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Car insurance for teen drivers
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Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Key takeaways
- Auto-Owners, Geico, Nationwide, Progressive and State Farm are some of the best car insurance companies for teens, according to Bankrate’s research.
- Parents adding a 16-year-old to their policy experience the highest average rates, with an average annual full coverage premium of $5,972 for a male teen and $5,563 for a female teen.
- Massachusetts and Hawaii generally have the lowest average rates for teen drivers, likely because they don’t allow insurance companies to base rates on age. New York, Florida and Louisiana tend to have the highest average rates.
Best car insurance for teen drivers
We chose the best car insurance companies for teens by analyzing factors specific to teen drivers. First, we researched average auto insurance premiums pulled from Quadrant Information Services. Price is far from the only factor to consider when insuring a teen, though, especially when you know teens are more likely than any other age group to get into accidents. To that end, we also looked into coverage options, teen-specific discounts, safe driving programs and third-party ratings for each insurer. Because we know that accidents do sometimes happen, we also analyzed each insurer’s ranking in the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.
Each company in our analysis also received a general Bankrate Score, calculated on a scale of 0.0 to 5.0. The higher a company scored, the higher that carrier ranked in the individual categories. While they’re based on a carrier’s offerings for customers of all ages, our Bankrate Scores can help you understand a company’s overall profile when shopping for teen car insurance.
It is helpful to know that, while your age factors into your car insurance premium in most states, Hawaii and Massachusetts prohibit this practice. Similarly, in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, car insurance companies are prohibited from using gender as a rating factor.
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
4.4
|
$1,485
|
$4,297
|
|
|
4.3
|
$1,259
|
$3,734
|
|
|
4.3
|
$1,193
|
$4,148
|
|
|
4.3
|
$1,908
|
$5,310
|
|
|
4.0
|
$1,271
|
$3,483
|
Why we picked this carrier:
Although Auto-Owners only does business in 26 states, this super-regional insurer still won the 2025 Bankrate Award for Best Auto Insurance Company for Young Drivers. For those living in its service area, Auto-Owners consistently offers some of the lowest rates for households with teen drivers, including college students and other teens on their own policies. With multiple discount options and a tie for the 2025 Bankrate Award for Best Budget Auto Insurance Company, Auto-Owners tops our list of the best car insurance companies for teen drivers.
Pros
- Multiple discount opportunities for drivers under age 21
- Low average rates for teens on a family policy or standalone policy
Cons
- Mixed customer satisfaction scores in J.D. Power studies
- Can't purchase a policy online - only available through independent agents
Why we picked this carrier:
Geico offers competitive rates for teen drivers in all 50 states and Washington D.C., along with numerous discounts and extensive digital tools for policyholders of all ages who prefer to manage their policies from their phone or computer. For families with teens looking for affordability and simplicity, Geico may be a good fit. Geico also has an additional advantage: as winner of the 2025 Bankrate Award for Best Auto Insurance Company for High-Risk Drivers, the carrier may have the best rates for teens who have a ticket or accident on their record.
Pros
- Comprehensive website and mobile app with easy access to a customer service representative
- Lower average premium for high-risk drivers
Cons
- Other insurance lines, such as homeowners, may be written by third parties
- Coverage add-on options limited
Why we picked this carrier:
With multiple highly-rated smartphone apps, Progressive tops the rankings for customer service in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study. Best-in-class digital tools combined with below-average rates and nationwide reach could make Progressive a good fit for families with teens looking for an affordable, easy-to-manage policy. Progressive also offers teen driver, good student and distant student discounts.
Pros
- Several options for digital policy management
- Numerous discounts available
Cons
- Snapshot telematics program can raise rates if it detects poor driving habits
- Below-average score for J.D. Power claims satisfaction
Why we picked this carrier:
If you’re looking for a financially stable provider with a top-notch mobile app and online portal, you may want to consider State Farm. Like many other car insurance companies, State Farm offers a good student discount in certain states, but the requirements vary by location. Also, participating in the Steer Clear program is another way for teens and young adults under 25 to save as much as 20 percent on car insurance premiums if they demonstrate safe driving habits. While State Farm’s average premiums are higher than the other carriers we selected, the company also scored well above average in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Claims Satisfaction Study.
Pros
- High customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings
- Savings options tailored for younger drivers
Cons
- Coverage not available in Massachusetts and Rhode Island
- No live chat option
Why we picked this carrier:
Nationwide has a presence in 46 states and Washington, D.C., and if you are in a location where it writes policies, you may want to consider it for its diverse coverage options and unusual features such as a vanishing deductible, which gives you a $100 credit toward your deductible for every year you are accident-free. In addition to standard teen discounts, Nationwide offers two usage-based insurance programs that could offer savings to families who don’t drive often. Nationwide’s SmartRide and SmartMiles programs earned it the top spot in the usage-based insurance category of the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study. The carrier also boasted the highest claims satisfaction score from J.D. Power of any company on our list.
Pros
- Highest rating from J.D. Power for auto claims satisfaction
- SmartMiles usage-based program available for low-mileage drivers
Cons
- Below average rating from J.D. Power for auto claims satisfaction
- Not available in Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana and Massachusetts
Average cost of car insurance for teen drivers
On average, teen drivers pay more for car insurance than any other age group due to their lack of driving experience and high accident rate. When adding a teen to an existing policy, most families can expect an annual premium increase of $1,000 or more. If you’re also adding a vehicle, the rate hike can be even more significant.
But because teens are one of the riskiest groups to insure, they can also see a large range of rates from various carriers based on some key factors, including gender (in most states) and whether or not they stay on their parents’ policy.
Cost of car insurance for teens on their parents’ policy
One factor that can bring the overall cost of car insurance for teens down is to remain on their parents' policy until they leave home and establish their own residence.
Here is the average annual premium for full coverage car insurance for teen drivers, both male and female, added to their parents’ policy:
| Age | Male* | Female* |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $5,972 | $5,563 |
| 17 | $5,550 | $5,159 |
| 18 | $5,169 | $ |
| 19 | $4,549 | $4,179 |
Cost of car insurance for teens on their own policy
Teens younger than 18 years old typically can’t get a car insurance policy of their own, and as long as a teen’s permanent residence is still their parents’ home, it’s generally cheaper to stay on a family policy. However, teens who live at a different address than their parents and own their own vehicle may need a standalone policy, which can come with steep premiums.
| Age | Male* | Female* |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | $7,696 | $7,045 |
| 19 | $6,283 | $5,650 |
Car insurance rates generally decrease as drivers get older and gain more experience behind the wheel. By maintaining a clean driving record and taking advantage of discounts, teenage drivers can typically expect lower car insurance costs over time.
Average car insurance costs for teen drivers by state
The state where you live also affects your auto insurance premium, as illustrated in the table below. Massachusetts and Hawaii are the cheapest states for teen drivers of all four ages, which makes sense because these states don’t permit age as a rating factor. However, Massachusetts is allowed to factor in years of driving experience in lieu of age.
New York, Louisiana, Florida, Michigan and Nevada have the most expensive average rates for car insurance when adding a young driver to their parents’ policy.
These rates are based on the top insurers in the country and are for full coverage car insurance for teens added to their parents’ policy and thus reflect added cost and not the total cost.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Age 16*
$4,592
|
Age 17*
$4,191
|
Age 18*
$3,954
|
Age 19*
$3,241
|
|
|
Age 16*
$4,959
|
Age 17*
$4,655
|
Age 18*
$4,701
|
Age 19*
$4,187
|
|
|
Age 16*
$6,070
|
Age 17*
$5,581
|
Age 18*
$5,405
|
Age 19*
$4,730
|
|
|
Age 16*
$4,742
|
Age 17*
$4,390
|
Age 18*
$4,294
|
Age 19*
$3,700
|
|
|
Age 16*
$7,037
|
Age 17*
$6,543
|
Age 18*
$6,193
|
Age 19*
$4,724
|
|
|
Age 16*
$6,562
|
Age 17*
$6,116
|
Age 18*
$5,908
|
Age 19*
$5,476
|
|
|
Age 16*
$5,756
|
Age 17*
$5,218
|
Age 18*
$4,967
|
Age 19*
$4,213
|
|
|
Age 16*
$5,924
|
Age 17*
$5,473
|
Age 18*
$5,248
|
Age 19*
$4,625
|
|
|
Age 16*
$8,112
|
Age 17*
$7,606
|
Age 18*
$7,489
|
Age 19*
$6,227
|
|
|
Age 16*
$6,234
|
Age 17*
$5,817
|
Age 18*
$5,669
|
Age 19*
$4,845
|
|
|
Age 16*
$1,740
|
Age 17*
$1,740
|
Age 18*
$1,740
|
Age 19*
$1,740
|
|
|
Age 16*
$3,111
|
Age 17*
$2,787
|
Age 18*
$2,780
|
Age 19*
$2,375
|
|
|
Age 16*
$5,307
|
Age 17*
$4,766
|
Age 18*
$4,646
|
Age 19*
$4,297
|
|
|
Age 16*
$3,710
|
Age 17*
$3,319
|
Age 18*
$3,237
|
Age 19*
$2,839
|
|
|
Age 16*
$3,527
|
Age 17*
$3,277
|
Age 18*
$3,234
|
Age 19*
$2,839
|
|
|
Age 16*
$5,121
|
Age 17*
$4,718
|
Age 18*
$4,556
|
Age 19*
$3,918
|
|
|
Age 16*
$5,822
|
Age 17*
$5,518
|
Age 18*
$5,257
|
Age 19*
$4,656
|
|
|
Age 16*
$8,788
|
Age 17*
$8,099
|
Age 18*
$7,541
|
Age 19*
$6,325
|
|
|
Age 16*
$3,617
|
Age 17*
$3,343
|
Age 18*
$3,318
|
Age 19*
$2,817
|
|
|
Age 16*
$6,333
|
Age 17*
$5,961
|
Age 18*
$5,984
|
Age 19*
$4,939
|
|
|
Age 16*
$4,475
|
Age 17*
$4,143
|
Age 18*
$3,929
|
Age 19*
$3,194
|
|
|
Age 16*
$6,749
|
Age 17*
$6,373
|
Age 18*
$6,026
|
Age 19*
$5,773
|
|
|
Age 16*
$5,431
|
Age 17*
$4,917
|
Age 18*
$4,677
|
Age 19*
$3,968
|
|
|
Age 16*
$4,407
|
Age 17*
$4,054
|
Age 18*
$4,045
|
Age 19*
$3,329
|
|
|
Age 16*
$5,730
|
Age 17*
$5,272
|
Age 18*
$5,241
|
Age 19*
$4,405
|
|
|
Age 16*
$4,982
|
Age 17*
$4,673
|
Age 18*
$4,444
|
Age 19*
$3,917
|
|
|
Age 16*
$4,746
|
Age 17*
$4,406
|
Age 18*
$4,288
|
Age 19*
$3,674
|
|
|
Age 16*
$7,425
|
Age 17*
$6,892
|
Age 18*
$6,828
|
Age 19*
$5,903
|
|
|
Age 16*
$3,789
|
Age 17*
$3,489
|
Age 18*
$3,386
|
Age 19*
$2,737
|
|
|
Age 16*
$6,276
|
Age 17*
$6,018
|
Age 18*
$5,992
|
Age 19*
$5,308
|
|
|
Age 16*
$4,284
|
Age 17*
$3,848
|
Age 18*
$3,631
|
Age 19*
$3,147
|
|
|
Age 16*
$7,555
|
Age 17*
$7,393
|
Age 18*
$7,336
|
Age 19*
$6,209
|
|
|
Age 16*
$4,542
|
Age 17*
$3,570
|
Age 18*
$3,280
|
Age 19*
$2,540
|
|
|
Age 16*
$3,671
|
Age 17*
$3,356
|
Age 18*
$3,227
|
Age 19*
$2,762
|
|
|
Age 16*
$4,146
|
Age 17*
$3,801
|
Age 18*
$3,743
|
Age 19*
$3,137
|
|
|
Age 16*
$5,490
|
Age 17*
$5,065
|
Age 18*
$5,206
|
Age 19*
$4,349
|
|
|
Age 16*
$4,953
|
Age 17*
$4,456
|
Age 18*
$4,195
|
Age 19*
$3,605
|
|
|
Age 16*
$5,499
|
Age 17*
$5,112
|
Age 18*
$4,619
|
Age 19*
$4,077
|
|
|
Age 16*
$6,853
|
Age 17*
$6,331
|
Age 18*
$6,116
|
Age 19*
$4,953
|
|
|
Age 16*
$4,345
|
Age 17*
$3,904
|
Age 18*
$3,782
|
Age 19*
$3,177
|
|
|
Age 16*
$3,919
|
Age 17*
$3,685
|
Age 18*
$3,550
|
Age 19*
$3,229
|
|
|
Age 16*
$4,925
|
Age 17*
$4,586
|
Age 18*
$4,346
|
Age 19*
$3,539
|
|
|
Age 16*
$5,361
|
Age 17*
$5,044
|
Age 18*
$4,920
|
Age 19*
$4,201
|
|
|
Age 16*
$5,303
|
Age 17*
$4,739
|
Age 18*
$4,500
|
Age 19*
$3,768
|
|
|
Age 16*
$3,677
|
Age 17*
$3,389
|
Age 18*
$3,200
|
Age 19*
$2,700
|
|
|
Age 16*
$5,261
|
Age 17*
$4,806
|
Age 18*
$4,694
|
Age 19*
$3,868
|
|
|
Age 16*
$4,376
|
Age 17*
$4,131
|
Age 18*
$4,025
|
Age 19*
$3,123
|
|
|
Age 16*
$4,563
|
Age 17*
$4,240
|
Age 18*
$4,181
|
Age 19*
$3,429
|
|
|
Age 16*
$3,922
|
Age 17*
$3,632
|
Age 18*
$3,461
|
Age 19*
$2,941
|
|
|
Age 16*
$3,683
|
Age 17*
$3,496
|
Age 18*
$3,519
|
Age 19*
$2,795
|
|
|
Age 16*
$5,923
|
Age 17*
$5,384
|
Age 18*
$5,413
|
Age 19*
$4,647
|
How rates are determined for teen drivers
Car insurance companies consider a wide range of factors when determining teen car insurance rates. A few of the main considerations include:
- Car make and model: If you’re buying an additional vehicle for your newly-licensed teen, take the time to consider the insurance implications of your chosen make and model. Affordable SUVs with strong crash safety ratings tend to offer the most affordable premiums to teens, while EVs, sports cars and any high-value or unsafe vehicle could add to your premium increase.
- Age: Statistics show that drivers with less experience on the road are more likely to be involved in a car accident or engage in risky driving behaviors like speeding. As young drivers become more experienced, they are considered less of a risk in most states and typically see lower premiums as long as they maintain a clean driving record.
- Driving history: If a teen has a history of car accidents and moving violations, the car insurance company may see them as riskier to insure and increase their premium.
- Types of car insurance coverage: Minimum coverage policies allow you to drive legally, but provide minimum amounts of coverage. A full coverage policy with higher liability levels provides more robust coverage in the event of an accident. Having said that, if you have an older vehicle that might not be worth fixing, you may opt to skip collision and comprehensive insurance.
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Compare auto insurance rates
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Discounts for teen drivers
Teen drivers and young adults may lower their car insurance premiums by benefiting from some of the best car insurance discounts for students and various other discounts.
- Good student discounts: Unmarried, full-time students may get a good student discount by maintaining a certain letter grade or grade point average (often a "B" average or better). The savings amount and eligibility criteria vary by company.
- Distant student discounts: A distant student discount, also called student away at school, is a potential way to save for college-aged drivers. This discount typically applies to students who go to college at least 100 miles from home and do not take a car with them.
- Driver training discounts: Driver training programs help teenage drivers develop safer and more responsible driving habits and may also save money on car insurance. The requirements and savings differ by carrier.
- Usage-based program discounts: Many insurance companies offer a way for all family members to save on car insurance with a usage-based program, also known as a telematics program. Telematics programs require a smartphone or plug-in device installed into the car to monitor driving habits and miles driven. Maintaining safe driving habits can earn you cheap car insurance rates.
What coverage type does my teen need?
In every state (except New Hampshire) and Washington, D.C., you are required to carry a minimum amount of insurance coverage to drive legally on public roads. This generally consists of liability insurance to cover damage and injuries to the other driver, their vehicle and any other damaged property in an at-fault accident. Depending on the state, other requirements may include other types of coverage such as uninsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection.
If you have a car loan or lease on your teen's vehicle, it's likely that you'll also need to purchase collision and comprehensive insurance which together with liability are often referred to as full coverage. This insurance helps pay for damage to your teen's car if they are in an at-fault accident or have a mishap such as hitting an animal.
If you don't have a loan or lease, and your teen's car is an older model, you may consider dropping (or not signing up for) full coverage. However, you may want to speak with an insurance agent before dropping any coverage in order to get a professional evaluation of your insurance needs.
Frequently asked questions
Methodology
Rates
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze May 2025 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates for our base profile are based on the following characteristics and full coverage limits with bundling and paperless billing discounts applied:
Bodily injury liability
$100,000 per person$300,000 per accident
Property damage liability
$50,000 per accidentPersonal injury protection
$100,000 per accidentUninsured motorist bodily injury
$100,000 per person$300,000 per accident
Collision deductible
$500Comprehensive deductible
$500To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes. Your quotes will differ.
If otherwise specified, the base profile has been modified with the following driver characteristics:
Bankrate Score
Our 2025 Bankrate Score for auto insurance considers key variables that our insurance editorial team determined impact policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These factors include a robust assessment of each company’s cost of coverage, product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. We grouped these factors into three essential categories — cost and ratings, coverage and savings, and support — which we then weighted in a tiered approach.
Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlighting where they fall short.
- Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto insurance companies satisfy these priorities, our team analyzed quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
- Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated the discount options listed on each company’s website.
- Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored in a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.
Tier scores are unweighted to show the company's true score in each category out of a possible five points.
