Maine tops list of least expensive state to buy for car insurance

Car buyers always want to get the best deal. Those who want to get more but pay less for auto insurance may want to go to Maine, which boasts the lowest average rates in the country.

According to Insure.com, the average car insurance rate in Maine is $902.85, almost two times lower than Louisiana’s $2,510.87, which claimed the title as the most expensive state in which to get car insurance. New Jersey ranked No. 22 with $1,473.73, slightly higher than the national average of $1,429.26.

Maine’s low car insurance rates stem from the fact that its average annual mileage is low relative to other states. The largely rural state has the small population of 1.3 million people, which means fewer people on the roads and fewer claims.

Meanwhile, Louisiana’s No. 1 ranking can be explained by its court system. Only cases with claims in excess of $50,000 receive a jury trial, driving up out-of-court settlements to $49,000 that insurance companies must pay.

Rounding up the five most expensive states in which to buy car insurance are Michigan, Oklahoma, Montana and California, while other states with the least expensive rates include Vermont. Ohio, Wisconsin and New Hampshire.