Methodology

Coverage Cost Guide publishes estimates designed to help you benchmark what insurance typically costs where you live. We are transparent about how those numbers are produced so you can judge them.

How the estimates are built

We start from national average costs drawn from public data and industry reporting:

• Car insurance (full coverage): about $2,150.00 per year
• Homeowners insurance (HO-3, ~$300k dwelling): about $2,300.00 per year
• Health insurance (benchmark Silver, age 40, pre-subsidy): about $560.00 per month
• Life insurance (20-year, $500k term, healthy 35-year-old): about $26.00 per month

For each state we apply a factor that reflects well-documented differences in local risk and cost — weather and catastrophe exposure, accident and claim frequency, medical and repair costs, population density, and state regulation. City estimates adjust the state figure for the size and density of the metro area.

Data sources

Public rate filings, U.S. Census, CMS marketplace data, and industry averages. Population figures are from the U.S. Census Bureau. We review and refresh our baselines periodically; the current edition reflects January 2026.

Important limitations

These figures are not quotes. Your actual price depends on your individual profile — age, history, property, health, credit (where permitted), the specific insurer, and current market conditions. Always compare real quotes before making a decision. Coverage Cost Guide is an independent information site and does not sell insurance.

Corrections

Spotted something off? Email hello@coveragecostguide.com and we’ll review it.