How We Research

Our methodology for collecting, verifying, and presenting auto insurance rate data across all 50 states.

Last updated: July 2026 • CarRateGuide Editorial Team

Every rate, ranking, and recommendation on CarRateGuide is the product of a defined research process. This page explains exactly how we gather our data, what assumptions underlie our rate averages, and how frequently we update our content.

Our Baseline Driver Profile

All rate averages published on CarRateGuide, unless otherwise specified, are based on the following standardized driver profile:

Age

35 years old with an established driving history.

Driving Record

Clean record. No at-fault accidents or violations in the prior 5 years.

Credit Profile

Good credit score in the 670-739 range, the most common tier.

Vehicle

2022 mid-size sedan. Owned outright, garaged at a residential address.

Full Coverage

100/300/100 liability, $500 deductible collision and comprehensive.

Annual Mileage

12,000 miles per year, the US national average.

How We Collect Rate Data

Primary Sources

  • State insurance department filings: Rate schedules filed by insurers with state regulators are public record and form the foundation of our research.
  • Direct quote sampling: Our team regularly collects real quotes from major carriers using our baseline profile across representative ZIP codes in each state.
  • Regulatory data: State insurance departments publish annual reports including average premium data by coverage type and county.

Secondary Sources

  • NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) annual data reports
  • NHTSA accident and fatality statistics for state risk context
  • J.D. Power customer satisfaction studies for insurer comparison ratings
  • AM Best financial strength ratings for insurer stability
  • NICB vehicle theft data by state

Coverage Definitions

Full coverage means: 100/300/100 liability limits, collision at $500 deductible, and comprehensive at $500 deductible. This is a standard industry benchmark.

Liability only refers to 50/100/50 limits for our recommended minimum comparisons, or actual state-required minimums when we are specifically discussing legal requirements.

Update Schedule

  • State rate tables: Reviewed and updated at minimum once per quarter.
  • Insurer comparisons: Reviewed semi-annually and when major rate changes occur.
  • Guide articles: Full refresh every year with the latest data.
  • Regulatory changes: Incorporated within 30 days of taking effect.
Important: All rates on CarRateGuide are averages for comparison and educational purposes. Your actual premium will vary based on your age, location, vehicle, coverage, driving history, credit, and insurer. Always get actual quotes for accurate pricing.

Editorial Independence

Our research and editorial teams operate independently of our commercial team. Advertising and affiliate relationships have no influence on the rates we publish, the companies we recommend, or the rankings we assign. See our Editorial Policy for full details.