Updated: October 24, 2024
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GEICO ranks as the top insurance provider for teen drivers aged 16 to 18, offering quality coverage and various discounts. For 19-year-olds, Travelers takes the lead, especially when they're added to a family policy. Nationwide stands out for affordability across multiple age groups, while State Farm offers the best student discounts.
To save on premiums, families can leverage good student discounts, opt for higher deductibles and consider the type of vehicle that their teens drive.
Best Car Insurancefor Teens 2023Table of Contents
GEICO offers the best coverage for teen drivers between 16 and 18, while Nationwide is the best for 19-year-old drivers.
Select coverage that aligns with the teen's driving habits and the family's financial situation. Consider options like collision, comprehensive and accident forgiveness to provide a financial safety net in case of emergencies.
Teen drivers, often seen as high-risk by insurers, can benefit from various discounts and programs. Maintaining good grades and participating in insurer-specific safe driving programs can significantly reduce premiums and encourage responsible driving.
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While low rates can be enticing, remember to consider factors like coverage options, customer service and claim handling. By weighing these elements, you can find the best car insurance companies that offer not just affordability but also a well-rounded service experience.
Using MoneyGeek's scoring system, which considers customer satisfaction, financial stability, claims processing, coverage options and available discounts, as a guide, you can find an affordable and reliable insurer.
GEICO is the best insurance provider for 16-year-old drivers based on high scores for customer service and coverage offerings:
The rates above are for full coverage policiess.
Check the table below for a list of the best insurance providers for your 16-year-old teen driver based on your preferred coverage level.
GEICO is the third-largest U.S. auto insurer by market share, offering essential coverages that are especially useful for teen drivers. While they may not have the latest specialized coverages, they shine in providing reliable basics like emergency roadside assistance and rental reimbursement.
It also excels in discounts, making it easier to afford insurance for young, inexperienced drivers. This is great news for people looking to make financially smart choices without skimping on coverage.
One big perk with GEICO is the potential for huge savings with a family policy. By bundling policies such as home and auto, you could save a lot, making it a smart financial move for families with teen drivers.
| GEICO | 84 | $5,463 | $2,936 | $2,527 |
| State Farm | 84 | $3,732 | $3,055 | $678 |
| Nationwide | 84 | $5,108 | $2,718 | $2,390 |
| Travelers | 83 | $5,622 | $3,436 | $2,186 |
| Progressive | 82 | $7,481 | $3,454 | $4,027 |
| Allstate | 81 | $6,583 | $3,292 | $3,291 |
| Farmers | 81 | $8,864 | $3,562 | $5,301 |
GEICO also ranks as the best car insurance company for 17-year-old teen drivers based on quality coverage and affordability:
Age is a significant factor in determining your insurance premiums and choosing the best insurer. Younger drivers often face higher rates due to their lack of experience on the road.
You can toggle the table below to find the best insurance providers tailored for your teen driver.
GEICO ranks highest in terms of MoneyGeek scores and offers some of the most budget-friendly premiums. Whether you're looking at a family or individual policy, GEICO is a top choice for those wanting quality coverage without breaking the bank.
To save on insurance costs, consider having your teen drive the oldest car in the household or the one with the most safety features. GEICO even offers extra savings on cars equipped with safety features like airbags.
| GEICO | 84 | $4,260 | $2,863 | $1,396 |
| Nationwide | 83 | $4,662 | $2,685 | $1,978 |
| State Farm | 83 | $3,312 | $3,030 | $281 |
| Travelers | 83 | $4,287 | $3,316 | $970 |
| Farmers | 82 | $6,664 | $3,311 | $3,353 |
| Allstate | 81 | $5,292 | $3,218 | $2,074 |
| Progressive | 81 | $7,262 | $3,572 | $3,691 |
GEICO maintains its position at the top, also offering the best full coverage policies for 18-year-old teen drivers:
18-year-olds attending college can stay on a family policy if their family home is their permanent residence.
Check out the table below to discover MoneyGeek's top picks for insurance providers for 18-year-old teen drivers based on your specific coverage needs.
At 18, drivers can start building their insurance history, and GEICO is a reliable choice for doing so. GEICO is particularly beneficial for teen drivers new to the road because of its great rates and excellent service. The company excels in key areas like affordability, financial stability and discounts, and it also boasts an above-average rating for user satisfaction.
Even though GEICO already offers affordable insurance for drivers from various backgrounds, you can trim costs even more by taking advantage of the company's multiple discount opportunities.
| GEICO | 84 | $3,594 | $2,431 | $1,163 |
| Travelers | 83 | $3,566 | $2,829 | $737 |
| State Farm | 83 | $2,966 | $2,716 | $250 |
| Nationwide | 83 | $4,332 | $2,476 | $1,856 |
| Allstate | 81 | $4,180 | $2,673 | $1,507 |
| Farmers | 80 | $6,124 | $3,062 | $3,062 |
| Progressive | 80 | $6,246 | $3,115 | $3,131 |
Travelers ranks the highest for 19-year-old drivers based on outstanding customer service and broad coverage offerings:
Travelers offers a significant cost advantage when a teen driver joins a family policy, charging around $500 less compared to getting an individual policy.
If you're a parent of a 19-year-old driver looking to get auto insurance, Travelers is a great option that offers both quality and affordability. The company provides moderate rates catering to a wide range of drivers, including those new to the road.
Travelers stands out with its specialized coverage options tailored for teen drivers. Features like accident forgiveness, rental coverage, new car replacement and roadside assistance offer financial protection and peace of mind.
In addition to these coverage options, Travelers offers common and unique discounts to drive down costs further. Available discounts for 19-year-old drivers signing up for their own policy include the safe driver discount, which kicks in after three years, the student away at school discount and the electronic funds transfer discount for tech-savvy teens. Other ways to save include good student and driver training discounts.
With its moderate rates, specialized coverages and diverse discounts, Travelers helps you manage your budget effectively while ensuring quality insurance for your young driver.
The table below shows the best auto insurance providers and their rates for 19-year-olds based on desired coverage levels.
| Travelers | 84 | $2,817 | $2,305 | $512 |
| GEICO | 83 | $2,631 | $2,168 | $462 |
| Nationwide | 83 | $3,389 | $2,066 | $1,323 |
| State Farm | 83 | $2,531 | $2,344 | $188 |
| Allstate | 81 | $2,899 | $2,326 | $573 |
| Progressive | 79 | $3,473 | $2,845 | $627 |
| Farmers | 78 | $3,657 | $3,111 | $546 |
The providers that score the best for affordability in MoneyGeek's analysis are:
Nationwide offers moderate rates that appeal to both new and experienced drivers, making it a financially smart choice for quality coverage. The company provides a variety of discounts to help you save. For instance, bundling home and car insurance can save you money, and teens maintaining at least a B average can qualify for a good student discount. Students away at college without a car may be eligible for the distant student discount. Safe driving over time can lead to even more savings.
Coverage-wise, Nationwide has a comprehensive range of options. It offers collision and comprehensive coverage as well as towing assistance and rental car reimbursement. Optional features like accident forgiveness and vanishing deductible add extra layers of financial protection.
Nationwide offers a balanced mix of affordable rates, diverse discounts and robust coverage options. It's a standout choice for young drivers seeking quality insurance at a reasonable price.
State Farm offers the best discounts for students and teen drivers.
However, remember that availability, eligibility and the amount you can save may vary depending on your state. To get the best deal, always compare quotes from multiple insurance companies.
State Farm, the largest U.S. auto insurer by market share, sets itself apart from competitors with a wide array of discount options for teen drivers. Whether your teen is getting their own policy or joining your family plan, they can benefit from multiple stacked discounts to reduce insurance costs.
Core student-focused discounts include:
The company also offers innovative telematics programs like Steer Clear and Drive Safe and Save. The latter can save you up to 30% on your car insurance and, like Steer Clear, can be easily completed via a mobile app or through OnStar. These features make State Farm a cost-effective choice for families with student drivers.
With Allstate, you can lower the cost of insuring a college student through the company's "student away from home" discount.
The student away from home discount lowers your premium if your college student doesn't have regular access to the insured car. It's designed for students who go to school far from home and drive less as a result.
Allstate offers a discount for policyholders whose teen drivers are under 21 and attend school at least 100 miles away from where their car is garaged. If your young driver fits that description, this discount can lower the cost of insuring them while attending college and is generally the cheapest option. Allstate also offers a teenSMART telematics program.
If the most affordable car insurance provider in your state doesn't offer a student away from home discount, another option is to remove your teen driver from the policy while they're away at college. This could help you manage costs more effectively during their time away.
USAA focuses on serving active-duty military members, veterans and their families, making it especially good at meeting the unique insurance needs of those affiliated with the military.
MoneyGeek found that USAA is the cheapest option for teen drivers in military school or whose parents have a military background. The company offers a robust array of discounts for these young drivers, including safe driving and good student discounts and a driver training discount. Plus, it sets up teen drivers for success, giving qualifying drivers a 10% family legacy discount once they get their own policy.
| USAA | 91 | $3,320 |
| State Farm | 87 | $3,732 |
| Travelers | 85 | $5,622 |
| GEICO | 85 | $5,463 |
| Nationwide | 84 | $5,108 |
| Allstate | 82 | $6,583 |
| Progressive | 81 | $7,481 |
| Farmers | 79 | $8,864 |
Based on MoneyGeek's Best Scores, the top three car insurance companies across multiple states are Auto-Owners, State Farm and GEICO.
These companies offer both quality coverage and competitive rates, making them strong choices for reliable and affordable car insurance. The best insurance provider in your state may vary — use the table below to find the company we recommend for teen auto insurance based on your state.
| Alabama | Nationwide | 89 | $3,725 | $1,791 |
| Alaska | GEICO | 90 | $3,740 | $2,031 |
| Arizona | Travelers | 91 | $3,448 | $1,828 |
| Arkansas | Nationwide | 89 | $3,742 | $1,725 |
| California | Capital Insurance Group | 91 | $3,307 | $3,405 |
| Colorado | GEICO | 88 | $7,501 | $2,167 |
| Connecticut | GEICO | 90 | $9,381 | $1,607 |
| Delaware | State Farm | 90 | $3,848 | $2,888 |
| District of Columbia | GEICO | 90 | $3,748 | $1,774 |
| Florida | Nationwide | 89 | $7,774 | $4,064 |
| Georgia | Allstate | 89 | $5,197 | $1,688 |
| Hawaii | State Farm | 90 | $742 | $742 |
| Idaho | State Farm | 90 | $1,613 | $1,184 |
| Illinois | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 91 | $2,299 | $2,065 |
| Indiana | GEICO | 90 | $5,026 | $1,733 |
| Iowa | State Farm | 90 | $2,128 | $1,624 |
| Kansas | Nationwide | 89 | $2,196 | $1,108 |
| Kentucky | Nationwide | 89 | $3,613 | $1,958 |
| Louisiana | State Farm | 90 | $6,282 | $5,074 |
| Maine | Travelers | 89 | $2,925 | $1,588 |
| Maryland | Progressive | 89 | $4,137 | $1,957 |
| Massachusetts | State Farm | 90 | $1,824 | $1,220 |
| Michigan | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 91 | $3,074 | $3,448 |
| Minnesota | Nationwide | 89 | $3,858 | $1,866 |
| Mississippi | Progressive | 90 | $4,495 | $733 |
| Missouri | GEICO | 90 | $8,008 | $1,416 |
| Montana | State Farm | 90 | $2,411 | $1,893 |
| Nebraska | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 90 | $2,545 | $2,354 |
| Nevada | Nationwide | 89 | $5,065 | $2,334 |
| New Hampshire | Nationwide | 87 | $3,068 | $1,396 |
| New Jersey | GEICO | 90 | $2,639 | $2,466 |
| New Mexico | Nationwide | 89 | $3,300 | $1,822 |
| New York | GEICO | 87 | $7,426 | $2,412 |
| North Carolina | State Farm | 90 | $1,341 | $1,237 |
| North Dakota | Nationwide | 89 | $2,212 | $1,107 |
| Ohio | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 91 | $2,255 | $2,202 |
| Oklahoma | Allstate | 89 | $5,471 | $1,977 |
| Oregon | Nationwide | 89 | $3,648 | $1,454 |
| Pennsylvania | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 91 | $4,232 | $1,859 |
| Rhode Island | State Farm | 90 | $2,495 | $1,851 |
| South Carolina | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 93 | $3,274 | $2,506 |
| South Dakota | Allstate | 89 | $6,846 | $1,179 |
| Tennessee | Nationwide | 89 | $3,638 | $1,477 |
| Texas | State Farm | 90 | $2,863 | $2,033 |
| Utah | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 91 | $3,481 | $2,645 |
| Vermont | State Farm | 90 | $1,804 | $1,313 |
| Virginia | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 91 | $2,571 | $2,185 |
| Washington | Capital Insurance Group | 91 | $2,970 | $2,135 |
| West Virginia | Nationwide | 89 | $3,424 | $1,570 |
| Wisconsin | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | 91 | $2,214 | $1,952 |
| Wyoming | Allstate | 89 | $5,116 | $1,516 |
Insurance costs and options can differ widely from one state to another. Plus, each insurer has its own proprietary underwriting criteria for setting premiums, so some are more affordable for certain kinds of drivers.
Regional insurers sometimes offer better rates and discounts than major national brands. And specific insurers, like Metromile for low-mileage drivers, can offer specialized service that suits your needs. The best insurance for you depends on your situation and location.
For an individual policy, 16-year-old teens can expect to pay an average of $10,626 per year. When added to a family policy, insuring a 16-year-old teen driver costs around $3,567 annually — significantly less.
It's important to note that in most cases, minors can't legally secure an individual policy without a parent or guardian to co-sign the policy.
16-Year-Old
$3,732
16-Year-Old
$3,055This is 18% less expensive.
Yes, a teenager can legally obtain their own car insurance policy if they are of legal age. Typically, the legal age to enter into a binding contract, such as an insurance policy, is 18 years old. However, the specific age can vary by state. In many places, those under 18 need a parent or guardian's involvement to secure a policy.
Driving less or choosing a safer car can significantly reduce insurance costs. Taking a driver's education course also often leads to cheaper rates, as providers typically see teen drivers as high-risk. Additionally, some insurance companies offer programs that monitor teen driving behavior, rewarding safe patterns with discounts.
Leverage good student discounts
Many insurance companies recognize the dedication it takes for teens to excel academically. Maintaining a B average or better can indicate responsibility, leading insurers to offer discounts. Parents should check with their providers to see if they offer a good student discount and the criteria for eligibility. Major insurers, like State Farm and GEICO, offer car insurance discounts targeting students. These also include distant student discounts for students away at school without use of a car.
Enroll in driver's education
Beyond the essential skills taught, certified driver's education courses often come with financial perks. Insurers might view these courses as a sign that a teen is better prepared for the road, leading to reduced premiums. Check with the insurer to understand which courses qualify for discounts.
Opt for higher deductibles
Increasing your car insurance deductible can lead to lower monthly premiums. While it does mean potentially higher out-of-pocket costs in case of an accident, it can be a calculated move for those looking to reduce monthly expenses. Evaluate your family's financial situation to determine whether this option is viable. Optional collision and comprehensive coverages are subject to separate deductibles, while liability coverages have no deductibles.
Consider the vehicle your teen drives
The type of car a teen drives can greatly influence insurance costs. A used car with a solid safety rating may result in lower premiums compared to a brand-new sports car. Research vehicles known for safety and reliability to balance financial protection with affordability. If your car has safety features, it may also be eligible for additional discounts. MoneyGeek found that the cheapest cars to insure for teenagers are the MINI Cooper, Subaru Forester, and Chevrolet Corvette.
Bundle policies
Consolidating multiple insurance policies with a single provider can lead to savings. If your family already has home or life insurance, adding a teen's auto policy to the mix might unlock bundle discounts. Most insurers offer home and auto bundles that reward loyal customers.
Encourage safe driving habits
Safe driving can directly translate to financial benefits. Teens who maintain a clean driving record without accidents or violations can keep premiums low. Additionally, some insurers offer tracking devices or apps that monitor driving, rewarding safe habits with discounts.
Research special programs
Innovative programs catered to teen drivers are increasingly available. These might include apps that provide feedback on driving habits, allowing teens to learn and adapt. Successfully participating in these programs can lead to discounts and better driving practices. State Farm’s Steer Clear program is one example. To qualify, the driver must be under 25 years old and have a valid license and clean record.
Shop around
Insurance rates can vary significantly between providers. Regularly comparing quotes ensures that you're getting the best value for your coverage. As circumstances change, such as a teen aging or achieving a milestone like graduation, it's beneficial to revisit and reassess insurance options.
To select coverages for teen drivers, focus on collision insurance because of their higher accident risk. Evaluate the car's value when weighing comprehensive coverage. Also, consider adding accident forgiveness to provide a financial cushion in emergencies.
Type of Coverage | What It Covers | When to Consider |
|---|---|---|
Bodily injury and property damage your teen might cause to others | If your teen drives an older, inexpensive vehicle that's cheap to repair. The savings from skipping collision/comprehensive might outweigh potential repair costs. Insurance professionals warn that purchasing state minimum liability coverage can leave you financially vulnerable to a substantial loss from an at-fault accident. | |
Damage to your teen’s vehicle from a collision | Given that teens face higher accident risks due to inexperience, having this coverage can save significant out-of-pocket repair costs, especially for valuable vehicles. Collision provides coverage for accidents with other vehicles, stationary objects like trees and light poles, as well as rollover accidents and pothole damage. | |
Damage from theft, vandalism, fire and natural events | For protection against a range of non-collision related incidents. Especially relevant if the teen's vehicle has significant value, or if they can't afford unexpected replacement/repair costs. | |
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage | Damage to your vehicle if another driver causes an accident and has insufficient coverage | If you can afford the typically minor increase in cost to add this coverage, it's worth it to have peace of mind in case a driver hits you without insurance (or enough coverage). |
No premium increase after your teen's first at-fault accident | Beneficial for teen drivers who are more prone to initial driving mistakes, helping to prevent immediate insurance premium hikes. | |
Assistance with towing, jump-starts, flat tires, lockouts, fuel delivery, minor mechanical fixes and extrication | For teens who frequently drive in remote areas, ensuring they're never stranded. Also useful if the family desires an extra layer of security for their teen driver. |
The "10% rule" in car insurance suggests that if your annual collision and comprehensive premiums exceed 10% of your car's value, you might think about dropping those coverages. It's based on the idea that paying for these coverages might not be worth it for older or low-value cars. However, if you can't afford out-of-pocket repairs or replacement, it's wise to keep the coverage.
MoneyGeek goes over common questions related to finding the best car insurance for teen drivers to help you understand how to balance the right coverage at the right cost.
Generally, teens can get their own policy once they reach the legal age to enter into contracts, usually 18. However, the specific age may vary by state. Those under 18 will need a parent or guardian to co-sign.
One of the best ways for teens to lower car insurance costs is to be added to a family policy rather than get their own policy. Teens can also qualify for student car insurance discounts by maintaining good grades, being away at school without a car, completing driver's education courses and participating in insurer-specific safe driving programs.
Yes, driving a safer car or a used vehicle with a good safety rating can lead to lower premiums compared to driving a new, high-end model.
The 10% rule suggests that if your annual car insurance premium for comprehensive and collision coverage exceeds 10% of your car's book value, you might consider dropping the coverage.
Yes, some insurance companies offer programs that monitor and provide feedback on teen driving habits. Consistent safe driving can lead to discounts and benefits. State Farm’s Steer Clear program and Allstate's teenSMART program are two examples.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
