FindTheBestCarPrice.com, says many factors play into why car insurance rates vary so greatly from location to location.

“Among them are social factors like population density, how many people are on the road, how high the theft rate is, and how many accidents occur in that state. There are also environmental factors like what road conditions are like in that state and how bad the weather is,” Cudd says.

Conversely, there are many regions in the U.S. where you will pay less for car insurance. The table below lists the cheapest auto insurance rates by state, city, ZIP code and the associated annual car insurance premium within the U.S.

Cheapest car insurance rates by ZIP code
StateCityZIP codeAnnual rate
MaineYarmouth4096$1,048 
New HampshireKeene3431$1,167 
OhioFremont43420$1,183 
VirginiaDayton22821$1,206 
VermontColchester5446$1,232 
IdahoMountain Home83647$1,247 
IllinoisNormal61761$1,291 
WisconsinCombined Locks54113$1,303 
IowaIowa City52246$1,305 
WashingtonMalden99149$1,331 
MassachusettsNorthfield1360$1,343 
IndianaWabash46711$1,344 
HawaiiAnahola96703$1,347 
North DakotaFargo58104$1,349 
ArizonaLake Havasu City86403$1,364 

Five other ZIP codes with low annual rates include Northfield, Mass. ($1,343); Wabash, Ind. ($1,344); Anahola, Hawaii ($1,347); Fargo, N.D. ($1,349) and Lake Havasu City, Ariz. ($1,364).

Which cities and ZIP codes have the cheapest car insurance?

By this point, you surely want to know where to get the cheapest car insurance rates in the country. Here are five cities where you can find the most inexpensive auto premiums:

  • Yarmouth, Maine: $652
  • Swanzey, N.H.: $728
  • Fremont, Ohio: $767
  • Dayton, Va.: $813
  • Essex Junction, Vt.: $693

Drivers in ZIP codes with smaller populations and fewer accidents will be charged less than motorists in larger cities that have higher traffic volumes, more frequent accidents, and increased theft and vandalism, resulting in more insurance payouts.

“Metro-area drivers pay much more for auto insurance than drivers in rural locations in the same state,” Friedlander says. “For example, drivers in the Chicago area pay much more for auto insurance compared to downstate Illinois cities.”

Look at the table below to find 10 more of the cheapest ZIP codes for car insurance in the country. The lowest rate column contains the cheapest ZIP codes in the country for car insurance.

Cities with the cheapest car insurance in the U.S.
StateCityZIP codeAnnual rateLowest rateHighest rate
MaineYarmouth4096$1,048 $652 $1,472 
New HampshireSwanzey3446$1,178 $728 $2,122 
OhioFremont43420$1,183 $767 $1,679 
VirginiaDayton22821$1,206 $813 $1,684 
VermontEssex Junction5452$1,240 $693 $2,100 
IdahoMountain Home83647$1,247 $566 $2,299 
IllinoisBloomington61704$1,300 $796 $2,333 
WisconsinCombined Locks54113$1,303 $788 $2,017 
IowaCoralville52241$1,311 $972 $2,031 
WashingtonMalden99149$1,331 $742 $1,656 
MassachusettsNorthfield1360$1,343 $528 $2,149 
HawaiiAnahola96703$1,347 $905 $1,684 
IndianaBlue Creek46772$1,349 $699 $2,179 
ArizonaLake Havasu City86403$1,364 $1,035 $1,709 
North DakotaWest Fargo58078$1,378 $764 $2,217 

Check out our detailed guide on the cheapest cities for car insurance in the U.S.

Car insurance rate comparison by ZIP code: 2022 vs. 2023

It’s eye-opening to compare rates from one year to another to see if and what premium changes occur within a ZIP code. 

Unfortunately, car insurance rates will likely increase in the most populated areas due to an increase in the incidence of accidents, theft and injuries. You may want to shop car insurance companies to find the best rate if you live in a ZIP code that has increased premiums.

ZIP codes with the highest rate increase

Thirty-eight percent is the highest rate increase in average car insurance rates from 2022 to 2023. Some ZIP codes in the country have more significant premium increases than other ZIP codes. 

Take a look at the table below to see if your ZIP code has a high rate of recent increase. 

ZIP codes with the highest car insurance rate increases from 2022-2023
ZIP codeAverage rate in 2022Average rate in 2023Percent increase
18324$1,530$2,454 38%
18830$1,308$2,097 38%
18851$1,261$2,026 38%
16950$1,224$1,962 38%
16921$1,212$1,948 38%
16920$1,216$1,947 38%
16938$1,205$1,930 38%
57744$1,740$2,782 37%
57732$1,659$2,653 37%
57747$1,715$2,709 37%

How can I lower my car insurance rates?

Lowering your car insurance costs can be achieved through a combination of smart choices and adjustments to your policy. Here are some practical ways to reduce premiums:

  • Increase your deductible: Opting for a higher deductible lowers your premium, as you’ll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
  • Bundle policies: Insurers often offer discounts if you combine auto insurance with home or renters insurance.
  • Take advantage of discounts: Many providers offer discounts for safe driving, being a good student, installing anti-theft devices, or completing defensive driving courses.
  • Drive less: Lower mileage can reduce your rate, as insurers view low-mileage drivers as lower risk.
  • Maintain a good credit score: A strong credit score can lead to lower premiums, as insurers often consider credit history when setting rates.
  • Shop around: Rates vary widely between providers, so comparing quotes can help you find a better deal.

By implementing these strategies, you can reduce your car insurance expenses without sacrificing essential coverage.

Guide: How to lower your car insurance costs in 2025.

Impact of population density on car insurance rates

Cities have people and when there are higher numbers of people there are more drivers. That’s why ZIP codes with higher populations may have higher auto insurance premiums. 

“You could reside in a large city like Chicago or Los Angeles and pay significantly different rates based on what ZIP code you live in within that city,” Friedlander says.

Auto insurance rates in most populated ZIP codes

Friedlander says that the city that you live in often can significantly affect your car insurance rates. This may be the case when the populations are particularly high. When it comes to car insurance, large populations and congestion affect how much you’ll pay for our coverage.

The ZIP codes below show the average rate for auto insurance premiums in populated ZIP code areas. See if your city is in one of these ZIP codes.

Auto insurance rates in the most-populated ZIP codes
ZIPPopulationAverage rate 
79936115,556$2,115 
90011106,326$3,208 
60629105,209$2,146 
90650104,765$2,718 
90201101,479$2,924 
77084101,233$2,287 
9233599,743$2,681 
7852199,632$2,202 
7744999,586$2,171 
7857296,822$2,251 

Why do car insurance costs vary by ZIP code?

The reason car insurance costs vary by ZIP code is not as clear as it could be. There are many variables that go into establishing rates for specific ZIP codes.

“While a clean driving record, good credit score, and a safe vehicle type can help lower your premium, the inherent risks associated with your ZIP code—such as high crime rates or poor road conditions—can still lead to higher insurance costs,” Trent says. “However, the impact may be less severe if the positive factors help mitigate some of the risk associated with your location.”

On the other hand, the city that you live in may have more to do with rates than consumers actually realize.

“Metro-area drivers pay much more for auto insurance than drivers in rural locations in the same state,” Friedlander says. “For example, drivers in the Chicago area pay much more for auto insurance compared to downstate Illinois cities.”

Other factors related to ZIP codes and premiums include:

  • ZIP codes with single-digit uninsured motorist rates usually have lower average rates than those with uninsured motorist rates above 20%, Friedlander says.
  • Drivers in ZIP codes with lower populations and accident rates will be charged less than motorists in cities with higher traffic volumes, accident frequencies and severity, vandalism, theft, crime rates and insurance payouts.
  • Inflation also contributes to higher premiums.

How to find the best rates in your ZIP code

If you want to find the best rates by ZIP code, you can enter your ZIP code in the box at the top of this web page to identify insurance providers offering coverages for your area. Based on your results, you can do an insurance car quotes comparison to see what coverages are the best for you in your ZIP code.

Final thoughts: Car insurance rates by ZIP code

As you know by now, auto insurance carriers assess different factors when rates are set and your ZIP code is only one of them. 

“The truth is, insurance companies are looking at a lot more than just how well you drive,” Schmied says. “They’re diving deep into data about your neighborhood—population density, frequency of claims—things you might not even think about. If you’re living in a densely populated area, there’s naturally more traffic, more accidents, more thefts. I’ve seen firsthand how this can jack up premiums, even if you’ve never had a single claim. It’s frustrating, but that’s how they manage risk.”

Frequently asked questions

Do all insurance companies use the same factors to determine rates by ZIP code?

Auto insurance companies come up with insurance premiums using various strategies to identify risks within your ZIP code. These factors affect your premiums in a positive or negative way.

“For example, if you live in an area with a high incidence of car accidents, thefts, or vandalism your insurance premiums are likely to be higher to account for the increased risk,” Trent says. “Conversely, ZIP codes with lower risk factors, such as lower populations, fewer accidents and a lower crime rate, typically result in lower premiums.”

How does moving to a different ZIP code affect my car insurance premiums?

Moving to a different ZIP code definitely could impact your auto insurance premium. Contact your insurer to get quotes for your new location – get quotes from a couple of other companies as well to make sure you have the best rate.

What should I do if my car insurance rate increases after moving to a new ZIP code?

Ask your insurer about discounts, making sure you benefit from any savings that apply to you. Bundle your home and auto policy if you haven’t already done so. If you have a good amount of savings, you also could increase your deductibles on comprehensive and collision coverage to save a few bucks.

Resources and Methodology

Source

Methodology

CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services in 2024 to get auto insurance quotes for 40-year-old male and female drivers with clean insurance scores (no violations) and a 12-mile commute with a full-coverage policy (limits of 100/300/100 with $500 deductibles). The data comprises 53,409,632 quotes, 170 insurance companies and 34,588 ZIP codes.

Laura Longero

Ask the Insurance Expert

Laura Longero

Executive Editor

Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.

John McCormick

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John McCormick

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John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.

Leslie Kasperowicz

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Leslie Kasperowicz

Executive Editor

Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.

Nupur Gambhir

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Nupur Gambhir

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Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.

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Contributing Researcher

Maggie has twenty years of experience working in media. She is a writer and editor on car insurance and related issues. Before joining CarInsurance.com, she reported on health, education and lifestyle for magazines, websites and newspapers in Nevada.