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Car insurance for 17-year-olds

Every teen driver needs car insurance to protect them while on the road. But the national average cost of an insurance policy for a 17-year-old driver is more than $8,000, so it can get expensive. 

Whether you’re looking for yourself or someone you know, discover how to get the best car insurance deals for 17-year-olds. 

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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. 

Written by Alyssa DiCrasto

Reviewed by Rob Deming

Last updated: February 26th, 2024

Best car insurance for 17-year-olds

17-year-old drivers have many options for purchasing an auto insurance policy to protect them and other drivers while on the road. 

Car insurance is necessary for all drivers, but teen drivers are among the most expensive to insure. Fortunately, you can do a few things to get the best car insurance for 17-year-old drivers.  

The first is to shop around and compare rates from different auto insurance providers. Ask about discounts and consider the type and amount of insurance you need. You can also choose a higher deductible to lower your monthly premium. Lastly, by practicing safe driving and keeping a clean record, you’ll be able to get lower rates in the future. 

Here is a sample of the average rates for a 17-year-old male policyholder at some of the top insurance companies that cover a large portion of the US. 

Company Average Annual Premium
USAA 5,551
Auto-Owners Insurance 5,768
Nationwide 6,677
State Farm 7,061
Geico 7,728
Travelers 8,090
Progressive 9,878
Allstate 10,780
Farmers 12,128

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. 

Cheap car insurance for 17-year-olds

Average cost of car insurance for 17-year-olds

17-year-olds are part of the most expensive age group to insure: young drivers. Along with age, where you live and the car you drive impact the cost of car insurance, so we recommend researching the cheapest cars to insure for 17-year-olds before purchasing a vehicle.  

Here are the average rates in each state for a 17-year-old policyholder. 

Annual rates for a 17-year-old male driving a 2023 RAV4, estimated using publicly sourced data from First Interpreter. Rates do not represent actual quotes. Accurate as of January 2024. 

Unique factors that contribute to cost for 17-year-olds

Car insurance costs vary for people of all ages, depending on where they live, their gender, and their car make, model, and age. However, 17-year-old drivers encounter additional factors that contribute to the price they pay for car insurance.  

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Auto insurance companies consider 17-year-olds high-risk drivers. Whether it’s speeding, distracted driving, or simply underestimating the danger of the road, risky behaviors can lead to severe accidents. As a result, insurers charge teenage drivers higher rates to offset the increased risk. 

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While 17-year-olds can purchase their own car insurance policy, it is typically more expensive for 17-year-olds to own their own policy vs. their parent adding the teen to an existing policy. If possible, we recommend parents add their teens to their existing auto insurance policy to save some money. 

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Most insurance companies give discounts to customers who pay their annual premiums in full rather than in monthly installments throughout the year.

How to get affordable car insurance for 17-year-olds

Finding the best car insurance deals for 17-year-olds doesn’t have to be difficult. While teenager drivers pay more for auto insurance, there are ways to find affordable policies from top providers. 

1. Shop around and compare car insurance rates

Regardless of if the teen wants to purchase their own policy or if their parents want to add them to a family policy, shopping around and comparing rates from top insurance companies is the best way to find affordable car insurance for 17-year-olds.  

First, compare policies with the same coverage levels for the most accurate price. Secondly, consider the deductible. A higher deductible will result in a lower premium, meaning you’ll pay less monthly but more out of pocket in the event of an accident.  

Find the best companies for you and start comparing today with Rate Retriever 

2. Ask about teen driver discounts

Some auto insurance providers may offer 17-year-old drivers discounts to lower the cost of insurance, including: 

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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.

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

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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

Every state has auto insurance laws that determine the minimum type and amount of car insurance required to operate a motor vehicle legally in the state. The best car insurance for 17-year-old drivers may include additional policies for added protection. 

Car insurance FAQs for 17-year-olds

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.

How much does car insurance typically cost for a 17-year-old?

Car insurance for a 17-year-old on their own policy can cost around $4,450 to $11,000 per year, depending on factors like location, driving record, and type of car. 17-year-olds on their parent’s insurance policy costs an additional $1,500 to $3,000 a year on average. Some ways to save money include taking a defensive driving course, maintaining good grades, and choosing a safe vehicle.

Can a 17-year-old get their own car insurance policy?

Yes, in some states a 17-year-old can get their own car insurance policy, but they may need a parent or guardian to co-sign the policy because they are not legally considered adults until they turn 18. However, it is almost always less expensive for a teenager to be added to an existing insurance policy instead of purchasing their own.

What are the best car insurance deals for 17-year-olds?

The best car insurance for 17-year-old drivers depends on the teenager’s driving record, geographical area, car type, and budget. Ultimately, the best car insurance company for a 17-year-old will be the one that provides the coverage they need at a price they can afford.

Are there any discounts available for 17-year-old drivers?

Some car insurance companies offer discounts to 17-year-old drivers for things like good grades, completing driving courses, or being a safe driver. Check with different insurance companies to see if they offer any discounts for young drivers, and it’s important to compare rates and coverage options to find the best deal. Remember, driving safely and responsibly can also help lower insurance costs in the long run.

Do I need car insurance if I have a learner’s permit at 17?

Generally, it’s a good idea to have car insurance even if you have a learner’s permit at 17. Car insurance is required by law to protect you and others in case of an accident. Even though you are still learning to drive, insurance is important to have in case of any unexpected situations, and having car insurance can provide peace of mind and help you be prepared for any driving situation.

How does adding a 17-year-old driver impact their parents’ car insurance rates?

Adding a 17-year-old driver to a parent’s car insurance can increase their rates (by 60-70% on average) because new and young drivers are considered higher risk by insurance companies. Young drivers are more likely to get into accidents due to their lack of experience on the road. To offset this risk, insurance companies may raise premiums to cover potential expenses from any accidents or claims involving the new driver.

How does the type of car driven by a 17-year-old affect insurance rates?

The type of car driven by a 17-year-old can affect insurance rates because certain cars may be more expensive to repair or may have a higher likelihood of being in accidents. Insurance companies consider factors like the car’s model, make, and safety features when determining rates. New, fast or sporty cars are typically more expensive to insure compared to older and safer vehicles. It’s important for teenagers and their parents to choose a car that is reliable and meets safety standards to help keep insurance rates lower.

Can a 17-year-old insure a car that’s in their parents’ name?

Yes, a 17-year-old can insure a car that is in their parents’ name. They can be added as a driver on their parents’ auto insurance policy. This allows them to drive the car legally and be covered in case of an accident. However, the cost of insurance may be higher for a younger driver. It is important to check with the insurance company to make sure the teen is properly covered and to understand any additional costs or restrictions that may apply.

What steps can a 17-year-old take to lower their car insurance premiums?

A 17-year-old can lower their car insurance premiums by getting good grades in school, taking a driving course, and choosing a safe car to drive. They can also opt for a higher deductible, maintain a clean driving record, and avoid adding unnecessary coverage. Shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance companies can also help find the best rate. Additionally, being listed on their parents’ policy or using a telematics device to track their driving habits may also lead to lower premiums.

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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.