The West is shaped by wildfire and earthquake risk — but regulated markets in some states keep premiums surprisingly low.
| # | State | Total Annual | vs Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $3,157 | -77% |
| 2 | Oregon | $4,788 | -54% |
| 3 | Idaho | $4,920 | -42% |
| 4 | Utah | $5,112 | -48% |
| 5 | Washington | $5,294 | -40% |
| 6 | Wyoming | $5,511 | -35% |
| 7 | Alaska | $5,581 | -46% |
| 8 | Nevada | $6,408 | -54% |
| 9 | New Mexico | $6,422 | -31% |
| 10 | California | $7,572 | -19% |
| 11 | Arizona | $7,746 | -13% |
| 12 | Montana | $10,067 | +31% |
| 13 | Colorado | $13,274 | +69% |
The top-ranked state, Hawaii, has an average total annual insurance cost of $3,157/yr, while the bottom of this list sees costs of $13,274/yr — a difference of $10,117/yr.
The average across all states in this ranking is $6,604/yr. Use our state pages for detailed analysis and our calculators to estimate your personal premium based on your specific situation.
Insurance markets vary significantly across the United States due to differences in natural disaster exposure, state regulations, litigation environments, and market competition. States with more carriers competing for business tend to offer lower premiums, while states where insurers have withdrawn due to catastrophic risk or unfavorable legal climates often see costs spike. Understanding these dynamics is essential for homeowners, renters, and investors who want to make informed decisions about where to live or buy property.
The spread between the top and bottom of this ranking — $10,117/yr — illustrates how much geography matters when it comes to insurance costs. For homebuyers, renters, and investors, this difference can compound significantly over time. A family saving even $1,000 per year on insurance by choosing a more affordable state would save $30,000 over a 30-year mortgage. These rankings are designed to help you weigh insurance costs alongside other financial factors when making major life decisions.
Keep in mind that individual premiums can vary widely from state averages based on your specific property, coverage levels, claims history, credit score, and the insurer you choose. The most effective way to lower your costs regardless of where you live is to compare quotes from at least three carriers, bundle policies where possible, and ask about every available discount. Visit our individual state pages for detailed breakdowns and use our calculators to estimate your personalized premium.
These rankings are based on average annual insurance premiums compiled from multiple industry data sources, including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), state insurance department filings, and rate comparison data from leading insurance aggregators. Premiums reflect standard coverage levels for typical policyholders and are updated annually to reflect the most current market conditions. State averages represent the mean cost across all major carriers operating in each state and may not reflect individual quotes, which vary based on property characteristics, coverage limits, deductibles, and personal risk factors.
Data sources: National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), Insurance Information Institute (III), state department of insurance rate filings, Insurance.com, Bankrate, Insurify, FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR), FEMA National Risk Index. Figures represent averages for standard coverage levels and are intended for informational and comparison purposes only. Last updated: 2026.
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