Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds (2025)
USAA, GEICO, and State Farm have the cheapest liability-only car insurance rates for 18-year-old drivers.
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Written byMichelle Lambright Black
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Michelle Lambright Black is a credit expert, freelance writer, and founder of CreditWriter.com. She has over 20 years of experience writing and speaking about credit and money, and focuses on helping families and small business owners make smart, informed decisions about their credit, money, and financial products (including insurance). Michelle's work has appeared in publications such as Yahoo! Finance, Reader's Digest, Parents, FICO, Forbes, Bankrate, The Seattle Times, MarketWatch, BuySide from Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and more. She's also a three-time finalist for the best personal finance freelancer award from the Plutus Foundation. When she isn't writing or speaking about credit and money, Michelle loves to travel with her family or read a good book. You can connect with Michelle on Instagram or Twitter.
Michelle has been a contributor at Insurify since September 2023.
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Edited byCourtney Mikulski
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Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
Over 3 years of experience producing content on insurance and personal finance.
Key architect of Insurify's quality score.
Courtney's deep knowledge of personal finance goes beyond insurance and includes credit cards, consumer loans, and banking. She loves creating practical content.
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Reviewed byShawn Powers
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Licensed insurance agent for 25+ years
15 years as VP of Sales and Operations at Answer Financial
Licensed in more than 40 states, Shawn leverages his deep industry expertise to support the accuracy and trustworthiness of Insurify’s content.
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Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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Table of contents
It probably comes as no surprise that car insurance for 18-year-old drivers tends to be expensive compared to other age groups. Adding a young driver to your policy will raise your rate, even if you have a clean driving record.
The national average cost of car insurance for an 18-year-old driver is $206 per month for liability car insurance and $376 per month for full-coverage car insurance.
Car insurance costs more for 18-year-olds than it does for older drivers because of teens’ higher risk. Teen drivers are almost three times as likely to be in fatal crashes as drivers age 20 and older. Teenage drivers are also more likely to speed and engage in other high-risk driving activities that could put them and others in danger.[1]
Quick Facts
GEICO, Allstate, Progressive, State Farm, and USAA offer good student discounts to lower car insurance premiums for 18-year-old drivers.
North Carolina is the cheapest state for 18-year-old drivers to buy liability-only car insurance, on average.
Average rates tend to decrease for drivers once they reach their mid-20s.
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How much does car insurance for 18-year-olds cost?
The average car insurance premium is $107 per month for liability coverage and $195 per month for full coverage. By comparison, an 18-year-old pays an average of $206 per month for liability car insurance and $376 per month for a full-coverage policy.
Here’s what different age groups pay for full-coverage car insurance.
Age  | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| 18 | $376 |
| 20 | $311 |
| 25 | $255 |
| 30 | $192 |
| 40 | $175 |
| 50 | $154 |
| 60 | $145 |
| 70 | $154 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for 18-year-olds
Finding cheap car insurance for an 18-year-old driver can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. A good way to find a low-cost car insurance policy as a teenager is to compare car insurance quotes from multiple companies. Keeping a clean driving record and building a good credit history also have the potential to save you money on car insurance, depending on your insurer and location.
Below are some of the cheapest car insurance companies for young adults. USAA tops the list, with rates averaging $86 for liability-only coverage.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, June 5 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Quote: Liability Only |
|---|---|
| USAA | $86 |
| State Farm | $104 |
| Allstate | $129 |
| American Family | $131 |
| Erie | $143 |
| Dairyland | $147 |
| The General | $160 |
| Nationwide | $172 |
| Bristol West | $189 |
| Progressive | $190 |
| Travelers | $190 |
| Farmers | $205 |
| Safeco | $206 |
| Direct Auto | $209 |
| Liberty Mutual | $309 |
| Amica | $428 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Best car insurance companies for 18-year-olds
There’s no such thing as a perfect car insurance company for 18-year-olds. But you can research different auto insurers to find the best fit for you. The auto insurance company that works for you will depend on your individual situation and coverage needs.
Insurance Company | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | Full Coverage | Liability Only | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | 9.4 | $177 | $86 | Military families |
| GEICO | 9.0 | $187 | $87 | Discounts |
| State Farm | 9.3 | $221 | $104 | Steer Clear program |
| Nationwide | 8.7 | $356 | $172 | Accident forgiveness |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 55,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Best insurer for military families: USAA
| User Reviews | 4.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.4 /10 |
| 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. | $48/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. | $99/mo |
4.9
Best choiceBased on 2,089 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about USAA
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
How drivers feel about USAA
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Reviews (1,190)
Timothy
June 10, 2025
Verified Review
The Old Bait and Switch
There's no flexibility, and if you miss your first payment by a day, they will cancel your policy. Then, they make you get a new quote and double the price for half the coverage. It's unbelievable that they treat veterans and their families like that.
Norman
June 7, 2025
Verified Review
USAA Value
Expensive for coverage.
Cornelius
June 2, 2025
Verified Review
Good
Good, but expensive.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
880NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.31A.M. Best
A.M. 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
Overall, the most affordable car insurance company for teen drivers is USAA, with its below-average rates for teens drivers. Plus, USAA has high customer satisfaction ratings with J.D. Power, great financial stability ratings with AM Best, and plenty of coverage options and discounts.
But not all drivers are eligible for coverage. USAA car insurance is only available to active military members, veterans, and their eligible family members.
Pros
Competitive car insurance premiums
Coverage available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Cons
Restrictive membership eligibility
No gap insurance
Best insurer for discounts: GEICO
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9 /10 |
| 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. | $127/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. | $155/mo |
4.0
Best choiceBased on 11,938 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about GEICO
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
How drivers feel about GEICO
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Reviews (6,421)
William
June 10, 2025
Verified Review
There was no problem. If I had a problem or a question, it was rectified. Howard, who was our service representative, was helpful. My son is the reason I don't have it now.
There was no problem. If I had a problem or a question, it was rectified. Howard, who was our service representative, was helpful. My son is the reason I don't have it now.
Peter
June 8, 2025
Verified Review
Average Insurance. Constant Price Hikes.
Beware of the constant price hikes despite having no accidents or tickets for 40 years.
Philip
June 5, 2025
Verified Review
High Price for Full Coverage
They are good but offer no rate deductions.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
835NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.59A.M. Best
A.M. 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 is another great option for 18-year-old and new drivers, as it also offers low rates and plenty of discounts. GEICO offers a good student discount to its customers. If you’re a full-time student with a B average or higher, you could save up to 15% off your monthly premium. Young drivers can also get discounts on their GEICO auto insurance by completing an approved driver’s education course.
Pros
Competitive prices for young drivers
Good student discount and other discounts available
Cons
No rideshare or gap insurance coverage
Limited availability of local agents
Best insurer for Steer Clear Program: State Farm
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
| 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. | $55/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. | $117/mo |
4.1
Best choiceBased on 11,197 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about State Farm
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
How drivers feel about State Farm
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Reviews (6,018)
Jessica
June 9, 2025
Verified Review
No Money Saved
The cost continues to rise, even though I joined them in the first place in an attempt to save money, and I've done the opposite. All they want to do is sell me on everything rather than take care of the needs I'm asking to have addressed. They responded quickly when I had a new car to add to the policy, but as soon as I told them I did not want full coverage on the new car, I have yet to hear back from them, even after a follow-up message. They are apparently only seeking sales and not interested in taking care of their customers.
Vicki
June 9, 2025
Verified Review
State Farm
Good insurance, just too high for me.
Maria
June 9, 2025
Verified Review
Staying With State Farm
Compare various insurance companies and see what their policies offer before committing to one.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
842NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.84A.M. Best
A.M. 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
Another insurance company that offers lower rates for 18-year-olds is State Farm since it offers liability rates cheaper than the national average.
State Farm has several discount opportunities for young adults. For example, you could save up to 25% on insurance costs with a good student discount, and State Farm’s Steer Clear program teaches safe driving habits to 18-year-old drivers and can even lead to a discount.
Pros
Relatively cheap premiums
High J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings
Cons
No good student discount available
No gap insurance available
Best insurer for accident forgiveness: Nationwide
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.7 /10 |
| 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. | $87/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. | $180/mo |
4.3
Best choiceBased on 863 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Nationwide
Drivers appreciate the helpful and knowledgeable customer service but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases. Some also found the claims process to be slow and frustrating.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
How drivers feel about Nationwide
Drivers appreciate the helpful and knowledgeable customer service but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases. Some also found the claims process to be slow and frustrating.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
Reviews (484)
Bettye
June 10, 2025
Verified Review
BG's Lament
They will not give you a bundle price, and are higher than other companies. You wonder if you are being given all the reductions allowed for a good driving record, living in Florida.
Nicholas
May 14, 2025
Verified Review
Poor
Nationwide is very overpriced for what they offer.
Ronald
May 11, 2025
Verified Review
Nationwide opinion
Nothing bad about Nationwide, but it needed to be more affordable.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
815NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.7A.M. Best
A.M. 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
Even though Nationwide has slightly higher average premiums than competing auto insurers, it can still be a good option for 18-year-old drivers. Nationwide offers a good student discount to young drivers who keep a B average or higher. And the insurer offers an optional accident forgiveness feature that can guarantee a young driver’s rates won’t increase after their first at-fault accident.
Pros
Good grades discount
Accident forgiveness available
Cons
Coverage not available in all 50 states
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings
How 18-year-old drivers can save on car insurance
One of the best ways to save as an 18-year-old driver is to qualify for a good student discount. Even so, you’ll likely still pay higher rates until you have more driving experience. But rates for drivers your age aren’t set in stone. Most insurance companies give you plenty of ways to save, even if you don’t qualify for a good student discount or other teen-specific incentives.
Compare insurance quotes
Comparing car insurance quotes from several companies is one of the best ways to keep your rate in check. Although companies weigh similar factors when they calculate rates, each factor’s weight and the calculations themselves vary by company.
Insurers are easy to compare with an online quote-comparison tool. These allow you to compare quotes side by side from multiple companies. Be sure to look at both the coverages and prices so you get a comprehensive comparison.
Maintain a clean driving record
Your driving record speaks volumes about how risky a driver you are. Your driving record, also called a motor vehicle record, contains information about traffic violations you’ve received and accidents you’ve been involved in.
Speeding, running red lights, failing to use a turn signal or yield right-of-way, and distracted driving are just a few of the moving violations that could appear on your driving record. While most don’t result in jail time, they can result in points on your driver’s license.[2]
Increase your deductible
Insurance policies come with a deductible, which is the amount you have to pay up front when you file a claim before your policy will cover the rest. For example, if you caused a fender bender and your repairs cost $2,000 with a deductible of $500, you’d pay $500 toward the repair, and the insurance company would cover the remaining $1,500.
Policies with higher deductibles usually have lower premiums because it means the insurance company pays less in the event of a claim. However, that means you’ll need to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
Build good credit
If you’re in a state that allows insurers to assign drivers credit-based insurance scores, establishing a good credit history could reduce your rates.
You can build and maintain good credit by paying your credit card and loan accounts on time, keeping your credit utilization ratio less than 30%, and using services like Experian Boost or UltraFICO.
Consider usage-based insurance
Some insurance companies, like Progressive and Allstate, offer usage-based insurance programs, which use in-car telematics devices or mobile apps to collect driving data.
If the data demonstrates safe driving habits, the insurer could reduce your premiums or discount your policy. The devices are typically easy to install — some can be plugged into the onboard diagnostic port beneath your steering wheel or dashboard, while others utilize a mobile app.
)
What Is Telematics Car Insurance? A Complete Guide to Smarter, Cheaper Coverage
Best car insurance discounts for 18-year-olds
Insurers sometimes reward young drivers with special discounts. Liberty Mutual, for example, discounts rates for teens added to their parents’ account. Teens who get good grades or take approved driving courses can also lower their rates.
Here are some young-driver discounts you should be aware of:
Discounts for 18-Year-Olds | How to Get It | Example Companies That Offer It |
|---|---|---|
| Good student discount | A GPA of 3.0 higher usually qualifies you for good student discounts. | GEICO, Allstate, Progressive, State Farm, USAA |
| Distant student discount | If you’re starting college and leaving your car behind, you can qualify for cheaper rates since you won’t be driving every day. | State Farm, Progressive, Allstate |
| Bundling with home insurance | If your parents own a home, ask them to make sure they’re getting auto insurance and home insurance from the same company. | GEICO, Allstate, Progressive, State Farm, USAA |
| Driver training | Ask your auto insurance company for qualifying classes in your area. | GEICO, Allstate, Progressive, State Farm, USAA |
Cheapest recent rates
Drivers have found policies from State Farm, Progressive, Safety Insurance, and more, for rates as low as $36/mo. through Insurify
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on June 11, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from June 11, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on June 11, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from June 11, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
How age and gender affect car insurance rates
Age and gender usually affect car insurance premiums, especially for teen drivers. In many states, insurance companies can consider gender when determining the risk that a driver will experience a loss and file a claim.
Teen drivers experience car accidents four times as often as drivers who are 20 and older. Meanwhile, men tend to drive more miles than women and are statistically more likely to engage in risky driving activities, such as not wearing a seat belt, speeding, and driving under the influence.[3]
Here’s how age and gender could affect car insurance rates for younger drivers.
Age | Male Driver |
|---|---|
| 16 | $414 |
| 17 | $399 |
| 18 | $384 |
| 19 | $364 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Age | Female Driver |
|---|---|
| 16 | $382 |
| 17 | $369 |
| 18 | $354 |
| 19 | $336 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Average cost of car insurance for 18-year-olds by state
The cost of car insurance rates for 18-year-olds can vary among states. If you live in a location where your insurance costs are more expensive as a new driver, you may be able to find discounts that can help make your auto insurance coverage more affordable.
Below is a look at the average cost of insurance for 18-year-old drivers in different states for liability insurance and full coverage.
State | Average Quote: Liability Only | Average Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $125 | $313 |
| Arizona | $185 | $383 |
| Arkansas | $182 | $398 |
| California | $155 | $263 |
| Colorado | $151 | $376 |
| Connecticut | $343 | $595 |
| Delaware | $256 | $402 |
| Florida | $334 | $472 |
| Georgia | $255 | $450 |
| Hawaii | $113 | $194 |
| Idaho | $123 | $245 |
| Illinois | $132 | $275 |
| Indiana | $124 | $238 |
| Iowa | $106 | $278 |
| Kansas | $141 | $305 |
| Kentucky | $304 | $433 |
| Louisiana | $312 | $623 |
| Maine | $157 | $321 |
| Maryland | $265 | $421 |
| Massachusetts | $167 | $335 |
| Michigan | $255 | $565 |
| Minnesota | $172 | $339 |
| Mississippi | $167 | $376 |
| Missouri | $173 | $429 |
| Montana | $149 | $309 |
| Nebraska | $150 | $361 |
| Nevada | $315 | $525 |
| New Hampshire | $95 | $200 |
| New Jersey | $192 | $288 |
| New Mexico | $137 | $340 |
| New York | $217 | $282 |
| North Carolina | $89 | $222 |
| North Dakota | $156 | $272 |
| Ohio | $118 | $246 |
| Oklahoma | $169 | $388 |
| Oregon | $180 | $326 |
| Pennsylvania | $151 | $305 |
| Rhode Island | $326 | $438 |
| South Carolina | $298 | $520 |
| South Dakota | $99 | $267 |
| Tennessee | $124 | $257 |
| Texas | $211 | $422 |
| Utah | $184 | $327 |
| Vermont | $108 | $273 |
| Virginia | $173 | $310 |
| Washington | $170 | $337 |
| Washington, D.C. | $297 | $499 |
| West Virginia | $151 | $385 |
| Wisconsin | $100 | $217 |
| Wyoming | $100 | $258 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Car insurance for 18-year-olds FAQs
Understand how much car insurance you need before you shop for quotes, and check out the answers to common questions about coverage for 18-year-old drivers below.
Why is car insurance so expensive for 18-year-olds?
Eighteen-year-olds pay more for car insurance because their limited driving experience and high incidence of losses make them riskier to insure.
How can you get cheap car insurance at age 18?
Comparing rates and maintaining a good driving record are two of the best ways to qualify for cheap car insurance rates. Other ways to save include increasing your deductible, taking advantage of discounts, staying on your parents’ policy, and participating in a telematics program.
How much does it cost to add an 18-year-old to a car insurance policy?
The precise cost to add an 18-year-old to their parents’ car insurance varies by company, coverage type, and other factors, but it could increase your premiums around 50% to 250%, according to Insurify data.
What are the best car insurance companies for 18-year-olds?
Based on Insurify analysis, USAA, GEICO, State Farm, and Nationwide have the best car insurance for 18-year-olds. But the best car insurance company for a particular 18-year-old is the one that offers the coverage they need for the best possible price.
Why should you compare auto insurance quotes?
Comparing quotes from various insurance companies could save you plenty of money. When you compare auto insurance quotes, you can see which company offers you the lowest rates for the coverage you want. Be sure to compare quotes every six months to a year to keep finding the best prices.
When does car insurance get cheaper?
Car insurance gets cheaper once you turn 19, and it drops significantly once you turn 25. You’ll continue to save as you reach each subsequent decade up to age 70, when rates typically begin climbing again.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Teen Drivers and Passengers: Get the Facts."
- Nolo. "How do Traffic Violation Points Affect my Driver's License?."
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Males and females."
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Michelle Lambright Black
Michelle Lambright Black is a credit expert, freelance writer, and founder of CreditWriter.com. She has over 20 years of experience writing and speaking about credit and money, and focuses on helping families and small business owners make smart, informed decisions about their credit, money, and financial products (including insurance). Michelle's work has appeared in publications such as Yahoo! Finance, Reader's Digest, Parents, FICO, Forbes, Bankrate, The Seattle Times, MarketWatch, BuySide from Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and more. She's also a three-time finalist for the best personal finance freelancer award from the Plutus Foundation. When she isn't writing or speaking about credit and money, Michelle loves to travel with her family or read a good book. You can connect with Michelle on Instagram or Twitter.
Michelle has been a contributor at Insurify since September 2023.
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
Over 3 years of experience producing content on insurance and personal finance.
Key architect of Insurify's quality score.
Courtney's deep knowledge of personal finance goes beyond insurance and includes credit cards, consumer loans, and banking. She loves creating practical content.
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Licensed insurance agent for 25+ years
15 years as VP of Sales and Operations at Answer Financial
Licensed in more than 40 states, Shawn leverages his deep industry expertise to support the accuracy and trustworthiness of Insurify’s content.
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.