The average auto insurance premium in the United Statesincreased six percent from 2002, to about $939 in 2003, accordingto the 2002/2003 Auto Insurance Database Report, recently publishedby the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

The report, which outlines the average costs associated withpersonal automobile insurance on a state-by-state basis, isintended to provide insurance regulators, consumers, andlegislators with information and analysis of auto insuranceinformation. Included in the report are written premium andexposure data, as well as incurred loss and claim data.

In 2003, drivers in 15 states paid more than $1,000 for theirannual premiums, with the highest average premiums being charged inNew Jersey ($1,365); New York ($1,313); the District of Columbia($1,277); Rhode Island ($1,156); Louisiana ($1,174). Other statesin which average premiums exceeded $1,000 were Massachusetts,Alaska, Florida, Connecticut, Michigan, Arizona, Colorado,Delaware, Nevada, and West Virginia. Drivers enjoyed the lowestaverage premiums in Iowa ($679), Wisconsin ($693), and North Dakota($695).