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Professor of Risk Management
25+ years in insurance
Former commercial lines underwriter
Updated
Car insurance for a 17-year-old driver isn’t cheap. Our research shows that coverage for teens averages $260 per month, compared to the national average of $140 for all drivers.
Because teens are new drivers, they typically pay higher premiums. Plus, factors such as gender, location, vehicle type, and driving behavior can all influence the cost of coverage.
You must decide whether to add your teen to your existing policy or have them get a separate policy. Either way, it’s more expensive than insuring an older driver.
Let’s break down what 17-year-olds pay for car insurance, which companies are the cheapest, and ways to lower your premiums.
Parents will see a cost increase after adding a 17-year-old to their policy, but it’s still less expensive than them having their own.
Teens can help reduce their auto insurance rates by maintaining good grades, completing driver’s education courses, and participating in telematics programs.
Shop around and compare quotes from multiple companies to get the best rates for your coverage needs.
Car insurance for 17-year-olds averages $182 per month for basic liability insurance and $338 for full coverage, according to our data.
Liability-only insurance covers injuries and damage you cause to others. Full coverage includes liability insurance in addition to comprehensive and collision coverage, which costs more because it covers damage to your own vehicle. Experts recommend higher liability limits for teens as they are high-risk drivers.
Teens pay the highest premiums of any age group due to their limited driving experience and higher accident risk. In fact, teen accident rates are nearly four times higher than those of drivers aged 20 and older.[1]
Male teens typically pay more than females, though the following six states prohibit using gender when setting car insurance rates:[2] California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
Car insurance rates for 17-year-olds vary widely by insurer because each company measures risk differently. Factors like your driving record, ZIP code, and vehicle type all influence what you’ll pay for your auto insurance policy.
That’s why it’s worth shopping around and comparing quotes. Two insurers could quote very different rates for the same driver. Comparing multiple quotes before choosing a policy could help you save hundreds of dollars each year.
Below, you’ll find a table showing the cheapest car insurance companies for 17-year-olds, according to Compare.com data.
Company  | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Country Financial | $62 |
| USAA | $98 |
| Auto-Owners | $106 |
| State Farm | $112 |
| Erie | $131 |
| GEICO | $148 |
| The General | $151 |
| Root | $154 |
| Dairyland | $158 |
| Allstate | $159 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $159 |
| American Family | $160 |
| Mercury | $170 |
| GAINSCO | $172 |
| Mile Auto | $173 |
| Clearcover | $182 |
| Bristol West | $182 |
| Elephant | $189 |
| Safeco | $189 |
| Direct Auto | $192 |
| National General | $194 |
| Nationwide | $199 |
| Liberty Mutual | $221 |
| Anchor | $228 |
| Travelers | $231 |
| Farmers | $236 |
| 21st Century | $237 |
| Plymouth Rock | $256 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $268 |
| Chubb | $272 |
| Shelter | $292 |
| CSAA | $299 |
| The Hartford | $381 |
| State Auto | $463 |
| Amica | $476 |
Basic policies start as low as $62 per month.
While cost is important, it’s not the only factor teens and parents should focus on. You should also look for reliable coverage, good customer service, and opportunities for savings.
Below are our top three picks for the best car insurance companies for 17-year-olds.
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.7 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $54/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $108/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.4 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.4 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.3 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.2 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.2 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.
State Farm has a great lineup of teen driver discounts to help you lower your insurance costs. Its Steer Clear and Drive Safe & Save programs help teens build safer driving habits and lower premiums. Teens can also earn a good student and driver training discount for maintaining a B average or better, or completing an approved driver’s education course.
| J.D. Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 665 |
|---|---|
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $44/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $90/mo |
COUNTRY Financial offers some of the most affordable rates for families who want to add a teen to their existing policy. The company offers several discounts, including Simply Drive, legacy, good student, and driver training. Teens who participate in its telematics program, DriverIQ, can potentially save up to 25% on premiums by practicing safe driving.
Good student discount of up to 35%
Competitive rates for teen drivers
Only available in 19 states
Accident forgiveness not available
| J.D. Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 622 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.3 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $85/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $145/mo |
Customers appreciate the initial affordability and claim handling but dislike the frequent and unexplained rate increases, as well as the poor customer service.
Progressive is the great choice if your teen drives a newer, financed, or leased car. Because lenders typically require comprehensive and collision coverage, Progressive stands out for its wide range of optional coverages to help protect your teen and their car.
From pet injury coverage to deductible savings, mechanical breakdown, and custom parts coverage, Progressive makes it easy to tailor your policy to your family’s needs.
Available nationwide
Highly customizable full-coverage policies
No new car replacement coverage
Fewer teen-specific discounts
Where you live plays a big role in how much you pay for car insurance at 17. State laws, population density, weather risks, and local accident rates all affect premiums.[5] Generally, teens in urban or high-crime areas pay more than drivers in rural regions.
Check out the map below for average rates for 17-year-old drivers in each state, according to Compare.com data.
State | Average Liability Premium | Average Full-Coverage Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $133 | $271 |
| Alaska | $121 | $198 |
| Arizona | $202 | $356 |
| Arkansas | $139 | $280 |
| California | $170 | $349 |
| Colorado | $168 | $364 |
| Connecticut | $258 | $388 |
| Delaware | $253 | $385 |
| Florida | $232 | $373 |
| Georgia | $273 | $443 |
| Hawaii | $71 | $128 |
| Idaho | $136 | $230 |
| Illinois | $170 | $326 |
| Indiana | $137 | $267 |
| Iowa | $104 | $200 |
| Kansas | $141 | $276 |
| Kentucky | $203 | $338 |
| Louisiana | $181 | $348 |
| Maine | $183 | $336 |
| Maryland | $267 | $414 |
| Massachusetts | $196 | $251 |
| Michigan | $203 | $346 |
| Minnesota | $168 | $324 |
| Mississippi | $129 | $259 |
| Missouri | $158 | $316 |
| Montana | $97 | $214 |
| Nebraska | $135 | $266 |
| Nevada | $264 | $405 |
| New Hampshire | $95 | $148 |
| New Jersey | $301 | $420 |
| New Mexico | $129 | $265 |
| New York | $193 | $261 |
| North Carolina | $119 | $186 |
| North Dakota | $125 | $216 |
| Ohio | $145 | $257 |
| Oklahoma | $145 | $298 |
| Oregon | $174 | $301 |
| Pennsylvania | $155 | $269 |
| Rhode Island | $295 | $462 |
| South Carolina | $275 | $430 |
| South Dakota | $114 | $287 |
| Tennessee | $127 | $270 |
| Texas | $229 | $419 |
| Utah | $177 | $281 |
| Vermont | $136 | $352 |
| Virginia | $210 | $358 |
| Washington | $197 | $368 |
| District of Columbia | $276 | $458 |
| West Virginia | $159 | $287 |
| Wisconsin | $103 | $215 |
| Wyoming | $112 | $207 |
Adding a 17-year-old to the family policy is almost always the cheaper option. Teens benefit from a parent’s established insurance history, multi-car and multi-policy discounts, and higher liability coverage limits.
That said, the best choice depends on your situation. Here are a few scenarios to help decide which makes sense for your family:
If … | Then … |
|---|---|
| They still have a learner’s permit | Add them to the parent’s policy when they get their driver’s license |
| They live at home and mostly drive a parent’s car | Add them to the parent’s policy for the best rate |
| They have their own car titled in a parent’s name | Keep them on the parent’s policy for savings |
| They own a car in their own name | They’ll likely need their own separate policy |
| They move away for college without a car | Keep them listed as a driver on the parent’s policy for occasional use |
| They drive frequently and have accidents or speeding tickets | A separate policy can protect the parents’ rates |
| They live independently and pay their own expenses | Getting their own policy may make more sense |
Always check with your insurer and your state department of motor vehicles first, as rules on teen coverage and vehicle ownership can vary.
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Getting car insurance at age 17 requires a few extra steps, since minors can’t legally sign contracts on their own. A parent or guardian usually must be a policyholder or co-signer.
To add your teen to your existing policy, contact your insurer with the teen’s full name, date of birth, and driver’s license number. The agent can confirm the rate increase after adding the 17-year-old driver.
Here’s how to get car insurance on your own at 17:
Gather your information. Be prepared to provide your driver’s license, vehicle details, and insurance coverage preferences.
Decide on coverage. Choose liability-only or full coverage based on your budget, car’s value, and state’s requirements.
Review insurance discounts. Look for savings opportunities, including driver’s education discounts and good student discounts, to lower costs.
Get quotes. Compare rates from multiple insurers for the best deal.
Apply for coverage. A parent usually needs to sign or co-sign the policy.
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Car insurance for 17-year-olds can be costly, but you have several ways to reduce costs. By taking advantage of discounts, selecting the right vehicle and coverage, and shopping around for quotes, families can make teen premiums much more manageable.
Small savings can add up fast. Teens can earn insurance discounts for maintaining good grades, completing driver’s education, or having a clean driving record. Parents can stack these with multi-car or multi-policy discounts for an even lower total rate.
Avoid high-performance or sports cars, which typically cost more to insure due to their speed and higher repair costs. Instead, choose a reliable vehicle with strong safety features. Insurers charge less for cars that help reduce accident risks.
If you drive an older vehicle or one with a lower value, consider minimum coverage or a higher deductible to keep monthly payments lower.
Many insurers offer usage-based insurance programs that monitor driving habits and mileage through an app or plug-in device. Safe driving behaviors, like smooth braking and obeying speed limits, can earn steady discounts over time.
Every insurer prices teen driver coverage differently. Comparing multiple quotes is the easiest way to find affordable rates that fit your coverage needs.
Compare personalized quotes from some of the nation’s top companies.
It’s normal to have questions about insuring a 17-year-old driver. Here are some quick answers to common questions people ask.
It depends. Full-coverage car insurance is best (and likely a requirement from your lender) if your teen drives a new, leased, or financed car. It covers theft, vandalism, and other vehicle damage. For older vehicles, liability-only coverage may be enough, but always make sure you meet your state’s minimum coverage requirements.
Teens can earn discounts for maintaining good grades, avoiding accidents and speeding tickets, completing driver’s education and training courses, and passing driver’s training courses. They can also save by joining their parent’s policy to benefit from their insurance discounts.
Yes. A 17-year-old can be the primary driver on a parent’s policy. It’s best to list the teen as the primary driver for the vehicle they drive the most, though the parent’s policy covers them when they drive any household vehicle.
Yes. Rates typically drop when you turn 18, but not by much. Rates gradually decline as young drivers gain experience and maintain clean driving records, with larger drops often occurring after age 21.
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Professor of Risk Management
25+ years in insurance
Former commercial lines underwriter
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
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