The Best Cheap Car Insurance for Young Drivers in 2026

Country Financial has the cheapest average rates for young drivers, starting at $61 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 $264 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: Tuesday, June 30 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Premium
sort ascsort desc
Country Financial$82
USAA$126
Root$134
State Farm$147
Auto-Owners$148
Erie$165
GEICO$171
American Family$181
Clearcover$187
Dairyland$192
The General$200
Allstate$201
GAINSCO$201
Commonwealth Casualty$204
Safeco$217
Bristol West$221
Mile Auto$228
Elephant$230
Mercury$232
Direct Auto$245
National General$245
Liberty Mutual$259
Plymouth Rock$259
Farmers$279
Anchor$284
Travelers$284
21st Century$299
AssuranceAmerica$341
Chubb$350
Shelter$371
The Hartford$557
State Auto$595
Amica$599
CSAA$794
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 Tuesday, June 30 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$93National General
    Alaska$167State Farm
    Arizona$141Auto-Owners
    Arkansas$81State Farm
    California$154USAA
    Colorado$111State Farm
    Connecticut$199State Farm
    Delaware$134USAA
    Florida$170Progressive
    Georgia$164Auto-Owners
    Hawaii$110GEICO
    Idaho$70Auto-Owners
    Illinois$102Auto-Owners
    Indiana$94Auto-Owners
    Iowa$44State Farm
    Kansas$101State Farm
    Kentucky$130Progressive
    Louisiana$124State Farm
    Maine$80USAA
    Maryland$264USAA
    Massachusetts$100State Farm
    Michigan$131Auto-Owners
    Minnesota$109State Farm
    Mississippi$81State Farm
    Missouri$98USAA
    Montana$60State Farm
    Nebraska$87Auto-Owners
    Nevada$90Country Financial
    New Hampshire$0Foremost
    New Jersey$208NJM
    New Mexico$104Progressive
    New York$176Erie
    North Carolina$106Erie
    North Dakota$47Auto-Owners
    Ohio$95Mile Auto
    Oklahoma$68State Farm
    Oregon$137State Farm
    Pennsylvania$110State Farm
    Rhode Island$180USAA
    South Carolina$129USAA
    South Dakota$66State Farm
    Tennessee$93Sun Coast
    Texas$112State Farm
    Utah$114USAA
    VermontN/AN/A
    Virginia$121Auto-Owners
    Washington$123State Farm
    District of Columbia$276Erie
    West Virginia$82State Farm
    Wisconsin$61USAA
    Wyoming$47USAA

Find the Best Rates for Your Young Driver

Several companies have average rates as low as $61 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: Tuesday, June 30 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Cheapest Rates With an Incident

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Country Financial$116
    Root$152
    USAA$167
    State Farm$189
    Auto-Owners$197
    Erie$232
    GAINSCO$233
    GEICO$234
    American Family$243
    Dairyland$247
    Clearcover$259
    Commonwealth Casualty$261
    Mile Auto$261
    Allstate$268
    Bristol West$278
    Elephant$280
    The General$281
    National General$306
    Liberty Mutual$314
    Direct Auto$316
    Safeco$323
    Plymouth Rock$346
    Farmers$367
    Mercury$372
    Anchor$374
    Travelers$381
    21st Century$412
    AssuranceAmerica$414
    Chubb$455
    Shelter$530
    State Auto$824
    The Hartford$847
    Amica$885
    CSAA$1,145
  • 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: Tuesday, June 30 at 5:00 PM PDT. 

    Cheapest Rates With Bad Credit

    Company
    Average Monthly Premium
    Country Financial$95
    USAA$152
    Root$164
    GEICO$209
    American Family$209
    Clearcover$228
    Dairyland$235
    State Farm$240
    The General$244
    Allstate$245
    GAINSCO$245
    Commonwealth Casualty$250
    Auto-Owners$258
    Safeco$265
    Bristol West$270
    Mercury$277
    Erie$278
    Mile Auto$279
    Elephant$281
    Liberty Mutual$296
    Plymouth Rock$298
    Direct Auto$299
    National General$300
    Farmers$341
    Anchor$347
    Travelers$347
    21st Century$365
    AssuranceAmerica$417
    Shelter$454
    Chubb$677
    State Auto$732
    Amica$732
    The Hartford$739
    CSAA$970

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
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.
4.6 /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.
$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.
$148/mo
3.9
A solid optionBased on 761 verified guest reviews and ratings
GEICO's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.43.2
Customer service4.43.6
Discounts4.42.9
Policy transparency4.43.1
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 286 GEICO reviews
Gerald
Verified Review
40 Years with GEICO
After 40 years with the company, to be summarily dropped because of two accidents within five years, none of which were my fault, does not bode well for the company which I used to praise and recommend to others.
Marilyn
Verified Review
Higher Rate for Not Having Insurance 30 Days Prior
I have a non-mandated due date. I've tried to change the due date, and they just say, "We don't do that." I even offered to pay interest on the new due date, but they still refused. They also told me that I had a higher premium because I didn't have insurance for the 30 days prior. I did not own a vehicle to be insured, and I've had insurance since I started driving at 16. I contacted the state insurance commission, and they said the state does not mandate a higher rate if you don't have insurance 30 days prior to applying. Your representative would not consider a lower rate. It's frustrating to be penalized with a higher rate without considering why I didn't have insurance. Would you pay for insurance if you don't even own a vehicle? It brings me anger that I'm penalized with a higher rate.
Kc
Verified Review
Car insurance is too high for good drivers
Better rate than Nationwide but still too high for older people with no claims, no tickets, limited driving, and excellent driving records.
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 145 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.
$126/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
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 $129 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.
$105/mo
3.9
A solid optionBased on 889 verified guest reviews and ratings
State Farm's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.43.2
Customer service4.53.6
Discounts4.32.9
Policy transparency4.33.1
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 338 State Farm reviews
Elizabeth
Verified Review
Considering another company
I have been with State Farm for many years. However, I am considering other companies because the rate I pay monthly is expensive. I drive an older car and don’t drive very much anymore.
Wendy
Verified Review
State Farm Experience
My experience with State Farm has been good, and they give me good coverage, but they raised my premium after I had a couple of claims.
David
Verified Review
Nelson
State Farm is good, but they're all too expensive.
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 $111, 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.
$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.
$161/mo
4.9
Best choiceBased on 25 verified guest reviews and ratings
American Family's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.93.2
Customer service4.93.6
Discounts4.62.9
Policy transparency4.83.1
Value4.22.9
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 13 American Family reviews
Wendell
Verified Review
Disappointed with American Family Insurance
I have been with American Family Insurance for more than 40 years. In that time, the service from American Family has deteriorated to the point that I am considering in my final years changing to the AARP Hartford program. My original American Family agent was outstanding. But once he became ill and had to retire, the agency has gone downhill, and I understand it is now closed, and my files were transferred to another agency.
William
Verified Review
Premiums
Only one thing, rates. I was penalized for higher than normal mileage for a period of time and have gone back to normal, but the increased rate still applies.
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.
$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.
$136/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 321 Progressive reviews
David
Verified Review
First Year Premiums are Great but then it’s back to high premiums for no reason at all!
The rates are great when you sign up with them, but then the next year they go up substantially for no reason and no claims, and continue to go up every year!
Danny
Verified Review
Highway Robbery
Rates are rising too much and too often. There is no reward for good drivers.
Tonya
Verified Review
Fair
Really pay attention to when your insurance ends; they don’t let you know until it lapses.
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: Tuesday, June 30 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
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 Tuesday, June 30 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$186$343
40-year-olds$101$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 $61 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 $61 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
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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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