Averages are a funny thing to talk about when it comes to insurance.
There are so many determining factors to the insurance rate quote you'll receive that it almost doesn't make sense to consider an average monthly payment.
For example, in 2009 the national average monthly payment for auto insurance was $145 but what does this number mean? It's simply a number that combines everyone's rate into one average number.
This means that the people that pay the highest amount in insurance every month are grouped together with those that pay the lowest every month.
Let's look at some of the factors that effect this average: Location - Where you live and other geographical demographics will make a change to your monthly car insurance rate.
This can get down to the city level.
If drivers in your city are riskier than those in a different city, you'll pay more for insurance.
The same holds true for county and state as well.
States such as Michigan, Alaska, and New Jersey are known to be some of the more expensive states.
Car insurance is a pure numbers game and they calculate as many statistics as possible so that they know which rates to charge and make a good profit.
Driving History - Your own personal driving record will play a huge role in coming up with your monthly payment.
If you have a worse record than the average driver, you'll be paying more than $145 per month.
On the contrary, if you're a safer driver than the average American, you can expect to pay less than $145 per month.
Insurance companies will even factor in your number of speeding tickets, parking tickets, and any other citations you have in order to raise your monthly rate.
Credit History - If you have a credit rating or credit score that is below the national average you can expect to pay more than the average person for car insurance.
This is because the insurance companies now charge more to those with poor credit than they do to those with excellent credit.
They cite research that says there s a correlation between abusing your credit and driving recklessly.
You might think it isn't fair but it's the way things work so don't be surprised when your quote comes in higher than the average you might expect.
Type of Car - If you're driving a car that is sportier or more expensive than the average car in America you can expect to pay more than the average.
On the other hand, if your car is safer and more moderately priced than the average car you can expect to pay the same or less than the average of $145.
Also keep in mind that this average was from 2009, so you can expect to pay more when inflation and cost of living increases are factored in.