Affordable Auto Insurance Quotes for 18-Year-Olds (2024)
Auto insurance for an 18-year-old is among the most expensive. Auto insurance quotes for an 18-year-old are on average $598 per month and can climb even higher if they have been in an accident or gotten a speeding ticket. To find the cheapest car insurance for 18-year-olds, you can shop around, ask about discounts, take a defensive driving class, and more. Learn more about auto insurance for a teenage driver here.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: May 21, 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 insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different 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: May 21, 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 insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different 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
How much is car insurance for an 18-year-old? How can you save money on affordable car insurance for an 18-year-old?
Teenagers are some of the riskiest drivers to insure. That’s why 18-year-old drivers pay some of the highest rates for car insurance in the United States. (For more information, read our “How much is it to add a teenager to auto insurance?“).
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about affordable auto insurance for a teenage driver as well as how to get instant auto insurance quotes, so you can compare rates and find the most as an 18-year-old driver. If you’re a Subaru owner, you’ll love the peace of mind that comes with a affordable subaru auto insurance quotes.
Want to find the cheapest car insurance for 18-year-old males and females? Use your ZIP in our free tool to start comparing rates for 18-year-old drivers today.
Auto Insurance Rates for an 18-Year-Old
Car insurance is required to legally drive (which we’ll get into later), so if you’re an 18-year-old driver, how much can you expect to pay?
Read through the next few sections to find out more about average car insurance costs for an 18-year-old driver, factors that can affect those rates, and more.
What is the cheapest auto insurance for 18-year-olds?
As we noted earlier, the average 18-year-old driver in the United States will pay $7,179 per year for car insurance. We’ve collected average rates from some of the major insurance companies across the country to give you an idea of some of the most affordable options.
Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates for 18-Year-Old Drivers by Company| Insurance Company | Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates |
|---|---|
| Erie | $3,161 |
| USAA | $3,596 |
| Geico | $4,651 |
| Nationwide | $5,735 |
| State Farm | $6,336 |
| Progressive | $7,073 |
| Allstate | $10,467 |
Location can also have a significant effect on auto insurance quotes for 18-year-old drivers. Every state has its own car insurance system.
What are auto insurance rates for an 18-year-old female vs. an 18-year-old male?
Does gender affect auto insurance rates for 18-year-olds?
How much is auto insurance for an 18-year-old female per month? What about auto insurance for an 18-year-old male?
It is illegal to use gender as a factor in adjusting car insurance rates in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Montana, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and parts of Michigan.
However, in most other states across the country, gender will affect insurance rates, and in most cases, this means auto insurance for women is typically more affordable than auto insurance for men.
As we noted, while in a few states it’s illegal for gender to be used when adjusting car insurance rates, overall there is a difference in rates:
- Average car insurance cost for an 18-year-old female – $6,797/year
- Average car insurance cost for an 18-year-old male – $7,561/year
This data indicates that 18-year-old males pay about 10% more for insurance coverage than 18-year-old females.
Why do 18-year-old males pay more for car insurance? Statistically, young males are some of the riskiest drivers to insure, even if they have a clean driving record. They are more likely to get in an accident than females of the same age.
Based on decades of insurance data, an 18-year-old male driver is one of the costliest for an insurance company to cover, which is why they typically pay higher rates.
As you get older, prices drop considerably—especially if you maintain a clean driving record.
A 19-year-old female driver, for example, may pay an average of $5,732 per year for car insurance, while auto insurance for a 19-year-old male is closer to $6,311 per year. (For more information, read our “Affordable Auto Insurance Quotes for 19-Year-Olds“).
This is a significant drop in cost (over $1,000 annually) in only one year. As you continue into your 20s, rates will drop every year.
Read more:
- Affordable Auto Insurance Quotes for 20-Year-Olds
- Affordable Mini Auto Insurance Quotes
What is the cost of auto insurance by state?
Does where you live affect your auto insurance rates?
Yes, the state you live in can really affect your car insurance rates. Some states require drivers to carry a lot of auto insurance coverage, while others only require a minimum amount of coverage.
Some states have notoriously expensive car insurance rates. Drivers in Louisiana pay significantly higher insurance rates than drivers in North Carolina, for example.
Take a look at this table for average insurance rates for 18-year-old drivers in some of the most densely populated states in the country, compared with the cheapest coverage in each state.
Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates for 18-Year-Old Drivers in Select States| State | State Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates for 18-Year-Old Drivers | Cheapest Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates for 18-Year-Old Drivers | Insurance Company of Cheapest Rates for 18-Year-Old Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $3,165 | $1,147 | Progressive |
| Ohio | $5,079 | $3,033 | Geico |
| Pennsylvania | $4,809 | $3,042 | Erie |
| California | $5,675 | $3,556 | State Farm |
| Illinois | $5,548 | $3,447 | State Farm |
| Texas | $4,743 | $4,145 | $3,447 |
| New York | $6,862 | $5,100 | NYCM |
| Georgia | $8,028 | $3,127 | Georgia Farm Bureau |
| Florida | $9,174 | $5,894 | State Farm |
| Michigan | $18,704 | $8,240 | Auto-Owners |
As you can see, rates vary significantly by state and insurer.
These rates are just averages. What you pay may vary, given the number of factors that can affect your rates (as we discussed earlier), but these rates can be used as a baseline as you shop for coverage.
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Other Factors that Affect Auto Insurance Rates for 18-Year-Old Drivers
The average 18-year-old driver in the United States pays an average of $7,179 per year. However, many drivers will pay significantly more or less than these amounts based on several different factors.
- The Age You Received Your License – Some teenage drivers have been driving safely since age 14 (under a learner’s permit). Other teenage drivers wait until they’re 18 before they receive their license. The more driving experience you have, the lower your insurance rates will be. An 18-year-old male who received his license the day he turned 16 may pay cheaper insurance rates than an 18-year-old driver who received his license last week.
- Safe Driving History – Teenage drivers already pay the highest rates in America for car insurance. Rates can go even higher, however, if you get into an accident. Teenage drivers who cause an accident will see their rates skyrocket. Driving safely, on the other hand, can lower rates.
- Speeding Tickets and Other Offenses – Statistics show that drivers who receive speeding tickets tend to be riskier to insure. If you receive a speeding ticket, a DUI, or another moving violation, you may face significantly higher insurance rates as young driver.
- Driver’s Education – Did you take a driver’s education class before getting your license? Many of the largest and best auto insurance companies in the United States will give a teen driver a discount because they took a safe driving course.
- Your Own Insurance Versus Your Parents’ Insurance – Many 18-year-old drivers continue to live at home. If you are still living at home, then you may be able to save hundreds by getting car insurance under your parents’ policy instead of having your own policy (we’ll discuss this more later).
These are just some of the factors that can affect your rates as an teen driver.
What is the minimum auto insurance coverage required for 18-year-old drivers?
Individual states set the minimum coverage required for drivers (including 18-year-olds). Most states have a minimum liability coverage amount that must be met to legally drive (this coverage amount applies to all drivers, regardless of age).
You can search this table (populated with information from the Insurance Information Institute) to find out what the minimum coverage requirements are where you live.
Liability Auto Insurance Minimum Coverage Requirements by State| States | Requirements | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 25/50/25 |
| Alaska | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 50/100/25 |
| Arizona | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 15/30/10 |
| Arkansas | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection | 25/50/25 |
| California | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 15/30/5 |
| Colorado | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 25/50/15 |
| Connecticut | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist | 25/50/20 |
| Delaware | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection | 25/50/10 |
| Florida | Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection | 10/20/10 |
| Georgia | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 25/50/25 |
| Hawaii | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection | 20/40/10 |
| Idaho | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 25/50/15 |
| Illinois | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist | 25/50/20 |
| Indiana | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 25/50/25 |
| Iowa | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 20/40/15 |
| Kansas | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection | 25/50/25 |
| Kentucky | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist | 25/50/25 |
| Louisiana | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 15/30/25 |
| Maine | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist, Medical Payments | 50/100/25 |
| Maryland | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist | 30/60/15 |
| Massachusetts | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection | 20/40/5 |
| Michigan | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection | 20/40/10 |
| Minnesota | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist | 30/60/10 |
| Mississippi | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 25/50/25 |
| Missouri | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist | 25/50/25 |
| Montana | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 25/50/20 |
| Nebraska | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist | 25/50/25 |
| Nevada | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 25/50/20 |
| New Hampshire | Financial Responsibility only | 25/50/25 |
| New Jersey | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist | 15/30/5 |
| New Mexico | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 25/50/10 |
| New York | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist | 25/50/10 |
| North Carolina | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist | 30/60/25 |
| North Dakota | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist | 25/50/25 |
| Ohio | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 25/50/25 |
| Oklahoma | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 25/50/25 |
| Oregon | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection, Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist | 25/50/20 |
| Pennsylvania | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection | 15/30/5 |
| Rhode Island | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 25/50/25 |
| South Carolina | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist | 25/50/25 |
| South Dakota | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist | 25/50/25 |
| Tennessee | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 25/50/15 |
| Texas | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection | 30/60/25 |
| Utah | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Personal Injury Protection | 25/65/15 |
| Vermont | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist | 25/50/10 |
| Virginia | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist | 25/50/20 |
| Washington | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 25/50/10 |
| West Virginia | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist | 25/50/25 |
| Wisconsin | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist, Medical Payments | 25/50/10 |
| Wyoming | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability | 25/50/20 |
| Washington D.C. | Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Uninsured Motorist | 25/50/10 |
We’ve summarized the abbreviations and acronyms from the table here.
Liability Auto Insurance Minimum Coverage Abbreviations| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| BI | Bodily Injury |
| PD | Property Damage Liability |
| PIP | Personal Injury Protection |
| UM | Uninsured Motorist |
| UIM | Underinsured Motorist |
It is important that you at least meet your state’s minimum car insurance requirements. If you don’t, you could be subject to fines, a suspended driver’s license, and possible jail time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04SZGS6DdVM
While minimum coverage meets the legal requirements for driving, you should consider whether additional coverage is right for your needs.
What is the best auto insurance for an 18-year-old driver?
Although your state probably has a minimum amount of car insurance required for drivers, it probably isn’t enough.
Adding collision and comprehensive coverage to your 18-year-old’s auto insurance isn’t a bad idea. Statistically, teens will be in an accident at some point, and having extra coverage will be important.
Medical bills and property damage from a car accident can add up fast. Having additional coverage means you won’t have to pay out of pocket for medical bills or car repairs.
How to Get Cheap Auto Insurance as an 18-Year-Old Driver
As you’ve already seen, auto insurance for 18-year-old drivers can get expensive, especially if you live in states like Louisiana or Michigan. But fortunately, there are ways to save money on car insurance and lower your rates. Keep reading for tips.
What auto insurance discounts are available for 18-year-old drivers?
Another way to save money on your rates is to apply for discounts. Many of the major insurance companies offer discounts specifically targeting young drivers to help manage the high rates they face.
Good student discounts are one example, which can get you up to 25% off your rates if you qualify. Take a look at this table for some other examples of discounts available to young drivers.
Auto Insurance Discounts Available to 18-Year-Old Drivers| Discount Name | Allstate | American Family | Farmers | Geico | Liberty Mutual | Nationwide | Progressive | State Farm | Travelers | USAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | 5% | 5% | ✓ | 5% | ||
| Anti-Theft | 10% | ✓ | 23% | 20% | 25% | ✓ | 15% | |||
| Claim Free | 35% | ✓ | ✓ | 26% | ✓ | 10% | ✓ | 15% | 23% | 12% |
| Continuous Coverage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 15% | ✓ | ||
| Daytime Running Lights | 2% | ✓ | 3% | 5% | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Defensive Driver | 10% | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | 10% | 5% | 10% | 5% | 10% | 3% |
| Distant Student | 35% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 10% | ✓ | 7% | ||
| Driver's Ed | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 10% | ✓ | 10% | 15% | 8% | 3% |
| Driving Device/App | 20% | 40% | ✓ | ✓ | 30% | 40% | 20% | 50% | 30% | 5% |
| Early Signing | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 8% | ✓ | ✓ | 10% | 12% |
| Electronic Stability Control | 2% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Emergency Deployment | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 25% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Engaged Couple | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Family Legacy | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 10% |
| Family Plan | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 25% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Farm Vehicle | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Fast 5 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Federal Employee | ✓ | ✓ | 12% | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Forward Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Full Payment | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | $50 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 8% | ✓ | |
| Further Education | ✓ | ✓ | 10% | 15% | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Garaging/Storing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 90% | ||
| Good Credit | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Good Student | 20% | ✓ | 15% | 23% | 10% | ✓ | 25% | 8% | 3% | |
| Green Vehicle | 10% | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 10% | ✓ |
| Homeowner | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | 3% | 5% | ✓ | |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Life Insurance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Low Mileage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 30% | ||||||
| Loyalty | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Married | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Membership/Group | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 10% | 7% | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Military | ✓ | ✓ | 15% | 4% | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Military Garaging | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 15% |
| Multiple Drivers | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multiple Policies | 10% | 29% | ✓ | 10% | 20% | 10% | 12% | 17% | 13% | |
| Multiple Vehicles | ✓ | ✓ | 25% | 10% | 20% | 10% | 20% | 8% | ||
| New Address | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| New Customer/New Plan | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| New Graduate | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| New Vehicle | 30% | ✓ | ✓ | 15% | ✓ | 40% | 10% | 12% | ||
| Newly Licensed | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Newlyweds | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Non-Smoker/Non-Drinker | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Occasional Operator | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Occupation | ✓ | 10% | 15% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| On-Time Payments | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 15% | ✓ | |
| Online Shopper | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 7% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paperless Documents | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | $50 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Paperless/Auto Billing | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | $30 | ✓ | $20 | 3% | 3% | |
| Passive Restraint | 30% | 30% | 40% | 20% | ✓ | 40% | ||||
| Recent Retirees | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Renter | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Roadside Assistance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Safe Driver | 45% | ✓ | 15% | ✓ | 35% | 31% | 15% | 23% | 12% | |
| Seat Belt Use | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 15% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Senior Driver | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Stable Residence | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Students & Alumni | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 10% | 7% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Switching Provider | ✓ | ✓ | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Utility Vehicle | 15% | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Vehicle Recovery | 10% | ✓ | ✓ | 15% | 35% | 25% | ✓ | 5% | ||
| VIN Etching | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 5% | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Volunteer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Young Driver | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | $75 |
These are just a few discounts offered by most insurance companies. Speak with your insurance agent to make sure you’re getting all the discounts for which you qualify.
What are the best cars for 18-year-old drivers?
One of the best ways to save money as an 18-year-old driver is to buy a cheap vehicle. A cheaper, older car with lots of miles is worth significantly less than a newer vehicle, which means it costs less to insure.
On an older vehicle, you may be able to save even more money by dropping comprehensive and collision coverage and only meeting the minimum liability coverage requirement.
Should 18-year-old drivers take a defensive driving course?
Many teens take a driver safety or defensive driving course. These courses will teach you to be a safer driver, but they can also decrease insurance rates by between 10 and 15 percent.
Can 18-year-old drivers carry their own auto insurance or should they be added to their parents’ policy?
An 18-year-old can purchase an individual auto insurance policy, but it will be pricey.
While it may make sense to purchase your own policy under certain circumstances, as an 18-year-old driver, your most affordable option is likely going to be covered under your parents’ auto insurance policy.
Keep reading for more.
What is the cost to add an 18-year-old driver to your auto insurance vs. purchasing their own policy?
Some teens buy their own insurance policies, which is fine. However, it’s generally cheaper to add yourself as a secondary driver under your parents’ car insurance policy. This makes sense, especially if you’re driving a family vehicle and not your own vehicle.
However, if you live on your own, you’ll need your own coverage. This is particularly important because location is a factor in adjusting insurance rates.
If you live and park in a different location than your parents, but your policy is attached to their address, you could be accused of committing insurance fraud.
Even if fraud isn’t an issue, insurance companies may refuse to pay out on claims because of the address discrepancy.
Should 18-year-old drivers compare auto insurance rates?
All car insurance companies in America offer car insurance for 18-year-old drivers. You can save money by comparing rates from multiple companies (we recommend comparing at least three quotes).
Compare quotes online today to find the best option for your unique needs. Enter your ZIP code to get started. Then, browse quotes for your area.
You can request a quote from any major insurance company long before you lock into a policy. Take advantage of these online tools to find the best car insurance as an 18-year-old driver.
By following the tips above, you can maximize car insurance savings as an 18-year-old driver anywhere in the United States.
Auto Insurance for an 18-Year-Old: The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for auto insurance for an 18-year-old boy or girl, be prepared to pay higher insurance rates than older drivers. Less experience on the road typically means higher rates because less experience means higher risk for auto insurance companies.
While these higher rates will cost 18-year-old drivers an average of $7,179 per year ($598/mo), you can lower your rates by qualifying for discounts, shopping for quotes, and more.
Are you ready to buy auto insurance for an 18-year-old? Use your ZIP in our free tool to start comparing rates so you can find the cheapest auto insurance for an 18-year-old. Which is the best auto insurance company for an 18-year-old? Find out now.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much is car insurance for an 18-year-old? How can you save money on affordable car insurance for an 18-year-old?
Car insurance for 18-year-olds is among the most expensive. On average, an 18-year-old driver can expect to pay $598 per month for auto insurance. To save money on car insurance for an 18-year-old, you can shop around, ask about discounts, take a defensive driving class, and consider buying a cheaper vehicle.
What is the cheapest auto insurance for 18-year-olds?
The cheapest auto insurance for 18-year-olds can vary depending on factors such as location and driving history. However, some insurance companies offer more affordable rates for young drivers. It’s recommended to compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best option for an 18-year-old driver.
Does gender affect auto insurance rates for 18-year-olds?
In most states, gender can affect auto insurance rates for 18-year-olds. Generally, auto insurance for women tends to be more affordable than for men of the same age. However, some states have laws prohibiting the use of gender as a factor in determining insurance rates.
How does the state you live in affect auto insurance rates for 18-year-olds?
The state you live in can have a significant impact on auto insurance rates for 18-year-olds. Each state has its own insurance regulations and minimum coverage requirements. Some states have higher average insurance rates than others. It’s important to consider the specific factors and requirements in your state when determining insurance rates.
How can 18-year-old drivers save money on auto insurance?
There are several ways for 18-year-old drivers to save money on auto insurance. These include qualifying for discounts such as good student discounts, buying a cheaper vehicle, taking a defensive driving course, and considering being added to their parents’ insurance policy. It’s also recommended to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the most affordable option.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
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.