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Car insurance by age

Your age is one of the factors that insurance companies use to determine your auto insurance rates. Insurance companies consider age an indicator of risk, which is why young drivers typically pay more for car insurance than older drivers.

So, how will your age affect your car insurance cost?

How age affects your car insurance rates

How your age affects your car insurance cost

Insurance companies use age to determine their rates. Because younger drivers are less experienced behind the wheel, young drivers typically pay more for car insurance than older drivers, and teen drivers generally pay the most.

Assuming you maintain a good driving record, standard insurance rates will drop dramatically until around age 25 when they will continue to drop gradually until around age 55. People in their late 50s usually enjoy the cheapest rates while those 60 and older typically see a gradual increase in rates each year.

Read on to learn more about the average car insurance rates by age, and find your age group to see the average cost of car insurance for someone your age. Your rates will vary based on several factors including where you live, the vehicle you drive, your driving record, and more. 

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Why you can trust Rate Retriever

Our rates are based on public rate filings obtained by analytics company First Interpreter. While we may partner with some of the carriers you see on our site, we maintain editorial independence and it does not affect the rates you see. Read more about our rating methodology or see our rigorous editorial policy. 

Our rates are based on public rate filings obtained by analytics company First Interpreter. While we may partner with some of the carriers you see on our site, we maintain editorial independence and it does not affect the rates you see. Read more about our rating methodology or see our rigorous editorial policy. 

Picture of Written by <a href="https://rateretriever.com/about/alyssa-dicrasto/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Alyssa DiCrasto</span></a>
Written by Alyssa DiCrasto
Picture of Edited by <a href="https://rateretriever.com/about/rob-deming/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rob Deming</span></a>
Edited by Rob Deming

Last updated: August 8th, 2024

Picture of Written by <a href="https://rateretriever.com/about/alyssa-dicrasto/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Alyssa DiCrasto</span></a>
Written by Alyssa DiCrasto
Picture of Edited by <a href="https://rateretriever.com/about/rob-deming/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rob Deming</span></a>
Edited by Rob Deming

Last updated: August 8th, 2024

Table of Contents

At what age do car insurance costs go down?

When teenagers first get their driver’s license at age 16, they will pay more for car insurance because insurance companies consider them high-risk drivers. Teen drivers are 4 times more likely to be in a crash than drivers 20 years old and older. This is often due to teenagers’ immaturity and likelihood to take more risks as well as their lack of driving experience.1  

As you get older, your car insurance rate typically decreases, since you gain driving experience and are less likely to cause an accident. Rates will drop quickly until you reach age 25, when you’ll see the most significant drop. Rates then may continue to drop slowly until you reach your late 50s, when rates are usually lowest.

Read more about when car insurance rates go down >

When does car insurance go down infographic_Car Insurance by Age - When does car insurance go down

At what age do car insurance costs go down for females?

The average female driver will see their car insurance rate decrease around age 20. By age 25, they will see the most significant percentage decrease in the cost of auto insurance.2 

At what age do car insurance costs go down for males?

Like females, male drivers will also see their car insurance rates drop around age 20. However, males pay more for car insurance overall than females, indicating that car insurance companies consider male drivers to be higher risks than female drivers. So while 20-year-old males will pay less than they did as a teenager, they will still be paying a national average of 10% more than their female peers.

However, the size of this difference changes with age as well, so by age 25, males only pay around 2.5% more than females nationally.

A breakdown of car insurance by age

When it comes to car insurance, there are many factors that determine your rates. Because age plays a significant factor in the cost of car insurance in most states, it’s important to understand how your age will impact the price you pay for car insurance.3

Young teen driver

Car insurance for teens

Teenage drivers between the age of 16 and 19 are generally considered the highest-risk drivers for insurance providers to insure. That means their age group also pays the most for auto insurance coverage, with the national average car insurance cost for teens exceeding $3,000.

Below are the average rates in each state for a 17-year-old male policyholder with a clean record driving a 2022 RAV4.

Annual rates for a male driving a 2023 RAV4, estimated using public rate filings sourced from First Interpreter. Rates do not represent actual quotes. Accurate as of January 2024. 

The above rates assume that the teenager is the primary driver on a new insurance policy. If you are a parent of a teenage driver and add them to your existing policy, your rates will not be quite as expensive. 

On average, adding a teenager to your policy can increase your policy 125%.

Discounts for teens

While insuring a teenage driver can be expensive, some insurance companies provide discounts, making them more affordable options for families with teen drivers.

Here are some of the most common discounts to look for when researching car insurance for teens:

How adding a teen affects your car insurance rates
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Teenagers in high school, college, or a vocational program may qualify for discounts if they have at least a B average in their classes. 

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Some car insurance companies offer discounts for teenagers attending college at least 100 miles away from their home. 

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Sometimes, insurance companies will offer a discount if a teenager goes through a Driver’s Education course.

These discounts typically apply to car insurance for students that are 17 or 18 years old as well.  

It’s important to note, however, that other factors in addition to age can impact your car insurance rates for teens, including the state you live in and the car you drive.

One of the best ways to be confident that you have the best insurance for a teenager is to compare car insurance quotes from multiple providers, since this will take into account their age and all other contributing factors.

For a deeper look into car insurance for teens, visit one of the guides below to see data, insights, and recommendations specific to the age you’re most interested in:

Car insurance for young adults

Once a driver reaches age 20, the cost of car insurance slowly decreases until they are 25, when they see the most significant price drop related to age. 

Average car insurance rates for young adults

However, it is important to note that insurance prices are impacted by more factors than just your age, including other demographic information and the car you drive. To find the best car insurance, compare quotes from multiple providers to find an affordable policy for you. 

Until their rates decrease, young adults can typically find auto insurance discounts to make their premiums more affordable.  

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20-29 year old drivers in college or a vocational program may qualify for discounts if they have at least a B average in their classes.

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20-29 year olds attending college at least 100 miles away from their home may be able to receive a discount on car insurance. 

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Some car insurance companies offer Safe Driver Discounts, also known as Good Driver Discounts. These discounts are based on a driver’s record and are typically granted when a driver doesn’t have significant at-fault accidents, claims, or points. Some car insurance companies also offer discounts to those who agree to use devices that report on their driving to prove their safe driving skills.

For a deeper look into car insurance for young adults, visit one of the guides below to see data, insights, and recommendations specific to the age group you’re most interested in:

Car insurance for 30-year-olds

Drivers with clean driving records may see a slight drop in their car insurance rate once they turn 30. Often by age 30, other factors – such as credit score, homeownership, and insurance history – might impact your car insurance rate as much as your age does, depending on provider. 

Drivers in their 30s can also typically benefit from car insurance discounts to receive an even better rate. When choosing the best car insurance for 30-year-olds, be sure to ask about Safe Driver, Defensive Driver, Accident-Free, and Low Mileage Discounts that may be available. 

Learn more about the best insurance for 30-year-olds >

Average cost of car insurance for 35-year-olds

Annual rates for a male driving a 2023 RAV4, estimated using public rate filings sourced from First Interpreter. Rates do not represent actual quotes. Accurate as of January 2024. 

Car insurance for 40-year-olds

At age 40, drivers may see a slight decrease in the cost of car insurance once again. However, the older you get, the longer your driving record becomes, so it may become a more important factor when car insurance companies determine your rate.  

For example, a driver with a good driving record may be eligible for discounts to decrease their car insurance cost even further. On the other hand, 40-year-old drivers with a poor driving record may find themselves paying more for auto insurance at this age than they had previously. 

Learn more about the best insurance for 40-year-olds >

Average cost of car insurance for 45-year-olds

Annual rates for a male driving a 2023 RAV4, estimated using public rate filings sourced from First Interpreter. Rates do not represent actual quotes. Accurate as of January 2024. 

Car insurance for 50-year-olds

The average cost for car insurance for 50-year-olds is slightly less expensive than 40-year-olds. Although drivers may have been with their insurance provider for a while by this age, it’s always a good idea to compare rates.  

Some car insurance companies may provide better discounts on auto insurance for 50-year-olds than others, so compare rates to find the best car insurance for you.  

Learn more about the best car insurance for 50-year-olds >

Average cost of car insurance for 55-year-olds

Annual rates for a male driving a 2023 RAV4, estimated using public rate filings sourced from First Interpreter. Rates do not represent actual quotes. Accurate as of January 2024. 

Car insurance for 60-year-olds

In your 60s, it’s a wise idea to re-evaluate your car insurance. This is because your rates may start to increase – the average cost for car insurance for 60-year-olds is slightly more expensive than 50-year-olds – and your car insurance needs may be different than they were before. 

Additionally, some car insurance companies may provide better discounts on auto insurance for 60-year-olds than others, so your current company may not be the one that will be able to give you the best rates.  

Learn more about the best car insurance for 60-year-olds >

Average cost of car insurance for 65-year-olds

Annual rates for a male driving a 2023 RAV4, estimated using public rate filings sourced from First Interpreter. Rates do not represent actual quotes. Accurate as of January 2024. 

Car insurance for senior drivers

In general, drivers will pay the least for their premiums in their 60’s than they have before. However, the cost of auto insurance increases slightly for seniors over the age of 70 because car insurance companies consider them riskier drivers due to age-related impairments such in vision, cognition, and motor skills.5 

Learn more about the best car insurance for seniors >

Average car insurance rates for seniors

FAQs

Will my car insurance rates go down as I get older?

Generally, car insurance rates can go down as you get older. This is because older drivers tend to have more experience on the road and are considered to be less risky to insure. As you age, you may also qualify for additional discounts or benefits from insurance companies. However, other factors such as your driving record, the type of car you drive, and where you live can also impact your rates. It’s important to regularly review your policy and shop around for the best rates to ensure you’re getting the best deal as you age.

Will my car insurance go down when I turn 25?

Car insurance rates typically decrease dramatically when you turn 25, and then they start to level out. However, if you maintain a clean driving record your rates may continue to go down at a less dramatic rate every year or son. Usually drivers in their 50s enjoy the lowest rates. At 25, you are considered more mature and experienced, so insurance companies may offer you lower rates. However, many factors affect the cost of car insurance, like driving record, type of car, and location. Remember to keep a clean driving record and drive safely to help keep your insurance costs down.

At what age is car insurance most expensive?

Car insurance is typically most expensive for young drivers between the ages of 16 and 25. This is because younger drivers are considered higher risk by insurance companies due to their lack of driving experience and tendency to engage in riskier behaviors on the road. As drivers get older, their insurance rates usually decrease because they have more experience behind the wheel and are seen as less likely to get into accidents. It’s important for young drivers to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance providers to find the best rates.

At what age is car insurance cheapest?

Statistically, car insurance is usually cheapest for people in their 50s and 60s. This is because younger drivers, like teens and young adults, are considered riskier to insure due to their lack of driving experience and higher likelihood of accidents. As drivers get older and gain more experience, they typically qualify for lower rates. However, rates can vary based on factors like driving record, location, and the type of car being insured. It’s important to shop around and compare quotes to find the best deal.

How does age impact car insurance rates?

Car insurance rates can be higher for younger drivers because they are often seen as riskier and more likely to get into accidents. This is because younger drivers may not have as much experience behind the wheel. Older drivers, on the other hand, may see lower rates because they are typically more experienced and less likely to get into accidents. However, rates can also increase for older drivers as they get into their 60s and 70s because they may have slower reflexes and more health issues that could affect their driving ability.

Why do car insurance rates change as I get older?

Car insurance rates can change as you get older because insurance companies use statistics to determine risk. Younger drivers are considered higher risk because they are more likely to get into accidents. As you gain experience and maturity, you become a safer driver, leading to lower rates. Also, older drivers may have a longer history of safe driving, making them less risky to insure. Additionally, factors like credit score, driving record, and the type of vehicle you drive can also impact the cost of your insurance. Overall, as you get older and prove yourself to be a safe driver, your insurance rates can decrease.

Are there specific age milestones that can affect car insurance rates?

Yes, there are specific age milestones that can affect car insurance rates. Generally, younger drivers, like teenagers, tend to have higher insurance rates because they are considered higher risk due to their inexperience behind the wheel. As a driver ages and gains more experience, insurance rates typically decrease. However, once a driver reaches a certain age, usually around 65 or older, rates may begin to increase slightly again due to factors like decreased reaction time and vision.

Do younger drivers always pay more for car insurance?

Not always, younger drivers often pay more for car insurance because they have less driving experience and are more likely to get in accidents. However, some younger drivers may qualify for discounts or lower rates if they are added to an existing policy like their parent’s, have a good driving record, take driving courses, or have good grades. Ultimately, factors such as driving history, car type, and location can also impact the cost of car insurance for drivers of any age.

How does my driving experience affect car insurance rates as I age?

Your driving experience can affect your car insurance rates as you get older. As you gain more experience behind the wheel and show safe driving habits, insurance companies may see you as less risky to insure. This can lead to lower rates. However, if you have accidents or tickets, your rates may increase. Your age can also play a role in determining your rates, as younger drivers are often seen as higher risk. Overall, being a safe and responsible driver can help keep your insurance rates low as you age.

Are there any discounts available based on age?

Yes, some insurance companies offer discounts based on age. For example, seniors may qualify for discounts with an AARP membership or low mileage discount. Students may also qualify for good student or student-away-from-home discounts.

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Methodology

Rate Retriever rates are based on public rate filings obtained by analytics company First Interpreter. This data comes from the rating plans insurance carriers submit to each state’s department of insurance. Rating plans detail how each carrier calculates premiums using factors such as location, age, gender, and driving record, and they ensure that insurance premiums are both fair and competitive.  

For the data on this page, we made the following assumptions: a single male with a clean driving record and Good credit score, driving a 2023 RAV4. We adjusted this profile by age to determine the rates you see on this page. 

These rates are not actual quotes and should be used only for comparative purposes. Your rates can vary significantly based on your unique driver profile. 

About Rate Retriever

At Rate Retriever, our mission is to make the way you shop for insurance transparent and fair through user-friendly tools that respect your privacy and deliver reliable, comprehensive results 

So we took everything we hated about comparing insurance quotes online – the spam, the long questionnaires, the limited choices, the inaccuracy of quote prices – and threw it out the window, favoring a short form that more accurately estimates what you’ll pay at each of the top insurance providers near you. 

Rate Retriever is an independent company that is not owned by an insurance provider, nor do we provide insurance ourselves. This independence allows us to be your free and impartial insurance research tool, helping you make the best decisions for your insurance needs.  

We may earn a commission when you click one of the links or call one of the providers listed on our site; however, we do not allow our partnerships to influence which information we provide.