January 27, 2025
Auto Insurance
Average Car Insurance Rate by Gender
Car insurance costs vary quite considerably by gender, especially for younger drivers. This gender-based pricing may not seem fair but insurance company justifies it based on risk factors. Studies reveal young male drivers typically pay higher premiums due to higher risk factors. However, recent studies also show women pay more in certain states. For example: in Florida, women pay $199 more annually than men. In Michigan, male and female drivers pay equal rates due to the state’s regulations. These differences stem from insurers assessing risk profiles based on driving habits and demographics. In this article, we’ll discuss how much auto insurance costs by gender, how and why gender impacts this rate, and some tips to reduce premiums.
How Much Does Auto Insurance Cost by Gender?
Car insurance rates differ between men and women for younger drivers. This occurs because insurance companies use gender as one of the factors to calculate premiums. Young male drivers tend to pay more due to higher accident risks. For instance, teenage male drivers often pay up to 14% more than teenage female drivers. This is because men under 25 are statistically more likely to take risks while driving. As drivers grow older, the difference decreases significantly, with rates nearly equal by age 30. For older age groups, the difference becomes less significant and in some states, it is non-existent due to laws prohibiting gender-based pricing.
On average, car insurance costs $1,760 per year for male drivers and $1,734 per year for female drivers, according to The Zebra. The gap is more pronounced for younger drivers. According to Bankrate research, a 16-year-old male pays $5,871 per year for full coverage auto insurance, while a female of the same age pays $392 less ($5,479). Meanwhile, ValuePenguin data reveals that a 16-year-old female driver pays 9% less than her male counterpart. Male drivers of the same age pay $6,701 annually, compared to $5,969 for female drivers, reflecting a 14% difference.
Interestingly, in some states like Michigan male and female drivers pay the same due to regulations. In contrast, women in states like Florida and Oregon pay $199 and $130 more annually, respectively, than men. In the following sections, we’ll illustrate these disparities further with detailed tables and insights from different sources.
Car Insurance Rates for Teens by Gender
Age | Annual Rates Male | Annual Rates Female | Difference |
16 | $6,701 | $5,969 | Approximately 10.9% |
17 | $5,634 | $5,014 | Approximately 11% |
18 | $5,064 | $4,483 | Approximately 11.5% |
19 | $3,963 | $3,486 | Approximately 12% |
Source: The Zebra
The table above shows teen male drivers in the United States pay up to 12% higher than female teen drivers per year for full coverage auto insurance.
Annual car insurance rates for teens by gender, as per Bankrate research:
Age | Male Annual Rate | Female Annual Rate | Difference |
16 | $5,871 | $5,479 | $392 (Approx. 6.7% less) |
17 | $5,450 | $5,079 | $371 (Approx. 6.8% less) |
18 | $7,638 | $6,983 | $655 (Approx. 8.6% less) |
19 | $6,224 | $5,599 | $625 (Approx. 10.0% less) |
Source: Bankrate
The above table shows that teen male drivers pay up to 10% more than female teen drivers. Plus, 18-year-old male drivers have the highest auto insurance rates among both male and female teens.
Monthly full coverage auto insurance rate for male and female teenage drivers:
Age | Men's Rate | Women's Rate | Difference |
16 | $738 | $680 | 9% less |
17 | $636 | $581 | 9% less |
18 | $557 | $508 | 10% less |
19 | $407 | $373 | 9% less |
Source: ValuePenguin
The above table shows teen male drivers pay up to 10% more compared to their female counterparts. To sum up, teen male drivers usually pay about 12% more for full coverage car insurance than female teen drivers aged 16 to 19, according to multiple sources.
Car Insurance Rates by Gender for Drivers in Their 20s
Age | Annual Full Coverage Costs (Male) | Annual Full Coverage Costs (Female) | Difference |
20 | $3,602 | $3,189 | $413 (Approx. 11.5% less) |
21 | $2,891 | $2,596 | $295 (Approx. 10.2% less) |
22 | $2,654 | $2,416 | $238 (Approx. 9.0% less) |
23 | $2,478 | $2,280 | $198 (Approx. 8.0% less) |
24 | $2,340 | $2,169 | $171 (Approx. 7.3% less) |
Source: The Zebra
The above table shows that male drivers in their 20s pay up to around 11.5% higher than their female counterparts for full coverage car insurance.
Annual auto insurance rates by gender for drivers in their 20s, according to Bankrate data:
Age | Male Annual Rate | Female Annual Rate | Difference |
20 | $5,649 | $5,100 | 9.7% less |
21 | $4,666 | $4,235 | 9.2% less |
22 | $4,280 | $3,935 | 8.1% less |
23 | $3,997 | $3,707 | 7.3% less |
24 | $3,781 | $3,528 | 6.7% less |
25 | $3,328 | $3,174 | 4.6% less |
Source: Bankrate
The above table shows male drivers in their 20s approximately pay up to 10% more compared to female drivers of the same age group.
Average Car Insurance Rate by Gender for Matured Drivers
Average full coverage auto insurance rate for male and female drivers aged between 30 top 70:
Age | Male Annual Rate | Female Annual Rate | Difference |
30 | $2,832 | $2,793 | 1.4% less |
35 | $2,724 | $2,699 | 0.9% less |
40 | $2,641 | $2,636 | 0.2% less |
50 | $2,469 | $2,456 | 0.5% less |
60 | $2,387 | $2,359 | 1.2% less |
70 | $2,596 | $2,553 | 1.7% less |
Source: Bankrate
The table above shows that as drivers grow older and gain more experience, the difference in auto insurance rates between male and female drivers becomes narrower and less significant.
Average minimum coverage car insurance rate by gender for experienced drivers aged between 30 to 50:
Age | Male | Female | Difference |
30 | $572 | $577 | -$5 |
50 | $518 | $522 | -$4 |
Source: NerdWallet
This table shows that minimum coverage reveals smaller variations. As we have seen, for younger drivers male premiums are typically higher. However, for older drivers, rates are nearly equal for both genders.
How Gender Affects Car Insurance Rates?
Gender significantly influences auto insurance rates, although its impact varies by age and location. Young men, especially those under 25, typically pay higher premiums than women. Insurers set these rates based on data showing men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, like speeding and aggressive driving.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), every year from 1975 to 2022, the number of male crash deaths was more than twice that of female crash deaths. 30,669 men died in motor vehicle crashes in 2022, more than double the number of female fatalities (11,737) based on the IIHS report.
This happens for several reasons. Men drive more miles than women. To insurers, more miles means more risks. According to Consumer Affairs, American women drive 9,838 miles per year which is about 26% less miles than American men drive (13,356 miles per year). Besides, if we say statistically, more male drivers are on the road than female drivers. According to Statista, in 2021, more than 60% of new car buyers were male and the rest of the 40% were female.
And the majority of male drivers, particularly teen drivers are more prone to accidents since they commit more violations than women. For example, when it comes to driving under the influence, men account for 74.1% of all arrests, based on the FBI 2019 report.
Here's a table comparing the fatal crash rates for men and women:
Category | Men | Women |
Likelihood of Fatal Crash | Higher | Lower |
Fatal Crash Rate (Under 25) | 2.7 times higher than women (based on IIHS data) | Lower |
Crash Behavior | More miles, riskier behaviors (speeding, DUI) | Fewer miles, generally safer driving behaviors |
Vehicle Types | Larger, more powerful vehicles | Smaller, less powerful vehicles |
Seat Belt Usage | Less likely to use seat belts | More likely to use seat belts |
Injury/Death in Similar Crashes | More severe injuries and fatalities | More likely to be injured or killed in similar crashes |
In brief, here’s why men pay higher car insurance rates than women:
- Riskier driving behavior
- More frequent speeding
- Higher accident involvement
- Greater likelihood of DUI
- Increased mileage driven
- Aggressive driving tendencies
Due to these reasons, a 16-year-old male driver may pay 9% more than a female driver of the same age. As drivers age, the gender gap narrows. By 30, men and women usually pay similar rates.
However, some states don’t follow the gender-biased insurance rates system. The following 7 states prohibit the use of gender to determine car insurance costs:
- California
- Michigan
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Hawaii
In these states, male and female drivers pay the same. For instance, both male and female drivers pay around $3814 in Michigan. However, recent studies reveal women are paying higher for auto insurance than men in most states.
Recent Study Shows Women Are Paying Higher for Auto Insurance Than Men
Despite the common belief that men pay more for car insurance, recent studies reveal surprising trends. Women in 37 states often face higher premiums than men.
For instance, women in Florida pay $199 more annually than men, while in Oregon, the difference is $130. Similarly, Delaware shows a notable gap of $118. This highlights how gender impacts costs differently across locations.
Insurance companies justify this disparity by citing data that women in certain states file more claims than men. For example, in Florida, female drivers encounter 24.6 driving incidents per 1,000 drivers, while male drivers face 22.5 incidents. This indicates that women are more likely to be involved in crashes in Florida compared to men, raising the auto insurance rates for female drivers in the state. However, this trend isn’t universal. In states like Michigan, where gender-based pricing is banned, male and female drivers pay equal rates.
Interestingly, the gap isn’t consistent across all age groups. While teenage male drivers typically pay higher premiums, women in their 30s occasionally pay more in specific states. Factors such as state laws, driving history, and accident claims significantly influence these differences.
In some areas, gender differences in rates are shrinking. States like California and Massachusetts have outlawed gender-based pricing altogether. This creates a fairer system that ensures premiums reflect driving habits, not demographics.
Top 5 States Where Women Pay More for Auto Insurance
State | Men (Avg. Annual Premium) | Women (Avg. Annual Premium) | Difference |
Florida | $2,488 | $2,687 | $199 |
Oregon | $2,216 | $2,346 | $130 |
Delaware | $1,961 | $2,079 | $118 |
New York | $2,203 | $2,317 | $114 |
Nevada | $2,371 | $2,481 | $110 |
Source: LendingTree
This table highlights how car insurance premiums differ for women and men across various states. Florida and Oregon show the largest gaps.
Ways to Save on Car Insurance Regardless of Gender
Reducing car insurance premiums isn’t impossible. We should say it’s easier than you think. Whether you’re a male or female driver, your gender shouldn’t be the reason for expensive auto insurance. Your car insurance costs can be minimized without worrying about gender identity in most cases.
To do so, you simply need to drive safely. Try to avoid speeding tickets, or accidents. Insurance companies reward clean driving records with lower rates. Another smart move is bundling your policies. If you have home or renters insurance, ask your insurer about combining them. You can also look for multi-vehicle discounts, and paperless billing discounts which lead to significant savings.
Also, if you’re comfortable taking a little risk, consider increasing your deductible. A higher deductible means lower monthly premiums, though you’ll need to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
Have you compared quotes lately? Many drivers stick to one insurer for years without realizing they’re overpaying. Shopping around could reveal better rates. If you’re a safe driver, you might also benefit from telematics programs. These track your driving habits, like braking and speed, and reward you for good behavior. Don’t forget to ask about discounts, too. Students with good grades, military members, and loyal customers often qualify for savings.
Lastly, take a close look at your coverage. Do you need comprehensive or collision coverage for an older car? If the car’s value is low, dropping unnecessary coverage might save you money. Drive less, if possible, and improve your credit score. Together, these steps can make a big difference in your premiums.
Auto Insurance Rate by Gender: The Bottom Line
Though it might seem unfair, gender can affect your auto insurance costs. Young male drivers typically pay higher premiums than female drivers. However, recent studies show women also pay higher rates than men in some states due to increased risky driving behaviors. Factors like driving history, location, and state laws influence these differences. For instance, Michigan ensures gender-neutral pricing, while Florida shows a significant gap in favor of men.
To lower your premiums, consider bundling policies, drive safely, and explore telematics programs. Dropping unnecessary coverage for older cars or comparing quotes can also save money. For affordable full coverage auto insurance, contact one of our agents from L.A. Insurance. You can find an agent here! L.A. Insurance is the most affordable insurance agency in the U.S. We offer the cheapest car insurance rates regardless of gender.
Read more about car insurance costs in our articles:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Gender Pays the Most for Car Insurance?
Young male drivers aged between 16 to 19 pay more for car insurance than females. Insurers see them as higher risk due to more accidents and risky behavior. However, in some states, women pay higher premiums. Apart from gender-biased pricing, costs also depend on age, driving history, location, claim history, credit score, annual mileage, and so forth. We recommend comparing quotes and choosing a local insurance agency to save money.
What’s the Average Cost of Auto Insurance Regardless of Gender?
The average costs of auto insurance, regardless of gender, vary by coverage type. Minimum liability insurance costs about $69 monthly or $828 yearly. Full coverage costs average $175 monthly or $2,100 yearly. Minimum liability can also cost $56 monthly or $678 yearly depending on location and other key factors.
Why Do Men Pay More for Car Insurance?
Men often pay more for car insurance because they are seen as higher-risk drivers. Young men, in particular, are statistically more likely to get into accidents, drive recklessly, or receive traffic violations. This increased risk leads insurers to charge higher premiums for male drivers, especially those under 25.
References:
- Lynch, A., Friedlander, M., & Balasco, R. (2025, January 22). Male vs. Female Car Insurance Rates. The Zebra. https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/driver/other-factors/male-vs-female-car-insurance-rates/
- Martin, S. (2025, January 17). Auto insurance rates by age in 2025. Bankrate. https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/auto-insurance-rates-by-age/
- Timmons, M. (2025, January 8). Average cost of car insurance (2025). ValuePenguin. https://www.valuepenguin.com/average-cost-of-insurance
- Norman, K. (2024, November 19). Average car insurance rates by age and gender. NerdWallet. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/car-insurance-rates-age-gender
- Fatality Facts 2022: Males and females. (n.d.). IIHS-HLDI Crash Testing and Highway Safety. https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/males-and-females
- Focareta, D. (2024, July 25). Male vs. female driving statistics 2025. ConsumerAffairs. https://www.consumeraffairs.com/insurance/male-vs-female-driving-statistics.html
- Statista. (2023, December 19). Distribution of new and used car buyers by gender in the U.S. 2021. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1267612/us-car-buyers-by-gender/
- Table 42. (n.d.). FBI. https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2019/crime-in-the-u.s.-2019/tables/table-42/table-42.xls
- Davis, M. (2024, June 12). Women pay more for auto insurance than men in 37 states. LendingTree. https://www.lendingtree.com/insurance/gender-rates-study/
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How Does Driving History Affect Car Insurance Rates?
Your driving history directly impacts your car insurance premiums. Insurance companies consider driving records the most crucial factor when determining auto insurance rates.
In the United States, a driver with a clean record typically pays around $175 per month or $2,100 per year for full coverage car insurance. However, a single DUI conviction can increase rates by 85% to 92% or more, meaning you’ll end up paying between $3,885 to $4,032 which is nearly double the cost for a regular policyholder. Even a minor traffic ticket can raise insurance premiums by an average of 21%.
In this article, we'll discuss how violations like speeding tickets, accidents, and DUIs affect car insurance rates. We'll also cover how insurers use the driver’s license point system, review driving history, and set premiums. Plus, you'll learn how to check your driving record, how insurers access it, and ways good drivers can save money
Average Car Insurance Rate by Gender
Car insurance costs vary quite considerably by gender, especially for younger drivers. This gender-based pricing may not seem fair but insurance company justifies it based on risk factors. Studies reveal young male drivers typically pay higher premiums due to higher risk factors. However, recent studies also show women pay more in certain states. For example: in Florida, women pay $199 more annually than men.
How Much Is Car Insurance by Age?
Did you know that if you’re a young teen or have just become an adult and drive a car, you’re likely to pay around two times higher than the average car insurance rate? However, if you live in Hawaii or Massachusetts, you won’t face this issue, as these states ban the use of age as a factor for setting insurance rates.
How Much Is Car Insurance?
Everyone in the U.S.A. wants to get the cheapest car insurance quote. However, getting an affordable car insurance rate is nearly impossible if you don’t compare rates for both full coverage and minimum coverage policies. Before you compare rates, you need to know how much car insurance costs and the factors that influence the rates.
The cost of auto insurance varies for each person. This variation depends on factors like driving history, location, age, type of vehicle, credit score, annual mileage, marital status, and so forth. For example, the average cost in Michigan is $133 per month for minimum liability insurance and $263 per month for full coverage.
Does Full Coverage Car Insurance Cover Towing?
Just think of that helpless situation when your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. You’re stranded, frustrated, and unsure who to call. Tow truck services can be costly, especially if you don’t have the right auto insurance coverage. Many drivers also assume that their full coverage insurance automatically includes towing services, but that’s not always true. Yet if your car breaks down you might wonder “Does full coverage car insurance cover towing?”.
How Much is Dirt Bike Insurance?
Riding a dirt bike is fun, and exhilarating. But as these motorbikes are built for off-roads, they are relatively riskier to ride, especially if you don’t take necessary precautions. There can be slippery slopes, potholes, or bumps which can turn exciting rides into a dangerous accident.
Whether you ride through forests, or climb up mountain trails, there is always a high risk of getting into an accident which can lead to serious bodily injuries, or even death. It can also leave your bike badly damaged and sometimes beyond repair.
