“As insurance takes up a growing percentage of household budgets - with the national median premium now equal to 2.6% of income, it’s more important than ever for drivers to shop around to find coverage that fits their needs and budget,” he added. “That also means revisiting all available options, from insurer discounts like good-driver, paperless, or occupational savings to telematics or usage-based programs. These might have once felt too intrusive, but can now be an effective way to lower premiums.”

Additional key findings from the report include:

Among non-luxury brands, the Nissan GT-R is the most expensive model to insure at nearly $400 per month. Meanwhile, the Ford Bronco is the least expensive model to insure at $76 per month.
According to ZPPI, residents of Arkansas, Louisiana and Florida are spending nearly 5% of their annual income on auto insurance.
Vermont, Minnesota, and Mississippi are expected to see 6% to 13% decreases, while Oregon, Maryland, and Utah are forecasted to see 8% to 21% increases in insurance prices.
A total of six states saw a greater than 50% increase in insurance prices from 2024-2025 (Louisiana, Nevada, New York, Georgia, Maryland and Utah).
On average, texting while driving leads to a 17% premium increase.

Meanwhile, “auto insurance isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all, and rates can vary dramatically depending on who you choose to insure with,” said Seider. “That’s why it’s so important for consumers to shop around and compare quotes. Doing so can save money and help people find coverage that fits both their needs and their budget.”

Special Reports /

Auto coverage rate hikes projected for over a third of U.S. states in 2026

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