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.
- 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.
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.
Average 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:
- 48223 in Detroit, Michigan
- 33162 in North Miami Beach, Florida
- 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 our 2024 data.
| State | ZIP code | City | Annual premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 48223 | Detroit | $3,689 |
| Florida | 33162 | North Miami Beach | $3,570 |
| California | 91205 | Glendale | $3,552 |
| Louisiana | 71351 | Marksville | $3,420 |
| New York | 11235 | New York | $3,157 |
| Pennsylvania | 19125 | Philadelphia | $3,012 |
| Massachusetts | 2119 | Roxbury | $2,993 |
| Georgia | 30314 | Atlanta | $2,921 |
| Nevada | 89101 | Las Vegas | $2,881 |
| South Dakota | 57764 | Oglala | $2,871 |
| Kentucky | 41528 | Freeburn | $2,808 |
| Maryland | 21216 | Baltimore | $2,753 |
| Colorado | 80812 | Cope | $2,729 |
| Rhode Island | 2909 | Providence | $2,651 |
| New Jersey | 7114 | Newark | $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.
| State | City | ZIP code | Annual premium | Lowest rate | Highest rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | North Miami Beach | 33162 | $3,570 | $3,172 | $4,145 |
| California | Tarzana | 91356 | $3,430 | $2,328 | $3,992 |
| Louisiana | Marksville | 71351 | $3,420 | $1,882 | $4,170 |
| Michigan | Hamtramck | 48212 | $3,370 | $2,198 | $4,652 |
| New York | Woodhaven | 11421 | $3,030 | $2,090 | $3,778 |
| Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | 19125 | $3,012 | $1,469 | $3,701 |
| Massachusetts | Roxbury | 2119 | $2,993 | $1,412 | $4,025 |
| Georgia | Clarkston | 30021 | $2,904 | $1,803 | $4,175 |
| South Dakota | Oglala | 57764 | $2,871 | $1,660 | $3,960 |
| Nevada | Sunrise Manor | 89115 | $2,822 | $1,774 | $3,714 |
| Kentucky | Freeburn | 41528 | $2,808 | $2,212 | $4,152 |
| Colorado | Cope | 80812 | $2,729 | $1,537 | $4,124 |
| Rhode Island | Johnston | 2919 | $2,644 | $1,497 | $4,264 |
| New Jersey | Newark | 7114 | $2,641 | $1,779 | $3,408 |
| Arizona | Phoenix | 85015 | $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:
- Yarmouth, Maine’s ZIP code 4096
- Keene, New Hampshire ZIP code 3431
- 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.
| State | City | ZIP code | Annual rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | Yarmouth | 4096 | $1,048 |
| New Hampshire | Keene | 3431 | $1,167 |
| Ohio | Fremont | 43420 | $1,183 |
| Virginia | Dayton | 22821 | $1,206 |
| Vermont | Colchester | 5446 | $1,232 |
| Idaho | Mountain Home | 83647 | $1,247 |
| Illinois | Normal | 61761 | $1,291 |
| Wisconsin | Combined Locks | 54113 | $1,303 |
| Iowa | Iowa City | 52246 | $1,305 |
| Washington | Malden | 99149 | $1,331 |
| Massachusetts | Northfield | 1360 | $1,343 |
| Indiana | Wabash | 46711 | $1,344 |
| Hawaii | Anahola | 96703 | $1,347 |
| North Dakota | Fargo | 58104 | $1,349 |
| Arizona | Lake Havasu City | 86403 | $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.
| State | City | ZIP code | Annual rate | Lowest rate | Highest rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | Yarmouth | 4096 | $1,048 | $652 | $1,472 |
| New Hampshire | Swanzey | 3446 | $1,178 | $728 | $2,122 |
| Ohio | Fremont | 43420 | $1,183 | $767 | $1,679 |
| Virginia | Dayton | 22821 | $1,206 | $813 | $1,684 |
| Vermont | Essex Junction | 5452 | $1,240 | $693 | $2,100 |
| Idaho | Mountain Home | 83647 | $1,247 | $566 | $2,299 |
| Illinois | Bloomington | 61704 | $1,300 | $796 | $2,333 |
| Wisconsin | Combined Locks | 54113 | $1,303 | $788 | $2,017 |
| Iowa | Coralville | 52241 | $1,311 | $972 | $2,031 |
| Washington | Malden | 99149 | $1,331 | $742 | $1,656 |
| Massachusetts | Northfield | 1360 | $1,343 | $528 | $2,149 |
| Hawaii | Anahola | 96703 | $1,347 | $905 | $1,684 |
| Indiana | Blue Creek | 46772 | $1,349 | $699 | $2,179 |
| Arizona | Lake Havasu City | 86403 | $1,364 | $1,035 | $1,709 |
| North Dakota | West Fargo | 58078 | $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 code | Average rate in 2022 | Average rate in 2023 | Percent 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 2024
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.
| ZIP | Population | Average rate |
|---|---|---|
| 79936 | 115,556 | $2,115 |
| 90011 | 106,326 | $3,208 |
| 60629 | 105,209 | $2,146 |
| 90650 | 104,765 | $2,718 |
| 90201 | 101,479 | $2,924 |
| 77084 | 101,233 | $2,287 |
| 92335 | 99,743 | $2,681 |
| 78521 | 99,632 | $2,202 |
| 77449 | 99,586 | $2,171 |
| 78572 | 96,822 | $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
- Insurance Information Institute. “Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists.” Accessed September 2024.
- Tower Street Insurance. “Tower Street Insurance.” Accessed September 2024.
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.
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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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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.
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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.