Few bills sting like the car insurance statement, and the sting depends heavily on a single question: where do you park at night? According to Insurify, in a report published October 8, 2026 and using data through September 2026, the national average comes to $143 a month overall. But full coverage runs $302 a month in Maryland and only $85 in New Hampshire. That is a gap of $217 every single month for the same basic idea of protection.
And there is a warning for the road ahead. Insurify projects that 32 states will see rate increases by the end of the year.
The National Numbers
Here is how Insurify breaks down the averages for the country.
- Overall average: $143 per month.
- Full coverage: $187 per month.
- Liability only: $99 per month, up from $98.
Full coverage generally means you carry liability plus protection for your own vehicle, such as collision and comprehensive. Liability only covers damage and injuries you cause to others. By Insurify’s averages, choosing full coverage costs $88 more per month than liability only. Whether that extra money is worth it depends on how much your vehicle is worth and how comfortable you would be replacing it out of pocket.
The Most Expensive And Cheapest States For Full Coverage
This is where the report gets eye-opening. For full coverage, Insurify lists these as the highest and lowest monthly averages.
- Maryland: $302
- Rhode Island: $298
- New Hampshire: $85
- Wyoming: $94
Do the math over a year and the Maryland and New Hampshire gap comes to $2,604. That is a vacation, a new set of tires and a nice dinner out, all spent on one line of the family budget.
A fair note about the numbers: these are full coverage figures by state, and they are different from the overall averages. Maryland’s overall average, for example, is $247 a month, per Insurify. Be careful when you compare a headline number with the one on your own statement, so you are always comparing the same type of coverage.
Which States May See Hikes
Insurify projects that 32 states will see increases by year end. The report singles out two at the top of the list: Connecticut, projected at a 4 percent increase, and West Virginia, at 3 percent. Those percentages may sound small, but a small percentage on a large bill still adds up. And since a projection is a forecast, not a promise, actual rates can come in differently.
Why Your Rate Is Not The Average
An average is just a middle point. Your own rate depends on many things, and insurers weigh them differently. Common factors include where you live, your driving record, the vehicle you drive, how much you drive, your age and your coverage choices. Two neighbors with similar cars can pay very different amounts, which is why a headline average is a starting point and nothing more.
How To Shop Around Without Losing Your Mind
If your premium has crept up, an hour on the phone or online could pay off. Here is a simple plan.
- Pull out your current policy and write down your coverage limits and deductibles. You need these to compare apples to apples.
- Get quotes from at least three different insurers with the exact same coverage.
- Ask each one about discounts. Common ones include bundling home and auto, safe driver discounts, paying in full and low mileage.
- Think about your deductible. A higher deductible usually lowers the premium, but only choose one you could comfortably pay if you had to.
- Review whether you still need full coverage on an older vehicle that is paid off and worth little.
- Do not drop coverage to the point where you are not legally covered. Your state sets minimums, and driving without them can cost far more than you save.
Be careful about one more trap. The cheapest price is not always the best deal. A company that is slow to pay claims or hard to reach in an emergency is no bargain. Look at customer reviews and ratings along with the price.
Do Not Wait For The Renewal Notice
Many people only look at their policy when the new bill arrives, by which time the increase is already baked in. Setting a reminder to compare rates once a year is one of the easiest ways to keep your costs in line. If a quote comes back lower elsewhere, you can switch, or you can call your current insurer and ask whether they will match it. The worst anyone can say is no.
The Bottom Line
Insurify’s October 2026 report puts the national average at $143 a month overall, $187 for full coverage and $99 for liability only. Full coverage ranges from $302 in Maryland and $298 in Rhode Island down to $85 in New Hampshire and $94 in Wyoming. The company projects increases in 32 states by the end of the year, led by Connecticut at 4 percent and West Virginia at 3 percent.
You cannot change your zip code just to save on insurance, but you can shop smartly, ask about discounts and choose coverage that fits your life. A little homework today could keep a few hundred dollars in your pocket this year.
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