*Rates shown are for minimum liability coverage. Your actual rate may vary based on location, driving record and vehicle type.
Auto Insurance
Cheapest Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds
Updated: June 13, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
Concord Group has the lowest monthly rates at $74 for minimum coverage and $134 for full coverage.
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.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for 17-Year-Olds
Concord Group, Auto-Owners and State Farm offer some of the most affordable car insurance for 17-year-olds. The sections below show the best auto insurance rates by coverage level, gender and location.
Concord Group provides the lowest monthly rate at $74, along with great discounts, although it has limited availability in some states.
Auto-Owners, with an average rate of $98 per month, is available in 26 states. It offers reliable regional coverage, particularly for young drivers.
State Farm charges $129 per month and operates nationwide. It offers considerable discount options, leading to up to 25% savings for teenage drivers.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds
Concord Group offers the lowest minimum liability coverage at $74 monthly ($888 annually). State Farm also provides competitive $1,548 annual premiums ($129 per month). Check the table below for other options for cheap minimum liability car insurance for 17-year-olds.
| Concord Group | $74 | $102 |
| Auto-Owners | $98 | $78 |
| State Farm | $129 | $47 |
| Encompass | $137 | $39 |
| GEICO | $168 | $8 |
*Rates are based on a family policy for male and female drivers with clean records and good credit, insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds
Concord Group offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance rates, averaging about $1,608 annually ($134 a month) when a teen is added to a family policy. However, it isn't available in all areas. Check the table below to see companies providing competitive pricing for full coverage.
| Concord Group | $134 | $215 |
| Auto-Owners | $215 | $134 |
| State Farm | $258 | $91 |
| Nationwide | $311 | $39 |
| Encompass | $318 | $31 |
*Rates are based on a family policy for male and female drivers with clean records and good credit, insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds by Gender
Premiums for male and female drivers typically differ due to accident statistics. Young male drivers generally face higher premiums than females. Below are the most affordable national providers with the lowest rates for both genders.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 17-Year-Old Female Drivers
Concord Group offers the lowest rates for 17-year-old female drivers, at $71 monthly for minimum coverage, making it the most affordable option in its service area. State Farm provides the best savings among nationally available providers. The table below shows the average monthly rates and savings from major insurers.
| Concord Group | $71 | $95 | $128 | $199 |
| Auto-Owners | $86 | $79 | $191 | $136 |
| State Farm | $116 | $49 | $232 | $96 |
| Encompass | $137 | $28 | $318 | $9 |
| Travelers | $153 | $12 | $312 | $15 |
| Nationwide | $163 | $2 | $282 | $45 |
*Rates are for female drivers with clean driving records and good credit, insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 17-Year-Old Male Drivers
Concord Group offers the lowest rates for male drivers, at $78 per month for minimum coverage, making it the most affordable option in its service area. State Farm also stands out among national providers, with a $142 average monthly cost on family policies. Compare average car insurance rates and savings from major insurance providers below.
| Concord Group | $78 | $109 | $140 | $231 |
| Auto-Owners | $109 | $78 | $238 | $133 |
| Encompass | $137 | $50 | $318 | $53 |
| State Farm | $142 | $45 | $284 | $87 |
| GEICO | $177 | $10 | $376 | $-5 |
*Rates are for male drivers with clean driving records and good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds by State
Insurance costs for 17-year-olds differ depending on the state. Monthly premiums range from $57 to $348 for family policies with a 17-year-old driver. 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 | $167 |
| South Dakota | Allstate | $60 |
| Tennessee | Farmers | $116 |
| Texas | State Farm | $171 |
| Utah | Nationwide | $116 |
| Vermont | Concord Group | $101 |
| Virginia | Nationwide | $104 |
| Washington | CIG | $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.
Cheap Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds: Buying Guide
This guide helps you discover budget-friendly coverage options while ensuring sufficient protection. With teen insurance rates varying between companies and states, informed comparison shopping helps avoid costly mistakes and save thousands of dollars annually on your family's coverage.
How Much Is Car Insurance for a 17-Year-Old?
On average, 17-year-old drivers pay roughly $1,244 annually for minimum coverage and $4,452 for full coverage. These average car insurance costs assume clean driving records and good credit, but actual rates may vary based on individual profiles.
Average Car Insurance Cost for 17-Year-Olds by Coverage and Gender
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.
Average Cost of Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds by State
Population density, local regulations and weather impact insurance costs. Average monthly premiums across states range from $19 to $622 for family policies and $22 to $990 for individual policies.
| 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 |
Why Is Car Insurance Expensive for 17-Year-Olds?
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.
How to Get Cheap Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds
Though young drivers face the highest premiums, strategic approaches can dramatically reduce costs and help find the most affordable coverage:
- 1
Stay on a parent's policy
Staying on a parent's policy results in the largest savings through multi-car discounts and an established insurance history. You can save $2,000 to $4,200 annually than maintaining independent coverage.
- 2
Target the cheapest companies first
Shopping around different car insurance companies can help save up to 30%. Start by comparing quotes from Concord Group ($74 monthly minimum) and Auto-Owners ($98 monthly minimum) in their service areas, then evaluate State Farm ($129 monthly minimum) for nationwide availability.
- 3
Maximize teen discounts
Seventeen-year-old drivers can stack multiple car insurance discounts, including good student discounts (up to 25%), driver education courses (10% to 15%), and telematics programs (up to 30%) for combined premium reductions reaching 40% off base rates.
- 4
Choose vehicles strategically for lower rates
Selecting a model like the Subaru Forester ($3,037 yearly) over luxury vehicles can save over $1,700 annually. Choosing a safe, older model with a solid safety record also helps reduce insurance costs.
- 5
Optimize coverage levels by state and budget
Consider minimum liability in low-cost states like Hawaii for maximum savings. Liability-only insurance is a cost-effective option if you're willing to pay out of pocket for car replacement. For full coverage, increasing deductibles can lower premiums while maintaining financial protection.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SHOPPING: EXPERT TIP
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
Compare Cheap Car Insurance Quotes for 17-Year-Olds
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.
Car Insurance Calculator
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.
$192
High
$139
Average
$87
Low
Rates updated:
Jun 13, 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.
Car Insurance Discounts for 17-Year-Olds
Qualifying for car insurance discounts can further lower your child's premiums. Determine whether your 17-year-old qualifies for teen safety programs. Depending on their driving pattern, consider usage-based plans.
Car Insurance Discounts for 17-Year-Olds by Company
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.
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 |
Types of Car Insurance Discounts for 17-Year-Olds
Below are common insurance discounts for 17-year-old drivers. Availability may vary by insurer.
Safety Course and Academic Discounts
Defensive driving course
Defensive driving courses provide 5% to 15% discounts at most major insurers. Courses must be state-approved, with options including online programs and in-person workshops.
Good student
Many car insurance companies offer 10% to 25% savings for teens maintaining a 3.0 GPA or B average. Required documentation includes report cards or transcripts, and grades must be maintained throughout the policy period.
Usage-Based Insurance Discounts
Mileage based
This can be cost-effective for teen drivers, especially those who drive infrequently. 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
Behavior-based pricing models assess driving habits over a short period, typically two to three weeks, and adjust rates accordingly. These programs reward safe driving and may offer substantial savings for teens who drive responsibly.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
Combine good student discounts with safety programs for maximum savings. Some families enjoy 35% to 40% total discounts.
Family Discounts for 17-Year-Olds
Most 17-year-olds should stay on their parents' car insurance policy for maximum savings. However, specific situations make independent coverage the better choice.
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 (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 |
Although it's more expensive, getting a separate policy for 17-year-old drivers may be a good idea in certain situations.
Required Situations:
Teen owns vehicle outright (title in their name only)
Emancipated minor status
Legal separation from parents
Beneficial Situations:
Parents have poor driving records with multiple violations or DUIs
Parents carry minimum coverage only, and teen needs higher protection
Teen drives under 5,000 miles annually (usage-based insurance potential)
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS BY STATE
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.
Shopping for 17-Year-Old Car Insurance
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.
- 1
Have the financial reality conversation
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.
- 2
Create a written family driving contract
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.
- 3
Set up monitoring technology
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.
- 4
Maximize discounts
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.
- 5
Choose the right vehicle together
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.
- 6
Establish financial responsibility
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.
- 7
Schedule regular check-ins
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.
- 8
Handle violations constructively
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.
- 9
Plan for accidents and emergencies
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.
- 10
Maintain communication with your insurance agent
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.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
Balance clear expectations with trust-building. Parents who combine consistent rules with positive reinforcement create responsible drivers while maintaining affordable family insurance costs.
Cheapest Cars to Insure for 17-Year-Olds
Vehicle selection impacts insurance costs for teen drivers. The right car choice can save families over $1,700 annually compared to high-risk vehicles.
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 |
Cheapest Cars to Insure for 17-Year-Olds by Coverage
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.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Coverage:State Minimum
| 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.
Strategies to Find the Cheapest Car to Insure for 17-Year-Olds
Below are some considerations when selecting what type of car to get for a 17-year-old driver.
- Prioritize safety features: Vehicles with high IIHS safety ratings, automatic emergency braking and anti-theft systems qualify for discounts of up to 15%.
- Consider repair costs: Models with readily available parts and lower repair costs (Honda, Toyota, Subaru) maintain lower insurance rates than luxury brands requiring expensive, specialized parts.
- Avoid performance modifications: Sports cars like the Ford Mustang ($3,772 yearly) cost much more to insure than equivalent sedans due to higher theft and accident rates.
- Learn about the age sweet spot: Vehicles that are three to five years old strike the best balance between safety features, reliability and affordable insurance costs while avoiding the steep depreciation of new cars.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
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.
Cheapest Auto Insurance for 17-Year-Olds: Bottom Line
This guide examines the cheapest car insurance companies for 17-year-olds and offers useful tips for reducing premiums. By selecting budget-friendly insurers and taking advantage of discounts, managing teen insurance coverage can become easier.
While insurance for 17-year-olds is typically expensive, targeting the cheapest providers like Concord Group, Auto-Owners and State Farm, joining a family policy and comparing insurers can deliver substantial savings and affordable options. Leveraging discounts and shopping around multiple companies can also help secure the best deal.
Auto Insurance for 17-Year-Olds: FAQ
We've answered frequently asked questions about finding the most affordable car insurance for 17-year-olds to assist you:
What is the cheapest car insurance for a 17-year-old?
Concord Group offers the most affordable option at $74 per month for minimum coverage and $134 for full coverage, though availability is limited. State Farm is often the most affordable option at a national level, with rates around $129 per month for minimum coverage and $258 for full coverage on family policies.
How much is car insurance for a 17-year-old per month?
Monthly premiums are 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.
Why is car insurance expensive for 17-year-old drivers?
The lack of driving experience places young drivers in a higher risk category, leading to more accidents and higher premiums.
What car is the cheapest to insure for a 17-year-old?
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.
How can 17-year-olds get cheaper car insurance?
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.
Is adding a teen to parents' insurance or getting separate coverage cheaper?
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.
Do you have to add a 17-year-old to your car insurance?
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.
What happens if a 17-year-old drives without insurance?
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.
How does gender affect car insurance rates for 17-year-olds?
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.
Is car insurance more expensive for 17-year-old males?
Male drivers generally face higher insurance costs due to their greater statistical risk of accidents.
Best Car Insurance Rates for 17-Year-Olds: Our Ratings Methodology
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:
- Toyota Camry LE
- Clean driving record
- 12,000 miles driven every year
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:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $100,000 property damage liability per accident
Learn more about MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.
Cheap Auto Insurance for 17-Year-Olds: Related Articles
Auto Insurance
Auto Insurance
Auto Insurance
Auto Insurance
Auto Insurance
Auto Insurance
Auto Insurance
Auto Insurance
Auto Insurance
Auto Insurance
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.
sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Risk Factors for Teen Drivers." Accessed June 11, 2025.