You’re not the only driver that feels a jolt of uncertainty when you pull up to the gas station lately. Prices have surged this year and it seems like there’s no avoiding this necessary expense for most.
Yes, costs at the pump aren’t in your control, but there is a way that you can see some savings from your transportation budget. This one expense can save you around $1,000 this year.
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The numbers for gas prices are hard to ignore, as the national average came in at $4.11 per gallon in mid-April of this year, compared to $3.17 a year earlier, according to LendingTree. Every state has seen these types of increases. In fact, the increase seems to have come quickly and without much notice.
Some drivers in different areas of the country are getting hit harder than others. California, for example, is now seeing around $5.88 per gallon, whereas Washington state is at around $5.39.
The price increases could mean reconfiguring your budget, or finding creative ways to save. Maybe you’ve already changed your driving routine, or find it cheaper to get items delivered.
Unfortunately, the prices may not drop much if global shipping continues to operate at a limited capacity. The promising news is that you can still find some savings if you’re willing to shop around for auto insurance policies.
By looking at different policy features and insurance companies, you could save hundreds to thousands of dollars a year on your car insurance policy. These savings could more than offset the increase in gas prices you face.
These savings could have to do with the fact that auto insurance premiums seem to have plateaued after years of increases. According to Insurify, average annual premiums went down by about 6% in 2025 after increases of about 46% between 2022 and 2024.
The truth is that insurance companies generally don’t keep your premiums the same or pass along any savings to existing customers, even if you haven’t made any claims or have had any changes to your situation. That’s why it doesn’t always pay to stay loyal to one company.
Here are some ways you can make comparing policies worth your time:
Amica is one of the oldest insurers in the country and consistently earns top marks for customer satisfaction, ranking above average in J.D. Power's Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, and it carries an A+ financial strength rating from AM Best. The company also offers customizable policies and the opportunity to bundle your policies for savings.
Progressive is one of the standout companies that offers a more transparent pricing comparison process. You can use its Name Your Price tool to enter a budget to see what coverage options there are for that price point. Or you can opt for its usage-based program, Snapshot, where it tracks your driving habits and lowers premiums for safe drivers.
State Farm offers competitive rates. Its Steer Clear program offers some perks for drivers under 25, where you can have the insurer monitor your driving and take advantage of education to help keep premiums in check. Aside from premium discount opportunities, you can manage your policy online or in person.
Nationwide also offers a usage-based program called SmartRide. The program offers a discount upon enrollment, and additional savings opportunities based on how much and how safe you drive. Like the others on the list, you can bundle policies for savings and qualify for a slew of others.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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