Insurance rates vary significantly from state to state and an identical policy can be shockingly higher depending on where you live. The primary reasons for this are local laws and frequency of claims — both of which tend to raise the cost of premiums. If you live in one of the more expensive states, there is little you can do to reduce your premium no matter how safe of a driver you are nor how safe your vehicle is. Receiving a car insurance quote can be unexpectedly high in some cases!
State laws are the most common reason insurance will be expensive. Some states have particular laws regarding litigation (for either personal injury or property damage) which can allow for grieved parties to receive considerable settlements. The limit for what an insurance company is forced to pay out is not necessarily capped in some states so an injury victim can continue to receive payment for medical expenses years after the accident. The insurance company must absorb these costs and those costs are passed onto the consumer in the way of higher rates.
High traffic highways will invariably have more accidents than low traffic thoroughfares. In an area where accidents are statistically high the rates for a car insurance quote will be proportionally high. States that attract a large number of tourists can also be surprisingly expensive. A low population density state with a large tourist draw can easily be one of the more expensive states in which to have insurance.
If you live in a state with high insurance premiums, there is not very much you can do directly to mitigate these costs. Basically you are forced to pay for the decisions lawmakers have passed and you are at the mercy of statistical analysts. Lobbying local politicians for a law change is a long term plan that would potentially lower rates. There tends to be numerous antiquated or knee-jerk reaction laws that are in place and will not be repealed or modified unless a citizen brings such to the attention of their representatives.
Changing your driving habits to include fewer miles can lower your rates and avoiding dangerous areas (high traffic bypasses near major cities at times when people are coming and going from work) can reduce your chance of an accident. Raising your deductible can be a risky choice but if you have the money and can absorb a higher deductible, your monthly payments will lower.
Basically, those are common reasons why some states are more expensive than others. The less safety-conscious the population is the more you will pay.
