Cheapest Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds

If you’re a 19-year-old driver, you can expect to pay an average of $330 per month for minimum-level coverage. Certain factors, like your credit score, your gender, your driving record, and what state you live in, can also tip the scale toward being more or less expensive.

Women tend to pay less than men because they’re seen as less risky,^[1] for example, and young drivers living in North Carolina, Illinois, and Indiana pay less on average. Erie, USAA, and State Farm are the cheapest companies for 19-year-old drivers. Insurify looked at coverage cost, discounts, coverage types, and more to find the best car insurance for 19-year-olds.

How much is car insurance for a 19-year-old driver?

The average liability insurance premium for all 19-year-old drivers is $330 per month, or $3,960 per year. That’s generally the minimum level of coverage that states require you to buy, but it can vary depending on where you live.

If you opt for full-coverage insurance, you can expect to pay more, too: an average of $538 per month, or $6,456 annually. If that sounds like a lot to you, it is — and there’s a reason why.

“Youthful drivers tend to have more accidents than those with more experience, so it’s a reflection of less experience for young drivers,” says Scott Haney, vice president and chief operating officer of The Haney Company, a Maryland-based insurer.

A younger driver was involved in 8.5% of all crash fatalities in 2020, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.^[2] In addition to a lack of experience, younger drivers often drive older, hand-me-down vehicles with fewer modern safety features. And although they don’t drink as often as older adults, they tend to get into problems more easily when they do.^[3]

What is the cheapest car insurance for a 19-year-old driver?

Erie Insurance has the cheapest rates on average for 19-year-old drivers, costing an average of $198 per month for minimum coverage and $237 per month for full coverage.

Even with the cheapest option, car insurance rates are generally higher for men. Nineteen-year-old men pay an average of $285 per month for full coverage with Erie, compared to just $251 for 19-year-old women — 14% higher.

Premiums are also higher if you live in certain states, and this is largely outside your control. Rates of car crashes, vandalism, auto theft, insurance fraud, and other costly events vary around the country, and your insurance rates will reflect that, even if you’re an excellent driver.

For example, rates for 19-year-old drivers tend to be cheapest in North Carolina, Illinois, and Indiana. A 19-year-old man in North Carolina can expect to pay $203 per month for full-coverage insurance, while the same person would pay $1,155 per month if they lived in New York.

What is the most expensive car insurance for a 19-year-old driver?

Amica Mutual is the most expensive insurance for 19-year-old drivers, with an average premium of $846 per month for minimum coverage and $1,130 per month for full coverage.

Again, there’s still a big gender difference in costs with Amica Mutual: 19-year-old men pay an average of $1,231 per month for full coverage versus $1,084 per month, on average, for the same policy for women.

New York, Louisiana, and Florida tend to be the most expensive states to live in if you’re a teen driver looking to buy car insurance. For full-coverage insurance, men generally pay average monthly premiums of $1,155, $964, and $765, respectively.

What are the best auto insurance coverage types for a 19-year-old driver?

Most states set a minimum amount of car insurance you need to buy to legally drive. Generally, this is just some amount of liability insurance in case you hurt someone or damage property. However, Haney also recommends that 19-year-old drivers consider a few other coverage options, depending on the situation:

• Umbrella coverage: If you get into an accident and the damage you cause goes beyond your coverage levels, umbrella insurance will kick in to pay the rest, up to a certain amount.

• Uninsured motorist coverage: This covers expenses if a driver without insurance injures you or damages your car with their car.

• Underinsured motorist coverage: Similarly, this coverage will protect you if a driver who doesn’t have enough coverage injures you or damages your car.

• Personal injury protection (PIP): If you or any of your passengers are injured in a car accident, this coverage pays out for things like medical care and lost income while you’re recuperating.

Do car insurance rates change based on gender?

Statistically, men are responsible for about three times more accidents than women.^[4]

Nineteen-year-old men tend to have higher crash rates than women. Studies show that this may be because their brains — especially the parts responsible for judging high-risk behavior like speeding — tend to develop more slowly. Everyone’s brain develops differently, but men tend to take a bit longer, not reaching full maturity until age 25.

It’s for this reason that younger men in particular tend to pay more for car insurance. For full-coverage insurance and liability-only insurance, men generally pay 14% and 10% more per month, respectively.

The average annual premiums for full-coverage policies for 19-year-olds demonstrate the difference between men and women drivers in this age group:

• Average annual full-coverage premium for 19-year-old men: $6,840

• Average annual full-coverage premium for 19-year-old women: $6,024

• Overall average annual full-coverage premium for 19-year-old drivers: $6,456

What are the best car insurance companies for a 19-year-old driver?

1. GEICO

GEICO is one of the largest car insurance companies, offering policies for over 18 million people.

GEICO offers over a dozen discount options for teen drivers, especially if you’re attending college. Its good student discount of up to 15% is particularly valuable for people with at least a B average. On the flip side, GEICO received a slightly higher-than-average amount of complaints from customers in 2021.

• Average minimum-coverage annual premium: $2,796

• Average full-coverage annual premium: $3,420

2. Progressive

Progressive has been around since 1937 and is based out of Mayfield Village, Ohio. If you’re a particularly good driver or you drive on a rideshare platform, it’s a good option. Its Snapshot program uses telematics to monitor your driving and adjust your discounts based on your behavior behind the wheel, which Progressive claims saves most drivers around $156 per year.

The downside is that it has an A+ from A.M. Best, instead of the top-level A++ rating. It also has a much higher-than-normal amount of complaints, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

• Average minimum-coverage annual premium: $3,216

• Average full-coverage annual premium: $5,820

3. USAA Car Insurance Company

USAA is a banking and insurance company first founded in 1922 and is currently only available to military members and their families. If you’re connected with the military, this is an especially good insurance company to choose if you can look past its 2021 NAIC complaint ratings.

The main advantage of USAA is the cost. Premiums are already lower than average to begin with, and on top of that, the insurer offers numerous discounts specific to military members and their families. For example, if you store your car on a military base, you’ll get a 15% discount on comprehensive coverage. If you deploy, you could also save up to 60%.

• Average minimum-coverage annual premium: $2,412

• Average full-coverage annual premium: $3,084

4. Allstate

Allstate has been around since 1931. Today, it’s the fourth-largest auto insurer in the country for personal vehicles. Allstate has nearly twice the amount of complaints as most other insurers and only an A+ A.M. Best rating, but there are still many things for 19-year-old drivers to like about it.

It offers a money-back satisfaction guarantee in some states if you’re not happy with your service after filing a claim. Like many other insurers, it offers discounts through a monitoring app (Allstate’s is called Drivewise), and it also offers car insurance for trips to Mexico.

• Average minimum-coverage annual premium: $4,248

• Average full-coverage annual premium: $5,436

5. Nationwide

Nationwide was first founded in 1926 and is based out of Columbus, Ohio. It’s also a relatively stable company, financially speaking, but doesn’t quite have the highest A++ rating from A.M. Best. Nationwide is another great option for younger drivers, especially if you don’t drive much because you’re attending school or working from home.

You can pay the regular rate, or you can opt in to the SmartMiles program, where your rate changes each month based on how many miles you drive. The Vanishing Deductible program also lowers your deductible amount by $100 for every year you drive accident-free, up to $500.

• Average minimum-coverage annual premium: $4,284

• Average full-coverage annual premium: $4,092

6. State Farm

Started in 1922, State Farm is now the largest car insurance company in the U.S., covering 16% of vehicles. It has a bit more complaints than the average auto insurer, but not as many as some of the other companies on this list.

State Farm is one of the lowest-cost insurers available for 19-year-old drivers. It doesn’t have too much in the way of fancy perks and programs, but for many people, the low rates alone are enough.

• Average minimum-coverage annual premium: $2,712

• Average full-coverage annual premium: $3,348

7. Amica

Amica, a company first founded in 1907, has one main claim to fame: high ratings from J.D. Power, which rated Amica as the best car insurance company in the New England region in 2022. It’s won that category for 10 years in a row, in fact.^[5]

However, for that excellent customer service, you’ll pay a high price. Amica is one of the most expensive insurers for 19-year-old drivers in the country, especially for men. Furthermore, the company only offers six discount options — far fewer than the competition.

• Average minimum-coverage annual premium: $10,152

• Average full-coverage annual premium: $13,560

8. Erie

Erie is a smaller insurer that’s been around since 1925. Not only is it affordable for teen drivers, but it consistently ranks high for its good customer service. J.D. Power ranked it as the top insurer in two U.S. regions in 2022, but that’s also its downside: It’s only available in a handful of states in the central and eastern U.S.

Aside from excellent customer service, it offers a lot of perks. For example, if you drive safely for three years, Erie offers forgiveness for your first accident. Your coverage is also extended to your furry friends, up to $500 per pet if they’re injured in an accident.

• Average minimum-coverage annual premium: $2,376

• Average full-coverage annual premium: $2,844

How can a 19-year-old driver save money on car insurance?

Car insurance for 19-year-olds can be expensive, but the good news is you can find plenty of opportunities to save money if you know where to look. These options won’t work for everyone, but it’s worth running down the list to see what applies to you:

• Good student discount: If you’re going to school, many insurers offer an extra discount if you get good grades.

• Increase your deductible: The higher the deductible you choose, the lower your premium — but remember, if you ever need to file a claim, that’s how much you’ll need to pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in.

• Away-at-school discount: Some insurers offer an extra discount if you’re away attending school, but in order to qualify, you’ll generally need to leave your car at home with your parents.

• Telematics discount: Many insurers offer apps or even small devices that plug into your car and record your driving. You could get a discount on your rate if you drive safely.

• Staying on your parents’ plan: If you have a good relationship with your parents, it may be cheaper for you to stay on your parents’ policy than to purchase your own.

• Defensive driver training discount: Many insurers will offer a discount if you complete a special defensive driver training course. It’ll save you money and also help you learn safe driving skills.

How to choose a car insurance rate after a DUI

Being charged with a DUI — driving under the influence — is a serious deal for anyone of any age, and especially so for 19-year-old drivers. And it’s not just alcohol, either. You can be charged with a DUI even if you’re taking over-the-counter medications, such as melatonin or cough syrup, if they negatively affect your driving.

Once a DUI is on your record, you can expect an increase in your premiums. The average 19-year-old driver with a clean record pays $4,560 per year for insurance, for example, but the same driver with a DUI would pay $7,428 — 63% more.

Many insurers won’t work with someone who has a DUI. In that case, you have a couple of options. You can work with a broker to find a company that offers high-risk insurance policies for people with red flags in their history. Your state may also have an insurance program that assigns hard-to-insure drivers to participating insurers.^[6]

How to choose a car insurance rate after an accident

Having an accident on your record can also cause your rates to go up by a lot, although not quite as much as for a DUI. The average 19-year-old with a non-DUI accident pays $6,372 per year for insurance, or 40% more than with a clean record.

If you’ve been in an accident, you may also find it hard to find affordable coverage. It’s especially important to shop around with as many insurers as you can because each insurer is different. You can also consider working with a high-risk insurer or joining a state-assigned risk pool similar to a driver with a DUI.

How to choose a car insurance rate with a poor credit score

Most states allow insurers to use your credit score when determining rates. Statistically speaking, drivers with better credit scores tend to file fewer claims, even 19-year-old drivers who are just starting out. Here are the average annual premiums for 19-year-olds by credit score:

• Excellent credit: $3,948

• Good credit: $4,668

• Average credit: $5,112

• Poor credit: $7,908

As a younger driver, you probably haven’t had much time to build credit, and that’s normal. You can build your credit score by taking out credit cards and loans, as needed, and repaying them on time, every time. Other programs, like Experian Boost and UltraFICO, report nontraditional financial activity to credit bureaus and may increase your credit score. Setting up autopay on all your bills can also prevent any missed payments. If you have debt, especially high-interest credit card debt, work on paying it down.

If you have a good relationship with your parents, you can also ask to be added as an authorized user on their credit cards if they have good credit. Over time, your credit score may increase, and you may see lower car insurance quotes.

How to choose a car insurance rate with a good credit score

FICO designates a good credit score as anything between 670 and 739. Scores from 740 to 799 are considered very good, and excellent credit is from 800 to 850.

Having good to excellent credit means it’ll be easier for you to qualify for better prices on financial services, including lower insurance premiums and loan rates. You’ll also have an easier time being approved. It’s not a guarantee of anything, however, since insurers and lenders consider other factors as well, like your income and debt levels. But it does tip the odds in your favor.

How do car insurance rates change from 19 to 20 years old?

For liability-only coverage, the average 19-year-old pays $3,960 per year, while the average 20-year-old pays $3,588 per year. That’s a 9% decrease from one year to the next.

For full-coverage insurance, the average 19-year-old pays $6,456 per year, and the average 20-year-old pays $5,856 per year. That’s also a 9% decrease year over year.

How do car insurance rates change from 19 to 21 years old?

The average 19-year-old pays $3,960 a year for liability-only coverage and $6,456 a year for full-coverage car insurance. However, 21-year-old drivers pay $3,108 a year for liability-only coverage, which is a 23% decrease, and $4,992 a year for full-coverage insurance, another 23% decrease. As you get older and continue to drive without at-fault incidents or driving infractions, you can expect your premiums to decrease.

How do car insurance rates change from 19 to 22 years old?

On average, 19-year-old drivers pay $3,960 a year for liability-only coverage and $6,456 a year for full-coverage car insurance — $330 and $538 a month, respectively. For comparison, this is 28% higher than what 22-year-olds pay annually for liability-only coverage ($2,844) and 30% higher than what they pay for full-coverage insurance ($4,488).

How do car insurance rates change from 19 to 23 years old?

For liability-only coverage, the average 19-year-old pays $3,960 per year, while the average 23-year-old pays $2,628 per year, a 34% difference between the age groups.

For full-coverage insurance, the average 19-year-old pays $6,456 per year, and the average 23-year-old pays $4,104 per year. That’s a 34% rate decrease as well.

How do car insurance rates change from 19 to 25 years old?

The average 19-year-old pays $3,960 per year for liability-only coverage, while the average 25-year-old pays 39% less on average — $2,424 per year.

Meanwhile, the average 19-year-old pays $6,456 per year, and the average 25-year-old pays $3,708 per year. That’s a welcome 43% decrease.