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Cheap car insurance for 19-year-olds

  • Average car insurance cost for 19-year-olds: $5,733
  • Cheapest car insurance companies: Nationwide, Auto-Owners, Geico
  • Comparing quotes is the best way to find the cheapest insurance

19 yo with rates
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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: July 18th, 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: July 18th, 2024

What's on this page?

Understanding car insurance for 19-year-olds

Every teen driver needs car insurance to protect them while on the road. Discover how much car insurance costs for a 19-year-old and learn how to get reliable yet cheap car insurance for young drivers. 

The cost of car insurance for 19-year-olds:

$5,733

Average annual premium

180% more

Than a 35-year-old

156% more

Than a 25-year-old

$$$$

When added to a parent’s policy

Why does this matter?
  • Knowing the average cost of car insurance for your age group gives you a benchmark to compare your own rate. If you’re paying a lot more, it might be time to shop around or ask your insurer why.

Best car insurance for 19-year-olds

Car insurance is a necessary expense for all drivers, but it can be especially costly for teenagers. The price you pay for car insurance will depend on factors such as age, gender, driving history, and the type of vehicle being insured. 

Because age is a significant factor and teenagers tend to be the most expensive age group to insure, the cost of car insurance for 19-year-old drivers can be pretty high. However, there are ways to find affordable coverage without compromising quality. 

You can get the best car insurance for 19-year-olds by comparing rates from different providers, utilizing available discounts, and driving a car with certain safety features, such as lane departure or anti-theft devices.

Cheapest companies for full coverage for 19-year-olds

Company Average Annual Premium
USAA 3,403
Auto-Owners Insurance 4,008
Nationwide 4,510
Progressive 4,519
Geico 4,762
State Farm 4,771
Travelers 4,835
Allstate 6,983
Farmers 7,010

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 19-year-olds

Average cost of car insurance for 19-year-olds

Although 19-year-olds are technically adults, they are still part of the most expensive age group to insure: teenagers. At 19 years old, teen drivers are associated with an immaturity that leads to a tendency to take more risks. Because of this, insurance companies charge more for car insurance for 19-year-old drivers. Other factors that impact insurance rates include where you live and what car you drive.

Below are the average annual rates for a 19-year-old policyholder in each state.

Average cost of car insurance by state (19-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. 

Adding a teenager to your insurance policy

It’s important to note that it is usually much less expensive for teenage drivers to be added to an existing insurance policy, rather than purchasing their own policy. If possible, being added to a parent’s insurance policy will be much more affordable.

How adding a teen affects your car insurance rates
Why does this matter?
  • It’s hard to find affordable car insurance for a teenager. It’s almost always cheaper to add a teenager to their parent’s existing policy rather than for them to purchase their own policy.

Cheapest car insurance for 19-year-olds

While price is not the only thing you should consider when choosing an insurance company, it is important to find affordable insurance. A full coverage policy is usually considered the best insurance for teenagers, since it offers protection for themselves and their own property as well as the liability insurance required by law.

Below are the average cost of a full coverage policy for a 19-year-old at popular national insurance companies.

Cheapest companies for full coverage for 19-year-olds

Company Average Annual Premium
USAA 3,702
Auto-Owners Insurance 4,511
Progressive 4,998
Nationwide 5,202
State Farm 5,345
Geico 5,363
Travelers 5,552
Farmers 7,547
Allstate 7,639

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. 

We use these limits for a full coverage policy: 

  • $100k/$300k/100k for liability insurance 
  • $500k deductible for comprehensive and collision insurance 

Benefits of full coverage

  • More Protection: Covers a wide range of incidents, from accidents to theft. 
  • Peace of Mind: You’ll feel more secure knowing you’re covered in many situations. 
  • Financial Security: Helps you avoid big out-of-pocket expenses for repairs or replacement. 
  • Required for Loans/Leases: Often needed if you finance or lease your car.

To get the cheapest car insurance:

  • Remember that it will usually be cheaper to add a 19-year-old to an existing policy than it is for them to purchase it on their own. If your 19-year-old lives at home, they are eligible to be on their parent’s policy.
      
  • To find the cheapest car insurance, compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies and don’t forget to look into local car insurance as well.
      

Factors that impact car insurance cost for 19-year-olds

There are many factors that will impact the price you’ll pay for car insurance beyond your age or location. Here are some of the most common:

Gender

Your gender can play a role in how much your car insurance costs in most states. In general, males pay more than females on average for car insurance. The impact that your gender will play in your car insurance rates is generally minimal, especially as you get older.

Credit

Insurance companies use your credit score as a rating factor in all states except CA, HI, and MA. People with poor credit generally pay more for car insurance than people with good credit. Those with excellent credit pay the least of all.

Vehicle

The vehicle you drive will also impact the price you pay for car insurance, especially for young drivers. Essentially, the more value your vehicle has, the more expensive it will be to insure. If your vehicle is expensive to repair or replace or is more likely to get in an accident, your insurance will be more expensive.

If you’re driving a newer vehicle, a luxury vehicle, or one with additional features or enhancements, you can expect your insurance to be more expensive than if you’re driving an older model with a basic trim level. Additionally, fast cars or ones with higher rates of accidents will usually have higher insurance premiums.

When deciding what car to buy for a 19-year-old, consider the following:

  • A used vehicle over a new one 
  • A vehicle with excellent safety ratings 
  • An SUV or sedan over a truck or sports car 
  • An economy brand like Subaru or Toyota over a luxury brand like BMW or Lexus 
See how much car insurance costs for your vehicle:

Your driving record

Your driving history is one of the most critical factors insurance companies consider when deciding how much you’ll pay for car insurance. Especially if you haven’t been driving long, any incidents on your record will have a big impact on the price you pay for car insurance. Incidents can include:

  • Traffic violations 
  • Accidents 
  • Claims history 
  • License suspensions or revocations
  • Time since last incident

Unique factors that contribute to cost for 19-year-olds

Additional factors contribute to the higher cost of car insurance for 19-year-old drivers. 

Teen drivers have less experience on the road, which means they’re more likely to get into an accident and file a claim. Additionally, perceived immaturity and alcohol consumption in this age group contributes to a higher crash risk.

Some parents still choose to include their teenagers on their family insurance policy; however, not all teens have this option. It is almost always going to be cheaper for a 19-year-old to be added to an existing policy rather than purchasing it themselves, so if you have the option, consider being added to a parent's policy. 

One way to get cheap car insurance for 19-year-olds is to take advantage of discounts some auto insurance companies offer. These include good student discounts and away-from-home discounts.

How to get affordable car insurance for people in their teens

The best car insurance for 19-year-old drivers is reliable and affordable. Although teen drivers pay more for auto insurance, there are ways to find cheap car insurance or lower your rates.

1. Shop around and compare car insurance rates

To find the best car insurance for 19-year-old drivers, shop around and compare rates from top auto insurance companies. You can select the company that offers a policy that fits your budget.

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

2. Ask about teen driver discounts

Teen driver discounts are another way to get cheap car insurance for 19-year-old drivers. These can include:

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

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

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.

 

3. Make sure you have the coverage you need

If you’re driving an older car and purchasing your own insurance, you may consider a state-minimum policy. However, this is only recommended if the value of the insured vehicle is less than or comparable to the deductible. Additionally, it’s essential to be able to afford any repairs out of pocket. Otherwise, you can select additional coverage for better protection.

Car insurance FAQs for 19-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 19-year-old?

The cost of car insurance for a 19-year-old can vary depending on factors like driving record, type of car, and location. Depending on the state, young drivers can expect to pay anywhere from $1,700 to $9,000 per year on average for their own car insurance policy. However, it often much cheaper for 19-year-olds to be added to an exisiting policy, and some insurance companies offer discounts for good grades or completing driver education courses, which can help lower the cost. It’s important for 19-year-olds to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best rate for their individual situation.

Do I have to add my 19-year-old to my car insurance?

No, you do not have to add your 19-year-old dependent to your car insurance policy. 19-year-olds can purchase their own policy. However, car insurance is typically more expensive when the 19-year-old owns the policy instead of being added to an existing policy.

Are there any discounts available for 19-year-old drivers?

Some insurance companies offer discounts for young drivers, including 19-year-olds, who have completed driver training courses, maintained good grades, or have a clean driving record. It’s a good idea to contact different insurance providers to see if they offer any discounts for young drivers. Being a safe and responsible driver can also help lower insurance premiums. It’s important to research and compare different insurance options to find the best discounts available for 19-year-old drivers.

How does adding a 19-year-old driver impact their parents’ car insurance rates?

Adding a 19-year-old driver to their parents’ car insurance policy can cause the rates to increase by 50-70%. Insurance companies consider younger drivers to be higher risk because they have less experience behind the wheel and are more likely to be in accidents. This means the parents may have to pay more for their insurance to cover the added risk of having a teen driver on their policy. It’s important for teens to drive safely and follow the rules of the road to help keep insurance rates as low as possible.

Do car insurance rates increase for 19-year-olds if they get a ticket or citation?

Yes, car insurance rates often increase for 19-year-olds if they get a ticket or citation. Insurance companies see young drivers who receive tickets as higher risks, so they may raise rates to cover that risk. Safe driving habits can help keep insurance rates lower and reduce the likelihood of an increase after a ticket. It’s important for young drivers to follow traffic laws and drive carefully to avoid paying more for their car insurance.

Can a 19-year-old cancel their car insurance policy if they no longer need it?

Yes, a 19-year-old can cancel their car insurance policy if they no longer need it; however, it may make sense to just reduce coverage if possible. 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. If you do want to cancel, it is important to contact the insurance company and let them know that you want to cancel the policy. They may have specific guidelines or fees for canceling, so it is important to ask about those. Make sure to have another form of transportation if you cancel the policy, as it is required by law to have insurance to drive a car.

How often should a 19-year-old review their car insurance policy?

A 19-year-old should review their car insurance policy every year. It’s important to check for any changes in coverage, discounts, or rates that could save money or better protect against accidents. Staying informed about car insurance can help make sure there are no surprises in the event of an accident or other unexpected events. It’s a good habit to get into to make sure you have the right coverage for your needs and budget.

Can a 19-year-old insure a car that’s in their parents’ name?

Yes, a 19-year-old can insure a car that is in their parents’ name. They would typically need to be listed as a secondary or occasional driver on the insurance policy. However, the primary policyholder (the parents) would still be responsible for the insurance coverage and payments. It’s important for the 19-year-old to discuss this with their parents and the insurance company to ensure everything is set up correctly.

How to lower car insurance for a 19-year-old?

Once you know the answer to the question, “How much is car insurance for a 19-year-old?” then your next question is probably how to lower that cost. While car insurance for 19-year-old drivers is expensive, you can reduce costs by shopping for the best rate, applying discounts, and practicing safe driving.

Related content

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.Â