That’s how much a friend of mine pays every 6 months – $1600! (ouch). I guess it doesn’t help having a couple DUI’s and a fancy a$$ sports car ;)
With extremes like that aside though, what do you think the average person pays for car insurance? I’m going to guess $1000/6 months, and now Google it and see what I can find… Well, I was *kinda* close!
According to CompuQuotes, the average car insurance costs $800/year.
Oh wait…so I was WAY off actually, cuz “per year” would make my guess @ $2,000…haha, oops. I also checked out another site (rmiia.com) that had the national average @ $816/year, so that # looks to be pretty accurate. In fact, this site breaks it down even better by showing it by state, and over a 3 year time-span so that’s pretty cool. It looks like the DC area, where I reside, is up at around $949/year. Some of this info is a cple years old, but you get the point.
You like how I base everything on 6 months instead of 1 year? It’s how USAA does it, so I guess I’m more in line with that thinking ;) In fact, USAA is the only car insurance company I’ve ever used! Crazy, huh? I’m just too in love with them to stray really, although I did try a cple times (shhh, don’t tell!) but even then Geico, Allstate, and State Farm were wayyy off.
The Mrs. and I Pay a total of $706.51 in car insurance every 6 mo’s for 2 cars
- ’93 Cadillac Deville, 6 Month Premium @ $330.30 with a $200 deductible.
- ’05 Toyota Corolla, 6 Month Premium @ $376.21 with a $200 deductible.
So for ME, USAA is the best. And according to their site, 4 out of 5 times their rates beat the competition! But it could be anyone’s guess as to which is the best for YOU. There are sooooo many variables that get thrown into the company’s calculations that make ya crazy – driving records, deductibles, coverage, the car you drive, the state you live in, the body parts you have – they all play a part in this silly game. I always recommend comparing quotes from at least 3 places for sure.
A co-worker also told me that some companies will knock off a few dollars if you pay the entire price up front too! Never came across that myself, but I know sometimes you can get a discount for having the amounts automatically deducted every month. I’m a big fan of breaking them into monthly payments than paying a huge chunk anyways.
So yeah, car insurance sure can differ out there. I’m hoping you all pay around the average yourselves, but if not let us know why! I could use some drama today ;) (And then check out USAA if you have any sort of military connection whatsoever – I genuinely love ‘em.)
Budgets Are Sexy has been lovingly prepared by me, J$, and motivated by YOU - the community! While this blog seems random at times, our main goal here is simple: To keep personal finance fun. And the earlier you start rockin' that money, the better! This stuff isn't just for old people - it's for ALL people. So whether you came to learn about credit cards, 401k, budget planning, retirement, or anything else relating to money, I give you a hearty pat on the back for seeking it out. The more we research, the more we learn baby!
{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }
Yeah, try 6500 per year, my wife and two sons were homeowners, safe driver, no speeding, no dui (ever), no accidents (ever). we try and get quotes from other companies and get quotes within 100 dollars +-. We go with the standard 100/300 or whichever it is and heres our vehicles.
2003 dodge ram (paid off)
2006 buick terazza (paid off)
2009 hyundai elantra
You tell me, in my book they are criminals. We live in a rural area, no public transportation. You have to drive to work or dont work, your choice.
Wowwwww, that is insane. I’ve never heard of that! Your area must be high in accidents/crime or something?? That’s so weird. Though, $100/$300 IS very low for a deductible, but still. Something’s def. off there, I’m sorry to hear my man :(
It’s a shame all the other comments got wiped away when I changed blogging platforms cuz there were a lot of others to compare it too. Highs and lows, but def. don’t recall THAT high. Hope things change for you down the road!
I pay 4300 a year never had a DUI, had one speeding ticket two years ago and I finance my current car. I feel like I am gutting screwed!
Damn. Yeah something’s not right there, that’s crazy! Any chance you were in the military, or your parents? If so, I’d HIGHLY suggest checking out USAA and seeing what they can offer. That’s just bonkers – I’m sorry to hear.
ugh i pay 625 a month! just for car insurance alone that shit is CRAY young driver with bad driving record living in a bad area
Ouch. Yeah, not good at all my friend. No hope even searching around some other companies to see if anyone can beat it? If not, just start driving better and staying out of trouble! You’ll be rewarded in a lot more ways than just financially – rock it!
I just bought a new 2012 Honda Civic, full coverage, $500 deductible, also kept my 1999 Ford Ranger 4×4, liability only plus underinsured motorist, etc… my policy is $549 every 6 months for both vehicles. Drive safely, budget wisely (good credit matters) and choose a car with excellent safety ratings. Oh, and it may be the only case where being a middle aged female is actually a good thing.
Woah good for you! That is an incredible deal. Hondas are awesome cars too, very reliable. Enjoy the saving! :)
I just got approved for a lease on a Honda Accord and the quotes I got for insurance are $800/month!!!!! I am 21 and my husband is 24. He got his license two years ago, and I got mine 1 yr ago. Any ideas on getting a lower rate?
oh wow, that’s harsh – I’m sorry to hear :( have you tried getting other quotes yet? I’d at LEAST get 4 total from 4 different companies first to at least narrow it down, and then I’d see if you can maybe combine policies with your husband’s too if he has a car as well. The 2 things that are going against you are your newness to it all, as well as the leasing situation – most times leasing always jacks up your price. There are a ton of other variables too so it’s kinda hard to give guidance without knowing your total situation much, but I’d start on getting more quotes. There’s no way in hell I’d pay $800 a month for any car so maybe reconsider leasing and/or having two cars too for a bit until more time passes!
Im currently driving a 2000 nissan pathfinder the cheapest full coverage insurance i could find is $147/mo which just went up it was originally $122/mo every other company is 200-300 a month. The only thing that are on my record are two driving with suspended license. The $120/mo didn’t bother me but when i got raised for no apparent reason seems unreasonable to me
Yeah, that def. sucks… and unfortunately it’s hard to pinpoint *what* really happened with it too, although I’d still call them up and ask just to see what they say. Sometimes it’s something temporary or maybe something you can fix? Very smart of you to get all those other quotes though so at least you know you have the lowest!
So I DID drive a 1992 Camry and i got in a car wreck i was told i been paying my mom 100$ a month for my car insurance and she has USAA plus i took drivers ed. the wreck was my fault and she says my insurance does nothing but help cover the other persons car. I really came to this website to see if she is lying to me or not you think you can help me out J money? i can give more detail if u need. I got my car when i was 17 a junior in high school. i’m 20 now and just had that wreck like really 3 weeks ago from today. and i never had any driving tickets or anything so i’m wondering if my insurance should have even been that high to begin with after driving so many years with out any problems and even taking and passing drivers ED and if my insurance really doesn’t help cover the cost of damages to my car. It got messed up bad i had to pay 1200 for a new car. Please help me J money? i live in GA btw u can email me at pancakes200@hotmail.com.
Ouch, sorry to hear my friend. Unfortunately I’m not the right person to ask here – I don’t know the ins and outs of car insurance, just the basics :( If I were you I’d call up USAA and ask all your questions – they’re GREAT at explaining it all, and can tell you how to lower it or get back “in the good,” etc. That’s your best bet.
well thank u very much J money. thanks for ur fast responses. For everyone! ^^
I just bought a new mustang convertible 2013 (candy red) 2months ago,and I pay my insurance $480. Every 6 month…thank you USAA….I’m middle age woman…
Wow, that’s excellent!! Nicely done :)
@aubrey – You’re welcome :) Hope it all helps!
I paid about $175/6mo, then got a speeding ticket and my rate was upped to $225/6mo, so I shopped around and was offered $125/6mo by another company even with the ticket, so I switched. This is liability/UMBI/UMPD coverage only, but well above the legal minimums. I drive a 2004 Corolla. I am bewildered by how much some people pay for insurance but I guess the #1 factor is where you live.
Yeah, totally. Some states are CRAZY high and you never really know it until you move/live there… Even your $50 for 6 mos isn’t that bad though in the grand scheme of things, but great job getting it lowered even more than your original one! Haha… nicely played.
Wow! For a ’93, you could probably get liability only coverage and put the rest of the money into a savings account. Then you’d save enough to replace the car in case of an accident within maybe a year or two.
For sure, not a bad idea at all actually, esp as I’m thinking of upgrading it now that we have our first baby and need a bigger car :) Thanks for the reminder!
WE SHOULD START A CLASS ACTION AGAINST THE CAR INSURANCE CO.
I have a 2012 Honda Civic with Full Coverage. 100/300 liability, 100 unins/under, 10000med payments, 500 deduct, accident forgiveness, rental, and mechanical. I pay $176/month and am 20 with 1 high points speeding ticket. That’s what having good credit and financial responsibility does. I have pretty low insurance rates for my age, especially being on own policy. I live in AZ
yeah that’s not too bad, good work on staying top of your financial life like that :)
Just to throw it out there I just bought a new 2012 KIA SOUL live in Palm Springs Ca, and I am paying $892.80 per year. 50K 100K bodily injury 25K property damage, medical payments 10K uninsured motorist bodily injury 50K each person, 100K each accident $500.00 deductible
I am insured through The Hartford Insurance
I pay 210 for 6 month liability(Geico) on my Toyota Matrix 2005. I’m 22 so I was pretty shocked.
WOW. $35/mo? That’s great!!
Yours too Michael – not too shabby at all.
I need a car for school because we don’t have buses and I pay $255/month with minimum coverage no liability or anything on a 1997 civic worth $300. I hate being 17! I wish my parents paid some.
Yikes, sorry to hear! It all gets better with age though, I can promise you that :) You’re the poorest you’ll ever be in this stage of life, so don’t stress too much my man. Keep getting that education!
Wow…I feel like I’m getting over. I have pretty much standard coverage, $500 deductible on a 2008 Nissan Rogue. That coupled with my homeowners insurance is about $90/month. It would be cheaper if I paid up on a 6 or 12 month plan. Before I moved to another state, I was still only paying $500 every 6 months. And I’ve had countless speeding tickets AND had my license suspended before.
Keep price shopping guys!
Wowww, nicely played over there! Def. good motivation for others to keep searchin’ around like you said – thanks for stopping by today :)
Hi I’m about to get a car on my name for the first time.. I’m 25 and I have never had a ticket or been pull over or DUI s . How much it I’m looking at to pay for car insurance any idea ?
Nope, noooo idea because it also depends on lots of other variables like where you live, how much you’ll be driving, what type of car you’re getting, etc etc… But the fact you’re 25 without any accidents/problems is a great start! You’ll def. pay less than if you were 18.
Am almost 80 years old with no accidents, no tickets and an excellent crediti score living in rural areal of Michigan drive less than 10,000 miles a year and have homeowners ins. with same carrier.
04 Envoy $1,056.89 for 12 mos inc. $1,000.00 deductible collision 250.00 comp. 2013 rates
00 Explorer,$942.96 for 12 mos same coverage.
Pay upfront without cred card,
Would it be wise for this 79 year old and 77 year old wife both in great health consider a cha ge over 40 years with same insurance company?
Renewal date, Jan. 31.
Thanks
Wowww.. Hi older friends! So cool you’re online and joining our community here :) Welcome!
To answer your question, I think it never hurts to spend a few minutes and call around a few places to see if they can offer you the same coverage you enjoy at a cheaper rate. I do it every few years and sometimes I’m surprised and others not (though I also have USAA and they are INCREDIBLE for car insurance – I’d call them first if either of you have been active in the military at any point, or your parents were.)
Maybe spending 15 minutes really CAN save you 15% on your car insurance? Haha… Good luck either way! Let us know how it turns out if you give it a shot :)
I’ve been with USAA since I joined the AF when I was 18. Now that I’m out, they are still the cheapest of all the places I quote (I always get new quotes every year). The coverage I have is 100/200 bodily injury, 100/200 uninsured/underinsured, unlimited medical expenses, 1 million in property protection, comprehensive coverage with 500 deductible, broadened collision with 500 deductible, accident forgiveness, rental reimbursement, and towing a labor. I’m 25, my wife is 24 and we have a 2010 car worth 20,000 and a 2013 van worth 40,000. I pay $1000/6 months. Great credit, age, and a clean record helps wonders.
Heck yeah! Glad you’re taking advantage of them too – freakin’ love USAA.
Hi im 24 yrs old im planning to buy a car for the first time
And i was woundering how much would insurance cost i have np
Driving record
No idea I’m afraid, sorry :( But I’d imagine it’s lower than normal due to your age? Though not sure what, if any, your driving record looks like… I’d call up 3-4 places and have them give you quotes and then pick the one you like the best :)
I drive a 2005 Ford F-150 with a 4.6 liter V8 engine and pay $216 a month. 2 total loss collisions and a minor sideswipe within the last couple years, all my fault, oh, and I’m a 19 year old male. After reading through all the other stuff in here, I feel pretty good about my monthly bill considering my record hahaha.
YES!! You should, that’s insanely low for your situation, haha… way to work it.
I also very much love USAA. They’ve been my insurance since I was 16 (I’m now 36). I’ve been in a few fender benders and they’ve always been terrific. A few years ago, I was involved in an accident where a pedestrian was waved out into the road by the car in the other lane when the light was green for the cars and red for the pedestrian. I couldn’t see her (she was in front of the other car) and ran into her. It was horrible. She broke her pelvis and fractured her skull -”blood on pavement” driver’s ed video come to life. I was absolutely devastated at the time, but the police report put her and the other driver at fault b/c she was crossing against traffic singles. Despite that, I got multiple bills and letters from her insurance company – USAA handled it all. They took depositions from all the lead witnesses (including me), and assigned an insurance agent to handle the entire thing. While this as incredibly stressful, I just forward all communications to USAA and they took care of it and made sure that I was never in any kinda of financial or legal trouble. And my insurance is still just $295/6mo for full coverage with roadside assistance, 2007 Prius. Never went up. If you can get it, USAA is definitely the way to go.
OMG that’s scary :( So glad she ended up being okay after all that!! She was, right? Freaky… And very awesome about USAA indeed!
I pay $340 monthly for 3 cars. A leased 2012 AudiA6, a leased Acura TSX 2013 for my 22 year old son and a purchased Hyundai Tiburon 2008 for my 20 year old daughter. I could not find a better price. Allstate
Leasing them will def. jack up the rates from what I hear. Sexy cars though :)
I was paying $118 a month with Alfa Insurance (full coverage) . I just switched to State Farm and now I’m paying $70 a month for full coverage. A clean driving record helps and I live in Georgia so that helps too, but I’m pretty proud of my savings.
yeah that’s a great job! way to go!
Your comments will be most valuable if you include the level of liability coverage you have. It is one thing to say I pay low X value and everybody goes wow, but then your liability coverage is so low that in the end you might bankrupt yourself.
Very good point. Though in both cases the “wow” would still be relevant ;) A great wow and a bad wow! Haha…
I pay $790 / 12 months in central Oklahoma using esurance. one ticket no wrecks
02 taurus minimum coverage
06 Pontiac G6 full coverage $500 deductible