State Farm costs $230 per month for full coverage for 18-year-olds. Allstate costs $233, and GEICO costs $236. Allstate's extra $3 gets you nationwide service and proven claims support. GEICO's extra $6 provides digital tools and competitive pricing. Progressive brings telematics-based savings and advanced policy features.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds
Updated: January 22, 2026
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Low-Cost Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds: MoneyGeek's Take
State Farm, GEICO, Allstate and Progressive offer the cheapest car insurance for 18-year-olds. State Farm costs $230 monthly for full coverage. GEICO costs $205 monthly for minimum coverage.
Monthly premiums for 18-year-olds range from $67 for minimum coverage to $122 for full coverage nationally. State rates range from $51 in Hawaii to $217 in Florida.
Staying on a parent's policy saves thousands annually. Family plans cost far less than standalone coverage for 18-year-olds, who pay the highest rates of any age group.
Best Car Insurance Rates for 18-Year-Olds
What Are the Best Car Insurance Discounts for 18-Year-Olds?
Stacking discounts cuts premiums by 30% to 50% for 18-year-old drivers. State Farm's $420 monthly full coverage rate drops to around $294 with a 30% telematics discount through Drive Safe & Save, saving you $1,512 annually. GEICO's $437 monthly rate falls to $273 when you combine a 15% military discount with a 25% good student discount, cutting another $1,968 off your annual premium.
| State Farm | $230 | $2,759 |
| Allstate | $233 | $2,801 |
| GEICO | $236 | $2,837 |
| Progressive | $245 | $2,941 |
Read More:
Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds
GEICO costs $205 monthly for minimum liability-only rates. State Farm costs $212, though the companies serve different needs. GEICO's direct-to-consumer model provides the lowest rate with phone and online support.
State Farm's 19,000+ local agents provide in-person guidance worth the extra $84 annually if you value face-to-face service for claims and coverage decisions. State Farm's Steer Clear program offers young driver discounts beyond standard savings. GEICO provides military and federal employee discounts that State Farm doesn't match.
| Geico | $205 | $2,462 |
| State Farm | $212 | $2,543 |
| Allstate | $319 | $3,824 |
| Nationwide | $385 | $4,625 |
| Progressive | $433 | $5,193 |
*Rates are for 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 18-Year-Olds
State Farm offers the cheapest full coverage for 18-year-olds at $420 per month, with GEICO's $437 representing just a $17 difference that narrows further when you factor in discount programs. State Farm's Drive Safe & Save telematics offers up to 30% savings without penalizing unsafe driving, while GEICO's DriveEasy can increase rates if the app detects risky behavior.
| State Farm | $420 | $5,041 |
| Geico | $437 | $5,239 |
| Allstate | $604 | $7,243 |
| Nationwide | $691 | $8,296 |
| Progressive | $900 | $10,803 |
*Rates are for a family policy for male and female drivers with clean records and good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds by State
Monthly premiums for 18-year-olds range from $51 in Hawaii to $217 in Florida, with GEICO offering the lowest rates in 37 states due to its direct-to-consumer model that eliminates agent commissions. State Farm leads in 10 states where its established agent networks and multi-policy bundling deliver better value for families, adding teens to existing policies, while Progressive captures the remaining three states
| Alabama | Geico | $105 | $1,257 | $50 |
| Alaska | Geico | $76 | $908 | $56 |
| Arizona | Geico | $139 | $1,664 | $47 |
| Arkansas | Geico | $104 | $1,249 | $47 |
| California | Geico | $107 | $1,284 | $74 |
| Colorado | Geico | $99 | $1,189 | $75 |
| Connecticut | Geico | $116 | $1,393 | $129 |
| Delaware | Geico | $144 | $1,729 | $81 |
| District of Columbia | Allstate | $195 | $2,339 | $35 |
| Florida | State Farm | $217 | $2,610 | $116 |
| Georgia | Geico | $167 | $2,008 | $50 |
| Hawaii | Geico | $51 | $617 | $24 |
| Idaho | Geico | $61 | $727 | $39 |
| Illinois | Geico | $101 | $1,207 | $62 |
| Indiana | Geico | $73 | $873 | $29 |
| Iowa | Geico | $84 | $1,005 | $17 |
| Kansas | Geico | $95 | $1,134 | $48 |
| Kentucky | State Farm | $149 | $1,783 | $31 |
| Louisiana | Geico | $216 | $2,596 | $159 |
| Maine | Geico | $74 | $893 | $24 |
| Maryland | Geico | $139 | $1,664 | $84 |
| Massachusetts | Geico | $125 | $1,506 | $52 |
| Michigan | Geico | $108 | $1,297 | $104 |
| Minnesota | State Farm | $132 | $1,588 | $35 |
| Mississippi | Progressive | $136 | $1,628 | $16 |
| Missouri | Geico | $100 | $1,199 | $86 |
| Montana | State Farm | $62 | $738 | $56 |
| Nebraska | Geico | $85 | $1,018 | $46 |
| Nevada | Geico | $208 | $2,498 | $98 |
| New Hampshire | Geico | $77 | $928 | $35 |
| New Jersey | Geico | $183 | $2,198 | $120 |
| New Mexico | Geico | $106 | $1,275 | $33 |
| New York | Progressive | $126 | $1,513 | $79 |
| North Carolina | Progressive | $58 | $696 | $42 |
| North Dakota | Geico | $73 | $872 | $26 |
| Ohio | Geico | $94 | $1,124 | $26 |
| Oklahoma | Geico | $103 | $1,239 | $38 |
| Oregon | Geico | $120 | $1,444 | $33 |
| Pennsylvania | Nationwide | $166 | $1,992 | $52 |
| Rhode Island | State Farm | $126 | $1,507 | $80 |
| South Carolina | Allstate | $156 | $1,873 | $29 |
| South Dakota | Progressive | $54 | $650 | $46 |
| Tennessee | Geico | $133 | $1,596 | $20 |
| Texas | State Farm | $132 | $1,578 | $58 |
| Utah | Geico | $98 | $1,178 | $83 |
| Vermont | State Farm | $59 | $708 | $21 |
| Virginia | Geico | $102 | $1,224 | $56 |
| Washington | Progressive | $151 | $1,811 | $10 |
| West Virginia | Geico | $122 | $1,469 | $24 |
| Wisconsin | Geico | $61 | $732 | $67 |
| Wyoming | Geico | $71 | $855 | $16 |
*Rates are for a family policy for male and female drivers with clean records and good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds by Gender
Due to increased accident risks, 18-year-old male drivers pay higher insurance rates than female drivers of the same age. This rate difference exists across most insurers, so you can choose based on what matters most to you: local agent support with State Farm or digital convenience with GEICO.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Old Female Drivers
Female drivers at 18 get better pricing compared to their male peers, with State Farm providing basic liability at $195 monthly and GEICO following at $205. Competition remains strong among leading insurers. Allstate increases costs by $112 monthly over the most economical option.
Data filtered by:
State Minimum Liability Only
| State Farm | $195 | $2,335 |
| GEICO | $205 | $2,461 |
| Allstate | $307 | $3,683 |
| Nationwide | $370 | $4,440 |
| Progressive | $423 | $5,076 |
*Rates are for female drivers with clean driving records and good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Old Male Drivers
Young men pay steeper premiums than women, yet GEICO and State Farm provide affordable options ranging between $205 and $229 monthly. Pricing spreads even more across other carriers. Progressive adds $213 monthly compared to State Farm's rates.
Data filtered by:
State Minimum Liability Only
| GEICO | $205 | $2,463 |
| State Farm | $229 | $2,752 |
| Allstate | $330 | $3,965 |
| Nationwide | $401 | $4,809 |
| Progressive | $442 | $5,310 |
*Rates are for male drivers with clean driving records and good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Cheapest Cars to Insure for 18-Year-Olds
Vehicle selection affects annual premiums. A MINI Cooper costs only $149 monthly, while premiums for high-end sports cars run over $250 monthly. The most budget-friendly choices blend practical family transportation with affordable performance models, proving that style doesn't require premium pricing.
| MINI Cooper | $149 | $1,789 |
| MINI Electric | $153 | $1,837 |
| Subaru Outback | $155 | $1,865 |
| Subaru Forester | $159 | $1,910 |
| Honda Odyssey | $166 | $1,994 |
| VW ID.4 | $167 | $2,000 |
| Volvo XC40 | $167 | $2,002 |
| Subaru Legacy | $167 | $2,008 |
| Nissan 370Z | $168 | $2,012 |
| Mercedes C-Class | $168 | $2,020 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds
Annual car insurance costs for 18-year-olds average $1,776 for minimum coverage and $3,606 for full coverage. This average represents only drivers with clean driving records and good credit. Your rate may vary based on your driver profile.
How Much Is Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds by State?
Car insurance costs by state range from $148 to $300 per month, depending on coverage. Basic coverage costs about $1,776 annually, and full coverage costs $3,606 annually. Costs vary by state, vehicle and whether you're on a family plan or individual policy. The table shows coverage costs by state.
| Alabama | $197 | $2,361 |
| Alaska | $184 | $2,202 |
| Arizona | $292 | $3,504 |
| Arkansas | $207 | $2,490 |
| California | $229 | $2,752 |
| Colorado | $279 | $3,349 |
| Connecticut | $390 | $4,681 |
| Delaware | $392 | $4,708 |
| District of Columbia | $245 | $2,946 |
| Florida | $475 | $5,704 |
| Georgia | $357 | $4,286 |
| Hawaii | $69 | $831 |
| Idaho | $138 | $1,658 |
| Illinois | $231 | $2,778 |
| Indiana | $160 | $1,923 |
| Iowa | $149 | $1,793 |
| Kansas | $205 | $2,461 |
| Kentucky | $278 | $3,331 |
| Louisiana | $465 | $5,585 |
| Maine | $145 | $1,743 |
| Maryland | $383 | $4,592 |
| Massachusetts | $240 | $2,883 |
| Michigan | $302 | $3,624 |
| Minnesota | $219 | $2,633 |
| Mississippi | $214 | $2,565 |
| Missouri | $292 | $3,500 |
| Montana | $197 | $2,363 |
| Nebraska | $210 | $2,519 |
| Nevada | $420 | $5,043 |
| New Hampshire | $190 | $2,285 |
| New Jersey | $413 | $4,959 |
| New Mexico | $200 | $2,399 |
| New York | $334 | $4,004 |
| North Carolina | $132 | $1,590 |
| North Dakota | $141 | $1,692 |
| Ohio | $174 | $2,087 |
| Oklahoma | $234 | $2,804 |
| Oregon | $251 | $3,010 |
| Pennsylvania | $312 | $3,746 |
| Rhode Island | $327 | $3,924 |
| South Carolina | $263 | $3,150 |
| South Dakota | $170 | $2,037 |
| Tennessee | $185 | $2,217 |
| Texas | $307 | $3,685 |
| Utah | $269 | $3,230 |
| Vermont | $140 | $1,675 |
| Virginia | $216 | $2,591 |
| Washington | $245 | $2,935 |
| West Virginia | $190 | $2,278 |
| Wisconsin | $184 | $2,211 |
| Wyoming | $105 | $1,255 |
Best Car Insurance Discounts for 18-Year-Old Drivers
Good student discounts, telematics programs that reward safe driving, and multi-car savings from staying on family policies all lower premiums for 18-year-olds. Young driver training programs and bundling with renters insurance cut costs further. Compare these company-specific discount programs to maximize savings during the most expensive insurance years.
State Farm | Students on family policies | Steer Clear program for young drivers, Drive Safe & Save won't increase rates for risky driving, 19,000+ local agents | Good student (25%) + Steer Clear + telematics (30%) = 40%+ stacked |
GEICO | Budget-focused teens and military families | Lowest base rates nationally, military/federal employee discounts (15%), 500+ group affiliations, digital-first service | Military (15%) + multi-car (25%) + good student (25%) = 50%+ stacked |
Progressive | Tech-savvy safe drivers | Snapshot telematics (up to 30%), competitive pricing in tech-forward states, high discount stacking potential | Snapshot (30%) + multi-car (25%) + good student (20%) = 55%+ stacked |
Allstate | Teens needing structured programs | TeenSMART driver training, Drivewise telematics (up to 40%), extensive agent network for guidance | TeenSMART + Drivewise (40%) + good student (25%) = 50%+ stacked |
Nationwide | Poor credit or high-risk young drivers | SmartRide telematics (up to 40%), credit-light underwriting, accepts drivers others reject | SmartRide (40%) + bundling + vanishing deductible = 45%+ stacked |
Travelers | Young drivers prioritizing safety tech | IntelliDrive telematics (30%), youth-focused underwriting, student away at school discount | IntelliDrive (30%) + good student (25%) + training (8%) = 50%+ stacked |
How 18-Year-Olds Can Get Cheap Car Insurance
Car insurance costs the most at 18, but you can lower your rates without sacrificing coverage. Stay on your parents' policy and earn good student discounts to reduce costs.
- 1Stay on a parent's policy
Adding an 18-year-old to an existing family policy cuts costs with multi-car discounts and an established insurance history. Families save thousands of dollars annually compared to independent policies.
- 2Shop around as much as possible
Price differences between insurers for 18-year-olds vary widely. Compare quotes from several companies to find the best rates for your situation.
- 3Find discounts you qualify for
Most insurers offer discounts for maintaining good grades, usually requiring a GPA of 3.0 or higher. You can get these savings each semester with strong academic performance.
- 4Choose a safe, older car
Vehicle decisions directly impact insurance costs. Prioritize dependable models with strong safety ratings over high-performance or luxury alternatives to minimize premiums.
- 5Adjust your coverage amount
Balance protection with budget by considering higher deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage. For older vehicles, drop these coverages while maintaining sufficient liability protection.
- 6Enroll in usage-based insurance programs
These programs monitor driving behavior with smartphone apps and reward safe driving with discounts. They track braking patterns, acceleration, night driving and overall habits for potential savings.
- 7Complete professional driving training
Professional driver training beyond basic requirements earns insurance discounts while improving safety skills. Defensive driving courses and advanced programs offer premium reductions and enhanced driving abilities.
- 8Bundle multiple policies
Combining auto insurance with renters or homeowners coverage gets you multi-policy discounts. This bundling approach saves money if you have multiple coverage types with one provider.
- 9Qualify for low-mileage discounts
Driving fewer miles annually qualifies you for low-mileage discounts. This helps students with limited driving needs or those using their vehicles mainly for local trips instead of commuting.
- 10Use modern vehicle safety features
Vehicles equipped with advanced safety features may qualify for additional discounts. Anti-theft systems, multiple airbags, ABS brakes and collision avoidance technology can all lower insurance premiums.
When Do Car Insurance Rates Go Down for 18-Year-Olds?
Car insurance rates for 18-year-olds decrease as they gain driving experience and show better judgment. Rate reductions usually follow this timeline:
After one year
Many carriers provide moderate discounts after 12 claim-free months, recognizing responsible driving and lowering perceived risk. Keep a clean record during this time to maximize savings.
Age 19
Premiums often drop noticeably at 19 as drivers build experience and show better judgment, creating meaningful annual savings.
Age 21
Many insurers cut rates further at 21, viewing this as a shift from high-risk to moderate-risk status and creating large cost decreases.
Best Cheap Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds: Bottom Line
Car insurance costs for 18-year-old drivers are large financial commitments for young adults and families. State Farm and GEICO consistently provide competitive pricing, though shopping around remains necessary given variations across states and carriers.
Stay on a family policy, maintain strong grades and choose economical vehicles. These strategies, combined with consistent rate comparison, help manage premiums while securing adequate financial protection. High costs are temporary, declining as young drivers gain experience and build responsible driving records.
Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds: FAQ
Finding the best affordable car insurance for 18-year-olds can be daunting due to the risk factors that drive up premiums for this age group. We've answered common questions on the topic to assist you:
What is the cheapest car insurance for an 18-year-old?
State Farm provides the most economical rates for most 18-year-olds among nationally available carriers. Basic liability costs about $229 monthly while comprehensive protection runs $230 monthly through family plan additions.
How much is car insurance for an 18-year-old per month?
Teen drivers average $148 monthly for minimum requirements and $300 for full protection. Costs vary substantially by location, with state averages ranging from $51 to $475 monthly. These averages are for drivers on a family policy with clean driving records and good credit.
Why is car insurance expensive for 18-year-old drivers?
Insurers classify 18-year-olds as high-risk drivers due to their limited driving experience, which results in higher accident frequencies. Companies charge higher premiums to offset potential claim costs.
Is car insurance more expensive for 18-year-old men?
Male teen drivers pay higher premiums than females due to statistical data showing increased accident involvement, leading insurers to adjust pricing accordingly.
When Do Car Insurance Rates Go Down for 18-Year-Olds?
Car insurance rates for 18-year-olds decrease as they gain driving experience and demonstrate maturity. Many carriers provide moderate discounts after 12 claim-free months, recognizing responsible driving patterns and reducing perceived risk. Premiums often drop noticeably at 19 as drivers accumulate experience and demonstrate improved judgment, creating meaningful annual savings. At 21, many insurers implement additional reductions, viewing this as a transition from high-risk to moderate-risk classification and generating substantial cost decreases.
Affordable Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds: Our Methodology
At 18, you're paying the highest insurance rates you'll ever deal with. We analyzed 4,284 price estimates from six major insurers across 100 ZIP codes to show you which companies charge the least for teen drivers.
Data Sources and Depth
We collected data from each state's insurance department and Quadrant Information Services, covering the six largest national carriers. This dataset captures real pricing across urban, suburban and rural areas to reflect what 18-year-olds actually pay.
Sample Driver Profile
Our calculations use a baseline 18-year-old driver with these characteristics:
- Toyota Camry LE (reliable, affordable to insure)
- Clean driving record (no accidents or violations)
- 12,000 miles driven annually (typical teen usage)
We compared rates across all 50 states, adjusting for local insurance requirements and cost differences. This shows you what companies charge in your specific location, not just national averages.
Coverage Levels and Deductibles Explained
A deductible is what you pay out of pocket before your insurance covers a claim. Most drivers benefit from full coverage vehicle insurance, which includes collision and comprehensive coverage.
For minimum coverage comparisons, we used each state's required liability limits. For full coverage, we used 100/300/100 liability limits with $1,000 deductibles for comprehensive and collision:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $100,000 property damage liability per accident
These limits provide solid protection without overpaying. 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. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in 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!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Risk Factors for Teen Drivers." Accessed July 12, 2025.