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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.Â
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.Â
Written by Elizabeth Rivelli
Edited by Alyssa DiCrasto
Last updated: August 8th, 2024
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Cheap cars to insure for new drivers
In most states, car insurance is a legal requirement for vehicle owners. But for young drivers, finding affordable car insurance can be challenging. Age is one of the biggest factors that affects the cost of auto insurance, and new drivers typically pay the highest rates. However some vehicles are cheaper to insure than others. See the cheapest cars to insure for new drivers and get tips for saving money on auto insurance.Â
Why is car insurance expensive for new drivers?
Young drivers usually pay the most expensive rates for car insurance. Newly licensed drivers lack experience behind the wheel and are more likely to get into accidents than drivers in any other age group. Because young drivers have higher instances of insurance claims, insurance companies charge higher rates to offset the risk.Â
However, young drivers can usually get cheaper coverage if they stay insured on a parent’s car insurance policy. For example, in Illinois, the average cost of car insurance for teenagers on their own policy is $8,344 per year. To compare, when a parent adds a teen to their policy, the average premium is $4,166 per year. Â
- Because car insurance is so expensive for new drivers as it is, it’s important that they choose the right vehicle to keep insurance costs as low as possible.
Cheapest car for insurance for new drivers
There isn’t a single vehicle make and model that is the cheapest car for new drivers to insure. Car insurance rates depend on many factors besides age and vehicle type, such as location, driving record, coverage limits, and discount eligibility. Â
In the table below, you can see the cheapest vehicles to insure on average out of the top 100 most popular 2023 models. Â
Cheapest car brands for new drivers to insure
The make of your car will impact the price of your car insurance. This is because some brands have higher value, some are more expensive to repair, and some are just more expensive to own. These brands will also be more expensive to insure. Â
In general, economy brands like Honda and Toyota are less expensive to insure than luxury car brands like Acura and Lexus. Overall, Subarus are the cheapest brand of cars to insure. Other cheap vehicle makes for car insurance include Hyundai and Honda.Â
For a new driver, an vehicle from an economy brand may be cheapest for insurance.Â
Cheapest type of car for new drivers to insure
The type of vehicle you choose will also impact the cost of car insurance. For instance, SUVs are generally the cheapest vehicle class for insurance, followed by trucks and sedans. Sports cars and electric vehicles tend to be more expensive to insure.Â
What to look for in a car for new drivers
When shopping for the cheapest car to insure for new drivers, there are a few things to pay attention to. Here are some of the features and factors to consider as you evaluate potential vehicles:Â
- Age of the car: New cars are equipped with the latest technology and safety features, many of which can be beneficial for young drivers. However, new cars also tend to be more expensive to insure than used cars, which is something to consider when choosing an affordable vehicle.Â
- Safety features: Young drivers should always look for vehicles that have modern safety features. Because teens are more likely to get into accidents than older drivers, it can be helpful to choose a car that is equipped with collision avoidance systems, lane departure alerts, backup cameras, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Â
- Repair costs: New cars usually cost more to repair than used cars, which is one of the reasons why new cars cost more to insure. For teen drivers who may not be able to avoid expensive car repairs, it’s a good idea to research the estimated cost of repairs before choosing a make and model. Â
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance: Gas mileage for vehicles can vary significantly. Some young drivers may benefit from a car with excellent gas mileage or a hybrid vehicle, which can help keep the cost of car ownership low.Â
Cheapest car for a teen to insure
The average cost of car insurance depends on a variety of factors, and the vehicle type is just one of them. There is not one vehicle that is the cheapest for all teens to insure. While our recent data shows that the cheapest car to insure overall is the Subaru Outback, some drivers might find that a different vehicle is actually less expensive.  Â
Before purchasing a vehicle, it’s a good idea for teen drivers to get personalized rate quotes for several car makes and models. Just because a vehicle has a low MSRP doesn’t mean it will have cheap insurance rates. Comparing rates for several vehicles can help you make the best decision when purchasing a new or used vehicle.Â
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Other ways to save money on car insurance for a new driver
There are many ways for new drivers to save money on their car insurance. Here are some tips for getting the most affordable auto insurance:Â
- Look for discounts: Many car insurance companies offer discounts specifically for young drivers. For example, you can typically find discounts for students who get good grades in school, or attend school 100 miles from home and don’t have access to their vehicle.Â
- Maintain a clean driving record: Your driving record has a big impact on the cost of auto insurance, regardless of age. Avoiding tickets, accidents, and other violations will help you get the best rate for your situation.Â
- Take a defensive driving course: You can usually get a discount on your car insurance premium if you complete an approved defensive driving course.Â
- Shop around: To find the cheapest car insurance for new drivers, it’s important to shop around and compare rates from multiple insurance companies. To simplify the process, you can take our short quiz to see how much you can expect to pay for car insurance.
