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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.
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.
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.
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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.
Car insurance companies determine how much they charge you based on your driver profile. Factors that can impact your rates include:Â
Read more about the factors that impact your car insurance rateÂ
Switching your car insurance is easy, even if you are in the middle of your current policy.
Here are some helpful tips to consider to switch your car insurance:
The answer to this question depends on where you live and what you would like to cover.
Each state has its own minimum requirements on the type and amount of insurance needed. When you’re trying to determine what and how much car insurance you need, you can start by reviewing your state’s requirements.
Find out what’s required in your stateÂ
Once you review your state’s minimum requirements, you may find that you want additional coverage. For example, sometimes owners of new cars want comprehensive coverage to insure their car from natural disasters and vandalism, even though comprehensive coverage isn’t required by their state. To figure out what insurance you want, you can review the different types of insurance to decide what makes the most sense for your situation. Â
The biggest difference between Rate Retriever and other comparison sites is that we are a free and impartial research tool NOT an insurance marketplace.​ This means you can’t purchase a policy directly through RateRetriever.com, but you can use our tool to independently research your options and seamlessly connect with the provider you choose.
Unlike other insurance comparison sites, we:
We like to think that Rate Retriever is your insurance companion, not just another insurance comparison site. Our values guide everything we do, which is why we strive to offer transparent, trustworthy insurance tools.
There are many ways you can try to get cheaper car insurance. The first is simply to get quotes from multiple providers. This will help you determine if you’re currently receiving the cheapest rates based on your needs and driver profile. Rate Retriever makes the comparison process easy.
Sometimes, the reason your car insurance is so expensive is due to your driver profile. For example, drivers under 20 years old usually pay more for insurance than more experienced drivers, and drivers with a recent at-fault accident or traffic violation typically pay more.
There are ways to lower the cost of your insurance such as taking a defensive driving course. Check with your provider to see if there are any discounts you qualify for or can reasonably earn.
Rate Retriever works with national and local insurance providers to provide our users with a seamless insurance shopping experience. We may earn a commission from our insurance provider partners when you click on a link, call, or purchase a policy from one of the providers listed on our site. That said, we’re committed to providing you with accurate, bias-free information, and we do not allow our partnerships to limit the results or influence the information we share with you. Â
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We do not sell your personal information, charge you for using our tools, or sell you insurance policies. Additionally, should you choose to purchase a policy from one of our partners, the price you pay will not be adversely affected.Â
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