Updated: February 12, 2025
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The MINI Cooper is the cheapest car to insure for most teens, with annual premiums ranging from $1,128 to $2,305, depending on age.
Choosing a safer, lower-risk vehicle with strong safety ratings and moderate horsepower can reduce teen auto insurance costs. For instance, a MINI Cooper is $1,096 cheaper annually to insure than a Tesla Model S, which has higher repair costs and performance risks.
For teens aged 18 and 19, staying on their family’s insurance policy is the most cost-effective option unless they move out and drive their own cars.
The MINI Cooper is the cheapest car to insure for teens, with an average annual premium of $1,730, followed by the Chevrolet Corvette ($1,741) and Subaru Forester ($1,891).
Generally, vehicles with strong safety ratings, lower repair costs and moderate horsepower have the lowest insurance rates. Since teen drivers face higher premiums, choosing an insurer that offers teen-friendly discounts or usage-based insurance can help lower costs.
Car Make/Model | Average Insurance Cost for Teens |
|---|---|
MINI Cooper | $1,730 |
Chevrolet Corvette | $1,741 |
Subaru Forester | $1,891 |
MINI Electric | $1,910 |
Subaru Outback | $1,929 |
Mazda CX-5 | $1,957 |
Mercedes C-Class | $1,966 |
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 | $1,995 |
Honda Pilot | $1,996 |
Honda Odyssey | $2,006 |
Ford Mustang Mach E | $2,015 |
Audi Q5 | $2,019 |
Chevrolet Camaro SS | $2,029 |
Subaru Impreza | $2,046 |
BMW 4 Series | $2,050 |
Toyota Sienna | $2,053 |
Subaru Legacy | $2,058 |
Honda Ridgeline | $2,062 |
VW Tiguan | $2,068 |
Honda CR-V | $2,073 |
Audi A4 | $2,073 |
BMW 7 Series | $2,075 |
Audi Q7 | $2,088 |
VW Golf | $2,088 |
Ford Mustang Ecoboost | $2,091 |
Volvo XC40 | $2,101 |
VW ID.4 | $2,109 |
Hyundai Kona | $2,110 |
BMW 1 Series | $2,110 |
Kia Niro | $2,120 |
Acura MDX | $2,125 |
Honda Passport | $2,128 |
Toyota RAV4 | $2,130 |
Honda Accord | $2,130 |
Subaru BRZ | $2,134 |
Toyota Prius | $2,141 |
Ford Mustang | $2,146 |
Mercedes CLA 250 | $2,149 |
Toyota Highlander | $2,149 |
Honda HR-V | $2,158 |
Tesla Model 3 | $2,161 |
Honda Insight | $2,164 |
Mercedes GLA 250 | $2,164 |
BMW X3 | $2,165 |
BMW X5 | $2,170 |
Ford Expedition | $2,171 |
VW Jetta | $2,172 |
Chevy Equinox | $2,174 |
Nissan LEAF | $2,174 |
Subaru WRX | $2,175 |
BMW 5 Series | $2,178 |
Ford Escape | $2,179 |
VW Passat | $2,182 |
Toyota Camry | $2,183 |
BMW 3 Series | $2,184 |
Chevrolet Camaro | $2,187 |
Ford Explorer | $2,188 |
Chevy Tahoe | $2,195 |
Ford F-150 | $2,199 |
Kia Soul | $2,200 |
Audi E Tron | $2,200 |
Hyundai Ioniq | $2,207 |
Audi A3 | $2,211 |
Jeep Gladiator | $2,212 |
Jeep Wrangler | $2,214 |
Mazda3 | $2,217 |
Kia Stinger | $2,227 |
Nissan Rogue | $2,229 |
Toyota Tundra | $2,233 |
Tesla Model Y | $2,234 |
Honda Civic | $2,239 |
Toyota Tacoma | $2,254 |
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat | $2,256 |
Nissan Maxima | $2,271 |
Chevy Bolt | $2,275 |
Nissan Versa | $2,279 |
Dodge Challenger R/T | $2,292 |
Toyota Corolla | $2,293 |
Chevy Silverado | $2,296 |
Ram Rebel | $2,313 |
Nissan Altima | $2,325 |
Nissan Pathfinder | $2,326 |
Jeep Cherokee | $2,335 |
Nissan Frontier | $2,337 |
Chevy Malibu | $2,373 |
Jeep Grand Cherokee | $2,374 |
Nissan Sentra | $2,385 |
Ram 2500 | $2,398 |
Hyundai Elantra | $2,463 |
Dodge Challenger | $2,485 |
Dodge Charger | $2,533 |
Porsche Taycan | $2,674 |
Tesla Model X | $2,803 |
Tesla Model S | $2,826 |
BMW X7 | $3,105 |
Audi R8 | $3,448 |
Auto insurance rates for teen drivers vary by age, with younger teens paying the highest premiums due to their limited experience. Below is a breakdown of the cheapest cars to insure for teens by age, helping families choose cost-effective options at each stage.
The Chevrolet Corvette is the cheapest car to insure for 16-year-olds, costing $2,303 per year for minimum coverage. The MINI Cooper is next at $2,305, followed by the Subaru Forester at $2,532. Since 16-year-olds can't legally buy their own policies, they must be added to a parent or guardian’s plan.
Use the table below to compare rates across different models and adjust the filter to see full coverage costs.
| Chevrolet Corvette | $2,303 |
| MINI Cooper | $2,305 |
| Subaru Forester | $2,532 |
| MINI Electric | $2,550 |
| Subaru Outback | $2,575 |
| Mercedes C-Class | $2,599 |
| Mazda CX-5 | $2,618 |
| Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 | $2,638 |
| Chevrolet Camaro SS | $2,669 |
| Honda Odyssey | $2,672 |
| Honda Pilot | $2,673 |
| Ford Mustang Mach E | $2,679 |
| Audi Q5 | $2,691 |
| BMW 4 Series | $2,709 |
| Subaru Impreza | $2,729 |
| Toyota Sienna | $2,741 |
| Audi A4 | $2,750 |
| Subaru Legacy | $2,751 |
| BMW 7 Series | $2,754 |
| Honda Ridgeline | $2,761 |
| VW Tiguan | $2,761 |
| Ford Mustang Ecoboost | $2,766 |
| Honda CR-V | $2,773 |
| VW Golf | $2,783 |
| Audi Q7 | $2,785 |
| Volvo XC40 | $2,787 |
| BMW 1 Series | $2,803 |
| Hyundai Kona | $2,809 |
| VW ID.4 | $2,823 |
| Acura MDX | $2,824 |
| Kia Niro | $2,827 |
| Subaru BRZ | $2,828 |
| Ford Mustang | $2,834 |
| Honda Passport | $2,837 |
| Toyota RAV4 | $2,842 |
| Honda Accord | $2,843 |
| Mercedes CLA 250 | $2,851 |
| Toyota Prius | $2,854 |
| Tesla Model 3 | $2,861 |
| Mercedes GLA 250 | $2,872 |
| Subaru WRX | $2,874 |
| Toyota Highlander | $2,875 |
| Nissan LEAF | $2,875 |
| Honda HR-V | $2,876 |
| Honda Insight | $2,877 |
| BMW X3 | $2,883 |
| VW Jetta | $2,885 |
| Chevrolet Camaro | $2,889 |
| BMW X5 | $2,890 |
| BMW 3 Series | $2,891 |
| BMW 5 Series | $2,891 |
| Chevy Equinox | $2,897 |
| Ford Escape | $2,903 |
| Ford Expedition | $2,903 |
| Toyota Camry | $2,906 |
| VW Passat | $2,909 |
| Ford Explorer | $2,916 |
| Ford F-150 | $2,919 |
| Hyundai Ioniq | $2,923 |
| Kia Soul | $2,924 |
| Chevy Tahoe | $2,925 |
| Jeep Wrangler | $2,936 |
| Audi A3 | $2,937 |
| Audi E Tron | $2,938 |
| Jeep Gladiator | $2,947 |
| Tesla Model Y | $2,954 |
| Mazda3 | $2,956 |
| Kia Stinger | $2,966 |
| Nissan Rogue | $2,971 |
| Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat | $2,975 |
| Honda Civic | $2,981 |
| Toyota Tundra | $2,982 |
| Chevy Bolt | $3,003 |
| Toyota Tacoma | $3,004 |
| Nissan Maxima | $3,017 |
| Dodge Challenger R/T | $3,027 |
| Nissan Versa | $3,038 |
| Toyota Corolla | $3,053 |
| Chevy Silverado | $3,056 |
| Ram Rebel | $3,084 |
| Nissan Altima | $3,096 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | $3,103 |
| Jeep Cherokee | $3,109 |
| Nissan Frontier | $3,118 |
| Chevy Malibu | $3,155 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $3,172 |
| Nissan Sentra | $3,176 |
| Ram 2500 | $3,187 |
| Hyundai Elantra | $3,277 |
| Dodge Challenger | $3,289 |
| Dodge Charger | $3,348 |
| Porsche Taycan | $3,602 |
| Tesla Model X | $3,771 |
| Tesla Model S | $3,803 |
| BMW X7 | $3,992 |
| Audi R8 | $4,487 |
Added to a family policy:
$3,371 per year for full coverage
On an individual policy:
$5,318 per year for full coverage
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance for a 16-year-old driving a Chevrolet Corvette, with minimum coverage costing $1,497 annually. Other insurers charge much more, with rates as high as $3,311.
Since premiums vary widely, comparing multiple providers can help secure the lowest rate. Use the table below to see how different insurers price coverage for this vehicle model.
| State Farm | $1,497 |
| Travelers | $1,716 |
| GEICO | $1,962 |
| Nationwide | $2,055 |
| Allstate | $2,756 |
| Farmers | $3,062 |
| Progressive | $3,311 |
The MINI Cooper is the cheapest car to insure for 17-year-olds, costing $1,867 yearly for minimum coverage. The Chevrolet Corvette comes next at $1,887, followed by the Subaru Forester at $2,040.
Many teens drive unsupervised at age 17, increasing their accident risk and keeping insurance rates high. Use the table below to compare costs by model and see how premiums vary with coverage.
| MINI Cooper | $1,867 |
| Chevrolet Corvette | $1,887 |
| Subaru Forester | $2,040 |
| MINI Electric | $2,064 |
| Subaru Outback | $2,088 |
| Mazda CX-5 | $2,115 |
| Mercedes C-Class | $2,123 |
| Honda Pilot | $2,156 |
| Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 | $2,159 |
| Honda Odyssey | $2,167 |
| Ford Mustang Mach E | $2,176 |
| Audi Q5 | $2,177 |
| Chevrolet Camaro SS | $2,202 |
| Subaru Impreza | $2,208 |
| Toyota Sienna | $2,216 |
| BMW 4 Series | $2,220 |
| Subaru Legacy | $2,223 |
| Honda Ridgeline | $2,227 |
| VW Tiguan | $2,230 |
| Honda CR-V | $2,238 |
| Audi A4 | $2,241 |
| Audi Q7 | $2,245 |
| BMW 7 Series | $2,248 |
| VW Golf | $2,260 |
| Volvo XC40 | $2,265 |
| VW ID.4 | $2,268 |
| Ford Mustang Ecoboost | $2,268 |
| Hyundai Kona | $2,280 |
| BMW 1 Series | $2,287 |
| Kia Niro | $2,292 |
| Honda Accord | $2,300 |
| Acura MDX | $2,300 |
| Toyota RAV4 | $2,302 |
| Honda Passport | $2,304 |
| Subaru BRZ | $2,307 |
| Toyota Prius | $2,315 |
| Ford Mustang | $2,319 |
| Mercedes CLA 250 | $2,321 |
| Toyota Highlander | $2,323 |
| Honda HR-V | $2,326 |
| Mercedes GLA 250 | $2,333 |
| BMW X3 | $2,334 |
| Tesla Model 3 | $2,338 |
| Honda Insight | $2,339 |
| BMW X5 | $2,344 |
| Chevy Equinox | $2,350 |
| VW Jetta | $2,350 |
| Ford Expedition | $2,352 |
| Ford Escape | $2,355 |
| BMW 5 Series | $2,356 |
| VW Passat | $2,356 |
| Subaru WRX | $2,357 |
| Toyota Camry | $2,359 |
| Nissan LEAF | $2,359 |
| Audi E Tron | $2,360 |
| Chevrolet Camaro | $2,363 |
| BMW 3 Series | $2,365 |
| Ford Explorer | $2,369 |
| Ford F-150 | $2,376 |
| Chevy Tahoe | $2,377 |
| Kia Soul | $2,381 |
| Audi A3 | $2,381 |
| Jeep Wrangler | $2,392 |
| Jeep Gladiator | $2,392 |
| Hyundai Ioniq | $2,392 |
| Mazda3 | $2,395 |
| Nissan Rogue | $2,409 |
| Kia Stinger | $2,411 |
| Toyota Tundra | $2,413 |
| Honda Civic | $2,416 |
| Tesla Model Y | $2,423 |
| Toyota Tacoma | $2,433 |
| Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat | $2,453 |
| Nissan Maxima | $2,460 |
| Nissan Versa | $2,461 |
| Chevy Bolt | $2,466 |
| Chevy Silverado | $2,473 |
| Toyota Corolla | $2,480 |
| Dodge Challenger R/T | $2,480 |
| Ram Rebel | $2,497 |
| Nissan Altima | $2,512 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | $2,515 |
| Nissan Frontier | $2,522 |
| Jeep Cherokee | $2,524 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $2,562 |
| Chevy Malibu | $2,565 |
| Nissan Sentra | $2,580 |
| Ram 2500 | $2,592 |
| Hyundai Elantra | $2,656 |
| Dodge Challenger | $2,688 |
| Dodge Charger | $2,739 |
| Porsche Taycan | $2,828 |
| Tesla Model X | $2,974 |
| Tesla Model S | $2,994 |
| BMW X7 | $3,340 |
| Audi R8 | $3,662 |
Added to a family policy:
$3,139 per year for full coverage
On an individual policy:
$4,621 per year for full coverage
Travelers offers the cheapest car insurance for a 17-year-old driving a Chevrolet Corvette, with minimum coverage costing $1,295 annually. Rates from other insurers vary widely, reaching up to $3,220 with Progressive. Compare providers in the table below to find the best rate.
| Travelers | $1,295 |
| State Farm | $1,317 |
| GEICO | $1,525 |
| Nationwide | $1,873 |
| Allstate | $2,225 |
| Farmers | $2,270 |
| Progressive | $3,220 |
The MINI Cooper is the cheapest car to insure for 18-year-olds, costing $1,619 per year for minimum coverage. The Chevrolet Corvette and Subaru Forester follow at $1,644 and $1,770, respectively.
Use the table below to compare costs across different models and see how premiums vary based on coverage.
| MINI Cooper | $1,619 |
| Chevrolet Corvette | $1,644 |
| Subaru Forester | $1,770 |
| MINI Electric | $1,791 |
| Subaru Outback | $1,809 |
| Mazda CX-5 | $1,834 |
| Mercedes C-Class | $1,851 |
| Honda Pilot | $1,867 |
| Honda Odyssey | $1,884 |
| Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 | $1,885 |
| Ford Mustang Mach E | $1,896 |
| Audi Q5 | $1,898 |
| Chevrolet Camaro SS | $1,918 |
| Subaru Impreza | $1,922 |
| Toyota Sienna | $1,927 |
| Subaru Legacy | $1,928 |
| Honda Ridgeline | $1,934 |
| BMW 4 Series | $1,934 |
| VW Tiguan | $1,938 |
| Honda CR-V | $1,943 |
| Audi A4 | $1,956 |
| BMW 7 Series | $1,958 |
| Audi Q7 | $1,961 |
| VW Golf | $1,964 |
| Ford Mustang Ecoboost | $1,972 |
| VW ID.4 | $1,977 |
| Volvo XC40 | $1,981 |
| Hyundai Kona | $1,987 |
| Kia Niro | $1,991 |
| BMW 1 Series | $1,991 |
| Honda Accord | $2,003 |
| Honda Passport | $2,003 |
| Toyota RAV4 | $2,003 |
| Acura MDX | $2,005 |
| Toyota Prius | $2,012 |
| Subaru BRZ | $2,013 |
| Toyota Highlander | $2,019 |
| Honda HR-V | $2,027 |
| Ford Mustang | $2,028 |
| Mercedes CLA 250 | $2,029 |
| Ford Expedition | $2,036 |
| Honda Insight | $2,038 |
| BMW X3 | $2,039 |
| Tesla Model 3 | $2,041 |
| VW Jetta | $2,041 |
| Mercedes GLA 250 | $2,042 |
| BMW X5 | $2,044 |
| Chevy Equinox | $2,044 |
| Ford Escape | $2,046 |
| VW Passat | $2,049 |
| Ford Explorer | $2,055 |
| Nissan LEAF | $2,055 |
| BMW 5 Series | $2,056 |
| Subaru WRX | $2,057 |
| Toyota Camry | $2,057 |
| Chevy Tahoe | $2,062 |
| Chevrolet Camaro | $2,064 |
| BMW 3 Series | $2,066 |
| Audi E Tron | $2,069 |
| Ford F-150 | $2,071 |
| Kia Soul | $2,071 |
| Jeep Gladiator | $2,076 |
| Hyundai Ioniq | $2,077 |
| Jeep Wrangler | $2,082 |
| Audi A3 | $2,083 |
| Mazda3 | $2,084 |
| Kia Stinger | $2,095 |
| Nissan Rogue | $2,096 |
| Toyota Tundra | $2,099 |
| Honda Civic | $2,108 |
| Tesla Model Y | $2,114 |
| Toyota Tacoma | $2,122 |
| Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat | $2,134 |
| Nissan Maxima | $2,141 |
| Nissan Versa | $2,143 |
| Chevy Bolt | $2,153 |
| Chevy Silverado | $2,160 |
| Toyota Corolla | $2,160 |
| Dodge Challenger R/T | $2,168 |
| Ram Rebel | $2,172 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | $2,188 |
| Nissan Altima | $2,189 |
| Jeep Cherokee | $2,196 |
| Nissan Frontier | $2,197 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $2,230 |
| Chevy Malibu | $2,234 |
| Nissan Sentra | $2,247 |
| Ram 2500 | $2,256 |
| Hyundai Elantra | $2,321 |
| Dodge Challenger | $2,347 |
| Dodge Charger | $2,397 |
| Porsche Taycan | $2,526 |
| Tesla Model X | $2,643 |
| Tesla Model S | $2,669 |
| BMW X7 | $2,980 |
| Audi R8 | $3,308 |
Added to a family policy:
$2,867 per year for full coverage
On an individual policy:
$3,997 per year for full coverage
Travelers offers the cheapest car insurance for an 18-year-old driving a Chevrolet Corvette, with minimum coverage costing $1,065 annually. Other insurers charge much more, with rates reaching $2,699 from Progressive.
Premiums may decrease slightly at this age but remain higher than those for older drivers. Use the table below to compare providers and find the most affordable option.
| Travelers | $1,065 |
| State Farm | $1,171 |
| GEICO | $1,268 |
| Allstate | $1,748 |
| Nationwide | $1,754 |
| Farmers | $2,125 |
| Progressive | $2,699 |
The MINI Cooper is the cheapest car to insure for 19-year-olds, costing $1,128 per year for minimum coverage. The Chevrolet Corvette and Subaru Forester follow at $1,131 and $1,221, respectively.
Use the table below to compare premiums across different models and find the most affordable coverage.
| MINI Cooper | $1,128 |
| Chevrolet Corvette | $1,131 |
| Subaru Forester | $1,221 |
| MINI Electric | $1,236 |
| Subaru Outback | $1,245 |
| Mazda CX-5 | $1,261 |
| Honda Pilot | $1,288 |
| Mercedes C-Class | $1,289 |
| Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 | $1,299 |
| Honda Odyssey | $1,301 |
| Ford Mustang Mach E | $1,310 |
| Audi Q5 | $1,310 |
| Subaru Impreza | $1,326 |
| Chevrolet Camaro SS | $1,326 |
| Toyota Sienna | $1,327 |
| Honda Ridgeline | $1,327 |
| Subaru Legacy | $1,330 |
| BMW 4 Series | $1,335 |
| Honda CR-V | $1,336 |
| BMW 7 Series | $1,341 |
| VW Tiguan | $1,343 |
| VW Golf | $1,346 |
| Audi A4 | $1,346 |
| Ford Mustang Ecoboost | $1,356 |
| BMW 1 Series | $1,359 |
| Audi Q7 | $1,361 |
| Hyundai Kona | $1,362 |
| VW ID.4 | $1,366 |
| Honda Passport | $1,368 |
| Acura MDX | $1,370 |
| Kia Niro | $1,371 |
| Toyota RAV4 | $1,372 |
| Volvo XC40 | $1,372 |
| Honda Accord | $1,375 |
| Toyota Highlander | $1,379 |
| Toyota Prius | $1,381 |
| Subaru BRZ | $1,387 |
| Ford Expedition | $1,394 |
| Mercedes CLA 250 | $1,394 |
| Honda Insight | $1,400 |
| Ford Mustang | $1,401 |
| BMW X5 | $1,401 |
| BMW X3 | $1,403 |
| Honda HR-V | $1,404 |
| Tesla Model 3 | $1,404 |
| Chevy Equinox | $1,405 |
| Nissan LEAF | $1,408 |
| Mercedes GLA 250 | $1,408 |
| Toyota Camry | $1,409 |
| BMW 5 Series | $1,409 |
| VW Jetta | $1,411 |
| Subaru WRX | $1,411 |
| Ford Explorer | $1,411 |
| Ford Escape | $1,412 |
| BMW 3 Series | $1,412 |
| VW Passat | $1,413 |
| Chevy Tahoe | $1,416 |
| Kia Soul | $1,425 |
| Chevrolet Camaro | $1,430 |
| Ford F-150 | $1,430 |
| Jeep Gladiator | $1,431 |
| Mazda3 | $1,433 |
| Audi E Tron | $1,434 |
| Kia Stinger | $1,435 |
| Hyundai Ioniq | $1,436 |
| Toyota Tundra | $1,437 |
| Nissan Rogue | $1,440 |
| Audi A3 | $1,442 |
| Jeep Wrangler | $1,444 |
| Tesla Model Y | $1,446 |
| Honda Civic | $1,449 |
| Toyota Tacoma | $1,457 |
| Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat | $1,462 |
| Nissan Maxima | $1,466 |
| Nissan Versa | $1,473 |
| Chevy Bolt | $1,477 |
| Toyota Corolla | $1,480 |
| Dodge Challenger R/T | $1,492 |
| Chevy Silverado | $1,495 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | $1,497 |
| Ram Rebel | $1,497 |
| Nissan Altima | $1,501 |
| Nissan Frontier | $1,510 |
| Jeep Cherokee | $1,512 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $1,533 |
| Chevy Malibu | $1,538 |
| Nissan Sentra | $1,538 |
| Ram 2500 | $1,557 |
| Hyundai Elantra | $1,597 |
| Dodge Challenger | $1,616 |
| Dodge Charger | $1,647 |
| Porsche Taycan | $1,738 |
| Tesla Model X | $1,823 |
| Tesla Model S | $1,837 |
| BMW X7 | $2,107 |
| Audi R8 | $2,334 |
Travelers offers the cheapest car insurance for a 19-year-old driving a Chevrolet Corvette, with minimum coverage costing $839 annually. Other insurers charge much more, with rates up to $1,505 from Progressive.
The table below compares providers and finds the most affordable coverage option.
| Travelers | $839 |
| GEICO | $917 |
| State Farm | $986 |
| Allstate | $1,182 |
| Nationwide | $1,350 |
| Farmers | $1,366 |
| Progressive | $1,505 |
Choosing the right car for a teen driver can greatly affect insurance costs. Safer, low-risk vehicles often result in lower premiums. This guide explains how to pick a cost-effective car and offers strategies to reduce rates.
When insuring teenage drivers, your chosen car can greatly affect insurance rates. Balance safety, affordability and practicality — not just cater to your teen’s preferences. Factors like vehicle size, theft risk, repair costs and safety features determine premiums. Consider these factors and overall ownership costs to make an informed decision that fits your teen’s needs and your budget.
Larger vehicles like SUVs may seem safer but often have higher premiums. Smaller cars might cost less upfront but can be more prone to theft and severe damage, which can increase insurance costs.
Choosing a vehicle with a lower theft risk can help reduce insurance rates. Research car makes and models with your teen to identify those less likely to be targeted by thieves.
Cars with special features, customizations or foreign manufacturing often have higher repair costs, which can increase premiums.
Newer cars often include advanced safety features that enhance protection and can lower insurance costs. Look for vehicles with high safety ratings, which are typically cheaper to insure.
Slightly older cars can provide a good balance of safety features and lower insurance costs, making them a practical alternative to brand-new ones.
Encourage your teen to choose practical, non-sporty vehicles. Cars with smaller engines and no high-performance features are typically much cheaper to insure.
Cars with anti-theft devices and other safety features might qualify for insurance discounts, helping to lower overall costs.
Your location affects insurance costs. Selecting a car suited to your local climate and driving conditions can help make insurance more affordable.
Look beyond insurance costs. Factor in fuel efficiency, maintenance and repairs to gauge the total cost of owning the car.
Insurance companies assess risk based on the car a teen drives, making vehicle choice a major factor in insurance costs. Safer, more practical cars often result in lower premiums, as insurers consider crash test ratings, repair costs and safety features.
For example, insuring a Chevrolet Corvette costs $2,303 per year for a 16-year-old, while a Tesla Model S costs $3,803 — a $1,500 difference due to Tesla’s luxury status and higher repair expenses.
Some insurers let you assign a specific car to each driver on the policy. Choosing a lower-risk vehicle for your teen can help reduce insurance costs.
Shopping around for the best car insurance rates, selecting a safe and budget-friendly car and maximizing discounts can significantly lower the overall expense of adding a teen to your policy.
Consistently shop around for insurance offers, as rates often vary between providers. Teens with clean driving records and affordable cars typically enjoy lower rates over time.
Generally, adding a teen driver to an existing family policy is cheaper than buying a separate policy for them.
Insurers often provide discounts for a clean driving record. Some also offer programs that monitor driving behavior, rewarding safe drivers with lower rates.
Choose a vehicle with a strong safety record, modest engine size and low theft risk to significantly lower insurance premiums.
Opting for a higher deductible can reduce your premium. Ensure you can afford to pay it if an accident occurs.
If you have multiple insurance policies with the same company, bundling them can often lead to discounts.
For older, less valuable cars, consider reducing coverage levels, such as choosing minimum coverage, to save on insurance costs.
Lower annual mileage can reduce insurance rates. Encourage your teen to drive sparingly to help keep costs down.
Some insurers offer usage-based insurance programs that track driving habits and mileage, potentially offering lower rates for less frequent or safer drivers.
Many insurers offer car insurance discounts for teens who maintain good grades or complete an accredited driver's education course.
Teens can lower car insurance premiums by taking advantage of various discounts. Availability and savings vary by insurer, so check with your provider for eligibility details.
The Chevrolet Corvette has the lowest insurance costs for 16-year-olds, while teens aged 17, 18 and 19 usually pay less with the MINI Cooper. Compare premiums across car models and insurers to find the best rates for your teen. Opting for an older SUV instead of a sports car or luxury vehicle can further reduce costs.
Here are answers to common questions about the cheapest cars to insure for teenagers, helping you make informed coverage decisions:
The Chevrolet Corvette is the most affordable car to insure for 16-year-olds at $2,303 per year for minimum coverage.
For 18-year-olds, the MINI Cooper has the cheapest annual insurance rate at $1,619.
Smaller, less powerful vehicles are usually the cheapest to insure due to lower accident risks and repair costs. However, rates vary based on the driver’s age, location and driving history.
Car insurance for teens becomes cheapest around age 19. Rates tend to decrease as drivers gain more experience and maintain a clean driving record. Adding a teen to a parent’s policy is often more affordable than purchasing a separate policy.
The color of a car doesn't affect insurance rates. Myths about red cars costing more to insure are unfounded. Insurers base premiums on the car’s make, model, age, engine size, and the driver’s age and driving history — not its color. Rates focus on accident risk, theft likelihood and overall safety, not appearance.
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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.
