Updated: July 5, 2025
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GEICO offers the cheapest minimum coverage at $237 monthly, with State Farm at $238 while other major insurers' premiums ranging from $407 to $522.
State Farm provides the best nationwide value, with a minimum monthly payment of $129 and full coverage cost of $258, with up to 25% teen discounts.
Staying on parents' policy can save 17-year-olds an average of $2,000 to $4,200 yearly compared to buying independent coverage.
Three insurers lead the budget-friendly market for 17-year-old drivers. Allied offers the lowest rates at just $185 monthly, followed by State Farm at $217 with nationwide coverage and up to 25% teen discounts. Rounding out our list are Nationwide and GEICO, with just $10 separating the two insurers.
| Allied | $185 | $2,225 |
| State Farm | $217 | $2,599 |
| Nationwide | $231 | $2,772 |
| GEICO | $234 | $2,803 |
*Rates shown are for minimum liability coverage and full coverage averaged. Your actual rate may vary based on location, driving record, coverage level and vehicle type.
When shopping for basic liability protection, five major insurers show clear price differences that can save families hundreds annually. Geico leads at $237 monthly, followed closely by State Farm at $238 with local agent support, while Allstate jumps to $407 and Progressive reaches $522 monthly.
| Geico | $237 | $2,844 |
| State Farm | $238 | $2,858 |
| Allstate | $407 | $4,884 |
| Nationwide | $424 | $5,086 |
| Progressive | $522 | $6,259 |
*Rates are based on a family policy for male and female drivers with clean records and good credit, insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
State Farm's rates average at $468 per month for [full coverage](Full protection policies show notable price variations among major insurers, with potential savings exceeding $3,000 annually between options), making it $34 less than GEICO's $502 rate and considerably below Allstate's $755 premium. Shopping around and comparing multiple quotes can lead to savings exceeding $3,000 annually between the best national options.
| State Farm | $468 | $5,622 |
| Geico | $502 | $6,020 |
| Allstate | $755 | $9,058 |
| Nationwide | $755 | $9,065 |
| Progressive | $1,069 | $12,828 |
*Rates are based on a family policy for male and female drivers with clean records and good credit, insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Female drivers typically see lower premiums than their male counterparts, creating opportunities for family savings. State Farm leads this market at $218 monthly, beating GEICO by $17 and undercutting Allstate by $175 each month while maintaining excellent customer service ratings.
| State Farm | $218 | $2,612 |
| GEICO | $235 | $2,814 |
| Allstate | $393 | $4,714 |
| Nationwide | $407 | $4,884 |
| Progressive | $508 | $6,101 |
*Rates are for female drivers with clean driving records and good credit, insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Male drivers face higher premiums due to increased accident risk, making carrier selection even more critical for budget-conscious families. Among the three major insurers, GEICO charges $205 monthly, State Farm costs $229, and Allstate reaches $330 per month despite offering similar coverage levels.
| GEICO | 205.2708108108108 | 2463.2497297297297297 |
| State Farm | 229.32386600083228 | 2751.8863920099875156 |
| Allstate | 330.38450450450455 | 3964.6140540540540541 |
| Nationwide | 400.78511072261057 | 4809.4213286713286713 |
| Progressive | 442.4603174603173 | 5309.5238095238095238 |
*Rates are for male drivers with clean driving records and good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Insurance costs for 17-year-olds differ depending on the state, with monthly premiums ranging from $57 to $348 for family policies. GEICO leads in 15 states, followed by Allstate in 14 states, while regional insurers like Concord Group offer the lowest rates in select markets. Check the table below to find the most affordable option in your state.
| Alabama | GEICO | $95 |
| Alaska | GEICO | $141 |
| Arizona | Travelers | $126 |
| Arkansas | Allstate | $117 |
| California | State Farm | $219 |
| Colorado | Kemper | $88 |
| Connecticut | GEICO | $59 |
| Delaware | GEICO | $142 |
| District of Columbia | GEICO | $111 |
| Florida | Nationwide | $272 |
| Georgia | Allstate | $126 |
| Hawaii | 21st Century | $57 |
| Idaho | State Farm | $96 |
| Illinois | Travelers | $103 |
| Indiana | GEICO | $83 |
| Iowa | Allstate | $83 |
| Kansas | Nationwide | $89 |
| Kentucky | Allstate | $143 |
| Louisiana | State Farm | $348 |
| Maine | Concord Group | $78 |
| Maryland | Progressive | $117 |
| Massachusetts | Progressive | $78 |
| Michigan | GEICO | $163 |
| Minnesota | Allstate | $139 |
| Mississippi | Progressive | $75 |
| Missouri | GEICO | $89 |
| Montana | Progressive | $98 |
| Nebraska | Allstate | $99 |
| Nevada | Nationwide | $194 |
| New Hampshire | Concord Group | $82 |
| New Jersey | GEICO | $172 |
| New Mexico | Allstate | $134 |
| New York | Kemper | $108 |
| North Carolina | State Farm | $97 |
| North Dakota | Allstate | $77 |
| Ohio | Nationwide | $87 |
| Oklahoma | Allstate | $140 |
| Oregon | GEICO | $115 |
| Pennsylvania | Nationwide | $95 |
| Rhode Island | Travelers | $148 |
| South Carolina | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $167 |
| South Dakota | Allstate | $60 |
| Tennessee | Farmers | $116 |
| Texas | State Farm | $171 |
| Utah | Nationwide | $116 |
| Vermont | Concord Group | $101 |
| Virginia | Nationwide | $104 |
| Washington | Capital Insurance Group | $121 |
| West Virginia | Allstate | $130 |
| Wisconsin | Allstate | $68 |
| Wyoming | Allstate | $107 |
*Rates are for male drivers with clean driving records and good credit who insure a 2012 Toyota Camry with full coverage (100/300/100 limits) and a $1,000 deductible.
On average, 17-year-old drivers pay roughly $2,112 annually for minimum coverage and $4,200 for full coverage. These average car insurance costs assume clean driving records and good credit, but actual rates may vary based on individual profiles. The table below shows the average and cheapest insurance costs for adding 17-year-old drivers, broken down by gender and coverage level.
| State Minimum - Liability Only | $187 | $165 |
| State Minimum - $500 Deductible | $362 | $319 |
| State Minimum - $1,500 Deductible | $314 | $277 |
| State Minimum - $1,000 Deductible | $327 | $289 |
| 300/500/300 - Liability Only | $274 | $242 |
| 300/500/300 - $500 Deductible | $445 | $392 |
| 300/500/300 - $1,500 Deductible | $396 | $350 |
| 300/500/300 - $1,000 Deductible | $157 | $140 |
| 100/300/100 - Liability Only | $233 | $206 |
| 100/300/100 - $500 Deductible | $394 | $372 |
| 100/300/100 - $1,500 Deductible | $396 | $350 |
| 100/300/100 - $1,000 Deductible | $371 | $327 |
*Liability limits (e.g., 100/300/100) refer to bodily injury liability per person, bodily injury liability per accident and property damage liability per accident, respectively. Numbers expressed after these limits are deductible amounts for collision and comprehensive coverage.
National averages are $60 monthly for family minimum coverage and $104 for individual minimum coverage, though monthly premiums range from $19 to $622 for family policies and $22 to $990 for individual policies. Population density, local regulations and weather patterns significantly impact insurance costs across different regions.
| Alabama | $57 | $239 | $103 | $431 |
| Alaska | $59 | $250 | $87 | $357 |
| Arizona | $62 | $244 | $106 | $410 |
| Arkansas | $48 | $204 | $92 | $398 |
| California | $69 | $313 | $77 | $347 |
| Colorado | $66 | $252 | $130 | $491 |
| Connecticut | $61 | $214 | $130 | $459 |
| Delaware | $75 | $264 | $178 | $632 |
| District of Columbia | $66 | $250 | $144 | $542 |
| Florida | $106 | $469 | $176 | $788 |
| Georgia | $61 | $236 | $115 | $447 |
| Hawaii | $19 | $83 | $22 | $98 |
| Idaho | $36 | $136 | $74 | $274 |
| Illinois | $45 | $186 | $73 | $298 |
| Indiana | $43 | $168 | $76 | $286 |
| Iowa | $34 | $157 | $59 | $264 |
| Kansas | $46 | $207 | $82 | $365 |
| Kentucky | $66 | $255 | $116 | $447 |
| Louisiana | $119 | $622 | $187 | $990 |
| Maine | $44 | $165 | $68 | $256 |
| Maryland | $70 | $237 | $135 | $449 |
| Massachusetts | $52 | $203 | $78 | $306 |
| Michigan | $107 | $420 | $146 | $574 |
| Minnesota | $48 | $203 | $77 | $314 |
| Mississippi | $53 | $221 | $96 | $408 |
| Missouri | $69 | $294 | $121 | $506 |
| Montana | $47 | $225 | $79 | $376 |
| Nebraska | $49 | $240 | $89 | $412 |
| Nevada | $98 | $369 | $177 | $656 |
| New Hampshire | $44 | $157 | $79 | $279 |
| New Jersey | $100 | $382 | $150 | $578 |
| New Mexico | $48 | $205 | $86 | $364 |
| New York | $86 | $291 | $132 | $454 |
| North Carolina | $60 | $217 | $61 | $221 |
| North Dakota | $32 | $149 | $70 | $313 |
| Ohio | $81 | $274 | $120 | $410 |
| Oklahoma | $48 | $208 | $113 | $480 |
| Oregon | $50 | $185 | $111 | $397 |
| Pennsylvania | $46 | $212 | $75 | $330 |
| Rhode Island | $76 | $267 | $171 | $587 |
| South Carolina | $88 | $312 | $125 | $450 |
| South Dakota | $37 | $188 | $70 | $348 |
| Tennessee | $44 | $192 | $91 | $390 |
| Texas | $72 | $296 | $121 | $501 |
| Utah | $81 | $295 | $142 | $512 |
| Vermont | $30 | $145 | $52 | $240 |
| Virginia | $74 | $272 | $104 | $378 |
| Washington | $70 | $236 | $119 | $393 |
| West Virginia | $54 | $217 | $97 | $386 |
| Wisconsin | $46 | $193 | $87 | $366 |
| Wyoming | $30 | $194 | $47 | $280 |
The high cost of car insurance for 17-year-olds stems from their classification as high-risk drivers with much higher accident rates. Drivers aged 16 to 19 have higher rates of accidents and violations, with fatal crashes occurring nearly three times more often than older drivers. Factors like nighttime driving, speeding and distractions are typical risk enhancers, particularly for male drivers who face the highest premiums.
While 17-year-olds typically pay $2,112 annually for minimum coverage, smart strategies can cut these costs significantly. Here are five proven approaches to reduce premiums and secure affordable protection:
Staying on a parent's policy results in the largest savings through multi-car discounts and an established insurance history, often reducing costs by thousands annually. You can save $2,000 to $4,200 annually compared to maintaining independent coverage.
Shopping around different car insurance companies can save up to 30%, with some regional insurers offering notably better rates than national brands. Start by comparing quotes from the most affordable options like Allied at $185 monthly and State Farm at $217 monthly for minimum coverage, then evaluate additional carriers for your specific situation.
Seventeen-year-old drivers can stack multiple car insurance discounts more effectively than most other age groups, creating valuable savings opportunities. These include good student discounts up to 25%, driver education courses worth 10% to 15%, and telematics programs up to 30% for combined premium reductions reaching 40% off base rates.
Selecting a model like the Subaru Forester at $3,037 yearly over luxury vehicles can save over $1,700 annually, showing how car choice directly impacts insurance costs. Choosing a safe, older model with a solid safety record also helps reduce insurance costs while providing reliable transportation for new drivers.
Consider minimum liability in low-cost states like Hawaii for maximum savings, though this strategy requires careful evaluation of financial risk. [Liability-only insurance](Consider minimum liability in low-cost states like Hawaii for maximum savings, though this strategy requires careful evaluation of financial risk. Liability-only insurance is a cost-effective option if you're willing to pay out of pocket for car replacement, while full coverage with higher deductibles can lower premiums while maintaining financial protection) is a cost-effective option if you're willing to pay out of pocket for car replacement, while full coverage with higher deductibles can lower premiums while maintaining financial protection.
Obtaining quotes from multiple insurance companies is a good idea to see which is the best and cheapest for your profile. Also, ensure the company has optional coverages that are good for teen drivers or any driver on their policy. These include roadside assistance and rental car coverage.
— Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
Insurance companies offer specialized safety programs for teen drivers that can reduce premiums by 10-30% while promoting safer driving habits. These programs combine technology, education and rewards to help 17-year-olds develop responsible driving skills. Determine whether your 17-year-old qualifies for teen safety programs. Depending on their driving pattern, consider usage-based plans. Below are common insurance discounts for 17-year-old drivers. Availability may vary by insurer.
Defensive driving courses provide 5% to 15% discounts at most major insurers, making them one of the easiest ways to reduce premiums immediately. Courses must be state-approved, with options including online programs and in-person workshops that often pay for themselves within months
Many car insurance companies offer 10% to 25% savings for teens maintaining a 3.0 GPA or B average, rewarding academic responsibility with financial benefits. Required documentation includes report cards or transcripts, and grades must be maintained throughout the policy period to continue receiving discounts.
Combine good student discounts with safety programs for maximum savings. Some families enjoy 35% to 40% total discounts.
This can be cost-effective for teen drivers, especially those who drive infrequently or have restricted driving privileges from parents. Pay-per-mile programs combine a base rate with charges based on the miles driven, often making them a good fit for students logging fewer than 7,500 miles per year.
Behavior-based pricing models assess driving habits over a short period, typically two to three weeks, and adjust rates accordingly based on actual performance rather than age-based assumptions. These programs reward safe driving and may offer worthwhile savings for teens who drive responsibly, often outperforming traditional discount programs.
Keeping a 17-year-old driver under a parent's policy can result in estimated annual savings of $2,000 to $4,200, or up to 50%. Family policies may also offer multi-car discounts of 10% to 25%, established insurance history benefits and bundle opportunities that independent policies can't match.
Coverage Type | Average Annual Cost |
|---|---|
Teen on parents' policy | $2,800–$4,200 |
Independent teen policy | $6,000–$8,400 |
Despite costing $2,000 to $4,200 more annually, separate policies for 17-year-old drivers make sense in specific circumstances where family coverage isn't practical or beneficial.
Required Situations:
Teen owns vehicle outright with title in their name only
Emancipated minor statusis legally recognized by the state
Legal separation from parents or guardians
Beneficial Situations:
Parents have poor driving records with multiple violations or DUIs that increase family policy rates
Parents carry minimum coverage only, while teen needs higher liability limits or full coverage
Teen drives under 5,000 miles annually, making usage-based insurance more cost-effective than family policy rates
Most states require parental consent for insurance contracts until individuals turn 18. Alabama and Nebraska allow 17-year-olds to have some independence, though the requirements differ. In California, independent coverage is permitted, but parents remain financially responsible. Texas also offers this option, but it may require court approval.
Major insurers offer specialized teen monitoring programs that combine safety technology with substantial discounts. These programs can reduce premiums by 16% to 40% while helping young drivers develop safer habits. State Farm's Drive Safe & Save excels for tech-savvy families wanting oversight, while Nationwide's SmartRide offers the highest discount potential at up to 40%.
Company | Program | Potential Savings | How It Works | Key Teen Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
State Farm | Drive Safe & Save | Up to 30% | Smartphone app monitors driving habits including speed, braking and phone usage | Personalized feedback and coaching, safe driving rewards, parent dashboard for monitoring, no penalty for poor driving (discount-only program) | Teens comfortable with technology monitoring and parents wanting oversight |
Allstate | Drivewise + teenSMART | Up to 25% | Combines telematics monitoring with educational content | Real-time driving feedback, safe driving challenges, parent-teen communication tools, emergency crash detection, teenSMART educational modules, parent coaching guidance, graduated rewards system | Families seeking comprehensive education and communication tools |
GEICO | DriveEasy Program | Up to 25% | Mobile app tracks driving behavior and provides instant feedback | Trip-by-trip scoring, safe driving streaks, emergency roadside assistance, no rate increases for poor scores | Price-conscious families wanting simple monitoring without penalties |
Progressive | Snapshot Program | Average 16%, up to 30% for excellent drivers | Plug-in device or mobile app monitors driving patterns | Detailed driving reports, immediate discount during monitoring period, option to continue or stop after trial, discount applied immediately | Teens wanting immediate benefits and flexibility |
Nationwide | SmartRide Program | Up to 40% (highest potential) | Mobile app tracks speed, acceleration, braking and phone usage | Highest discount potential, detailed performance analytics, family sharing features | Motivated teens willing to meet stricter monitoring requirements for maximum savings |
Use our interactive calculator below to estimate your 17-year-old's car insurance costs based on location, vehicle type, coverage level and discounts. Get personalized quotes instantly to find the cheapest options in your area.
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
Rates updated:
Jul 05, 2025
| Insurance Carrier | MoneyGeek ScoreMG Score | Average Monthly Payment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Capital Insurance Group | 94 /of 100 | $87 |
| 2 |  GEICO | 82 /of 100 | $109 |
| 3 | 83 /of 100 | $118 | |
| 4 | 83 /of 100 | $129 | |
| 5 | 79 /of 100 | $133 | |
| 6 | 77 /of 100 | $151 |
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Managing your teen's transition to driving involves balancing cost control with safety education. Follow these steps to create a successful framework for your family.
Show your teen what car insurance actually costs. Try this conversation starter: “We're excited you're learning to drive, but car insurance for teens costs over $3,000 per year. We'll pay for this if you follow our safety rules and keep your grades up.”
Being upfront about costs helps teens understand their financial responsibility and appreciate what the family invests in their driving privilege.
Document your driving rules in writing rather than relying on verbal agreements. Include passenger limits (no friends for the first six months), curfew times (no driving after 10 p.m. initially), phone usage restrictions (zero tolerance) and grade requirements for good student discounts.
Specify consequences for violations, such as temporary driving suspension, increased chores or requiring teens to pay a portion of insurance premiums. Written contracts reduce future conflicts and create clear accountability.
Enroll in your insurance company's teen monitoring program. These programs provide parent dashboards showing driving patterns and offer potential discounts of up to 30%.
Talk openly with your teen about monitoring expectations. Explain that watching their driving isn't about not trusting them. It's about keeping them safe and earning insurance discounts. Begin with close monitoring, then gradually give them more freedom as they show responsible driving habits.
Ensure your teen maintains a B average or 3.0 GPA for good student discounts worth 10% to 25% savings. Help them understand that poor grades directly impact family insurance costs.
Enroll your teen in state-approved driver education courses for an additional 5% to 15% savings. Consider defensive driving courses, which improve skills while reducing premiums.
Include your teen when researching car insurance costs before buying their first vehicle. Sports cars and luxury vehicles can double your premiums, while safer cars cost less to insure.
Use online insurance calculators to show your teen how car types affect costs. This teaches them to make smart choices and understand how their decisions impact the family budget.
Consider requiring teens to contribute $50 to $100 monthly toward insurance costs through part-time jobs or allowance deductions. Even small contributions create ownership and responsibility for driving behavior.
Create a system where good driving behavior earns rewards like expanded driving privileges or reduced financial contributions. Meanwhile, violations increase teen payment responsibility.
Hold monthly family meetings to discuss driving experiences, challenges and improvements. Ask open-ended questions like, "What's the most challenging part of driving?" or "What situations make you nervous?"
Use these conversations to identify areas needing additional guidance and to recognize good driving behavior through praise or expanded privileges.
Address tickets or violations immediately through family meetings focused on learning rather than punishment. Discuss how violations affect insurance rates and require teens to research the financial impact on family premiums.
Consider consequences like attending additional driver education, paying increased premium costs or temporary driving privilege suspension based on the severity of the violation.
Prepare your teen for accident scenarios by practicing what to do: ensure safety first, call 911 if needed, exchange information and contact parents immediately. Keep emergency contact cards in vehicles.
When accidents occur, focus on safety first, then use incidents as learning opportunities. Discuss prevention strategies that emphasize responsibility for improvement without placing blame.
Schedule annual reviews with your agent to discuss updates and coverage options based on your teen's driving progress and available discounts. Ask about accident forgiveness or violation forgiveness programs that can protect family rates.
Keep your agent informed about your teen's achievements, such as completing advanced driving courses, maintaining good grades or reaching safe driving milestones, for potential additional discounts.
Balance clear expectations with trust-building. Parents who combine consistent rules with positive reinforcement create responsible drivers while maintaining affordable family insurance costs.
Vehicle selection impacts insurance costs for teen drivers. The right car choice can save families over $1,700 annually compared to high-risk vehicles. Generally, vehicles with strong safety ratings and lower repair costs often lead to reduced premiums. Check the table below to find the most affordable models by vehicle type to insure for 17-year-old drivers by coverage level.
Category | Vehicle Make and Model | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
Compact SUVs (Best Overall Value) |
| Cost advantage: Up to 36% less than luxury vehicles |
Reliable Sedans (Lowest Risk Profile) |
| Insurance benefit: Strong safety ratings reduce premiums |
Vehicles to Avoid for Teen Drivers |
| Cost penalty: Up to 57% higher than economical choices |
Generally, vehicles with strong safety ratings and lower repair costs often lead to reduced premiums. Check the table below to find the most affordable models by vehicle type to insure for 17-year-old drivers by coverage level.
| Honda Passport | SUV | State Farm | $1,258 |
| Subaru Forester | Compact SUV | State Farm | $1,259 |
| Volvo XC40 | Luxury SUV | State Farm | $1,262 |
| Chevrolet Corvette | Sports Car | Travelers | $1,295 |
| Subaru Outback | Sedan | State Farm | $1,316 |
| Nissan Frontier | Pickup Truck | State Farm | $1,322 |
| BMW X3 | Luxury Compact SUV | State Farm | $1,328 |
| MINI Cooper | Compact | State Farm | $1,378 |
| Mercedes C-Class | Luxury Sedan | State Farm | $1,379 |
| Honda Odyssey | Minivan | State Farm | $1,382 |
| Tesla Model X | Luxury Electric | State Farm | $1,385 |
| Nissan LEAF | Electric | State Farm | $1,438 |
| Audi R8 | Luxury Sports Car | State Farm | $1,438 |
| BMW 1 Series | Luxury Compact | State Farm | $1,441 |
*Rates are for drivers with clean driving records and good credit.
Below are some considerations when selecting what type of car to get for a 17-year-old driver.
Choosing the cheapest car to insure reduces costs. For instance, selecting a Subaru Forester over a BMW 3 Series saves teen drivers $1,122 annually in full coverage insurance costs. Your teen can use this money to fund driver education, emergency funds or college savings.
Finding affordable car insurance for 17-year-olds requires strategic shopping and smart decisions. While teens typically pay $2,112 annually for minimum coverage, families can reduce these costs through proven approaches.
The most effective strategies include staying on parents' policies to save $2,000 to $4,200 annually, targeting affordable insurers like Allied at $185 monthly and State Farm at $217 monthly, and maximizing teen discounts that can reach 40% off base rates. Vehicle selection also matters, with safe models like the Subaru Forester costing $1,700 less annually to insure than luxury alternatives.
We've answered frequently asked questions about finding the most affordable car insurance for 17-year-olds to assist you:
Allied offers the [most budget-friendly option](Allied offers the most budget-friendly option at $185 per month for minimum coverage among major national insurers. For minimum coverage specifically, Geico leads at $237 monthly, while State Farm rates vary from $217 to $468 monthly depending on coverage type and policy structure.) at $185 per month for minimum coverage among major national insurers. For minimum coverage specifically, Geico leads at $237 monthly, while State Farm rates vary from $217 to $468 monthly depending on coverage type and policy structure.
[Monthly premiums](Monthly premiums range from about $165 to $445, depending on coverage type and gender. State averages vary widely, from $19 to $622 monthly for family policies and $22 to $990 for individual policies.) range from about $165 to $445, depending on coverage type and gender. State averages vary widely, from $19 to $622 monthly for family policies and $22 to $990 for individual policies.
The lack of driving experience places young drivers in a higher risk category, leading to more accidents and higher premiums.
Compact sedans like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, and small SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, are the cheapest to insure for 17-year-olds. Avoid sports cars and luxury vehicles, which can double premiums.
Seventeen-year-olds can save through good student discounts (10% to 25%), driver education courses (5% to 15%), safety programs (up to 30%), staying on parents' policy (10% to 25% multi-car discount) and bundling with other insurance.
Adding teens to parents' insurance is much cheaper, saving $2,000 to $4,200 annually compared to independent coverage. Family policies offer multi-car discounts, established history benefits and bundle opportunities.
You must add any licensed 17-year-old who lives in your home to your car insurance policy. If you don't, your provider can deny claims, cancel your policy or accuse you of fraud.
Seventeen-year-olds driving without insurance face fines ($25 to $5,000), license suspension, vehicle impoundment and personal liability for all accident damages. Future insurance becomes more expensive and difficult to obtain.
Due to higher accident rates, male 17-year-olds typically pay 15% to 20% more than females. However, six states prohibit gender-based pricing: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
Male drivers generally face higher insurance costs due to their greater statistical risk of accidents.
MoneyGeek used a sample driver profile to determine national and state averages for vehicle insurance for 17-year-old drivers. Using this information, we assist readers in identifying the cheapest policy options and selecting the best policy at the lowest price possible.
Data Sources and Depth
We collected data from each state's insurance department and Quadrant Information Services. The data comprises 4,284 price estimates from 100 ZIP codes and six auto insurance providers.
Sample Driver Profile
MoneyGeek calculates yearly car insurance policy estimates based on a policyholder with the following characteristics:
MoneyGeek compared rates for 17-year-old drivers across different states to determine which companies provide the most affordable policies. We adjusted this profile to reflect the differences in age, location and driving behavior.
Coverage Levels and Deductibles Explained
A deductible is the money you must pay out of your pocket before your insurance company pays for your claim. Most drivers benefit from full vehicle insurance covering collision and comprehensive damage.
For minimum coverage, we used state-required limits to identify the cheapest rates and determine the most affordable provider. For full coverage, we used 100/300/100 liability limits with a $1,000 deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage when researching the most affordable and cheapest providers.
Liability limits of 100/300/100 stand for:
Learn more about MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
