Best Car Insurance for New Drivers (2026)

Country Financial, USAA, and Auto-Owners offer the most affordable rates for new drivers.

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Doug Bailey
Writer: Doug BaileySenior Content Writer

Qualifications:
  • 15 years at the Boston Globe

  • 5+ years covering insurance industry


Doug joined Insurify as a senior content writer in 2025. He was previously a regular contributor to InsuranceNewsNet.

Photo of an Insurify author
Editor: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor

Qualifications:
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

  • NPN: 20564519


Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

Mark Friedlander
Reviewer: Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute

Qualifications:
  • Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute

  • 20+ years in insurance and communications

  • Impartial, independent expert


As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.

Updated

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Car insurance for new adult or teen drivers is consistently more expensive than coverage for experienced motorists. Insurers consider newly licensed drivers a higher risk because they have little or no driving history. This makes it more likely they’ll get into an accident as they gain driving experience.[1]

But while starting rates are expensive, new drivers still have several ways to lower their car insurance premiums. Discounts for safe driving courses, getting good grades, using telematics programs to monitor driving behavior, and staying on a family car insurance policy can all significantly reduce costs.

This guide will show you how much car insurance costs for new drivers, which insurers offer the best rates, and how first-time drivers can reduce their rates over time.

Quick Facts
  • Teen drivers often pay two to three times as much for car insurance as experienced drivers.

  • Staying on a parent’s or family member’s policy is often cheaper than buying your own policy as a new driver.

  • Many insurers offer discounts of 5% to 15% for completing an approved defensive driving course.

How much does car insurance cost for new drivers?

New-driver car insurance rates are typically higher, averaging $186 per month for liability coverage and $351 per month for full coverage. These higher rates are due to the fact that insurers rely, in part, on driving history when pricing policies. People without an established driving record present an unknown and greater risk for insurers.

Teen drivers generally pay the highest premiums, but adults who obtain a license later in life can also initially face elevated rates.

Below are typical estimates of new-driver insurance costs. These averages reflect drivers with clean records purchasing liability-only coverage and full coverage.

Age Range
Average Monthly Liability-Only Quote for New Drivers
Average Monthly Full-Coverage Quote for New Drivers
16–17$184$374
18–19$187$351
20–24$137$279
25–29$127$258
30+$116203
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.

Why do new drivers pay more for car insurance?

Insurance companies price policies based on risk. Newly licensed drivers have limited driving history, so insurers can’t easily evaluate their driving habits or accident likelihood. They’re also statistically more likely to be involved in an accident as they gain driving experience.

This applies to all first-time drivers, not just teenage drivers. Even adults in their 30s or 40s who receive their first license typically pay higher car insurance rates until they build a safe driving history.[2]

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Cheapest car insurance for new drivers

COUNTRY Financial, USAA, Auto-Owners, State Farm, and NJM are all known for offering cheap car insurance to new drivers, especially those with clean records.

The table below shows typical monthly estimates for liability-only and full-coverage policies. These rates assume the policyholder is a newly licensed driver with no accidents or violations. Actual quotes may be lower if you qualify for car insurance discounts.

You can compare these estimates with the average cost of car insurance to see how different insurers price policies for new drivers.

The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Liability-Only Quote for New Drivers
Average Monthly Full-Coverage Quote for New Drivers
USAA$94$185
Auto-Owners$102$194
State Farm$107$208
Erie$119$210
Root$132$215
GEICO$141$255
The General$154$381
American Family$157$307
Commonwealth Casualty$162$351
Dairyland$164$400
Mile Auto$167$314
Bristol West$183$356
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 new drivers

Insurers differentiate themselves in the marketplace through a variety of offerings, including strong discounts, flexible payment options, and tools designed for young drivers and other newly licensed motorists.

Below are three companies often considered among the best car insurance companies for first-time drivers.

GEICO: Best for affordable coverage

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.
9.2 /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.
$79/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.
$143/mo
Details
4.0
Best choiceBased on 21,004 verified driver reviews and ratings
GEICO's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.03.2
Customer service4.13.6
Discounts3.92.9
Policy transparency4.03.1
Value3.92.9
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.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 8,245 GEICO reviews
Patricia
Verified Purchase
Easygoing
It was easy to sign up. I missed the first payment by a day; they were very easy to work with, and I was not penalized.
Johnia
Verified Review
Best Insurance
Excellent—no problems or issues ever.
Arthur
Verified Review
Poor
GEICO does not disclose any information about your deductible or glass coverage.
JD 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
A.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 widely known for offering cheaper car insurance for new drivers, especially those with clean driving records. The company offers multiple discounts, including good student and driver training discounts. GEICO also offers an easy online quoting process, making it simple for newly licensed drivers to purchase their first policy.

Pros
  • Competitive rates for first-time drivers

  • Numerous discounts for student drivers

  • Easy online policy management

Cons
  • Limited network of local agents

  • Discounts vary by state

  • Telematics savings may vary

State Farm: Best for student drivers

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.
$53/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.
$103/mo
Details
4.1
Best choiceBased on 21,494 verified driver reviews and ratings
State Farm's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.13.2
Customer service4.43.6
Discounts3.92.9
Policy transparency3.93.1
Value3.72.9
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.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 8,193 State Farm reviews
Barbara
Verified Review
Too Expensive, No Discounts
Watch out for being overcharged.
Kevin
Verified Review
Ending My Relationship With State Farm
The local agency doesn’t return calls. The deductible options shown in the policy selection forms aren’t actually available. I’ve been with State Farm for 15 years and just got quotes from four other companies that are substantially less for equivalent coverage. I’ll be terminating my coverage with State Farm—it’s just not worth it.
Kern
Verified Review
Unhappy Customer
The little transponder (or whatever it is) that goes on the windshield feels like nothing but a “gotcha.” There’s no opportunity to explain anything, and it even registers normal maneuvers in Atlanta traffic as negatives. Also, I got a $20 rate increase at 6 months without an explanation, and I had to take an additional safe driver course (even though I already had one on file) to get a $10 reduction. I’ve never had a chargeable accident, never a DUI, and my last ticket was 20+ years ago. I feel like I’m being charged more because I’m 83, which seems improper in the first place. I’m searching for another provider who deals honestly like SF did years ago. No problems with my agency—they’re good—just the company.
JD 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
A.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

State Farm is one of the largest auto insurers in the United States and offers several programs tailored to young drivers. Its good student discount rewards students who maintain strong grades, and the company’s Steer Clear program encourages safe driving habits for newly licensed drivers.

Pros
  • Strong student discounts

  • Extensive agent network

  • Safe-driver education programs

Cons
  • Doesn‘t offer accident forgiveness coverage

  • Gap coverage only available to State Farm Bank customers with an auto loan

  • Doesn't offer new coverage in Massachusetts or Rhode Island

Progressive: Best for usage-based savings

JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
622
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.
$78/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
Details
How drivers feel about Progressive

Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 9,155 Progressive reviews
Robert
Verified Review
Expensive
The price is too high, especially since I hardly drive my vehicles.
Junaid
Verified Review
Beware of Their Homeowners Policy
Their car insurance is okay, but their home insurance is the worst.
Penny
Verified Review
My insurance went up, and I have the Georgia legal insurance. I pay $160 a month with no tickets or accidents.
I need a lower rate for the few miles I drive my car.
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.97
A.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

Progressive’s Snapshot telematics program allows drivers to lower their car insurance premiums by demonstrating safe driving behavior. New drivers with careful habits may see substantial savings after a few months of monitored driving.

Pros
  • Snapshot telematics savings

  • Flexible policy customization

  • Strong online quoting tools

Cons
  • Snapshot may increase rates for risky driving

  • Discounts vary by region

  • Mixed customer service ratings

How to save on car insurance as a new driver

New drivers often pay higher rates at first, but several strategies can significantly reduce insurance costs over time. Here are a few you can employ quickly.

Stay on a parent’s insurance or a family member’s policy

Adding a newly licensed driver to an existing family car insurance policy is usually much cheaper than buying a separate policy for your teenager. Families benefit from shared coverage limits and multi-vehicle discounts.

But buying your own policy may make more sense if you live independently or own your vehicle outright.

Enroll in a telematics or usage-based program

Telematics programs monitor driving habits such as speed, braking, and mileage. Programs like Progressive Snapshot, State Farm Drive Safe & Save, and Nationwide SmartRide reward safe driving with lower rates.

But some usage-based programs may raise premiums if the data shows risky driving. You could also consider pay-as-you-go car insurance, which could save you money if your teen seldom drives.

Take a defensive driving or driver’s education course

Many insurers offer discounts when drivers complete approved defensive driving courses. Companies such as GEICO, State Farm, and Travelers commonly provide these discounts.

In states where driver’s education is required for licensing, new drivers may automatically qualify.

Choose an affordable, safe vehicle

Insurance companies consider your vehicle type when calculating premiums. Cars with strong safety ratings, moderate horsepower, and low theft rates are usually among the cheapest cars to insure.

Assigning a new driver to the least expensive vehicle on a multi-car policy can also reduce premiums.

Increase your deductible

Choosing a higher deductible can reduce your monthly premiums because you agree to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim. This means you’re taking on more of the up-front risk.

But make sure you can comfortably afford to pay the deductible before opting for the increase.

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Car insurance discounts available to new drivers

Many insurers offer discounts designed specifically for new drivers and young drivers. Combining multiple discounts can significantly reduce car insurance premiums.

Common options include good student discounts, driver training discounts, telematics savings, and multi-vehicle or bundling discounts. Stacking several discounts can significantly lower new-driver insurance costs, especially for students with good grades and safe driving habits.

Discount Name
Typical Savings
Eligibility
Example Insurers
Good student discount10%–25%Full-time students with a B average (3.0 GPA) or higher, or in the top 20% of their classState Farm, GEICO, Allstate
Driver’s education discount5%–15%Completion of an approved driver’s education courseTravelers, GEICO, Progressive
Defensive driving course discount5%–10%Completion of an approved defensive driving programAllstate, Farmers, Nationwide
Telematics / usage-based discountUp to 30%Enroll in a program tracking driving behavior through an app or plug-in deviceProgressive, State Farm, Nationwide
Safe driver discount10%–20%No accidents or violations over a set period (often 3–5 years)GEICO, State Farm, Travelers
Multi-policy bundling discount5%–20%Bundle auto with homeowners, renters, or condo insuranceNationwide, Liberty Mutual
Away-at-school discount5%–10%Student attends school more than 100 miles away without vehicleState Farm, Travelers
Low-mileage discount5%–15%Driver logs fewer annual miles than averageNationwide, Liberty Mutual
Vehicle safety feature discount3%–10%Vehicle equipped with airbags, anti-lock brakes, or other safety featuresGEICO, Progressive
Anti-theft device discount5%–15%Car equipped with alarm system, immobilizer, or tracking systemAllstate, Travelers

What types of coverage do new drivers need?

Most states require drivers to carry liability coverage, which pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident. Liability insurance meets legal requirements but doesn’t cover damage to your own vehicle.

Many drivers instead choose full-coverage car insurance, which typically includes higher liability limits, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Lenders often require full coverage if you finance or lease your vehicle.

Drivers with older vehicles sometimes choose liability-only car insurance to reduce costs. But doing so means paying out of pocket if your vehicle is damaged.

Drivers with auto loans should also consider gap insurance. Gap coverage helps pay the difference between the loan balance and the vehicle’s value if your car is totaled.[3]

Ultimately, the best coverage for you depends on your vehicle value, financial situation, and risk tolerance.

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New driver car insurance rates by state

Insurance rates vary widely by location. State laws, accident frequency, weather risks, and repair costs all influence premiums.

The table below shows typical estimates for new drivers with clean records broken down by state.

The below national rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM PDT. 
State
Average Liability-Only Quote for New Drivers
Average Full-Coverage Quote for New Drivers
Montana$96$214
Wisconsin$102$224
Wyoming$103$194
Iowa$105$207
Hawaii$112$227
South Dakota$115$283
North Dakota$117$202
Tennessee$119$261
North Carolina$125$204
New Hampshire$129$211
Indiana$129$259
Alabama$130$279
Vermont$131$322
Arkansas$133$273
New Mexico$133$273
Nebraska$137$266
Idaho$137$229
Ohio$139$251
Alaska$146$240
Kansas$146$291
Pennsylvania$154$277
Oklahoma$156$318
Missouri$156$306
West Virginia$160$301
Mississippi$161$336
Illinois$166$321
Oregon$169$290
California$174$360
Maine$174$327
Massachusetts$177$235
Colorado$178$398
Utah$178$283
Minnesota$183$358
Arizona$191$339
Louisiana$193$380
Washington$196$380
Kentucky$204$328
Michigan$208$366
New York$214$321
Texas$215$398
Virginia$221$387
Washington D.C.$231$402
Florida$234$389
Connecticut$269$374
Georgia$273$450
Nevada$275$437
Delaware$279$441
Maryland$285$450
South Carolina$286$456
New Jersey$306$434
Rhode Island$343$577
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.

New driver car insurance FAQs

If you’re a new driver and have questions about coverage options and costs, here are some quick answers to get you started.

How long are you considered a new driver?

Most insurers consider you a new driver for three to five years after you receive your license, but this can also depend on your driving record and claims history. Young drivers typically don‘t see lower rates until around age 25, even if they have years of experience.

Is it cheaper to stay on a parent’s car insurance as a new driver?

Yes. Adding a new driver to a family insurance policy is usually cheaper because the risk is spread across multiple drivers and vehicles.

How much is car insurance for a new driver per month?

The cost of a new driver’s insurance policy often ranges from $150 to $500 per month, depending on their age, vehicle, coverage level, and location.

What is the cheapest car to insure as a new driver?

Vehicles with strong safety ratings and moderate value — such as compact sedans — typically carry the cheapest car insurance for new drivers.

Do new drivers have to get their own policy?

No. Many first-time drivers remain on a family policy, though drivers who own their vehicle or live independently may need their own policy.

How much does a defensive driving course lower insurance for new drivers?

Many insurers offer discounts of 5% to 15% for completing an approved defensive driving course or a driver‘s education program.

At what age does car insurance go down for new drivers?

Car insurance rates for new drivers generally start to drop around age 25. They can also begin declining gradually a few years earlier if the driver maintains a clean record.

Sources

  1. Insurance Information Institute. "Car Insurance for New Drivers."
  2. NAIC. "Car Insurance for New Drivers."
  3. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "What is credit insurance for an auto loan?."

Methodology

Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250 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
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
  • Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
  • Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Doug Bailey
Writer: Doug BaileySenior Content Writer

Qualifications:
  • 15 years at the Boston Globe

  • 5+ years covering insurance industry


Doug joined Insurify as a senior content writer in 2025. He was previously a regular contributor to InsuranceNewsNet.

Photo of an Insurify author
Editor: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor

Qualifications:
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

  • NPN: 20564519


Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

Mark Friedlander
Reviewer: Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute

Qualifications:
  • Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute

  • 20+ years in insurance and communications

  • Impartial, independent expert


As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.