Call a licensed agent: 833-964-9663

Car insurance for 16-year-olds

Every teen driver needs car insurance to protect them while on the road, but with the average 16-year-old policyholder paying $4,800 a year for car insurance, it’s important to know where to look.

Whether you’re looking for yourself or someone you know, discover how to get affordable car insurance for 16-year-olds. 

16 yo with rates
Trophy

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. 

Written by Alyssa DiCrasto

Reviewed by Rob Deming

Last updated: February 26th, 2024

Best car insurance for 16-year-olds

Every teenage driver should have an insurance policy that helps protect them financially in case of an accident and can cover the cost of repairs if needed.  

Car insurance is necessary for all drivers, but it can be especially expensive for 16-year-olds. Fortunately, there are a few things 16-year-olds can do to get the best car insurance rates. The first is to shop around and compare rates from different insurers. It’s also a good idea to take advantage of discounts, such as good student discounts or safe driver discounts. Another way to save on car insurance is to choose a higher deductible, which lowers your monthly premium. Finally, it’s always wise to drive safely and avoid accidents, as having a clean driving record will help keep your rates low in the future. 

Cheap car insurance for 16-year-olds

Average cost of car insurance for 16-year-olds

Having the freedom to drive is an exciting feeling, but it does come with its fair share of expenses like gas, car payments, and a big expense: car insurance. Just how much is car insurance for 16-year-old drivers?

Your cost will vary based on if you are insuring a 16-year-old male or female driver, where you live, and the type of car you drive as well as other various factors.  

Below is the average annual price of car insurance for a 16-year-old driver on their own car insurance policy in each state. 

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. 

It’s important to note, however, that it is usually much less expensive for teenagers to be added to their parent’s insurance policy than it is for them to purchase a policy of their own.

How adding a teen affects your car insurance rates

Unique factors that attribute to cost for 16-year-olds

Car insurance costs vary for people of all ages, depending on where they live, what type of car they drive, and other demographic factors. However, 16-year-old drivers encounter additional factors that contribute to how much they pay for auto insurance. 

Edit Content

Because they are new to driving and don’t have much experience, 16-year-old drivers are considered high risk drivers. In the eyes of insurance providers, inexperienced drivers are more likely to get into a car accident and file a claim. Because of this, teen drivers pay higher premiums, increasing their overall cost of car insurance. 

Edit Content

16-year-old drivers can buy their own insurance policy. However, it is typically more expensive for a 16-year-old to purchase their own insurance policy rather than joining a parent’s existing policy. When possible, 16-year-olds should consider asking their parents to add them to an existing policy to save some money. 

Edit Content

Some auto insurance companies offer teen driver discounts that can lower the cost for car insurance for 16-year-olds. These include discounts for being a good student and discounts for completing a driver’s education course. 

How to get affordable car insurance for 16-year-olds

Being a 16-year-old driver is both exciting and challenging. On the one hand, you finally have the freedom to hit the open road. On the other hand, car insurance rates for 16-year-old drivers are notoriously high. However, you can do a few things to find more affordable coverage.

1. Shop around and compare car insurance rates

Shopping around and comparing rates from top auto insurance companies is the best way to find affordable car insurance for 16-year-old drivers. By comparing quotes, you can choose the company that offers the best policy at the most affordable price. Start today by finding the best providers for you with Rate Retriever 

2. Ask about teen driver discounts

Some auto insurance providers may offer 16-year-old drivers discounts to lower the cost of insurance. Examples of discounts include:

Edit Content

Teenagers in high school, college, or a vocational program can typically qualify for discounts if they have at least a B average in their classes.

Edit Content

Teenagers attending school at least 100 miles away from their home may be able to receive a discount on auto insurance. 

Edit Content

Insurance companies sometimes offer a discount if a teenager successfully completes a Driver’s Education course. 

3. Make sure you have the coverage you need

It’s essential to meet your state’s minimum auto insurance requirements and consider additional coverage for more financial protection while on the road. While car insurance for 16-year-old drivers can be expensive, a policy that protects you financially in the event of an accident is well worth it. 

Car insurance FAQ's for 16-year-olds

Can a 16-year-old get car insurance on their own?

Yes, 16-year-olds can purchase their own car insurance policy. However, 16-year-old drivers will typically pay more for their insurance policy than if they were added to a parent’s existing policy.

How does car insurance work for a 16-year-old?

In order to get car insurance, 16-year-old drivers must have a valid driver's license and meet the minimum age requirements of the state in which they reside. The insurance company will then provide coverage for the vehicle up to the limits set by the policy.

Compare how much insurance costs at the top insurance companies near you

30 Seconds  |  No Sign-Up  |  Reliable Results 

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.