Buy Cheap Auto Insurance for Teenagers in 2024
GEICO offers the best auto insurance rates for teenage drivers at $124.81 for minimum liability and $311.92 for full coverage.
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Cynthia Lanctot
Licensed Agent
Cynthia Lanctot is an insurance professional with ten years of industry experience. Cynthia is licensed in several states, and holds an associate in claims law, as well as a bachelor’s degree in English. Cynthia’s experience includes the New England and Northeast states. She currently works as a liability claims professional and an occasional online contributor.
Licensed Agent
UPDATED: Sep 17, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 17, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our auto insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different auto insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Teen drivers should expect to pay more than older drivers because they’re new to the road
- Teens can ask for auto insurance discounts to offset the more expensive rates
- Adding a teen to an existing policy is much cheaper than getting a separate policy on their own
When you’re a teenage driver, navigating through all of your auto insurance options is tough. The best car insurance you can buy will depend on a number of factors, including your age, where you live, and what discounts you qualify for.
When you start looking for auto insurance for teenagers, compare more than one company. Average car insurance rates by age vary, and a 16-year-old male looking for full coverage will pay around $311.92 a month with Geico but $637.85 with Allstate. Liberty Mutual would cost the same teen $785.31 per month. This is why comparing prices is important to find the best auto insurance companies for teens.
How much is car insurance for teen drivers?
Age is an important factor used by the majority of big-name auto insurance companies when it comes time to figure out what your monthly rates will cost. A 16-year-old driver will have different rates than an 18-year-old, even though there’s just a two-year difference.
What you pay will also depend on how much coverage you’re looking to purchase for your vehicle. Full coverage auto insurance is going to be much more expensive than obtaining only the state-required minimum.
Below we’ve compiled rates for Geico auto insurance, Allstate auto insurance, Liberty Mutual auto insurance, Progressive auto insurance, and Nationwide auto insurance to show a wide variety of teen auto insurance quotes. As mentioned above, the rates differ due to age and the type of coverage you’re researching.
Teen Insurance Rates for Minimum Coverage
Minimum coverage is one way teen drivers can keep their payments low and still follow the guidelines for minimum auto insurance required in their state. These are the average rates for the minimum amount of coverage necessary, which is set by each state.
Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates by Age and Gender
| Companies | Single 17-Year-Old Female Rates | Single 17-Year-Old Male Rates | Single 25-Year-Old Female Rates | Single 25-Year-Old Male Rates | Married 35-Year-Old Female Rates | Married 35-Year-Old Male Rates | Married 60-Year-Old Female Rates | Married 60-Year-Old Male Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $4,807.54 | $5,385.61 | $1,988.52 | $2,126.14 | $1,551.43 | $1,540.32 | $1,449.85 | $1,448.98 |
| Geico | $5,653.55 | $6,278.96 | $2,378.89 | $2,262.87 | $2,302.89 | $2,312.38 | $2,247.06 | $2,283.45 |
| Nationwide | $5,756.37 | $7,175.31 | $2,686.48 | $2,889.04 | $2,360.49 | $2,387.43 | $2,130.26 | $2,214.62 |
| State Farm | $5,953.88 | $7,324.34 | $2,335.96 | $2,554.56 | $2,081.72 | $2,081.72 | $1,873.89 | $1,873.89 |
| American Family | $5,996.50 | $8,130.50 | $2,288.65 | $2,694.72 | $2,202.70 | $2,224.31 | $1,992.92 | $2,014.38 |
| Farmers | $8,521.97 | $9,144.04 | $2,946.80 | $3,041.44 | $2,556.98 | $2,557.75 | $2,336.80 | $2,448.39 |
| Progressive | $8,689.95 | $9,625.49 | $2,697.73 | $2,758.66 | $2,296.90 | $2,175.27 | $1,991.49 | $2,048.63 |
| Allstate | $9,282.19 | $10,642.53 | $3,424.87 | $3,570.93 | $3,156.09 | $3,123.01 | $2,913.37 | $2,990.64 |
| Travelers | $9,307.32 | $12,850.91 | $2,325.25 | $2,491.21 | $2,178.66 | $2,199.51 | $2,051.98 | $2,074.41 |
| Liberty Mutual | $11,621.01 | $13,718.69 | $3,959.67 | $4,503.13 | $3,802.77 | $3,856.84 | $3,445.00 | $3,680.53 |
Geico is the cheapest monthly option for a 16-year-old looking for minimum coverage at $124.81. Liberty Mutual and Progressive are nearly tied with the most expensive rates.
The average that a 17-year-old will pay for minimum coverage would be $183.83 a month, taking into account the various companies and offered rates.
Next are the auto insurance rates for 18-year-olds, which will be different than those for a 16-year-old despite the small age gap.
Female teenage drivers pay less than male teenage drivers across the board for both full coverage and minimum coverage. For example, a female teen driver will pay $130.86 for minimum coverage with Nationwide, while a male teen driver is expected to pay $167.32.
On average, a 19-year-old will pay $120.92 a month, given the same variables. The age gaps are small, but the savings can increase the older you get.
The same is also true when it comes to full coverage. Scroll down to compare teen auto insurance quotes for full coverage by company.
Teen Insurance Rates for Full Coverage
Full coverage includes collision insurance and comprehensive insurance coverage, which means a driver will potentially have fewer out-of-pocket costs after an accident. In addition, it covers more situations, including collisions with other vehicles, hitting a deer, and damage done due to weather conditions.
Teens will pay more for this kind of coverage, but it might be required if you have an auto loan or lease the vehicle. Full coverage is often recommended, especially for new drivers, because they are at higher risk while on the road. Having all your insurance bases covered as a fresh driver can be more cost-effective down the line.
Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates by Age, Gender, and Marital Status
| Companies | Single 17-Year-Old Female Rates | Single 17-Year-Old Male Rates | Single 25-Year-Old Female Rates | Single 25-Year-Old Male Rates | Married 35-Year-Old Female Rates | Married 35-Year-Old Male Rates | Married 60-Year-Old Female Rates | Married 60-Year-Old Male Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $4,808 | $5,386 | $1,989 | $2,126 | $1,551 | $1,540 | $1,450 | $1,449 |
| Geico | $5,654 | $6,279 | $2,379 | $2,263 | $2,303 | $2,312 | $2,241 | $2,283 |
| Nationwide | $5,756 | $7,175 | $2,686 | $2,889 | $2,360 | $2,387 | $2,130 | $2,215 |
| State Farm | $5,954 | $7,324 | $2,336 | $2,555 | $2,082 | $2,082 | $1,874 | $1,874 |
| American Family | $5,997 | $8,131 | $2,289 | $2,695 | $2,203 | $2,224 | $1,993 | $2,014 |
| Farmers | $8,522 | $9,144 | $2,947 | $3,041 | $2,557 | $2,558 | $2,337 | $2,448 |
| Progressive | $8,690 | $9,625 | $2,698 | $2,759 | $2,297 | $2,175 | $1,991 | $2,049 |
| Allstate | $9,282 | $10,643 | $3,425 | $3,571 | $3,156 | $3,123 | $2,913 | $2,991 |
| Travelers | $9,307 | $12,851 | $2,325 | $2,491 | $2,179 | $2,200 | $2,052 | $2,074 |
| Liberty Mutual | $11,621 | $13,719 | $3,960 | $4,503 | $3,803 | $3,857 | $3,445 | $3,681 |
For full coverage monthly rates, the highest is Progressive at $813.86. Geico is the most affordable at $311.92.
On average, a 17-year-old will pay $447.75 for full coverage. So even though there’s only a year gap, it’s important to be aware of how the price of your policy changes with age.
It should be noted that the rates go down for 18-year-old drivers, even when it comes to purchasing full coverage. The older you get, the more your rates will decrease up to a certain point.
When you become a senior, your rates will sometimes increase, so there’s a sweet spot where age is concerned when you will pay the lowest rates — usually around 40 and 45 years. This is why it’s important to make sure you’re shopping within the accurate age bracket and remember that rates will be different depending on where you live.
A 19-year-old will pay $309.67 a month for full coverage. As with any age bracket and policy, these prices vary significantly based on location.
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Insuring a Teenage Driver by State
Each state is different when it comes to auto insurance requirements. Car insurance for teen drivers is no exception. Before you start shopping for a specific policy, you should find out what the minimum auto insurance requirements in your state will be.
The best auto insurance for teen drivers can span a few different companies. Below we’ve provided examples for a 16-year-old’s full coverage policy by state, with average rates dependent on a clean driving record.
Annual Average Auto Insurance Rates by State and Company
| States | Average Annual Rates by State | Annual Average Allstate Rates | Annual Average American Family Rates | Annual Average Farmers Rates | Annual Average Geico Rates | Annual Average Liberty Mutual Rates | Annual Average Nationwide Rates | Annual Average Progressive Rates | Annual Average State Farm Rates | Annual Average Travelers Rates | Annual Average USAA Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $3,566.96 | $3,311.52 | Data Not Available | $4,185.80 | $2,866.60 | $4,005.48 | $2,662.66 | $4,450.52 | $4,798.15 | $3,697.80 | $2,124.09 |
| Alaska | $3,421.51 | $3,145.31 | $4,153.07 | Data Not Available | $2,879.96 | $5,295.55 | Data Not Available | $3,062.85 | $2,228.12 | Data Not Available | $2,454.21 |
| Arizona | $3,770.97 | $4,904.10 | Data Not Available | $5,000.08 | $2,264.71 | Data Not Available | $3,496.08 | $3,577.50 | $4,756.25 | $3,084.74 | $3,084.29 |
| Arkansas | $4,124.98 | $5,150.03 | Data Not Available | $4,257.87 | $3,484.63 | Data Not Available | $3,861.79 | $5,312.09 | $2,789.03 | $5,973.33 | $2,171.06 |
| California | $3,688.93 | $4,532.96 | Data Not Available | $4,998.78 | $2,885.65 | $3,034.42 | $4,653.19 | $2,849.67 | $4,202.28 | $3,349.54 | $2,693.87 |
| Colorado | $3,876.39 | $5,537.17 | $3,733.02 | $5,290.24 | $3,091.69 | $2,797.74 | $3,739.47 | $4,231.92 | $3,270.77 | Data Not Available | $3,338.87 |
| Connecticut | $4,618.92 | $5,831.60 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $3,073.66 | $7,282.87 | $3,672.34 | $4,920.35 | $2,976.24 | $6,004.29 | $3,190.00 |
| Delaware | $5,986.32 | $6,316.06 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $3,727.29 | $18,360.02 | $4,330.21 | $4,181.83 | $4,466.85 | $4,182.36 | $2,325.98 |
| District of Columbia | $4,439.24 | $6,468.92 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $3,692.81 | Data Not Available | $4,848.98 | $4,970.26 | $4,074.05 | Data Not Available | $2,580.44 |
| Florida | $4,680.46 | $7,440.46 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $3,783.63 | $5,368.15 | $4,339.60 | $5,583.30 | $3,397.67 | Data Not Available | $2,850.41 |
| Georgia | $4,966.83 | $4,210.70 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $2,977.20 | $10,053.44 | $6,484.90 | $4,499.22 | $3,384.88 | Data Not Available | $3,157.46 |
| Hawaii | $2,555.64 | $2,173.49 | Data Not Available | $4,763.82 | $3,358.86 | $3,189.55 | $2,551.83 | $2,177.93 | $1,040.28 | Data Not Available | $1,189.35 |
| Idaho | $2,979.09 | $4,088.76 | $3,728.79 | $3,168.28 | $2,770.68 | $2,301.51 | $3,032.19 | Data Not Available | $1,867.96 | $3,226.29 | $1,877.61 |
| Illinois | $3,305.48 | $5,204.41 | $3,815.31 | $4,605.20 | $2,779.16 | $2,277.65 | $2,711.81 | $3,536.65 | $2,344.88 | $2,499.76 | $2,770.21 |
| Indiana | $3,414.97 | $3,978.81 | $3,679.68 | $3,437.55 | $2,261.07 | $5,781.35 | Data Not Available | $3,898.00 | $2,408.94 | $3,393.75 | $1,630.86 |
| Iowa | $2,981.28 | $2,965.86 | $3,021.81 | $2,435.72 | $2,296.16 | $4,415.28 | $2,735.44 | $2,395.50 | $2,224.51 | $5,429.38 | $1,852.57 |
| Kansas | $3,279.62 | $4,010.23 | $2,146.40 | $3,703.77 | $3,220.65 | $4,784.42 | $2,475.59 | $4,144.38 | $2,720.00 | $4,341.43 | $2,382.61 |
| Kentucky | $5,195.40 | $7,143.92 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $4,633.59 | $5,930.97 | $5,503.23 | $5,547.63 | $3,354.32 | $6,551.68 | $2,897.89 |
| Louisiana | $5,711.34 | $5,998.79 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $6,154.60 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $7,471.10 | $4,579.12 | Data Not Available | $4,353.12 |
| Maine | $2,953.28 | $3,675.59 | Data Not Available | $2,770.15 | $2,823.05 | $4,331.39 | Data Not Available | $3,643.59 | $2,198.68 | $2,252.97 | $1,930.79 |
| Maryland | $4,582.70 | $5,233.17 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $3,832.63 | $9,297.55 | $2,915.69 | $4,094.86 | $3,960.87 | Data Not Available | $2,744.14 |
| Massachusetts | $2,678.85 | $2,708.53 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $1,510.17 | $4,339.35 | Data Not Available | $3,835.11 | $1,361.86 | $3,537.94 | $1,458.99 |
| Michigan | $10,498.64 | $22,902.59 | Data Not Available | $8,503.60 | $6,430.11 | $20,000.04 | $6,327.38 | $5,364.55 | $12,565.52 | $8,773.97 | $3,620.00 |
| Minnesota | $4,403.25 | $4,532.01 | $3,521.29 | $3,137.45 | $3,498.54 | $13,563.61 | $2,926.49 | Data Not Available | $2,066.99 | Data Not Available | $2,861.60 |
| Mississippi | $3,664.57 | $4,942.11 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $4,087.21 | $4,455.94 | $2,756.53 | $4,308.85 | $2,980.48 | $3,729.32 | $2,056.13 |
| Missouri | $3,328.93 | $4,096.15 | $3,286.90 | $4,312.19 | $2,885.33 | $4,518.67 | $2,265.35 | $3,419.14 | $2,692.91 | Data Not Available | $2,525.78 |
| Montana | $3,220.84 | $4,672.10 | Data Not Available | $3,907.55 | $3,602.35 | $1,326.11 | $3,478.26 | $4,330.76 | $2,417.74 | Data Not Available | $2,031.89 |
| Nebraska | $3,283.68 | $3,198.83 | $2,215.13 | $3,997.29 | $3,837.49 | $6,241.52 | $2,603.94 | $3,758.01 | $2,438.71 | Data Not Available | $2,330.78 |
| Nevada | $4,861.70 | $5,371.62 | $5,441.18 | $5,595.56 | $3,662.09 | $6,201.55 | $3,477.14 | $4,062.57 | $5,796.34 | $5,360.41 | $3,069.07 |
| New Hampshire | $3,151.77 | $2,725.01 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $1,615.02 | $8,444.41 | $2,491.10 | $2,694.45 | $2,185.46 | Data Not Available | $1,906.96 |
| New Jersey | $5,515.21 | $5,713.58 | Data Not Available | $7,617.00 | $2,754.94 | $6,766.62 | Data Not Available | $3,972.72 | $7,527.16 | $4,254.49 | Data Not Available |
| New Mexico | $3,463.64 | $4,200.65 | Data Not Available | $4,315.53 | $4,458.30 | Data Not Available | $3,514.38 | $3,119.18 | $2,340.66 | Data Not Available | $2,296.77 |
| New York | $4,289.88 | $4,740.97 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $2,428.24 | $6,540.73 | $4,012.93 | $3,771.15 | $4,484.58 | $4,578.79 | $3,761.69 |
| North Carolina | $3,393.11 | $7,190.43 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $2,936.69 | $2,182.71 | $2,848.03 | $2,382.61 | $3,078.65 | $3,132.66 | Data Not Available |
| North Dakota | $4,165.84 | $4,669.31 | $3,812.40 | $3,092.49 | $2,668.24 | $12,852.83 | $2,560.35 | $3,623.06 | $2,560.53 | Data Not Available | $2,006.80 |
| Ohio | $2,709.71 | $3,197.22 | $1,515.17 | $3,423.01 | $1,867.19 | $4,429.74 | $3,300.89 | $3,436.96 | $2,507.88 | $3,135.16 | $1,478.46 |
| Oklahoma | $4,142.33 | $3,718.62 | Data Not Available | $4,142.40 | $3,437.34 | $6,874.62 | Data Not Available | $4,832.35 | $2,816.80 | Data Not Available | $3,174.15 |
| Oregon | $3,467.77 | $4,765.95 | $3,527.28 | $3,753.52 | $3,220.12 | $4,334.55 | $3,176.83 | $3,629.13 | $2,731.48 | $2,892.19 | $2,587.15 |
| Pennsylvania | $4,034.50 | $3,984.12 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $2,605.22 | $6,055.20 | $2,800.37 | $4,451.00 | $2,744.23 | $7,842.47 | $1,793.37 |
| Rhode Island | $5,003.36 | $4,959.45 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $5,602.63 | $6,184.12 | $4,409.63 | $5,231.09 | $2,406.51 | $6,909.45 | $4,323.98 |
| South Carolina | $3,781.14 | $3,903.43 | Data Not Available | $4,691.85 | $3,178.01 | Data Not Available | $3,625.49 | $4,573.08 | $3,071.34 | Data Not Available | $3,424.77 |
| South Dakota | $3,982.27 | $4,723.72 | $4,047.47 | $3,768.80 | $2,940.29 | $7,515.99 | $2,737.66 | $3,752.81 | $2,306.23 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available |
| Tennessee | $3,660.89 | $4,828.85 | Data Not Available | $3,430.07 | $3,283.42 | $6,206.69 | $3,424.96 | $3,656.91 | $2,639.30 | $2,738.52 | $2,739.28 |
| Texas | $4,043.28 | $5,485.44 | $4,848.72 | Data Not Available | $3,263.28 | Data Not Available | $3,867.55 | $4,664.69 | $2,879.94 | Data Not Available | $2,487.89 |
| Utah | $3,611.89 | $3,566.42 | $3,698.77 | $3,907.99 | $2,965.57 | $4,327.76 | $2,986.57 | $3,830.10 | $4,645.83 | Data Not Available | $2,491.10 |
| Vermont | $3,234.13 | $3,190.38 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $2,195.71 | $3,621.08 | $2,128.21 | $5,217.14 | $4,382.84 | Data Not Available | $1,903.55 |
| Virginia | $2,357.87 | $3,386.80 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $2,061.53 | Data Not Available | $2,073.00 | $2,498.58 | $2,268.95 | Data Not Available | $1,858.38 |
| Washington | $3,059.32 | $3,540.52 | $3,713.02 | $2,962.00 | $2,568.65 | $3,994.73 | $2,129.84 | $3,209.52 | $2,499.78 | Data Not Available | $2,262.16 |
| West Virginia | $2,595.36 | $3,820.68 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $2,120.80 | $2,924.39 | Data Not Available | Data Not Available | $2,126.32 | Data Not Available | $1,984.62 |
| Wisconsin | $3,606.06 | $4,854.41 | $1,513.27 | $3,777.49 | $3,926.20 | $6,758.85 | $5,224.99 | $3,128.91 | $2,387.53 | Data Not Available | $2,975.74 |
| Wyoming | $3,200.08 | $4,373.93 | Data Not Available | $3,069.35 | $3,496.56 | $1,989.36 | $3,187.20 | $4,401.17 | $2,303.55 | Data Not Available | $2,779.53 |
Read more:
- Buy Cheap Minnesota Auto Insurance
- Buy Cheap Montana Auto Insurance
- Buy Cheap Nebraska Auto Insurance
- Buy Cheap Rhode Island Auto Insurance
- Buy Cheap South Carolina Auto Insurance
- Buy Cheap Tennessee Auto Insurance
- Buy Cheap Utah Auto Insurance
- Buy Cheap Washington DC Auto Insurance
- Buy Cheap Wyoming Auto Insurance
- Buy Cheap Alaska Auto Insurance
Rates can reach as high as $1,399.29 in L.A. with Progressive and as low as $129.38 in M.T. with Liberty Mutual. Teenage car insurance rates by state are going to be a little more complicated, so you should search for quotes by ZIP code to get the most affordable teen auto insurance near you.
Reasons Why Insurance for Teenagers is Expensive
Car insurance for teenagers is priced according to the risk factor associated with younger drivers. The longer you drive, the more skills you acquire, and safe driving is often rewarded with lower monthly payments.
Teens need high-risk auto insurance because there’s more of a chance of getting into an accident, costing the insurance company money should they pay out against a claim. Distracted driving and not being as confident behind the wheel of a new vehicle are examples of what can affect a teen’s driving.
Getting the best car insurance for teens won’t be cheap, but it is necessary in order to keep them safe while they’re learning the rules of the road.
How to Save Money on Car Insurance for Teenage Drivers
While cheap insurance for teens might be hard to come by initially, there are ways to mitigate the higher upfront costs. You can look for car insurance discounts, but other resources are available for teens to help them get the best car insurance possible.
- Sign up for a driving class. Defensive driving courses are not only a great way to save money, but they can impart helpful driving knowledge that can keep teen drivers safe on the road.
- Practice safe driving habits. It may seem simple, but insurance companies will reward safe drivers. You can eventually obtain a good driver discount by maintaining a clean driving record.
- Keep your vehicle practical. The more expensive the car, the more expensive it will be to insure it. Teens should drive one of the cheapest cars to insurance to keep insurance rates low.
- Ask about usage-based monitoring programs. Some auto insurance companies track driving habits via a device installed in the car or through a smartphone app. However, only consider usage-based insurance if you’re comfortable with the vehicle you’re driving. Reckless driving could lead to an increased price on your policy.
There are also certain discounts you can ask for when it comes to a teen driver:
- Good grades discount. If you’re a student, you could save around 10% on your policy, depending on the insurance company and location.
- Low-mileage discount. Only driving to and from school or just to work can help you save money.
- Student away at school. College students living on campus without a car can earn an additional discount while they aren’t driving.
Insurance companies typically require some form of proof before applying the above discounts. For example, you might need a report card or transcript for a good grade discount. And a low mileage discount may be given with proof of the mileage driven.
Adding a Teenage Driver to Your Car Insurance
Finding the best auto insurance for teens doesn’t mean you have to switch insurance companies. You may discover that your insurance provider made it on the list as one of our most affordable options. Adding a teen to an existing policy is the easiest way to get the lowest rates for teen auto insurance.
If you’re a parent shopping for a teenage driver in your household, you’ll need a few key pieces of information before you’re able to add them to your auto insurance policy.
First, determine when they must be added according to your state guidelines. Sometimes, it will need to be before they have a learner’s permit. Other states might require you to wait until they have their license.
Next, determine what type of coverage they need and how much that might raise your prices. Adding a teenage driver to a policy will increase your rates, so request quotes from other insurance companies if you feel as though your current policy will become too expensive.
Comparison shopping is common and very useful when it comes to adding a young driver to your policy. Use the above-mentioned discounts and other money-saving methods when you’re inquiring about other company rates. You’ll need to tell new insurance companies the same information as your current insurance company, including your teenager’s grades or the type of vehicle they drive.
Once you safely have your teen added to the policy of your choice, you’ll want to revisit the numbers each time your teen driver hits a milestone. That could mean a birthday or if they take a defensive driving course.
Should you let a teenager get their own policy?
Teen drivers with their own policy may spend more money than if they were included in an existing plan. You can stay on your parents’ car insurance as long as you live at home. With a family plan, there’s often the chance of other discounts at work, such as a multi-car or bundling discount. This doesn’t mean a teen driver won’t get an individual policy, you will just see higher rates.
However, there are some disadvantages to adding a teen driver to an existing policy. Monthly rates will go up, and they could skyrocket with just a single accident. If you have any good driver or claim-free discounts, those could also vanish.
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Best Auto Insurance for Teenage Drivers: The Bottom Line
The best auto insurance for teen drivers can be broken down by state, age, and type of coverage you want to buy. What you pay will also differ depending on the auto insurance companies you research.
Companies such as Geico, Allstate, Progressive, and Liberty Mutual will each have varying quotes available, so it’s best to comparison shop with at least three companies you like.
Stay involved in the process if you’re a teenage driver looking to explore the world of auto insurance. If you’re the parent of a teen driver, make sure that they’re a part of the insurance buying process.
Best Auto Insurance for Teenage Drivers: FAQs
Does a teenager need insurance with a learner’s permit?
Yes, a teen driver will need insurance with a learner’s permit. Even though they’re still learning and don’t have a license just yet, they will be behind the wheel and on the road. This means that insurance is necessary in order to keep everyone safe and meet your state’s legal requirements.
Is car insurance more expensive for teenage males?
Car insurance does tend to be more pricey for male teenage drivers. Statistics have shown that the rate of accidents among teen drivers have been higher for male teen drivers than for female teens.
Will it be cheaper to have a teen driver on their own policy?
It will actually be cheaper to add a teen driver to an existing policy, despite the potential increase in rates. An individual policy will be more expensive due to the risk they present to the insurance company, and they won’t be able to take advantage of as many existing discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is auto insurance for teenagers typically more expensive?
Auto insurance for teenagers tends to be more expensive due to several factors. Teenagers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents compared to older, more experienced drivers. Insurance companies consider this higher risk when setting premiums. Additionally, teenagers often have limited driving experience and may engage in risky behavior behind the wheel, further increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Are there any ways to lower auto insurance costs for teenagers?
Yes, there are several strategies to potentially reduce the cost of auto insurance for teenagers. One option is to add the teenager to a parent’s existing policy rather than purchasing a separate policy. This can often be more cost-effective. Additionally, taking defensive driving courses or maintaining good grades in school can sometimes qualify for discounts. It’s also worth shopping around and comparing quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best rates available.
Does the type of car affect the insurance premium for teenage drivers?
Yes, the type of car can have an impact on insurance premiums for teenage drivers. Generally, sports cars, high-performance vehicles, or vehicles with expensive repairs tend to have higher insurance costs. Choosing a safe, reliable, and low-profile car with good safety features can help keep insurance premiums more affordable for teenage drivers.
Can teenagers be eligible for any discounts on auto insurance?
Yes, there are potential discounts that teenagers may be eligible for. Some insurance companies offer discounts for students with good grades, as they believe good academic performance can reflect responsible behavior on the road. Completing a driver’s education course or a defensive driving program can also make teenagers eligible for certain discounts. It’s recommended to inquire about available discounts when obtaining insurance quotes.
Are there any specific coverage options to consider for teenage drivers?
When insuring a teenage driver, it’s important to ensure adequate coverage. While it may be tempting to choose the minimum required coverage to keep costs down, it may not provide enough protection in the event of an accident. Consider options such as collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and higher liability limits to provide comprehensive protection for both the teenager and other drivers on the road.
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Cynthia Lanctot
Licensed Agent
Cynthia Lanctot is an insurance professional with ten years of industry experience. Cynthia is licensed in several states, and holds an associate in claims law, as well as a bachelor’s degree in English. Cynthia’s experience includes the New England and Northeast states. She currently works as a liability claims professional and an occasional online contributor.
Licensed Agent
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