Among national providers, State Farm offers the cheapest minimum liability car insurance for 18-year-olds at around $1,356 per year, 24% cheaper than average on family policies. Concord Group or Auto-Owners are more affordable options if you are in their service area.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds
Updated: November 8, 2024
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Key Takeaways
Concord Group, Auto-Owners, State Farm, Travelers and Nationwide are the top five cheapest car insurance companies for 18-year-olds.
Nationally, the cheapest car insurance rates for 18-year-olds start at $67 per month for minimum coverage and $122 monthly for full coverage, but some state rates are as low as $50 per month.
Car insurance for 18-year-olds costs an average of $148 per month for minimum coverage and $300 for full coverage.
Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds
| Concord Group | $67 | $81 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $88 | $60 |
| State Farm | $113 | $35 |
| Encompass | $132 | $17 |
| Travelers | $134 | $14 |
| GEICO | $138 | $10 |
Rates are for a family policy for both male and female drivers with clean records and good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance For 18-Year-Olds
The cheapest full coverage auto insurance provider for 18-year-old drivers is Concord Group, which costs $1,464 per year when added to a family policy. However, the company has limited availability. Nationally, the most affordable companies are State Farm, Travelers and Nationwide.
| Concord Group | $122 | $178 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $195 | $105 |
| State Farm | $228 | $72 |
| Travelers | $280 | $20 |
| Nationwide | $290 | $10 |
| GEICO | $291 | $9 |
Rates are for a family policy for both male and female drivers with clean records and good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds by State
Depending on your state, the cheapest car insurance rates for you can range from $50 to $288 per month for an 18-year-old on a family policy. We've broken down the most affordable companies for this age group by state below.
| South Dakota | Allstate | $50 |
| Connecticut | GEICO | $50 |
| Wisconsin | Allstate | $52 |
| Hawaii | 21st Century | $57 |
| Alabama | GEICO | $60 |
| Iowa | Allstate | $61 |
| North Dakota | Allstate | $62 |
| Ohio | Allstate | $67 |
| Mississippi | Progressive | $67 |
| Maine | Concord Group | $70 |
| Massachusetts | Progressive | $71 |
| Colorado | Kemper | $72 |
| Indiana | GEICO | $73 |
| Nebraska | Allstate | $74 |
| New Hampshire | Concord Group | $75 |
| Montana | Progressive | $78 |
| Missouri | GEICO | $78 |
| Kansas | Nationwide | $80 |
| Illinois | Travelers | $81 |
| Pennsylvania | Nationwide | $83 |
| Wyoming | Allstate | $83 |
| Idaho | State Farm | $84 |
| Arkansas | Allstate | $88 |
| New York | Kemper | $92 |
| Vermont | Concord Group | $93 |
| Oregon | GEICO | $95 |
| District of Columbia | GEICO | $95 |
| North Carolina | State Farm | $95 |
| Virginia | Nationwide | $96 |
| Georgia | Allstate | $96 |
| Utah | GEICO | $96 |
| Arizona | GEICO | $97 |
| Tennessee | Allstate | $98 |
| Rhode Island | Travelers | $100 |
| Maryland | Progressive | $101 |
| West Virginia | Allstate | $102 |
| Kentucky | Allstate | $104 |
| Washington | Allstate | $109 |
| New Mexico | Allstate | $110 |
| Oklahoma | Allstate | $118 |
| Alaska | GEICO | $120 |
| Delaware | GEICO | $121 |
| Michigan | GEICO | $125 |
| Minnesota | Allstate | $130 |
| New Jersey | Travelers | $135 |
| South Carolina | Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $147 |
| Texas | State Farm | $154 |
| Nevada | Nationwide | $175 |
| California | State Farm | $207 |
| Florida | Allstate | $230 |
| Louisiana | GEICO | $288 |
Rates are for male drivers with clean driving records and good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry with minimum coverage.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds by Gender
Due to increased accident risks, 18-year-old male drivers typically pay higher insurance rates than female drivers of the same age. Below we've presented the cheapest national providers for both men and women in this age group.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Old Female Drivers
State Farm offers the most affordable national car insurance for 18-year-old women, with an annual savings of about 27% compared to the average. Female drivers tend to have lower insurance rates than their male counterparts at 18 years old. This is due to statistical data showing that young women are involved in fewer accidents.
| Concord Group | $64 | $76 | $117 | $165 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $80 | $60 | $177 | $105 |
| State Farm | $102 | $38 | $205 | $77 |
| Travelers | $118 | $22 | $252 | $30 |
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
For 18-year-old male drivers, State Farm offers the lowest monthly rate at $124 when added to a family policy. However, Concord Group and Auto-Owners have more affordable rates for eligible drivers. Men face higher premiums than women due to their statistically higher likelihood of being involved in accidents.
| Concord Group | $70 | $86 | $128 | $190 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $96 | $60 | $214 | $104 |
| State Farm | $124 | $33 | $251 | $67 |
| Encompass | $132 | $25 | $303 | $15 |
| GEICO | $140 | $16 | $300 | $19 |
| Travelers | $150 | $7 | $308 | $11 |
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
If you're buying a new car for a teen driver, consider adding them to your policy with the safest, cheapest car to insure. Below, we've broken down the most affordable models by vehicle type for 18-year-old drivers.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:State Minimum
| Chevrolet Corvette | Sports Car | Travelers | $1,065 |
| Honda Passport | SUV | State Farm | $1,118 |
| Subaru Forester | Compact SUV | State Farm | $1,119 |
| Volvo XC40 | Luxury SUV | State Farm | $1,121 |
| MINI Electric | Compact | Travelers | $1,155 |
| Subaru Outback | Sedan | State Farm | $1,170 |
| Nissan Frontier | Pickup Truck | State Farm | $1,175 |
| BMW X3 | Luxury Compact SUV | State Farm | $1,180 |
| Audi R8 | Luxury Sports Car | Travelers | $1,196 |
| Mercedes C-Class | Luxury Sedan | State Farm | $1,224 |
| Honda Odyssey | Minivan | State Farm | $1,227 |
| Tesla Model X | Luxury Electric | State Farm | $1,230 |
| Nissan LEAF | Electric | State Farm | $1,278 |
| BMW 1 Series | Luxury Compact | State Farm | $1,280 |
Rates are for drivers with clean driving records and good credit.
Average Cost of Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds
On average, you can expect annual car insurance costs for 18-year-olds to be around $1,776 for minimum coverage and $3,606 for full coverage. However, this average only represents drivers with clean driving records and good credit — your rate may vary based on your unique driver profile.
Car Insurance Cost for 18-Year-Olds by Coverage and Gender
Below, we've collected the average costs to add male and female 18-year-olds onto a family policy based on coverage level.
| State Min - No comp_coll | $157 | $140 |
| State Min - 500 comp_coll | $314 | $277 |
| State Min - 1500 comp_coll | $270 | $240 |
| State Min - 1000 comp_coll | $282 | $250 |
| 300/500/300,000 - No comp_coll | $230 | $206 |
| 300/500/300,000 - 500 comp_coll | $383 | $338 |
| 300/500/300,000 - 1500 comp_coll | $339 | $301 |
| 300/500/300,000 - 1000 comp_coll | $141 | $125 |
| 100/300/100,000 - No comp_coll | $195 | $174 |
| 100/300/100,000 - 500 comp_coll | $339 | $318 |
| 100/300/100,000 - 1500 comp_coll | $339 | $301 |
| 100/300/100,000 - 1000 comp_coll | $319 | $282 |
Liability limits expressed above (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 both collision and comprehensive coverage.
Average Cost of Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds by State
Average car insurance costs by state can range from $83 per month to $552 per month. This is due to several location-specific factors, such as crime, weather patterns and population density. To give you a general idea of the cost in your area, we've provided average costs by state in the table below.
| Oklahoma | $39 | $174 | $90 | $399 |
| North Carolina | $44 | $172 | $47 | $182 |
| Colorado | $54 | $212 | $105 | $406 |
| Mississippi | $42 | $180 | $76 | $336 |
| Florida | $91 | $404 | $147 | $660 |
| Vermont | $26 | $130 | $45 | $213 |
| Delaware | $58 | $215 | $135 | $508 |
| Nevada | $76 | $293 | $137 | $521 |
| Louisiana | $104 | $552 | $162 | $871 |
| New York | $72 | $246 | $109 | $379 |
| West Virginia | $47 | $190 | $82 | $334 |
| South Carolina | $77 | $278 | $109 | $397 |
| New Jersey | $89 | $339 | $127 | $487 |
| New Mexico | $42 | $184 | $74 | $322 |
| Hawaii | $19 | $83 | $22 | $98 |
| Arkansas | $40 | $175 | $75 | $337 |
| Missouri | $55 | $240 | $97 | $417 |
| Connecticut | $52 | $184 | $110 | $393 |
| South Dakota | $31 | $167 | $58 | $304 |
| District of Columbia | $54 | $214 | $117 | $457 |
| Iowa | $29 | $135 | $48 | $226 |
| Indiana | $35 | $143 | $62 | $241 |
| Massachusetts | $48 | $191 | $72 | $286 |
| Rhode Island | $65 | $233 | $139 | $499 |
| Ohio | $68 | $235 | $101 | $349 |
| Michigan | $94 | $377 | $131 | $520 |
| Minnesota | $41 | $178 | $66 | $273 |
| Pennsylvania | $37 | $180 | $60 | $277 |
| Washington | $59 | $201 | $100 | $334 |
| Wisconsin | $36 | $156 | $68 | $295 |
| Montana | $38 | $190 | $63 | $316 |
| Kentucky | $50 | $198 | $86 | $339 |
| Arizona | $55 | $218 | $93 | $365 |
| Illinois | $37 | $156 | $60 | $250 |
| Virginia | $61 | $227 | $86 | $318 |
| Maryland | $58 | $198 | $110 | $375 |
| Georgia | $49 | $196 | $91 | $365 |
| Wyoming | $26 | $177 | $37 | $247 |
| Utah | $65 | $242 | $111 | $410 |
| New Hampshire | $38 | $136 | $68 | $243 |
| North Dakota | $28 | $132 | $59 | $275 |
| Nebraska | $39 | $198 | $72 | $344 |
| Maine | $38 | $144 | $58 | $223 |
| California | $65 | $295 | $72 | $327 |
| Tennessee | $37 | $164 | $76 | $333 |
| Kansas | $38 | $177 | $66 | $310 |
| Texas | $62 | $258 | $106 | $444 |
| Oregon | $43 | $159 | $95 | $341 |
| Idaho | $29 | $114 | $60 | $231 |
| Alaska | $49 | $214 | $72 | $302 |
| Alabama | $47 | $202 | $86 | $366 |
Why Car Insurance Is Expensive for 18-Year-Olds
Car insurance for 18-year-olds is expensive because they are considered high-risk drivers. Teens — especially those aged 16 to 19 — have higher rates of accidents and violations, with fatal crashes nearly three times more likely than for older drivers. Risky behaviors like nighttime driving, speeding, distracted driving and not wearing seat belts contribute to these higher rates, especially for male drivers.
How to Save Money on Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds
Teens pay more for car insurance than any other age group. Fortunately, there are steps teens and their families can take to lower the cost of their coverage. Here are the actions we recommend taking to get the most affordable coverage:
- 1
Stay on a parent's policy
Staying on a parent's policy often results in significantly lower rates due to the parent's longer insurance history and potential multi-car discounts. If the teen still lives at home and uses a family car — rather than owning their own vehicle — insurers usually let them stay on a family policy.
- 2
Shop around as much as possible
Comparing quotes from multiple auto insurance companies is one of the most effective ways to save money on car insurance. MoneyGeek's studies show price differences of up to 30% between the cheapest and most expensive policies for teens
- 3
Find discounts you qualify for
Eighteen-year-olds can qualify for many common car insurance discounts. Student discounts, young driver education courses and usage-based insurance programs can reduce costs by up to 40%.
- 4
Choose a safe, older car
Selecting a less expensive car with a good safety rating can significantly reduce insurance costs as they are cheaper to repair and considered lower risk.
- 5
Adjust your coverage amount
If you can afford to replace the car out of pocket, a liability-only car insurance policy can be an excellent way to save money. If you decide full coverage is right for you, you can raise your deductibles for a premium reduction.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SHOPPING: EXPERT TIP
Obtaining quotes from multiple insurance companies is a good idea to see which comes out as the best and cheapest for your specific profile. You also want to ensure the company has optional coverages that are good for a teen driver or any driver to have on their policy. They include roadside assistance and rental car coverage.
— Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
Cheap Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds: Bottom Line
Car insurance for 18-year-olds is expensive, but teens and their families can find affordable coverage by comparing quotes, staying on a family policy, and exploring discounts. State Farm is the least expensive option among national providers for 18-year-old drivers, but shopping around is essential to securing the best rate.
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 some of the most frequently asked questions on the topic to assist you:
What is the cheapest car insurance for an 18-year-old?
State Farm has the cheapest car insurance for most 18-year-olds among nationally available providers. Individual minimum coverage policies cost around $113 per month and $228 monthly for full coverage when added to a family plan.
How much is car insurance for an 18-year-old per month?
On average, car insurance for 18-year-olds costs around $148 per month for minimum coverage and $300 for full coverage. However, cost varies widely by state, with state averages ranging from as low as $50 per month to as much as $871 monthly. Keep in mind that 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?
Car insurance is expensive for 18-year-olds because they're seen as higher risk due to less driving experience. This can result in more accidents, so insurers charge them more to cover potential costs.
Is car insurance more expensive for 18-year-old males?
Yes, car insurance tends to be more expensive for 18-year-old males. They are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents than females, leading insurers to charge higher premiums to offset the risk.
Auto Insurance for 18-Year-Olds: Our Methodology
MoneyGeek used a sample driver profile to determine national and state averages for vehicle insurance for 18-year-old drivers. Using this information, we assist readers in 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 consists of 4,284 price estimates from 100 different 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
To determine which companies provide the most affordable policies, MoneyGeek compared rates for 18-year-old drivers across different states. We made adjustments to this profile to reflect the differences in age, location and driving behavior.
Coverage Levels and Deductibles Explained
A deductible is the money you have to pay out of your own pocket before your insurance company will pay for your claim. Most drivers would benefit from purchasing full coverage vehicle insurance, which covers both collision and comprehensive damage.
For minimum liability coverages, we used state-required limits to judge which provider was most affordable. For full coverage, we used 100/300/100 liability limits with a $1,000 deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage when researching the 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.
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.
sources
- AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "Rates of Motor Vehicle Crashes, Injuries and Deaths in Relation to Driver Age, United States, 2014–2015." Accessed November 8, 2024.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Fatality Facts 2018: Teenagers." Accessed November 8, 2024.