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Understanding the impact of zip code on car insurance rates

Written by Katie Dee

Edited by Alyssa DiCrasto

Published on 2023-11-15

Read time: 3 min

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According to Rate Retriever’s Auto Insurance Rates Quarterly Update, the most expensive U.S. zip code for car insurance in 2023 is in Brooklyn, NY. Drivers in the 11233 zip code have an estimated average annual premium of $5,512, almost $3,690 higher than the national average of $1,824.

On the other end of the spectrum, the cheapest zip code for car insurance in 2023 was in Essex Junction, Vermont. The average annual premium for the zip code 05452 was $1,008, more than $800 less than the national average.

So, why does zip code matter for car insurance and why are some so much pricier than others? We are here to help you understand the answers and what they can mean for your own car insurance premium.

Why zip code factors into car insurance rates

Typically, insurance companies try to have more money coming in from premiums than they are paying out for claims. Because of this, when they are determining how much a premium will be, it is largely based on the amount of risk the policy introduces to the provider.

If a zip code is in a crowded metropolitan area with a higher rate of theft, premiums will most likely be higher since there is a greater risk of the policy owner filing a claim. Conversely, if you live in a zip code belonging to a more rural area with less cars on the road and lower rates of theft, your rates will typically be lower.

Additionally, car insurance companies will analyze the history of claims that have been filed in certain zip codes to determine the risk. If the zip code you live in has an above average rate of insurance claims, car insurance underwriters will issue higher premiums for that area.

To put it simply: the higher the likelihood of you filing a claim in a certain zip code, the higher the premium associated with that zip code will be.

How to control your car insurance rates in an expensive zip code

Even if you reside in a higher risk zip code, there are options for you to control your car insurance premium. The most effective way to be sure you are not overpaying is to compare rates from multiple different car insurance companies, which you can do through our short quiz that helps you find savings in 30 seconds.

Another method for lowering car insurance rates is to take a defensive driving course. Many car insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete these courses because brushing up on safe driving tactics typically leads to filing less claims.

 

Maintaining your credit score can also help to save you money on car insurance in most states. Currently, California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts are the only states in the U.S. that do not use credit score as a factor in car insurance rates.

There is evidence that suggests that credit score is an indicator of how likely a driver is to file an insurance claim, and car insurance companies consider this when setting your rates. Rate Retriever’s report found that drivers with excellent credit are spending 17% less on car insurance premiums while drivers with poor credit are spending 84% more on average.

Lastly, raising your deductible could help save you money on monthly car insurance costs. Keep in mind, the higher your deductible, the more you will owe before your car insurance kicks in if you ever need to file a claim. Raising your deductible will lower your annual premium, but it could also result in you spending more money in the long run, so this may not be the right option for everyone.

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