Best and Cheapest Car Insurance for New Drivers (2024)
Auto-Owners is the cheapest nationally available insurer for young drivers, while regional carriers COUNTRY Financial and NJM offer cheap rates in a limited number of states.
National Association of Real Estate Editors member
Bylines include Forbes, Bankrate, and CBS News
Aly is a reporter specializing in real estate, mortgages, and personal finance. You can find her work in Hearst newspapers and numerous financial publications.
Background working with banks and insurance companies
Sarah enjoys helping people find smarter ways to spend their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans.
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Cheapest recent rates
Insurify’s drivers have found rates ranging from $34/mo. to $121/mo. in the last few days
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on October 10, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ 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 October 10, 2024. 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 October 10, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ 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 October 10, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
New drivers often pay more for car insurance due to their inexperience on the road. But premiums vary by insurer, so it’s a good idea to shop around to find a rate that works for you. The best options for inexperienced drivers include Allstate, GEICO, and State Farm, to name a few.
Across all insurers, the average rate for new drivers is $188 per month for liability coverage. But new drivers may be able to save on car insurance rates by following a few key strategies.
Quick Facts
Insurance companies may view new drivers as high risk.
Discounts may be available for safe driving, students, and more.
You’ll need three to six years of driving experience for insurers to no longer consider you as newly licensed.
Best car insurance for new drivers
A number of factors can affect the cost of your insurance premium, including how long you’ve been behind the wheel. Due to a lack of experience and high accident risk, car insurance premiums are higher for newly licensed drivers — especially teens.[1]
But if you just got your license and need to find a car insurance policy, comparing quotes from different insurance companies can help you save. Here’s a closer look at some of the best car insurance companies for new drivers, along with their average monthly liability quotes.
Insurance Company
▲▼
Cost to Insure a New Driver
▲▼
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.
▲▼
Allstate
$111
8.9
GEICO
$78
9.0
State Farm
$92
9.3
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. 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 28,000 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.
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.
8.9 /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.
$62/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.
$137/mo
4.0
Best choiceBased on 5300 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Allstate
Drivers appreciate the initial pricing and overall service but dislike the frequent rate increases and misleading pricing tactics.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Accident forgiveness
Wide availability
Cheap rates
How drivers feel about Allstate
Drivers appreciate the initial pricing and overall service but dislike the frequent rate increases and misleading pricing tactics.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Accident forgiveness
Wide availability
Cheap rates
Reviews (2,881)
Don
October 13, 2024
Verified Review
Everything is good, but it's more expensive than other insurance companies I got quotes from online.
Everything is good, but it's more expensive than other insurance companies I got quotes from online.
Carolyn
October 13, 2024
Verified Review
Average
It's okay, but the rates are too high. I will be looking for a cheaper price.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
833
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.94
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
Many insurers offer some premium discounts, but Allstate has a wide range of available discounts — particularly for new drivers.
You can get premium discounts for having a new car, anti-lock brakes, or anti-theft devices; signing your policy at least seven days before it goes into effect; and even getting good grades (a B- average or 2.7 GPA or higher for high school and college students).
Pros
Many available discounts
Savings possible via Drivewise safe driving program
Wide range of coverage options
Cons
Not available in all 50 U.S. states
Many complaints about Allstate’s Android app
High number of complaints on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) consumer complaint index
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.
9.0 /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.
$121/mo
4.0
Best choiceBased on 9765 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about GEICO
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
How drivers feel about GEICO
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Reviews (5,380)
Becca
October 13, 2024
Verified Review
Disappointed
I thought I had roadside assistance, but ended up having to pay $140.00 for a tow.
Dorcas
October 13, 2024
Verified Review
Walk Away
Your insurance will increase even with an excellent driving record. I would not recommend this to any of my family and friends.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
835
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.74
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 offers new drivers a little bit of everything, including affordable rates, a solid customer service reputation, and plenty of discounts and coverage options. It also has highly rated mobile apps that allow you to buy and manage your policy digitally. The company operates in all 50 states, too.
Pros
Many discounts
High rating for consumer satisfaction and mobile apps
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.
$121/mo
4.2
Best choiceBased on 8413 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about State Farm
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
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
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Reviews (4,611)
Mike
October 13, 2024
Verified Review
Excellent
Great people to work with.
Chad
October 13, 2024
Verified Review
Pricey
The coverage was good, but the rates kept increasing even though I had no tickets or claims.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
842
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.78
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 ranked as one of the best car insurance companies in the country for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power. The insurer ranked at or near the top in the Central U.S., Florida, the Mid-Atlantic region, New England, New York, the North Central and North West regions, Texas, and the Southwest. The company also offers a wide range of discounts and a young-driver safe driving program.
Pros
Many discounts
Savings possible via Steer Clear safe driving program
High rating for consumer satisfaction and mobile apps
Cons
Coverage not available in Massachusetts or Rhode Island
No gap insurance
Must purchase a policy through an agent
Who is considered a new driver?
While no official definition exists for what insurance companies consider a “new” driver, it generally includes first-time drivers, like teens, recent immigrants, and drivers with long lapses in auto insurance coverage. Essentially, anyone with little to no recent history driving on U.S. roads can be considered a new driver.
Important Information
Your age is one of the most important factors in setting your car insurance rates. Generally speaking, more mature drivers — drivers likely to have more experience on the road — have fewer accidents and receive lower premiums. Teenage andyoung adult drivers — drivers younger than 25 — usually get higher premiums.[2]
Cheapest car insurance for teen drivers
Insurance companies often charge young, newly licensed drivers more for car insurance due to their inexperience on the road and a higher likelihood of getting into an accident (and subsequently filing a claim).
Teenagers have nearly four times the chance of a car crash compared to drivers 20 and older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute.[1]
The following table shows the cheapest car insurance for teen drivers, according to Insurify data.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, September 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
▲▼
Full Coverage
▲▼
Liability Only
▲▼
COUNTRY Financial
$46
$20
NJM
$65
$36
Auto-Owners
$125
$58
Root
$140
$82
Erie
$151
$81
USAA
$159
$73
GEICO
$172
$78
Metromile
$181
$102
CSAA
$195
$125
State Farm
$202
$92
Mile Auto
$216
$119
Allstate
$245
$111
Progressive
$251
$144
American Family
$288
$129
Mercury
$297
$150
Elephant
$297
$169
Nationwide
$317
$144
Safeco
$320
$178
Shelter
$338
$174
The General
$342
$162
State Auto
$351
$165
Dairyland
$355
$134
The Hartford
$360
$203
Travelers
$361
$166
Amica
$362
$197
Direct Auto
$362
$186
National General
$365
$176
Clearcover
$375
$197
21st Century
$402
$187
Farmers
$436
$197
Bristol West
$437
$200
Liberty Mutual
$456
$248
AssuranceAmerica
$480
$280
Infinity
$481
$343
Chubb
$481
$225
GAINSCO
$494
$216
Foremost
$529
$248
Commonwealth Casualty
$541
$204
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Find Cheap Car Insurance for Teens
Liability rates for teen drivers start at $20 per month
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Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
How new drivers can save on car insurance
If you’re a new driver, you may be able to reduce your auto insurance premium in many ways. The exact strategy will depend on what type of new driver you are.
Here’s a closer look at how different types of new drivers can save.
Teens and young drivers
If you’re a young driver, you have many ways to reduce your premium, including:
Have your parents add you to their policy. You can get on your parent or guardian’s auto insurance policy rather than getting your own separate auto policy. This will generally qualify you for a lower rate than your own.
Ask about discounts. You can also look for discounts, like good student discounts or pay-in-full discounts, or enroll in a safe driving program. These allow a mobile app to monitor your driving habits. If you drive safely for a certain period of time, it can lead to reduced premiums.
Take a defensive driving course. You may also be able to get lower premiums as a teen driver by taking a defensive driving course, driving a new car, installing anti-theft devices on your car, and shopping around for your car insurer. Premiums can vary quite a bit from one company to the next.[3]
Immigrants
Immigrants often have no experience driving in the U.S. Taking a defensive driving course can be a smart way to become a safer driver while also reducing your premiums, as many insurers offer discounts for completing these programs.
You can also increase your deductible, take advantage of discounts, and comparison shop among several companies. If you already have an existing insurance policy, such as home or renters insurance, you may be able to save by bundling. Most insurance companies have discounts for multi-policyholders.
People with a lapse in coverage or driving
If you have a lapse in insurance coverage or just driving in general, consider enrolling in a defensive driving or driver’s education course. This will help you brush up on your driving skills and potentially qualify you for a lower premium.
Choosing a new car with a high safety rating is also a good idea. You can further your savings if the car has certain safety features, like anti-lock brakes and airbags. You can also improve your credit score (this often plays a role in premiums) or choose a higher-deductible policy, if you have enough savings on hand to cover it.
How car insurance works for new drivers
Car insurance is a type of protection for both you and your vehicle. Every state except New Hampshire requires some amount of liability coverage.
If you get in a car accident, your vehicle is stolen, or you injure yourself in the car, your insurance policy will pay for some or all of the damages involved. Car insurance covers the costs to repair your car, go to the doctor for treatment, and even replace your car if it’s totaled. It also covers damage to other cars, drivers, and passengers.
When you get into an accident or another covered event occurs, you’ll need to file a claim. Then, your insurance company will investigate the insurance claim, send an adjuster to assess the damage to your car, and offer you a claim settlement. Once you pay your deductible — the portion of the claim you’re responsible for before insurance kicks in — your insurer will send you a check.[4]
Cheapest recent rates
Insurify’s drivers have found rates ranging from $34/mo. to $121/mo. in the last few days
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on October 10, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ 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 October 10, 2024. 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 October 10, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ 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 October 10, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
How long you’re considered a new driver
Insurance companies generally consider you a new driver until you have at least three to six years of experience on the road. Once you reach this point in your driving history, your insurance premiums could start to drop.
To speed up the process and prove your safe habits on the road, taking a defensive driving or driver’s education course may help. Enrolling in your insurer’s safe driving program (if it has one) may be an option, too.
How to buy first-time car insurance
Getting your first car insurance policy can be overwhelming. To ensure you get the lowest rates possible, it’s a good idea to:
Shop around for your insurance company. Premiums can vary quite a bit among insurers, so compare a few options before deciding which one to go with. Be sure to ask about available discounts when comparing companies.
Know how much coverage you need. Most states require certain minimum amounts of liability insurance coverage. Sticking to these minimums can help reduce your premiums (though you may owe more if you get into a wreck later on).
Consider bundling policies. If you can get your car insurance policy from the same company that holds your home or renters insurance policy, you might get a discount. Insurers often refer to this as “bundling.”
Brush up your credit first. Your credit history and score will likely play a role in your car insurance costs. Coming in with a high credit score will give you the best chances at lower rates.
Check with your employer. Some companies offer group plans or discounts for their employees. Ask your work’s HR department if any insurance benefits exist for your company.
Talking to an independent insurance agent or financial advisor may also help you save. They can give you more information about your options, shop around on your behalf, and help you choose the best insurer and policy for your budget.
New-driver car insurance FAQs
When considering car insurance as a new driver, this additional information may help as you research your coverage options.
How much is car insurance for new drivers?
Compared to experienced drivers, new drivers pay more for auto insurance because they pose a greater risk on the road. But you can still find affordable rates as a new driver if you compare quotes, lock in discounts, and drive safely.
On average, new drivers in the U.S. pay $188 per month for a liability policy and $382 for a full-coverage policy, according to Insurify data.
What is the best car insurance for new drivers?
The best car insurance for new drivers comes with affordable rates and discounts from insurers with a great reputation and excellent industry ratings. You might want to consider an auto policy from Allstate, GEICO, or State Farm.
Their monthly liability rates for teens average $111, $78, and $92, respectively.
Do new drivers need car insurance?
In almost every state, all drivers, including new drivers, must purchase car insurance. States generally require liability coverage, but if you lease or finance your car, the leasing company or lender will mandate full coverage.
If you do choose liability-only car insurance, note that it may not provide all the protection you need. It may be worth the extra cost to spend a bit more on a full-coverage policy.
Should you add your teen driver to your car insurance policy?
It depends. Adding your teen to your car insurance policy can help teen drivers get lower rates. But it’s important to keep in mind that if your teen gets into an accident, it could affect your insurance, especially if it’s serious.
What car insurance is cheapest for new drivers?
You can find the cheapest liability rates for new drivers from COUNTRY Financial, NJM, and Auto-Owners. They have monthly rates starting at $20, $36, and $58.
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 50+ 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
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Aly J. Yale is a freelance writer and reporter covering real estate, mortgages, and personal finance. Her work has been published in Forbes, Business Insider, Money, CBS News, US News & World Report, and The Miami Herald. She has a bachelor’s degree in radio-TV-film and news-editorial journalism from the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at TCU and is a member of the National Association of Real Estate Editors.
Background working with banks and insurance companies
Sarah enjoys helping people find smarter ways to spend their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans.
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