Tennessee, Rhode Island Show Insurance Cost Gap

Car insurance costs and rules vary widely by state: Rhode Island's full-coverage average is about $286 per month, well above the national average of $186, with USAA, State Farm and Safeco among more affordable providers. Rates vary sharply by age and driving record — teens average about $575 monthly, drivers in their 20s about $407, those in their 30s/40s roughly $314/$304, and premiums rise again for seniors; accidents, speeding tickets and DUIs increase rates. Tennessee's full-coverage average is notably lower, around $130 per month, with insurers such as Mile Auto, State Farm and USAA offering lower-cost options. U.S. News says its rankings and product reviews are based on in‑house research and aims to be unbiased, while its methodology may not capture every market option. State rules also differ: Idaho insurers must provide uninsured motorist coverage unless a driver rejects it in writing (Idaho's uninsured rate was estimated at 6.4% in 2023 vs. 15.4% nationally), and Montana imposes steep penalties for driving uninsured, including fines, possible jail time and license revocation.