Here's Why Men Have to Pay More for Car Insurance in 2026

Car insurance premiums can differ significantly from one driver to another, even when two people own similar vehicles or purchase similar coverage. In some parts of the United States, gender may be one of the factors an insurer considers when pricing auto insurance. In other states, insurers are restricted from using gender when determining rates.

This means it is not accurate to say that men always pay more for car insurance or that women automatically receive a discount. Premiums vary based on state law, insurer pricing methods, age, driving history, claims history, location, vehicle, annual mileage, coverage choices, deductibles and other permitted factors.

Important: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance, legal or financial advice. Auto insurance rating rules, available discounts, underwriting factors and coverage requirements vary by state and insurer. Always compare current quotes using accurate personal and vehicle information.

Does Gender Affect Car Insurance Rates?

In some states, auto insurance companies may use gender as one of several rating factors when calculating premiums. Insurers that use this factor generally rely on actuarial loss data and claims experience to estimate the likelihood and cost of future claims among groups of drivers.

However, gender is not the only factor that affects a premium, and it may not be the most important factor for an individual driver. A clean driving record, years of driving experience, location, vehicle type, coverage limits, deductible, annual mileage and claim history can all have a significant effect on the cost of a policy.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) identifies common auto insurance rating factors that may include:

• Location;
• Age;
• Gender, where permitted;
• Marital status, where permitted;
• Driving experience;
• Driving record;
• Claims history;
• Credit history, where permitted;
• Previous insurance coverage;
• Vehicle type;
• Vehicle use;
• Miles driven; and
• Selected coverages and deductibles.

Because insurers may weigh these factors differently, two companies may provide very different quotes for the same driver and similar coverage. Shopping around with accurate information is generally more useful than assuming one demographic factor will determine the final price.

Why Younger Men May Pay More for Auto Insurance in Some States

Where gender-based pricing is allowed, younger male drivers may sometimes receive higher quotes than younger female drivers because insurers may associate certain demographic groups with higher historical claims risk. This does not mean that every male driver is unsafe or that every female driver presents lower risk.

Federal road-safety data can help explain why insurers and regulators have examined this issue. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data on fatal crashes in 2023, 37% of male drivers ages 15 to 20 involved in fatal traffic crashes were speeding, compared with 18% of female drivers in the same age group. Among young drivers, risk differences can contribute to different pricing practices where state law permits insurers to use gender.

However, premiums are not based solely on national crash statistics. Insurers generally evaluate the individual applicant’s permitted rating information, coverage choices and the company’s own approved rating plan.

Do Men Always Pay More Than Women for Car Insurance?

No. The cost difference between male and female drivers is not universal. It can vary by:

• State insurance rules;
• The driver’s age and years of experience;
• The insurer providing the quote;
• Driving history and prior claims;
• Vehicle type and safety features;
• Location and annual mileage;
• Coverage limits and deductible choices; and
• Other rating factors permitted in the driver’s state.

For example, young male drivers may face higher premiums from some insurers in states that allow gender rating. At other ages, the difference may become smaller, disappear or vary by company. In states that prohibit gender-based pricing, premiums should be calculated without using gender as a rating factor.

Consumers should not provide false gender, identity or applicant information in order to test or obtain a lower quote. Inaccurate application information can lead to incorrect quotes, policy problems or claim complications. Instead, compare quotes from multiple licensed insurers using the same accurate driver, vehicle and coverage information.

Is Gender-Based Car Insurance Pricing Legal?

Whether an insurer may use gender in auto insurance pricing depends on the law and insurance regulations of the state where the policy is issued. Insurance is primarily regulated at the state level in the United States, and rating-factor rules are not identical nationwide.

Some states permit insurers to consider gender as part of their rating calculations. Other states restrict or prohibit its use. For example, the California Department of Insurance has taken action to eliminate gender as a private passenger auto insurance rating factor, while Massachusetts consumer protections prohibit auto insurers from denying automobile insurance based on gender and apply state rules to permissible rating practices.

The issue remains debated. Supporters of risk-based rating may argue that actuarial data can help insurers price predicted claims costs. Critics argue that gender is a broad group characteristic and that insurance pricing should rely more heavily on factors an individual driver can influence, such as driving behaviour, mileage, claims and violations.

Drivers who want to know whether gender can affect premiums in their state should review information from their state department of insurance or ask a licensed insurance professional about the rating factors permitted in that jurisdiction.

What About Nonbinary and Transgender Drivers?

Car insurance applications, driver’s licences and state identity-document options may not use gender information in the same way across all jurisdictions. Some states and insurers may allow an X or nonbinary gender marker, while rating practices and system handling can differ.

Drivers should provide accurate information consistent with application requirements and contact the insurer or state insurance department if a quotation system does not appropriately reflect their documentation or identity options.

The NAIC has examined gender and nonbinary rating issues in auto insurance, including concerns about fairness, inclusivity and whether individual driving-related information may be a more appropriate way to estimate risk than gender classification.

Factors That May Affect Your Car Insurance Rate More Directly

Regardless of whether gender is used in your state, drivers may have more control over other factors that affect insurance costs. Understanding these rating factors can help you compare policies and look for legitimate ways to reduce premiums.

Driving Record

Accidents, speeding violations, reckless driving convictions, driving under the influence convictions and other traffic violations may increase the cost of insurance. Maintaining a safe driving record is one of the most practical long-term steps a driver can take to reduce risk and potentially qualify for better pricing.

Age and Driving Experience

Younger and less-experienced drivers commonly pay more for auto insurance because they may present higher expected claims risk. As drivers gain experience and maintain a good driving history, available pricing may improve, although rates continue to depend on the insurer and other factors.

Vehicle Type

The vehicle you insure can affect your premium. Insurers may consider factors such as repair costs, replacement cost, safety features, theft experience, engine performance and claims history for a particular make or model.

A vehicle that is inexpensive to buy is not necessarily inexpensive to insure. Before purchasing a car, obtaining insurance quotes for that specific vehicle may help you understand the full ownership cost.

Location

Where a vehicle is primarily kept and driven can affect premium costs. Insurers may consider local crash frequency, theft, vandalism, weather risks, repair costs, litigation conditions and other location-related claims patterns.

Mileage and Vehicle Use

A person who drives frequently may have greater exposure to accidents than someone who drives fewer miles. Rates may also differ depending on whether the vehicle is used for commuting, personal errands, business activity, delivery work or ridesharing.

Drivers using a personal vehicle for paid delivery or passenger transportation should make sure their insurance accurately reflects that use, as a standard personal policy may not cover every business-related activity.

Coverage Limits and Deductibles

The amount and type of insurance you purchase affects your premium. Higher liability limits, collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, uninsured or underinsured motorist protection and optional coverages may increase the price but provide broader financial protection.

Choosing a higher deductible may reduce the premium for certain coverages, but it also increases the amount you must pay out of pocket after a covered claim. Do not choose a deductible that you could not realistically afford in an emergency.

Claims History and Prior Coverage

Previous claims or gaps in insurance coverage may affect premiums, depending on state law and insurer practices. Maintaining continuous coverage and avoiding unnecessary claims may influence available pricing, but drivers should never avoid reporting a serious accident or necessary claim simply to preserve a discount.

How Drivers Can Potentially Lower Car Insurance Costs

Drivers should focus on legitimate actions within their control rather than assuming a premium is determined only by gender. Possible savings opportunities may include:

• Comparing quotes from multiple licensed insurers using identical coverage limits and deductibles;
• Maintaining a clean driving record;
• Choosing a vehicle with reasonable insurance costs before purchase;
• Reviewing whether mileage estimates and vehicle-use information are accurate;
• Considering a higher deductible only when you could afford the out-of-pocket cost;
• Asking about multi-policy, multi-vehicle, defensive-driving, anti-theft or other available discounts;
• Reviewing whether a usage-based insurance programme is appropriate and understanding what driving information it collects;
• Checking your policy at renewal rather than automatically accepting a higher premium;
• Maintaining continuous insurance coverage where possible; and
• Contacting your state insurance department if you believe a premium or rating practice violates applicable rules.

When comparing policies, do not focus only on the lowest premium. Review coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, optional protections, insurer service, complaint information where available and your ability to pay costs after a claim.

Usage-Based Insurance and Individual Driving Behaviour

Some insurers offer usage-based insurance, sometimes called telematics insurance. These programmes may use an app or device to collect driving-related information such as mileage, time of day, braking patterns, acceleration or other driving behaviours.

Usage-based insurance may offer savings for certain drivers, particularly those who drive relatively few miles or demonstrate lower-risk driving behaviour under the insurer’s programme. However, it may not be appropriate for everyone, and results can vary.

Before enrolling, ask:

• What driving information will be collected?
• How will that information affect premiums or discounts?
• Can the programme increase a premium or only provide savings?
• How long will data be collected and stored?
• Can you leave the programme later?
• How is your privacy protected?
• Will other household drivers affect the result?

Programmes based on actual driving behaviour may help some consumers move toward pricing that reflects individual habits more directly than broad demographic assumptions. However, consumers should understand the data and pricing rules before enrolling.

How to Compare Car Insurance Quotes Fairly

Comparing car insurance requires more than checking the final price displayed on a screen. Quotes should be based on the same accurate information and similar coverage so you can understand whether one option provides better value.

What to Compare	Why It Matters
Liability limits	Lower limits may reduce the premium but provide less financial protection after an at-fault accident.
Collision and comprehensive coverage	Quotes may differ because one includes coverage for your vehicle and another does not.
Deductibles	A higher deductible may reduce premium but increases out-of-pocket costs after certain claims.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage	Availability and requirements vary by state, and coverage can affect both protection and price.
Medical payments or personal injury protection	These coverages may be required or optional depending on the state and can change the premium.
Discounts	Verify which discounts apply, whether they continue after renewal and what conditions must be met.
Vehicle use and annual mileage	Incorrect information may make a quote unreliable and create policy problems later.
Insurer service and complaint resources	The least expensive policy may not always provide the service or claims experience you expect.

Questions to Ask Your Insurer About Your Premium

If your auto insurance quote or renewal premium is higher than expected, ask questions rather than assuming the cause. Depending on state rules and insurer practices, useful questions may include:

• Which rating factors affected my premium?
• Did my driving record, claims history, location, mileage or vehicle information change?
• Did a discount expire or no longer apply?
• Are there coverage or deductible changes that affected the price?
• Does my state permit gender to be used in auto insurance rating?
• Are there available discounts or usage-based programmes that may fit my circumstances?
• How would changing my deductible or optional coverage affect both my premium and my risk?
• How can I contact the state insurance regulator if I have concerns about the rate or policy?

Common Misunderstandings About Gender and Auto Insurance

Misunderstanding	More Accurate Explanation
Men always pay more for car insurance.	Rates vary by state, insurer, age, driving record, vehicle, coverage and other factors. Gender cannot be used everywhere.
Women automatically receive a discount.	Any price difference may result from an insurer’s permitted rating plan, not a universal discount available to all women.
Gender is the most important rating factor.	Driving record, experience, claims, location, vehicle, mileage and coverage decisions may materially affect premiums.
You should change gender information in a quote form to see whether the price falls.	Consumers should provide accurate information. Incorrect data can produce unreliable quotes and create policy or claim issues.
Safe drivers cannot reduce their premium if a demographic factor is used.	Drivers can still compare insurers, maintain safe records, evaluate discounts, review coverage and consider appropriate usage-based options.

Key Insights

• Gender may affect car insurance pricing in some U.S. states, but its use depends on applicable state rules and insurer rating practices.
• Some states restrict or prohibit gender-based auto insurance pricing, so drivers should check local insurance regulations.
• Men do not always pay more than women; rate differences can vary by age, insurer, location, driving record, vehicle and coverage.
• NHTSA data indicates higher speeding involvement among young male drivers involved in fatal crashes, but individual premiums depend on multiple factors.
• Common auto insurance pricing factors may include driving experience, violations, claims history, mileage, vehicle type, location, coverage selections and deductibles.
• Consumers should never provide false gender or applicant information to obtain or test a quote.
• Comparing equivalent quotes from multiple licensed insurers is one of the most practical ways to look for better value.
• Usage-based insurance may help some drivers receive pricing that reflects actual driving behaviour, but consumers should review privacy and pricing terms first.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gender and Car Insurance Rates

Do men always pay more for car insurance than women?

No. Men may pay more in some situations, particularly younger drivers in states where gender rating is allowed, but this is not universal. Rates depend on the state, insurer, driving history, age, vehicle, location, mileage, coverage and other permitted factors.

Can car insurance companies legally use gender to set rates?

It depends on the state. Some states permit gender to be used as a rating factor, while others restrict or prohibit its use. Contact your state department of insurance or review official state guidance to understand the rules where your policy is issued.

Why might young male drivers receive higher quotes?

Where permitted, insurers may use approved rating data that reflects historical claims or driving-risk patterns. NHTSA data indicates that speeding involvement in fatal crashes is higher among young male drivers than among young female drivers. However, this does not mean every male driver presents greater risk than every female driver.

Do women receive a special car insurance discount?

Not necessarily. A lower quote for one applicant may reflect the insurer’s permitted rating model and the full combination of driver, vehicle and coverage information. It should not be assumed that every woman receives a specific discount solely because of gender.

Can I enter a different gender when requesting a car insurance quote?

You should provide accurate information requested by an insurer. Entering inaccurate information can lead to an unreliable quote and may create problems when a policy is issued or a claim is reviewed.

What other factors affect car insurance premiums?

Depending on state law and insurer practices, premiums may be affected by driving record, claims history, driving experience, age, location, vehicle type, mileage, vehicle use, prior coverage, selected limits, deductibles and available discounts.

How can I lower my car insurance premium?

Compare equivalent quotes from several licensed insurers, maintain a safe driving record, check for available discounts, review annual mileage and vehicle-use information, choose deductibles carefully, consider insurance costs before buying a vehicle and evaluate usage-based insurance only after understanding its terms.

What should I do if I think my auto insurance rate is unfair?

Ask the insurer which permitted factors affected your premium and request information about any changes at renewal. If you believe the rating practice violates state rules or you cannot resolve the issue, contact your state department of insurance for consumer assistance.