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Beth Swanson

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Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. She is a licensed insurance agent whose goal is to make insurance content easy to r…

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Nathan is an insurance professional with a focus on creating positive customer experiences with more than 10 years of industry experience.

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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

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Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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How much does car insurance cost in St. Petersburg?

Car insurance in St. Petersburg costs an average of $1,577 for a six-month policy or $263 per month on average. In 2024 our data shows Travelers is the cheapest car insurance company in St. Petersburg with rates at $1,026 for a six-month policy. St. Petersburg drivers pay more than the average for car insurance in Florida ($1,461 every six months) and more than the national average of $880.

According to our customers in St. Petersburg, 44% of them said they're paying too much for their car insurance. If you agree or just need help with your car insurance, read on to learn more about what a fair rate looks like in St. Petersburg based on common factors like credit score, coverage level, and more.

Car Insurance in Saint Petersburg vs. Florida Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Florida Average $1,461
Saint Petersburg Average $1,577

The cheapest car insurance companies in St. Petersburg

1st place medal
1st place: Travelers

Travelers is the cheapest option in St. Petersburg at $171 per month or $1,026 for a six-month policy.

2nd place medal
2nd place: State Farm

The second most affordable option in St. Petersburg for auto insurance is through State Farm. A six-month policy with State Farm costs $1,052, which comes out to $175 per month.

3rd place medal
3rd place: GEICO

In third place on our list of cheap St. Petersburg insurers is GEICO, which costs $256 per month ($1,534 for a six-month policy).

The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in St. Petersburg:

  • The average cost of a car insurance policy in St. Petersburg is $1,577 per six-month policy — $263 per month.
  • The cheapest company in St. Petersburg is Travelers ($171/month).
  • 44% of Zebra customers in St. Petersburg stated they used our product because they were paying too much for car insurance, currently.

Are you paying too much for auto insurance?

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St. Petersburg car insurance rates by company

Our 2024 data indicates that the most budget-friendly company for full coverage car insurance in St. Petersburg is Travelers, offering coverage at $171 per month or $1,026 for a six-month policy. Following closely is State Farm, with policies starting at $175 per month or $1,052 for a six-month coverage.

For more insights into top-rated car insurance companies, refer to The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

 

Cheapest car insurance companies in St. Petersburg, FL
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Travelers $1,026
State Farm $1,052
GEICO $1,534
Mercury $1,567
Allstate $1,787
MetLife $1,873
AIG $1,904

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Shop around for the best rates


The only way to find the cheapest coverage for you is to compare. Our comparison service can help. Enter your ZIP code to see rates from Travelers, State Farm, GEICO, Nationwide, and other top companies in St. Petersburg, and find the best and most affordable car insurance.

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Average car insurance in St. Petersburg by rating factor

To establish an impartial premium that corresponds to a driver's situation, car insurance companies rely on an array of rating factors that aid in gauging the risk you represent. These rating factors, such as age, credit score, claims history, and additional criteria, are commonly employed by most companies. However, certain insurance providers place varying emphasis on different factors.

Given this understanding, it is important to emphasize that the most appropriate auto insurance company for you can shift as you advance in age or undergo alterations in your profile. Consistently procuring new quotes can offer valuable insights to determine if you are still securing the most favorable rates.

Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?

A: The end-of-year earnings, comparing the premiums' revenue with the expenditure incurred in settling insureds' claims, significantly influence the car insurance rates in St. Petersburg. Even if you haven't made any claims with your insurance provider, you could still find yourself burdened with higher premium payments due to the escalating costs associated with conducting business in St. Petersburg.

Auto insurance premiums by age in St. Petersburg

Age stands as one of the foremost rating factors impacting car insurance premiums, exerting a profound influence on the cost. Given that teenage drivers possess the highest potential for accidents among all age groups, it is customary for them to encounter the highest premium charges.

In St. Petersburg, the contrast in rates paid by teen drivers and individuals in their 20s amounts to $5,186 per year, marking it as the most substantial distinction between any two age brackets. Although this may seem inequitable, insurance companies must adopt such practices to effectively manage risks. Imposing higher premiums on teen drivers enables companies to offset the escalated expenses involved in claims settlements.

Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in St. Petersburg, FL
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $3,088
Travelers $3,165
State Farm $3,444
AIG $4,599
MetLife $5,632
Allstate $6,012
Mercury $8,153
Age Bracket Cheapest Companies Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s Travelers $1,225
30s Travelers $1,023
40s Travelers $936
50s Travelers $880
60s Travelers $880
70s Travelers $1,027

Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for St. Petersburg drivers between 20-40 are GEICO, Travelers, and State Farm


Our data indicate that St. Petersburg has a significant number of drivers falling within the 20-40 age bracket. On average, drivers in this age range pay $1,801 over a period of six months. Opting for these companies can potentially result in savings of 26% for this group.

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in St. Petersburg

The choice of coverage you make for your policy plays a major role in determining your insurance rates. The more coverage you enroll in, the more expensive your policy will be. Quite a few drivers in St. Petersburg drivers carry only the minimum coverage required by the state. While this fulfills the legal obligation, having only the minimum limits puts you at risk of being underinsured.

Collision and comprehensive coverage, while recommended, can increase your rates. This combination, commonly referred to as "full coverage," offers a broader scope of protection for your vehicle. These coverages typically require a deductible, which also has an effect on your rates depending on the amount you choose.

Additional features like roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage hold substantial value. These coverages prove invaluable in emergency situations or in cases where you collide with an uninsured driver. Despite the additional cost reflected in your premium, we encourage you to contemplate their incorporation as they go a long way in safeguarding your vehicle and ensuring your personal well-being.

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

If you are currently leasing or financing your vehicle, you likely have a required level of coverage to maintain it. However, if you own your vehicle outright it may be worth considering whether removing comprehensive or collision coverage is appropriate. We recommend obtaining the actual cash value of your vehicle using Kelley Blue Book or another reputable source. As a general guideline, if your vehicle's value is less than $4,000, collision coverage may not be necessary. Nonetheless, it is crucial to understand that eliminating these coverages means that you will need to personally cover any repair expenses.

Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in St. Petersburg, FL
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Travelers $284
Mercury $311
State Farm $324
GEICO $356
MetLife $440
Allstate $499
AIG $643

46% of our customers in St. Petersburg opt for basic coverage, but this may not be the best option for everyone. It's important to consider all your options and see what coverage best fits your needs. While we understand state minimum or basic coverage is a budget-friendly solution, it does leave you at risk for damages that exceed your liability limits. Also, Florida is unique in that it is a no-fault state, which means that drivers aren't required to have bodily injury liability insurance. No matter whose fault an accident is, your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will step in to provide coverage for injuries. Florida's requirements are $10,000 in property damage liability and $10,000 in PIP coverage.

Learn more about insurance laws in Florida.

St. Petersburg car insurance rates by credit score

While some states have chosen to no longer consider credit scores as a rating factor, Florida retains the practice of incorporating this numeric value when evaluating policies. The credit score has historically provided insights into drivers' likelihood of filing claims—those with lower credit scores exhibit a greater tendency for engaging in risky driving behaviors, encountering coverage gaps, and initiating claims. Consequently, insurance companies view a lower credit score as an increased risk to insure.

Interestingly enough, St. Petersburg drivers with poor credit (300-579) encounter a noteworthy 96% escalation in insurance costs compared to drivers with excellent credit (800-850). Our gathered data indicates that 33% of drivers in St. Petersburg have a credit score in the average (580-679) category. For the year 2024, State Farm stands out as the most cost-effective option for St. Petersburg drivers falling within this credit category.

car insurance in St. Petersburg by credit score
Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in St. Petersburg, FL
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
State Farm $1,933
AIG $2,050
Travelers $2,066
Mercury $2,533
GEICO $2,634
Allstate $3,296
MetLife $4,108

Zebra Tip: If you recently improved your credit score, shop around for car insurance!


Based on our data from Florida, it is evident that drivers with "Fair" credit enjoy a reduction of $1,512 in their yearly car insurance expenses compared to drivers with "Poor" credit. If you have recently settled a loan or implemented credit-improving strategies, we encourage you to review your preferred credit monitoring software to determine if your recent efforts can yield savings on your car insurance!

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

Among the plethora of insurance claims, at-fault accidents and collisions rank as the prevailing incidents. In 2024, an at-fault accident resulted in the average car insurance rates in St. Petersburg increasing by about $116 per month. Following an at-fault accident, Travelers proves to be the most affordable insurance company in St. Petersburg.

Regardless of the city you are in, the most effective method to retain affordable auto insurance rates is by maintaining a clean driving record. Offenses like speeding tickets, charges of reckless driving, DUIs, and at-fault accidents inevitably result in rate increases. It is worth noting that many of these violations can linger on your record for a period ranging from three to five years, with an extended duration for DUI or DWI cases.

Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in St. Petersburg, FL
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Travelers $1,323
State Farm $1,404
GEICO $1,905
Mercury $2,671
AIG $2,758
Allstate $2,783
MetLife $3,143

St. Petersburg car insurance rates by violation

Did you know that the type of violation affects how much your rate increases? See the chart below to see how different violations affect your rates.

 

Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in St. Petersburg, FL
Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
One Med/PIP claim $1,577 0% $0
None $1,577 0% $0
Not-at-fault accident $1,633 4% $55
Two Med/PIP claims $1,693 7% $115
One comp claim $1,703 8% $126
Two comp claims $1,755 11% $177
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,781 13% $204
Child safety restraint $1,781 13% $204
Driving without lights $1,787 13% $209
Failure to show documents $1,787 13% $209
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,808 15% $231
Passing school bus $1,829 16% $252
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,837 16% $260
Improper passing $1,838 17% $261
Failure to stop at a red light $1,840 17% $263
Failure to yield $1,840 17% $263
Illegal turn $1,841 17% $263
Driving with expired registration $1,843 17% $265
Following too closely $1,843 17% $265
Cell phone violation $1,843 17% $265
Texting while driving $1,848 17% $271
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,877 19% $300
Speeding in school zone $1,893 20% $316
Driving too slowly $1,893 20% $316
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,945 23% $368
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,957 24% $380
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,974 25% $397
Open container $2,020 28% $443
In 65 MPH zone $2,100 33% $523
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $2,229 41% $651
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $2,274 44% $697
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $2,274 44% $697
Racing $2,379 51% $802
DUI $2,432 54% $855
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $2,432 54% $855
Driving with a suspended license $2,499 58% $922
Reckless driving $2,525 60% $948
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $2,553 62% $975

Why is car insurance in St. Petersburg so expensive?

In comparison to the average rate in the state of Florida and the national average, car insurance in St. Petersburg proves to be relatively costly. Multiple factors contribute to this circumstance: St. Petersburg's status as a major city in Florida, metropolitan areas generally accommodating a larger population and more drivers, resulting in an increased likelihood of accidents. 

Additionally, the cost of living in St. Petersburg exceeds that of other towns in Florida, leading car insurance companies to impose higher rates to cover their expenses. In addition to personal rating factors, location-specific elements impact the heightened cost of car insurance in St. Petersburg, regardless of one's driving profile.

location
Location

In St. Petersburg, the location of your residence affects how much you pay for car insurance. Although this is somewhat beyond your control, it does influence risk. Certain areas are simply more susceptible to theft, other crimes, and uninsured drivers than others. This can differ by hundreds of dollars between neighborhoods in some cities. If you live in a high-crime area, you will likely pay more for auto insurance than someone who lives in a safer neighborhood.

Expensive St. Petersburg ZIP codes: 33167, 33125, 33135, 33168, 33142

Cheap St. Petersburg ZIP codes: 33176, 33157, 33143, 33158, 33156

Weather risk
Weather risk

The damage caused by hurricanes and other weather-related damage has been known to bankrupt insurance companies. Florida experiences a fair amount of severe weather. The Tampa metropolitan area actually ranked #3 and #7 for storm surge and hurricane wind risk, respectively, in 2022. The number of tornadoes in Florida last year (75) and wildfires throughout the state (2,262) may also surprise you.[1] These dangerous situations can make it expensive for auto insurers to operate in Florida. In turn, they will raise their rates to anticipate further weather-related losses.

Damage to your vehicle caused by flooding is covered under your comprehensive coverage. If you have a new or nice vehicle, even if it's paid off, it's a good idea to carry comprehensive insurance if you're concerned about flooding or any other weather risks.

number of drivers
Number of drivers

St. Petersburg has become increasingly popular in the last few years as people have migrated to different regions and remote work has become more prevalent, but more people means more vehicles and therefore more accidents. Also, the St. Pete area is very popular with tourists, which adds another level of risk on the road.

The costs of accident-related claims generally get passed along to other drivers through higher rates, even if you're a safe or infrequent driver. People operating vehicles without insurance coverage also pose a significant risk, and with Florida's no-fault status and fairly low requirements, it may be worth increasing your coverage to further protect yourself from damages caused by others. 

Zebra Tip: Comprehensive coverage and uninsured property damage coverage are good to have in Florida


To address high uninsured driver rates, consider uninsured motorist coverage (UMPD) in cities or ZIP codes. It assists when your vehicle is damaged by an underinsured or uninsured driver. UMPD has a lower deductible and is cheaper than collision. A UMPD claim leads to a rate increase that is hundreds of dollars cheaper than a collision claim.

Given the volatility of Florida weather previously discussed, it is also advisable to have comprehensive coverage for your vehicle, even if it is fully paid off. You don't want to be caught underinsured if your vehicle is affected by the next hurricane or flood that hits St. Petersburg.


Bundling insurance policies in St. Petersburg

Despite the national increase in car insurance rates, there are still opportunities for savings through various discounts. One of the most common discounts offered by insurance companies is the multi-policy or bundling discount. By consolidating your home or renters insurance with your auto insurance under one provider in St. Petersburg, you can secure a noteworthy discount. Some companies even extend savings of up to 10% on combined premiums.

If you currently maintain separate policies for your home and car, it is advisable to investigate the potential cost savings achievable by bundling them together. In many cases, the effort invested in this pursuit proves to be highly worthwhile.

bundling home and auto insurance in St. Petersburg
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in St. Petersburg, FL
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
State Farm $905
Travelers $916
GEICO $1,417
Allstate $1,454
Mercury $1,463
MetLife $1,647
AIG $1,817

While you may not have control over certain factors, drivers can actively work towards making themselves more appealing to insurance providers. Our advice is to thoroughly research and get quotes from numerous companies in St. Petersburg. By undertaking this comprehensive assessment, you can secure the most affordable rate without compromising on coverage or service quality. This becomes particularly important if there have been any recent personal changes, such as a change in residence, a birthday celebration, or an improvement in your credit score.

Despite your best efforts, it's worth noting that certain companies may inherently have higher costs than others. If the opportunity arises, don't hesitate to consider switching to a more financially advantageous option.

Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!

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Frequently asked questions

St. Petersburg residents can purchase a six-month auto insurance policy at an average cost of $1,577, resulting in a monthly rate of $263. This rate is higher than both the state and national averages.

In St. Petersburg, Travelers is the auto insurance carrier with the most affordable rates, averaging $1,026 for a six-month policy. State Farm is another great option with a comparable price.

In comparison to other regions in the country, car insurance in all Florida cities tends to be more costly. The average rate for a six-month policy in the state amounts to $1,461, nearly twice the national average of $880. In St. Petersburg, insurance rates are around $263 per month, which can come as a surprise to individuals new to the area who are seeking auto insurance.


Find affordable rates in minutes!

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How much is car insurance near me? — explore more cities near St. Petersburg, FL


About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.