Why Do Women Get Cheaper Car Insurance?
Last Updated on January 27, 2026
It’s common to hear that men pay more for car insurance than women. Sometimes that’s true (especially for younger drivers), but it’s not universal — and in many places, gender can’t legally be used to set auto insurance rates.
What’s consistent is this: car insurance is priced using expected risk and expected claim cost. So if you’re shopping and want the lowest rate, the better question isn’t “Is it unfair?” — it’s “What can I control to get a cheaper quote?”
Below is how gender-based pricing works (where allowed), where it’s banned, and how new technology is making pricing more individual.
Quick answer: Women sometimes get cheaper car insurance because (in states where it’s allowed) insurers may see lower average claim risk/cost for certain age groups. But it’s not universal—some states ban gender pricing entirely, and many drivers’ rates are driven more by tickets, claims, ZIP code, vehicle, mileage, and coverage than gender.
Key Takeaways
- Men sometimes pay more for car insurance (especially when young), but it depends heavily on state rules and the insurer’s pricing model.
- Several states require genderless (“unisex”) auto insurance pricing, so gender can’t be used as a rating factor there.
- Your driving record, ZIP code, vehicle, coverage choices, mileage, and insurance history usually affect rates more than gender does.
- Telematics (usage-based insurance) can help insurers price you as an individual — which may reduce costs for safe drivers regardless of gender.
- Do Men Pay More for Car Insurance Than Women?
- Why Insurers Sometimes Charge Different Rates by Gender
- Where Gender-Based Auto Insurance Pricing Is Banned
- What Matters More Than Gender for Your Car Insurance Rate
- Basing It on the Individual
- How to Lower Your Premium (Regardless of Gender)
- FAQs on Men vs. Women Car Insurance Rates
- Bottom Line
Do Men Pay More for Car Insurance Than Women?
Often, yes — but not always. The difference is usually most noticeable for teen drivers and drivers in their early 20s. As drivers get older and build a longer driving history, gender tends to matter less than things like tickets, claims, credit (where allowed), the car you drive, and your ZIP code.
Also, some states require “unisex” pricing for auto insurance. In those states, insurers can’t use gender at all, even if their historical data shows differences.
Why Insurers Sometimes Charge Different Rates by Gender
Insurers price policies based on the likelihood of a claim and how expensive that claim would be. Historically, certain groups of drivers have been involved in more severe crashes and higher-risk behaviors (like speeding or impaired driving), which can raise average claim costs.
That said, it’s important to avoid oversimplifying this as “men are bad drivers” or “women are safer by nature.” Group averages don’t define individual drivers, and insurers increasingly rely on more individualized pricing signals.
It can also go the other way: in some situations, women may face higher costs tied to injury patterns, medical claim severity, or vehicle safety factors — which is one reason the “men always pay more” claim isn’t a universal rule.
When Women Can Pay More (Yes, It Happens)
Even in places where gender is allowed as a rating factor, women can sometimes see higher quotes depending on the insurer’s data and how claims play out for certain drivers.
- Higher injury/medical claim severity in some scenarios can raise average claim costs.
- Coverage mix differences (for example, more robust protection) can increase premiums even if risk is lower.
- Vehicle/trim choices with higher repair costs or theft risk can outweigh any gender-based effect.
- Individual factors (claims, tickets, mileage, territory, insurance history) can easily dominate the quote.
And this all has a significant effect when one goes out to compare auto insurance rates.
Where Gender-Based Auto Insurance Pricing Is Banned
Auto insurance rules are set state-by-state. Some states prohibit insurers from using gender as a rating factor (or have legal decisions that effectively require genderless pricing). If you live in one of these states, any pricing difference you see is coming from other factors.
| State | Can insurers use gender for auto rates? | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| California | No | Gender can’t be used—rate differences come from other factors. |
| Hawaii | No | Gender can’t be used—focus on vehicle, mileage, and driving record. |
| Massachusetts | No | Gender can’t be used—pricing is based on other approved rating factors. |
| Michigan | No | Gender can’t be used—other variables drive the quote. |
| North Carolina | No | Gender can’t be used—focus on record, territory, and coverage choices. |
| Pennsylvania | No | Gender can’t be used—differences come from the rest of your profile. |
Important: Auto insurance rating rules can change. If you want the definitive rule for your state today, check your state Department of Insurance or ask the insurer during quoting which rating factors they’re allowed to use.
Even if your state allows gender-based pricing, many insurers still weigh other variables far more heavily than gender.
What Matters More Than Gender for Your Car Insurance Rate
If you’re trying to lower your premium, these factors usually move the needle more than gender:
| Factor | Why it changes your rate | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Driving record | Tickets/accidents strongly predict future claims. | Drive violation-free; ask about defensive driving discounts (where available). |
| ZIP code / territory | Local theft, crash frequency, and claim costs vary by area. | Shop multiple insurers; small underwriting differences can matter a lot. |
| Vehicle choice | Repair costs, theft risk, and safety tech affect claim severity. | Before buying, quote a few trims/years to compare insurance cost. |
| Coverage limits & deductibles | More protection usually costs more; higher deductibles lower premium. | Raise deductibles only if you can afford the out-of-pocket risk. |
| Mileage & usage | More time on the road = more exposure to crashes. | Update annual miles; ask about low-mileage/UBI programs. |
| Insurance history | Lapses (where allowed) and short time insured can raise rates. | Avoid lapses; keep continuous coverage when possible. |
If you’re worried about protection gaps, don’t overlook optional coverages like uninsured motorist coverage, which can matter a lot depending on your state and driving environment.
Is It “Testosterone-Fueled”?
You’ll sometimes see older explanations blaming hormones or personality traits. In reality, insurers don’t price based on biology — they price based on observed outcomes like claims frequency and severity. Those outcomes can be influenced by many things (risk tolerance, driving exposure, when/where people drive, and driving behavior), and they vary widely person-to-person.
The good news is that the industry is moving toward pricing that’s more about what you do than who you are.
Basing It on the Individual
One of the biggest shifts in auto insurance is the rise of telematics (also called usage-based insurance). This is the “new technology” that can reward safe drivers with lower rates — regardless of gender.
Telematics typically uses a smartphone app or a plug-in device to measure driving signals like mileage, time of day, hard braking, fast acceleration, speeding, and sometimes phone distraction. Insurers use that data to better estimate your individual risk — which can give careful drivers another strong point with which to compare rates.
Years ago, these programs were limited. Today, many major carriers offer them, often because they’re offering them discounts to participate.
Of course, telematics isn’t for everyone. If you’re uncomfortable with tracking, or if your driving habits include frequent late-night driving, hard braking, or lots of stop-and-go miles, it may not help. (And not all programs are “discount-only,” so always read the terms.)
If you want to shop broadly, start with a list of insurance companies and compare at least a few quotes. If your record includes violations or a lapse, you may be quoted as a riskier driver — but even then, pricing varies a lot by insurer.
How to Lower Your Premium (Regardless of Gender)
- Shop quotes every renewal (or at least once per year) — pricing changes constantly.
- Fix what you can: tickets age off, claims-free time helps, and continuous coverage often lowers costs.
- Adjust coverage strategically: higher deductibles can lower premiums if you can afford the out-of-pocket risk.
- Drive fewer miles (when possible) and make sure your insurer has your correct mileage and usage category.
- Consider telematics if you’re a genuinely safe driver and you’re comfortable with the program terms.
Car insurance quote checklist (to compare apples-to-apples):
- Use the same liability limits, comp/collision deductibles, and add-ons for every quote.
- Confirm your annual mileage and usage (commute vs. pleasure) are correct.
- Quote the same vehicle trim (or try a second trim to see how repair costs change the price).
- Ask about discount eligibility (bundling, safe driver, low-mileage, telematics).
- Check whether the insurer treats the telematics program as discount-only or if rates can increase.
FAQs on Men vs. Women Car Insurance Rates
Bottom Line
Men sometimes pay more than women for car insurance, but it depends on your state and your individual risk profile. The biggest pricing trend today is more individualized rating — meaning your driving history and driving behavior can matter more than broad categories. If you want the best rate, the most reliable strategy is still the same: keep a clean record and compare auto insurance rates regularly.
