The Best Cheap Car Insurance for Young Drivers in 2026

Country Financial has the cheapest average rates for young drivers, starting at $62 per month. But it may not be the cheapest for your unique driver profile. Our latest guide covers everything you need to know to find the best car insurance for young drivers.

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Jamie Johnson
Written byJamie Johnson
Jamie Johnson
Jamie JohnsonInsurance Writer

Jamie Johnson is a Kansas City-based personal finance writer who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has also been featured on several of the top finance and business sites in the country, including Insider, Credit Karma, Bankrate, Rocket Mortgage, Fox Business, Quicken Loans, and The Balance.

For the past seven years, she’s dedicated more than 10,000 hours of research and writing to more than 2,000 articles about personal finance topics.

Matthew Gross
Edited byMatthew Gross
Matthew Gross headshot
Matthew GrossEditor

Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.

Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

David C. Marlett
David C. Marlett, Ph.D., CPCUExpert Reviewer, Insurance
  • Professor of Risk Management

  • 25+ years in insurance

  • Former commercial lines underwriter

David Marlett is a Professor of Risk Management in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance at Appalachian State University. In his role, he serves as Managing Director of the university’s Brantley Risk & Insurance Center and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.

Updated

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Teens pay an average of $260 per month for car insurance. Younger drivers tend to pay more for coverage because they have riskier driving habits and are more likely to cause an accident.

Country Financial currently boasts the most affordable choices for young drivers, according to our research, but you’ll want to consider all your options to find the best rates. You may be surprised by how expensive auto insurance is for young adults, but there are ways to find cheap car insurance. Many insurers offer savings for good students or for taking a defensive driving course.[1]

We’ll cover everything you need to know — from the differences between getting your own policy and being on your parents’ to when you can expect rates to begin to drop — in our latest guide.

Key Takeaways
  • On average, teens pay nearly $100 more per month for car insurance than the average 25-year-old.

  • Country Financial is the cheapest car insurance option for the average young driver.

  • It’s more affordable for parents to add new drivers to their auto insurance than purchasing a separate policy.

10 Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Young Drivers

Teenage drivers are more expensive to insure because they’re at a higher risk of being involved in an accident. Drivers aged 16 to 19 have the highest risk of motor vehicle accidents of all age groups in the U.S., according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).[2]

They also contribute disproportionately to the number of traffic fatalities. This is largely due to their lack of experience, poorly developed driving skills, and, for some teens, risky behavior.

Fortunately, insurance costs will begin to drop as your teen gets older. But if you have a brand-new driver, there are still ways you can find cheap car insurance.

Let’s take a look at which companies offer the cheapest average car insurance rates for young drivers.

The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Premium
sort ascsort desc
Country Financial$84
USAA$128
State Farm$149
Auto-Owners$151
Erie$169
GEICO$175
Root$177
American Family$182
Dairyland$188
Clearcover$188
The General$199
Commonwealth Casualty$204
Allstate$204
GAINSCO$209
Safeco$218
Bristol West$222
Elephant$227
Mile Auto$228
Mercury$229
Direct Auto$248
Nationwide$252
National General$252
Liberty Mutual$266
Anchor$282
Farmers$286
Plymouth Rock$287
Travelers$290
21st Century$304
Chubb$352
AssuranceAmerica$356
Shelter$380
CSAA$468
The Hartford$571
State Auto$602
Amica$618
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on Sunday, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT.
  • Your location affects how much you pay for car insurance. Insurance companies consider many factors when determining rates, including local theft rates and severe weather events.

    The table below shows the cheapest insurers for young drivers by state, according to Compare.com research.

    Average Rates for Young Drivers

    State
    Average Monthly Premium
    Cheapest Insurer
    Alabama$96National General
    Alaska$145State Farm
    Arizona$136Just Pay-Per-Mile
    Arkansas$82State Farm
    California$152USAA
    Colorado$110State Farm
    Connecticut$199State Farm
    Delaware$137USAA
    Florida$176Progressive
    Georgia$168Auto-Owners
    Hawaii$92GEICO
    Idaho$71Auto-Owners
    Illinois$101Auto-Owners
    Indiana$93Auto-Owners
    Iowa$45State Farm
    Kansas$101State Farm
    Kentucky$131Progressive
    Louisiana$125State Farm
    Maine$81USAA
    Maryland$263USAA
    Massachusetts$104State Farm
    Michigan$129Auto-Owners
    Minnesota$113State Farm
    Mississippi$80State Farm
    Missouri$100USAA
    Montana$60State Farm
    Nebraska$87Auto-Owners
    Nevada$88Country Financial
    New Hampshire$106National General
    New Jersey$215CSAA
    New Mexico$107Progressive
    New York$179Erie
    North Carolina$109Erie
    North Dakota$48Auto-Owners
    Ohio$95Mile Auto
    Oklahoma$69State Farm
    Oregon$137State Farm
    Pennsylvania$74Hugo
    Rhode Island$182USAA
    South Carolina$128USAA
    South Dakota$68State Farm
    Tennessee$91Sun Coast
    Texas$111State Farm
    Utah$113USAA
    VermontN/AN/A
    Virginia$121Auto-Owners
    Washington$124State Farm
    District of Columbia$280Erie
    West Virginia$83State Farm
    Wisconsin$59USAA
    Wyoming$47USAA

Find the Best Rates for Your Young Driver

Several companies have average rates as low as $62 per month.

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  • Your driving record also affects your auto insurance rates. Maintaining a clean record means you’ll pay cheaper premiums. But a history of traffic violations or claims will increase your rates.

    Below, you’ll find the cheapest insurers for young drivers with a less-than-perfect record, according to our data.

    The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Cheapest Rates With an Incident

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Country Financial$119
    USAA$170
    State Farm$191
    Auto-Owners$201
    Erie$236
    GEICO$239
    Dairyland$242
    GAINSCO$243
    American Family$244
    Root$250
    Clearcover$257
    Commonwealth Casualty$258
    Mile Auto$264
    Elephant$271
    Allstate$272
    Bristol West$278
    The General$279
    National General$313
    Direct Auto$320
    Safeco$323
    Liberty Mutual$324
    Nationwide$336
    Mercury$366
    Anchor$373
    Farmers$375
    Travelers$387
    Plymouth Rock$390
    21st Century$417
    AssuranceAmerica$433
    Chubb$455
    Shelter$541
    CSAA$707
    State Auto$832
    The Hartford$866
    Amica$909
  • Many insurers look at your credit history when determining your premiums. Drivers with poor credit typically pay more for coverage because they tend to file more claims.

    The table below lists the cheapest insurers for young drivers with poor credit, according to Compare.com research.

    The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Cheapest Rates With Bad Credit

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Country Financial$97
    USAA$155
    American Family$211
    GEICO$213
    Root$215
    Dairyland$229
    Clearcover$229
    The General$243
    State Farm$243
    Commonwealth Casualty$248
    Allstate$249
    GAINSCO$255
    Auto-Owners$264
    Safeco$265
    Bristol West$270
    Mercury$275
    Elephant$277
    Mile Auto$278
    Erie$284
    Direct Auto$303
    Liberty Mutual$305
    Nationwide$307
    National General$307
    Plymouth Rock$339
    Anchor$343
    Farmers$348
    Travelers$353
    21st Century$370
    AssuranceAmerica$434
    Shelter$463
    CSAA$570
    Chubb$684
    State Auto$742
    Amica$754
    The Hartford$759

The Best Car Insurance Companies for Young Drivers

If you’re trying to add a teen driver to your insurance policy, it’s important to shop around and compare car insurance quotes for the best coverage. Auto insurance rates can vary substantially depending on your ZIP code, deductible, and what discounts your teen qualifies for.
And just because an insurance company is the cheapest doesn’t mean it’s the right option for you. You should also consider the company’s financial strength, consumer ratings, and any unique benefits it has to offer.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best insurance companies for teens and young drivers in the table below.

GEICO logo
User Reviews
4.0
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.
4.6 /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.
$82/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.
$150/mo
4.0
Best choiceBased on 706 verified guest reviews and ratings
GEICO's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.43.2
Customer service4.33.6
Discounts4.32.9
Policy transparency4.33.1
Value4.42.9
How drivers feel about GEICO

Drivers appreciate the easy communication and good customer service, but many are unhappy with the regular and significant price increases.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 275 GEICO reviews
Mark
Verified Review
Satisfied but Disappointed
The company was very helpful and responsive when I had a claim, but they also canceled my policy as soon as my license was suspended.
Christine
Verified Review
Fair
The price keeps increasing.
Johnny
Verified Review
Decent
Great price.
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
637
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.59
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

GEICO has an average monthly rate of just 148 for teens, according to Compare.com data. The company also received a financial strength rating of A++ (Superior) from AM Best, which means it’s consistently able to meet its financial obligations and pay its claims.

GEICO comes with many advantages for teen drivers, including a good student discount. And if teens remain accident-free for five years, they’ll qualify for a good driver discount as well.

Pros
  • Superior website and mobile app

  • Wide variety of available discounts

Cons
  • Gap insurance not available

  • Rideshare insurance not available

Erie Insurance logo
User Reviews
4.3
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.
4.2 /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.
$70/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.
$127/mo
4.3
Best choiceBased on 19 verified guest reviews and ratings
Erie Insurance's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.13.2
Customer service4.13.6
Discounts3.52.9
Policy transparency4.13.1
Value4.22.9
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 9 Erie Insurance reviews
Enrique
Verified Review
Disappointed
I had to chase them for weeks to follow up on a claim. My case was switched from one agent to another several times. Even though the claim was for a no-fault accident and the party at fault had full coverage, they increased my premium by 200%.
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
700
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
Not rated
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
Not rated
Why we picked this company

Erie costs an average of $131 per month for teen drivers, according to our analysis. Erie also received an AM Best financial strength rating of A (Excellent) and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).[3]

Erie’s website states that unmarried drivers under the age of 21 who still live with their parents may be eligible for a discount. The company also offers accident forgiveness and vanishing deductibles.

Pros
  • Gap insurance available

  • Rate Lock program keeps your price the same unless you change your policy

Cons
  • Not available in all 50 states

  • Doesn’t offer usage-based insurance

State Farm logo
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
3.9
A solid optionBased on 832 verified guest reviews and ratings
State Farm's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.33.2
Customer service4.43.6
Discounts4.32.9
Policy transparency4.23.1
Value4.22.9
How drivers feel about State Farm

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.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 328 State Farm reviews
Mary
Verified Review
Unhappy
I've found that on my new lease, the price has gone up considerably.
Joanne
Verified Review
Hopeless
Too costly for senior drivers who don't drive much, are on low income, have older cars, and only need state-mandated coverage with no tickets against them. Auto insurance companies need to offer affordable insurance.
Robert
Verified Review
My experience was okay
The individual I spoke to sounded like they were new and that I was their third or fourth customer.
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
657
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.84
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

State Farm has an average monthly rate of $112, according to our research. The insurer is known for providing excellent customer service — State Farm received an above-average customer satisfaction score in J.D. Power’s 2025 Auto Insurance Study.[4]

Teen drivers with good grades can save up to 25% on car insurance with State Farm, and the savings could last until they turn 25. Young drivers can earn additional discounts for maintaining good grades, taking an approved driver education course, or if they go away to college and leave their vehicle at home.

Pros
  • Offers a program specifically for young drivers

  • Above-average J.D. Power Customer Service score

Cons
  • Gap insurance not available

  • Must purchase policy from insurance agent

American Family logo
User Reviews
4.9
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.
$81/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.
$160/mo
4.9
Best choiceBased on 21 verified guest reviews and ratings
American Family's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.93.2
Customer service4.93.6
Discounts4.72.9
Policy transparency4.73.1
Value4.42.9
How drivers feel about American Family

Drivers value the friendly staff but are disappointed by the high premiums and significant rate increases.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 11 American Family reviews
Elmer
Verified Review
Bait and switch when time to renew after a year.
It started out with a good price and policy coverage, but when it was time to renew a year later, despite having no tickets or accidents, the price went up by $150.00. It was not right and became unaffordable after that.
J.D. Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
657
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
Not rated
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
Not rated
Why we picked this company

Young drivers who purchase auto insurance from American Family pay an average of $160 per month, according to Compare.com data. American Family isn’t accredited by the BBB, but it still has an A+ rating.[5]

But the company offers several discounts for young drivers and their families. Young drivers who’re enrolled full-time in high school or college can receive a good student discount for earning a 3.0 GPA or better. Even if your student is homeschooled, they can still qualify for the discount if they’re ranked in the top 20% on a nationally recognized test.

Pros
  • Highly ranked for customer service

  • Wide range of available discounts

Cons
  • Not available in all 50 states

  • Higher rates than some competitors

Progressive logo
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
How drivers feel about Progressive

Customers appreciate the initial affordability and claim handling but dislike the frequent and unexplained rate increases, as well as the poor customer service.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Compare.com
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 302 Progressive reviews
Carla
Verified Review
No driving records, less than 8 miles/day, keeps going up
The rates keep increasing even though I have no driving records and drive less than 8 miles a day.
Karen Marie
Verified Review
Poor
Charged 10 times more than any other auto insurance.
Nancy
Verified Review
Comparable Insurance
They handled a claim quickly and efficiently. Overall, a good policy and comparable to others.
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.97
AM Best
AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company

Progressive costs an average of $0 per month for young drivers, based on our data. The company has an A rating from the Better Business Bureau but was rated below average by J.D. Power for overall customer satisfaction in its latest study.[6]

Progressive offers multiple discounts to teen drivers who are 18 or younger. The average savings will vary, but teens can earn a good student discount and receive additional savings if they’ve been continuously insured for 12 months or more. And, if your teen driver has their own car, Progressive will add a multi-vehicle discount to your policy.

Pros
  • Numerous available discounts for teen drivers

  • Rideshare coverage available

Cons
  • More expensive than the other four companies listed

  • Below-average J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction scores

How Much Is Car Insurance for Young Drivers?

Younger drivers typically pay more for car insurance. But age isn’t the only factor affecting rates. Your driving record, the car you drive, and the state you live in all determine how much you pay for coverage.

The table below lists average car insurance rates for young drivers by state, according to Compare.com data.

The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
State
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Premium
sort ascsort desc
Hawaii$67
Montana$114
New Hampshire$129
Wyoming$132
Iowa$133
Wisconsin$136
South Dakota$138
North Carolina$146
North Dakota$153
Alaska$159
Mississippi$164
New Mexico$167
Tennessee$173
Alabama$174
Arkansas$175
Nebraska$182
Oklahoma$185
Kansas$185
Indiana$188
Idaho$190
Pennsylvania$192
Ohio$192
Vermont$193
Missouri$199
West Virginia$202
Colorado$210
Minnesota$213
Oregon$219
Utah$223
California$228
Illinois$229
Louisiana$231
New York$234
Michigan$236
Kentucky$251
Massachusetts$252
Maine$257
Washington$262
Arizona$274
Florida$277
Virginia$281
Texas$304
Delaware$306
Washington D.C.$315
Connecticut$318
Maryland$326
Nevada$330
South Carolina$347
New Jersey$348
Georgia$352
Rhode Island$413
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on Sunday, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT.

How car insurance rates change with age

Age is one of the most important factors affecting car insurance rates, and young drivers tend to pay a lot more than older ones. We’ve broken down the average rates for different ages of young drivers in the table below.

Age Group
sort ascsort desc
Average Liability Premium
sort ascsort desc
Average Full-Coverage Premium
sort ascsort desc
Teens$182$338
40-year-olds$100$186
Seniors$86$159
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on .

How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance as a Young Driver

Car insurance for teen drivers tends to be more expensive because young drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident than any other age group. But that doesn’t mean you have to just accept sky-high rates.

Here are a few ways teen drivers can save money on car insurance:

    illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/150x150/4d44e5aa6b/compare-icons-96x96014-file.svg

    Maintain a good driving record

    Your driving record is one of the biggest factors affecting your car insurance premiums. The best way teens can save money on car insurance is by maintaining a good driving record. They can do this by engaging in safe driving practices and avoiding speeding tickets and other moving violations.

    illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/150x150/01f1abf930/compare-icons-96x96010-school.svg

    Maintain good grades

    Most insurance companies give young drivers a discount for getting good grades. This is likely because young drivers with good grades are shown to be less of an insurance liability.

    illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/150x150/152a464111/compare-icons-green-96x96-041-shield.svg

    Buy a safe vehicle

    Finally, teen drivers will usually pay less for insurance if they drive a safer vehicle. Look for cars with safety features like anti-lock brakes and anti-theft systems.

    illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/150x150/649599b066/compare-icons-96x96031-core-value.svg

    Increase your deductible

    • The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. The higher your deductible, the less you’ll pay in insurance premiums.

    illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/150x150/e883a51f75/compare-icons-96x96014-online-shopping.svg

    Compare quotes from multiple companies

    No single insurance company is the cheapest for everyone, so the best way to save on car insurance is to get quotes from as many companies as possible. We recommend getting quotes every time your policy renews to ensure you’re still getting the best rates.[7]

Best Car Insurance Discounts for Young Drivers

Discounts are a great way to save money on your monthly auto insurance premiums. Here are the most common car insurance discounts young drivers can take advantage of:

Discount Type
sort ascsort desc
Potential Savings
sort ascsort desc
How to Qualify
sort ascsort desc
Defensive driving discountUp to 20%Complete an approved driving course
Good student discountUp to 25%Maintain a B average or better
Multi-vehicle discountUp to 25%Insure multiple vehicles with the same company
Safe driver discountUp to 30%Maintain a clean driving record
Student-away-at-school discountVariesDrive your car only while home during breaks
Usage-based insuranceUp to 40%Let your insurer track your driving habits
Vehicle safety discountUp to 23%Drive a car with safety features like airbags or anti-lock brakes
We sourced this data by analyzing real quotes from Compare.com's 100-plus partner insurance companies alongside rate filings collected and distributed by Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary. Data updated on .

Factors Affecting Rates for Young Drivers

Cars parked diagonally in a row on a sunny street, with buildings and trees in the background.

Car insurance companies look at many different factors when determining your insurance premium, which is why rates vary from company to company. Generally, younger drivers have higher car insurance premiums because insurers view them as riskier to insure.

Here are some of the most critical factors affecting young drivers’ rates.

  • Your driving record: Young drivers are more easily distracted while driving, which increases their likelihood of an accident or other traffic violations and filing claims. In fact, drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 have higher crash rates than any other age group, according to the CDC. Insurers make up for this risk by charging higher premiums.

  • Where you live: Car insurance rates are more expensive in some areas than in others. Factors such as state laws, ZIP code, population density, crime rates, weather, and a high percentage of uninsured motorists in your area can influence your rates.

  • Your age: Young drivers have less experience behind the wheel and pose an increased risk to other drivers and insurance companies. So insurers charge younger drivers higher rates than older drivers.

  • Your gender: Generally, insurers consider men to be higher-risk and more likely to get into a crash compared to women, due to behaviors such as driving under the influence and speeding. Because of this, men often pay slightly higher insurance rates.[8]

Should Young Drivers Get Their Own Policies?

Person with glasses using a laptop at a desk, surrounded by plants and stationery, with headphones around their neck.

Adding a young driver to your current insurance policy is almost always easier and more affordable than purchasing a separate policy. And some states restrict teens from buying their own insurance policy if they’re under the age of 18.

The average parent saves around 7% by adding a young driver to their policy, according to our analysis. The only time you may need to purchase a separate policy is when the car is listed in the young driver’s name and not yours.

Young Driver Car Insurance FAQs

For young drivers, it’s important to find auto insurance that provides the necessary coverage without being a financial burden. Here’s some additional information about how teen drivers can find affordable car insurance.

  • What’s the cheapest car insurance for first-time drivers?

    It depends on your age. But since most new drivers are in their teens or early 20s, Country Financial tends to offer the best rates, according to Compare.com data. That said, your rates can vary by your location, age, and gender.

  • Which car insurance company is the cheapest for young drivers?

    Country Financial is the cheapest car insurance company for young drivers, with rates starting at $62 per month according to Compare.com data. But your personal rates depend on many factors, like the car you drive and where you live.

  • Is it cheaper to be on a parent’s car insurance?

    You’ll almost always receive the cheapest rates if you add a teen driver to your current insurance policy. The only time teen drivers may need their own policy is when the vehicle is titled in their name instead of their parents’.

  • What is the cheapest insurance company for 18-year-olds?

    On average, Country Financial, Auto-Owners, and USAA are the cheapest options for 18-year-old drivers, with average rates as low as $62 per month. But the exact costs will vary, so it’s important to shop around and compare your options.

  • When should you add a teen to your car insurance?

    Many insurance companies allow you to add your teen to your car insurance at no charge once they receive their learner’s permit. It’s a good idea to talk to your insurer first and start shopping around for policies before they become a licensed driver.

  • What's the best auto insurance for young adults?

    GEICO, Erie, State Farm, American Family, and Progressive are the best auto insurance companies for young adults, according to our analysis. These companies are not only the most affordable, but each one is highly rated for customer service and financial stability.

  • Are newer cars cheaper to insure for young drivers?

    No. Newer cars tend to be more expensive to insure because they’re more expensive to repair or replace. Young drivers should look for a used vehicle that’s highly rated for safety.

Sources

  1. Insurance Information Institute. "Auto insurance for teen drivers."
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Risk Factors for Teen Drivers."
  3. Better Business Bureau. "Erie Insurance Group."
  4. J.D. Power. "2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study."
  5. Better Business Bureau. "American Family Insurance."
  6. Better Business Bureau. "Progressive Insurance."
  7. Insurance Information Institute. "How to save money on car insurance."
  8. Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."

Methodology

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.

About Compare.com

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Jamie Johnson
Written byJamie JohnsonInsurance Writer
Jamie Johnson
Jamie JohnsonInsurance Writer

Jamie Johnson is a Kansas City-based personal finance writer who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has also been featured on several of the top finance and business sites in the country, including Insider, Credit Karma, Bankrate, Rocket Mortgage, Fox Business, Quicken Loans, and The Balance.

For the past seven years, she’s dedicated more than 10,000 hours of research and writing to more than 2,000 articles about personal finance topics.

Matthew Gross
Edited byMatthew GrossEditor
Matthew Gross headshot
Matthew GrossEditor

Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.

Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.

David C. Marlett, Ph.D., CPCU
Reviewed byDavid C. Marlett, Ph.D., CPCUExpert Reviewer, Insurance
David C. Marlett
David C. Marlett, Ph.D., CPCUExpert Reviewer, Insurance
  • Professor of Risk Management

  • 25+ years in insurance

  • Former commercial lines underwriter

David Marlett is a Professor of Risk Management in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance at Appalachian State University. In his role, he serves as Managing Director of the university’s Brantley Risk & Insurance Center and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.

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