Full Coverage Car Insurance Cost in 2026 — Average Rates & What's Included

Full Coverage Car Insurance Cost

$1,400 - $2,800/yrUpdated March 2026

Key Takeaway: Full coverage car insurance combines liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage to protect you and your vehicle. While it costs more than minimum coverage, it provides significantly better finan...

Full coverage car insurance combines liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage to protect you and your vehicle. While it costs more than minimum coverage, it provides significantly better financial protection — especially important if you have a newer car or auto loan.

What Does Full Coverage Car Insurance Include?

Full coverage is not a single policy but a combination of three coverage types: Liability coverage (pays for others' injuries/damage you cause), Collision coverage (pays for your car's damage in accidents), and Comprehensive coverage (pays for theft, weather, vandalism, animal strikes). Most full coverage policies include 100/300/100 liability limits, $500-$1,000 deductibles on collision and comprehensive.

Average Full Coverage Cost by State

Full coverage costs vary widely by state. Cheapest states: Maine ($1,650/yr), Vermont ($1,720/yr), Idaho ($1,780/yr), Ohio ($1,850/yr). Most expensive: Florida ($3,850/yr), Michigan ($3,720/yr), Louisiana ($3,580/yr), New York ($3,250/yr). The national average is approximately $2,080/yr or $173/month.

Full Coverage vs Minimum Coverage

The average price difference between full and minimum coverage is $800-$1,500/year. Minimum coverage only pays for damage you cause to others, leaving you responsible for your own vehicle repairs. Full coverage pays for both. If your car is worth more than $10,000, full coverage typically makes financial sense.

When Is Full Coverage Required?

Full coverage is required when: you have an auto loan (lender requires it), you lease your vehicle (lessor requires it), or your car's value is high enough that you couldn't afford to replace it. Even without these requirements, full coverage is recommended for vehicles worth more than $10,000 and for drivers who couldn't absorb a large financial loss.

How to Lower Full Coverage Costs

Save on full coverage by: Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 (saves 15-25%), bundling policies (10-25% discount), maintaining a clean driving record, improving your credit score, choosing a car with low insurance costs, and asking about all discounts (safe driver, anti-theft, low mileage, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is full coverage car insurance per month?

Full coverage car insurance averages $140-$235 per month nationally. Your rate depends on your age, driving record, location, vehicle, credit score, and chosen deductibles. Rates range from under $100/month for low-risk drivers to $300+/month for high-risk drivers.

Is full coverage car insurance worth it?

Full coverage is worth it if your vehicle is worth more than $10,000 or you cannot afford out-of-pocket repair/replacement costs. The extra $60-$125/month provides collision and comprehensive coverage that protects your own vehicle, not just others.

What is not covered by full coverage?

Full coverage does not cover: mechanical breakdowns, regular wear and tear, personal belongings inside your car, medical bills for you or passengers (unless you add medical payments/PIP coverage), or intentional damage. Gap insurance may also be needed if you owe more than your car's value.

Should I drop full coverage on an older car?

Consider dropping collision/comprehensive when the annual premium exceeds 10% of your car's value. For example, if your car is worth $5,000 and full coverage costs $600+/year, switching to liability-only may make financial sense. Keep in mind the risk of paying for repairs/replacement yourself.

Does full coverage pay for a totaled car?

Yes, full coverage (specifically the collision or comprehensive portion) will pay the actual cash value (ACV) of your car if it is totaled. ACV is the car's market value at the time of loss, minus your deductible. If you owe more than ACV on your loan, you will need gap insurance to cover the difference.