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Car insurance for 18-year-olds

Every teen driver needs car insurance to protect them while on the road.

Knowing how much car insurance costs and how 18-year-olds can get their own insurance will help you choose the best insurance for 18-year-old drivers.

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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 18-year-olds

Accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of age or experience. That’s why car insurance for 18-year-old drivers is so important: it can help cover the costs of repairs or medical treatment in case of an accident. 

The cost of car insurance for 18-year-old drivers can be high. However, you can find good car insurance at a price that works for you by selecting a policy with a higher deductible, taking advantage of discounts, and comparing rates before choosing a policy. 

Cheap car insurance for 18-year-olds

Average cost of car insurance for 18-year-olds

18-year-olds are part of the most expensive age group to insure: teenagers. As a new driver with little driving experience, you are considered high-risk and will pay more for auto insurance than older drivers. This price can vary depending on where you live and what car you drive. 

Below are the average annual rates for an 18-year-old policyholder 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 usually costs much less for the teenage driver to be added to their parent’s policy rather than purchase a policy themselves. So if it’s possible, it will be much more affordable to join a parent’s existing policy. 

How adding a teen affects your car insurance rates

Unique factors that contribute to cost for 18-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, additional factors contribute to the price 18-year-olds pay for car insurance.  

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A combination of lack of driving experience, immaturity, and a tendency to take more risks make all teenagers high-risk drivers. This is one reason insurance for teenagers is so expensive. 

Additionally, alcohol becomes a more significant factor at this age, as 60% of 18-year-olds report they have had a drink in the past month. This increases the likelihood of driving under the influence, getting into an accident, and needing to file a claim. 

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It is typically more expensive for 18-year-olds to purchase their own insurance policy instead of their parents adding the teen to an existing policy. While some parents choose to have their 18-year-olds on their insurance policy, not every teen driver can take advantage of this.  

If possible, we recommend parents add their teens to a family insurance policy to keep the cost of car insurance as low as possible for the 18-year-old.

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Some auto insurance companies offer teen driver discounts that lower the average car insurance for 18-year-old drivers. Common discounts among this age group include good student discounts and away-from-home discounts.

How to get affordable car insurance for 18-year-olds

At 18-years-old, you are responsible for having the proper auto insurance coverage to legally operate a motor vehicle in your state. Although the average car insurance cost for 18-year-old drivers is notoriously high, you can get affordable coverage by taking these three steps.

1. Shop around and compare car insurance rates

Shopping around and comparing rates from top auto insurance companies is how to find the best car insurance rates for 18-year-old drivers. Consider what the policy includes and the deductible cost.  

Start today by finding the best car insurance providers for you with Rate Retriever.

2. Ask about teen driver discounts

Some auto insurance providers offer 18-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 goes through a Driver’s Education course. 

3. Make sure you have the coverage you need

Some 18-year-olds consider a state-minimum policy if they’re driving an older car and getting their own policy. However, if your vehicle would cost more to repair than you could afford out-of-pocket, you may want additional coverage which could increase your monthly premium. 

Car insurance FAQs for 18-year-olds

How much does car insurance typically cost for an 18-year-old?

The cost of car insurance for an 18-year-old can vary depending on factors like driving record, location, and the type of coverage needed. On average, young drivers usually pay higher rates due to their limited experience on the road. A rough estimate for a basic policy could be around $300 to $800 per month on their own policy or an additional $100 to $300 a month on an existing policy (like their parent’s). It’s important to shop around and compare quotes to find the best deal. Some companies offer discounts for good grades or completing driver’s education courses which can help lower the cost.

Can an 18-year-old get their own car insurance policy?

Yes, an 18-year-old can typically get their own car insurance policy. However, they may face challenges due to their age and lack of driving experience, which could result in higher premiums. It’s important to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best coverage at an affordable price. Make sure to research and understand the requirements for obtaining car insurance as an 18-year-old driver at your chosen insurance company.

What factors influence the cost of car insurance for 18-year-olds?

The cost of car insurance for 18-year-olds is influenced by several factors including the type of car you drive, your driving record, where you live, and your age. Young drivers are often charged higher premiums because they are seen as higher risk due to their lack of experience. In order to lower the cost of insurance, 18-year-olds can consider completing a defensive driving course, maintaining a clean driving record, and choosing a safer, less expensive car to insure.

Are there any discounts available for 18-year-old drivers?

Many car insurance companies offer good student discounts for young drivers who maintain a certain grade point average. Some companies may also provide discounts for completing a driver’s education course. It’s important to shop around and compare insurance quotes to find the best deal for 18-year-old drivers. However, discounts may vary depending on the insurance company and individual circumstances.

How to lower car insurance for 18-year-olds?

To lower car insurance at 18 years old, consider taking a defensive driving course to show insurers you are responsible drivers, ask about discounts for good grades or being a student away from home, and choose a safe car with good safety features. Also consider comparing quotes from different insurance companies to find the best rate. By being proactive and taking steps to show insurers they are responsible, 18-year-olds can lower their car insurance rates.

What type of coverage is necessary for an 18-year-old driver?

An 18-year-old driver needs to have at least basic auto insurance coverage. This typically includes liability coverage, which helps pay for damages to other people or their property if the driver causes an accident. Additionally, it is recommended for young drivers to have comprehensive and collision coverage to protect their own vehicle. Some states may also require uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to help in case of an accident with a driver who does not have insurance.

How does adding an 18-year-old driver impact their parents’ car insurance rates?

Adding an 18-year-old driver to their parents’ car insurance can cause the rates to go up by about 50-70% on average. This is because younger drivers are considered higher risk by insurance companies, as they are more likely to get into accidents. It’s important for parents to be aware of this potential increase and to shop around for the best rates. Some insurance companies offer discounts for young drivers who have good grades or complete a driving safety course.

How does an 18-year-old’s driving record affect future car insurance rates?

An 18-year-old’s driving record can greatly impact their future car insurance rates. If they have a clean record with no accidents or tickets, their rates may be lower in the future. However, if they have been in accidents or received speeding tickets, insurance companies may see them as a higher risk driver and charge higher rates. It is important for young drivers to practice safe driving habits to keep their insurance rates affordable.

Can an 18-year-old cancel their car insurance policy if they no longer need it?

Yes, an 18-year-old can cancel their car insurance policy if they no longer need it. They should contact their insurance provider to inform them of their decision and follow their specific cancellation procedures. It’s important to consider any potential consequences, such as fees or penalties for early termination, before making a final decision. It’s also a good idea to explore alternative options, such as reducing coverage or switching to a cheaper policy, to ensure they are still protected while saving money. In the future, it is easier to get affordable car insurance if you have a history of being insured; so while canceling your policy may save you money in the short term, it may mean your rates will be more expensive in the future.

How often should an 18-year-old review their car insurance policy?

An 18-year-old should review their car insurance policy at least once a year. This can help ensure they have the right coverage for their needs and that they are getting the best possible rate. Changes in driving habits, cars, or address may also impact insurance needs, so reviewing regularly is recommended. It’s important to understand what is covered in the policy and make any necessary updates to stay protected on the road.

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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.