The cost of insuring teens gets a little cheaper after they have a year of driving experience. But car insurance for 17-year-olds is still very expensive compared to older drivers.
Carole Walker, Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association executive director, says that auto insurance companies charge 17-year-olds higher rates because teens pose a higher risk to insurers than more experienced drivers.
“It’s not just that teen drivers are inexperienced behind the wheel, but they’re also more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors, such as distracted and impaired driving, speeding and not wearing seatbelts,” Walker says.
But there are some things you can do to reduce the cost of car insurance for your 17-year-old.
- For a full coverage car insurance policy, a 17-year-old teen driver pays about $496 monthly.
- Female 17-year-old drivers pay an average of $5,633, or $642 less than males their age, for their own policy. By contrast, 17-year-old male drivers pay about $6,275 on average for their own car insurance policy.
- Travelers, GEICO and State Farm offer the cheapest car insurance for 17-year-old male drivers among carriers analyzed by CarInsurance.com.
Car insurance for teens: What’s the average cost for a 17-year-old?
The average cost of car insurance for a 17-year-old on their own policy is $5,954 a year for full coverage — about $496 per month. That rate is $4,059 higher than the national average of $1,895 for 40-year-old drivers.
Average car insurance rates for teens: 17-year-oldsThe average yearly cost of car insurance for 17-year-olds on their own policy is as follows:
- State minimum coverage: $1,729
- Liability limits of 50/100/50: $2,083
- Full coverage with liability limits of 100/300/100, with $500 comprehensive and collision deductibles: $5,954
What you pay to insure your teen driver will vary, of course. The insurer you choose can make a big difference in what you pay. Other factors – ranging from the state where you live to the car you drive – play a big role in what you will pay.
To give you an idea of what to expect to pay for car insurance for young drivers, we provide average annual rates by state in the charts below. You will notice that adding a teen to your own policy is much less expensive than having your teen purchase their own policy, which teens can only do if they’re emancipated adults or have reached the age of majority in your state.
Check out our detailed guide on car insurance rates by age
Cost of car insurance for a 17-year-old female, by state
The nationwide average cost of car insurance for a 17-year-old female is $5,633. Teen female drivers aged 17 pay $642 less than males their age. Below, you’ll see average insurance costs in each state for a 17-year-old female and how that compares to the price of a parent’s policy with the child added.
| State | Teen female policy | Parent’s policy | Parent’s policy with a 17-year-old female |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $5,119 | $1,236 | $2,480 |
| Alabama | $6,233 | $1,464 | $2,597 |
| Arkansas | $6,517 | $1,436 | $2,703 |
| Arizona | $7,219 | $1,532 | $3,261 |
| California | $6,647 | $2,041 | $4,542 |
| Colorado | $5,526 | $2,048 | $3,436 |
| Connecticut | $6,944 | $1,383 | $2,537 |
| Washington, D.C. | $4,982 | $1,877 | $3,319 |
| Delaware | $7,458 | $1,636 | $2,813 |
| Florida | $7,018 | $2,993 | $5,510 |
| Georgia | $6,541 | $1,516 | $3,128 |
| Hawaii | $1,636 | $1,282 | $1,338 |
| Iowa | $4,038 | $1,156 | $2,093 |
| Idaho | $4,642 | $957 | $1,797 |
| Illinois | $4,511 | $1,309 | $2,760 |
| Indiana | $4,462 | $1,214 | $2,262 |
| Kansas | $5,799 | $1,422 | $2,526 |
| Kentucky | $6,523 | $1,743 | $3,254 |
| Louisiana | $8,536 | $2,991 | $6,207 |
| Massachusetts | $5,329 | $1,721 | $3,547 |
| Maryland | $5,158 | $1,923 | $3,366 |
| Maine | $4,055 | $996 | $2,316 |
| Michigan | $7,003 | $4,054 | $7,455 |
| Minnesota | $4,916 | $1,610 | $2,861 |
| Missouri | $5,767 | $2,134 | $4,141 |
| Mississippi | $6,527 | $1,342 | $2,557 |
| Montana | $7,118 | $1,782 | $3,302 |
| North Carolina | $4,228 | $1,369 | $2,653 |
| North Dakota | $5,442 | $1,154 | $1,955 |
| Nebraska | $5,338 | $1,798 | $2,888 |
| New Hampshire | $4,248 | $923 | $1,891 |
| New Jersey | $6,362 | $2,208 | $4,356 |
| New Mexico | $6,239 | $1,695 | $3,161 |
| Nevada | $7,429 | $2,287 | $4,232 |
| New York | $5,486 | $1,832 | $3,697 |
| Ohio | $4,754 | $1,065 | $2,139 |
| Oklahoma | $6,716 | $1,855 | $3,396 |
| Oregon | $5,929 | $1,430 | $2,659 |
| Pennsylvania | $5,960 | $1,245 | $2,492 |
| Rhode Island | $7,244 | $1,681 | $3,497 |
| South Carolina | $6,061 | $1,671 | $3,600 |
| South Dakota | $6,183 | $1,523 | $2,421 |
| Tennessee | $5,310 | $1,209 | $2,338 |
| Texas | $4,250 | $1,852 | $3,935 |
| Utah | $6,367 | $1,819 | $3,616 |
| Virginia | $4,534 | $1,133 | $2,585 |
| Vermont | $4,383 | $996 | $1,885 |
| Washington | $5,358 | $1,309 | $2,196 |
| Wisconsin | $5,939 | $1,511 | $3,113 |
| West Virginia | $6,513 | $1,386 | $3,025 |
| Wyoming | $4,566 | $1,677 | $2,634 |
Car insurance costs for a 17-year-old male, by state
Males aged 17 pay, on average, $6,275 for their own full coverage policy. That’s about $642 more than their female counterparts. You can compare rates for a 17-year-old male with his own policy to the cost when added to a parent’s policy in the table below in every state.
| State | 17-year-old male policy | Parent’s policy | Parent’s policy with a teen male |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $5,957 | $1,236 | $2,716 |
| Alabama | $7,086 | $1,464 | $2,811 |
| Arkansas | $7,388 | $1,436 | $2,954 |
| Arizona | $8,325 | $1,532 | $3,666 |
| California | $6,648 | $2,041 | $4,542 |
| Colorado | $6,026 | $2,048 | $3,628 |
| Connecticut | $7,701 | $1,383 | $2,776 |
| Washington, D.C. | $6,681 | $1,877 | $3,795 |
| Delaware | $7,923 | $1,636 | $3,149 |
| Florida | $8,286 | $2,993 | $5,944 |
| Georgia | $7,232 | $1,516 | $3,546 |
| Hawaii | $1,636 | $1,282 | $1,338 |
| Iowa | $4,616 | $1,156 | $2,237 |
| Idaho | $5,467 | $957 | $1,968 |
| Illinois | $5,094 | $1,309 | $3,196 |
| Indiana | $5,226 | $1,214 | $2,382 |
| Kansas | $6,866 | $1,422 | $2,711 |
| Kentucky | $7,965 | $1,743 | $3,497 |
| Louisiana | $9,727 | $2,991 | $6,946 |
| Massachusetts | $5,470 | $1,721 | $3,547 |
| Maryland | $5,970 | $1,923 | $3,962 |
| Maine | $4,699 | $996 | $2,656 |
| Michigan | $7,003 | $4,054 | $7,455 |
| Minnesota | $5,992 | $1,610 | $2,996 |
| Missouri | $6,614 | $2,134 | $4,726 |
| Mississippi | $7,023 | $1,342 | $2,743 |
| Montana | $7,325 | $1,782 | $3,302 |
| North Carolina | $4,228 | $1,369 | $2,653 |
| North Dakota | $6,479 | $1,154 | $2,148 |
| Nebraska | $6,327 | $1,798 | $3,110 |
| New Hampshire | $4,738 | $923 | $2,039 |
| New Jersey | $7,461 | $2,208 | $4,888 |
| New Mexico | $6,999 | $1,695 | $3,422 |
| Nevada | $8,518 | $2,287 | $4,683 |
| New York | $6,232 | $1,832 | $4,211 |
| Ohio | $5,264 | $1,065 | $2,310 |
| Oklahoma | $7,775 | $1,855 | $4,130 |
| Oregon | $6,234 | $1,430 | $2,814 |
| Pennsylvania | $5,964 | $1,245 | $2,492 |
| Rhode Island | $7,932 | $1,681 | $3,997 |
| South Carolina | $6,914 | $1,671 | $3,739 |
| South Dakota | $7,290 | $1,523 | $2,692 |
| Tennessee | $6,400 | $1,209 | $2,559 |
| Texas | $4,801 | $1,852 | $4,316 |
| Utah | $7,293 | $1,819 | $3,934 |
| Virginia | $5,146 | $1,133 | $2,937 |
| Vermont | $5,153 | $996 | $2,079 |
| Washington | $5,974 | $1,309 | $2,313 |
| Wisconsin | $6,624 | $1,511 | $3,503 |
| West Virginia | $7,415 | $1,386 | $3,452 |
| Wyoming | $6,115 | $1,677 | $3,184 |
How much is car insurance for a 17-year-old solo vs. on a parent’s policy?
Teens can save a great deal by being added to a parent’s policy rather than having their own policy. In the chart below, you can see how much it costs to add a teen driver to a parent’s policy and how much you can save by adding the 17-year-old to your policy vs. a solo policy.
| Gender | Annual teen policy | Annual parent’s policy with a 17-year-old | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Female | $5,633 | $3,603 | $2,030 |
| Male | $6,275 | $3,877 | $2,398 |
Cheapest car insurance for 17-year-olds, by company
Car insurance rates for teens vary significantly depending on the insurance company, as each uses different factors to assess risk. Some providers may offer more discounts for teens, such as good student or safe driving programs, which can lower premiums. It’s important to shop around and compare rates from multiple companies to find the best deal.
Parent’s car insurance policy with a 17-year-old female
Nationwide offers the cheapest car insurance rates for 17-year-old female drivers at an average cost of $2,431 a year, based on CarInsurance.com’s data study. Below, see how major carriers compare when it comes to car insurance for 17-year-olds.
| Company | Parent’s policy with a 17-year-old female |
|---|---|
| Nationwide | $2,431 |
| GEICO | $2,571 |
| State Farm | $2,964 |
| Travelers | $3,622 |
| Allstate | $3,981 |
| Progressive | $4,012 |
| Farmers | $4,863 |
| USAA | $2,455 |
Note: USAA offers its services to military members and their families.
Parent’s car insurance policy with a 17-year-old male
If you add a 17-year-old male driver to your car insurance policy, Nationwide has the cheapest car insurance rates among all the companies analyzed. Its average annual cost is $2,578, according to our research. The table below shows how much a parent’s policy with a 17-year-old male costs.
| Company | Parent’s policy with a 17-year-old male |
|---|---|
| Nationwide | $2,578 |
| GEICO | $2,739 |
| State Farm | $3,273 |
| Travelers | $4,043 |
| Progressive | $4,274 |
| Allstate | $4,299 |
| Farmers | $4,972 |
| USAA | $2,604 |
Note: USAA offers its services to military members and their families.
What’s the average annual car insurance rate for a 17-year-old driver with their own policy?
Teens pay much higher rates on their own policy than on a parent’s policy. And teens younger than the age of majority in their state must have a parent or guardian co-sign the policy.
Average annual car insurance rates for a 17-year-old female, by company
If your teen is buying their own policy, Travelers has the cheapest rates for a 17-year-old full coverage policy, which averages $4,784 annually. See more rates in the table below.
| Company | Teen policy |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $4,784 |
| GEICO | $5,111 |
| State Farm | $5,170 |
| Nationwide | $5,238 |
| Progressive | $7,641 |
| Allstate | $7,763 |
| Farmers | $8,694 |
| USAA | $4,414 |
Note: USAA offers its services to military members and their families.
Average annual car insurance rates for a 17-year-old male, by company
Among the national carriers with the affordable premiums, Travelers has the cheapest car insurance for 17-year-old male drivers buying their own policy at $5,451 a year for a full coverage policy. See more rates in the table below.
| Company | Teen policy |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $5,451 |
| GEICO | $5,750 |
| Nationwide | $6,089 |
| State Farm | $6,164 |
| Progressive | $8,290 |
| Allstate | $8,319 |
| Farmers | $9,363 |
| USAA | $4,573 |
Note: USAA offers its services to military members and their families.
Key car insurance terms- Full coverage: A type of auto insurance policy that typically includes liability, all coverage required by law in your state and collision and comprehensive coverage, protecting against accidents and non-accident-related damages (like theft or weather).
- Collision insurance: Coverage that pays for repairs or replacement of your vehicle if it is damaged in a collision, regardless of who is at fault.
- Comprehensive coverage: Insurance that covers non-collision-related damages to your vehicle, such as theft, vandalism, fire or natural disasters.
- State minimum liability: The minimum amount of auto insurance coverage required by law in a given state, typically covering bodily injury and property damage for accidents you cause.
- Liability-only policy: An insurance policy that only covers the damages and injuries you cause to others in an accident, but not damage to your own vehicle.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): A type of coverage that helps pay for medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
- Emancipated adults: Minors who have been legally freed from parental control and are treated as adults for legal purposes, including financial decisions and contracts.
What’s the best car insurance for teen drivers?
State Farm, GEICO and Nationwide offer the best car insurance for teen drivers. Begin by comparing quotes from various insurers, paying attention to those that offer discounts for good grades, safe driving and bundling policies.
Focus on companies that provide affordable rates and flexible coverage for young drivers. Additionally, review customer feedback and financial strength ratings to ensure dependable service and support. The table below highlights the top insurers for teen drivers.
| Company | Market Share | J.D. Power Rating | NAIC Rating | AM Best Rating | Customer Satisfaction Score | Claims Handling | Trustworthiness | Plan to Renew | Likely to Recommend | Ease of Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amica | 0.44% | 833 | 0.61 | A+ | 3.76 | 3.67 | 3.76 | 4.6 | 4.2 | 3.88 |
| Nationwide | 1.71% | 809 | 0.64 | A | 4.06 | 3.87 | 3.79 | 4.19 | 4.35 | 4.11 |
| Mercury | 0.89% | 794 | 0.84 | A | 3.95 | 3.7 | 3.89 | 4.74 | 4.21 | 4.11 |
| CSAA Insurance Group (AAA) | 1.21% | 822 | 0.75 | A | 4.05 | 4 | 3.9 | 4.25 | 4.25 | 3.9 |
| Auto Club Group (AAA) | 0.71% | 800 | 0.77 | A+ | 3.75 | 4.14 | 3.91 | 4.38 | 4.53 | 4 |
| Allstate | 10.37% | 811 | 0.65 | A+ | 4.04 | 4.33 | 3.92 | 4.34 | 4.41 | 4.21 |
| Travelers | 2.08% | 810 | 0.49 | A++ | 4 | 4.2 | 3.93 | 4.52 | 4.29 | 4.19 |
| GEICO | 12.31% | 821 | 0.91 | A++ | 4.07 | 4.12 | 3.95 | 4.54 | 4.37 | 4.14 |
| Progressive | 15.24% | 810 | 0.65 | A+ | 3.91 | 4.01 | 3.96 | 4.58 | 4.56 | 4.12 |
| Auto-Owners | 1.34% | 826 | 0.5 | A++ | 3.97 | 4.1 | 3.97 | 4.47 | 4.47 | 4.18 |
| Farmers | 4.18% | 814 | 0.8 | A | 4.12 | 4.19 | 3.99 | 4.49 | 4.49 | 3.94 |
| State Farm | 18.31% | 823 | 0.7 | A++ | 4.24 | 4.37 | 4.05 | 4.58 | 4.58 | 4.29 |
| American Family | 2.14% | 820 | 1.1 | A | 4.32 | 4.16 | 4.09 | 4.34 | 4.53 | 4.25 |
| Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) | 1.53% | 819 | 2.21 | A- | 4.15 | 4 | 4.1 | 4.75 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Erie | 1.34% | 845 | 0.61 | A+ | 4.43 | 3.91 | 4.24 | 5 | 5 | 4.43 |
What are the rules for a 17-year-old driver?
Most states have laws restricting where and when 17-year-olds can drive. These stipulations are usually called Graduated Driver License (GDL) laws and apply to drivers younger than 18.
GDL laws vary by state with some states having stringent laws and others having lenient ones. Over time, you “graduate” from a provisional or restricted license to a standard license with no restrictions.
GDL laws typically include provisions for the following:
- Limiting drive time to daytime hours.
- Requiring a passenger older than a certain age to be in the car.
- Not allowing passengers under a certain age to be in the car.
- Banning the use of cellphones for both calls and texting.
- Limiting destinations to work and school.
When a driver turns 17, he or she will age out of some GDL laws. However, many states still restrict drivers until they’re 18 or 21. For 17-year-olds, restrictions include passenger and nighttime limits for unsupervised driving. GDL laws vary by state, so it’s best to check your state’s GDL laws.
Car insurance for 17-year-olds is cheapest with a parent
Parents frequently take the less costly approach of putting a teen on their existing policy. It’s usually cheaper than getting a separate policy because the cost of a policy takes into account the experience and driving record of the policyholder.
A 17-year-old doesn’t have a proven track record on the highway, which means higher rates when an insurer crunches the numbers.
Beyond that, a 17-year-old won’t get the same car insurance discounts as a parent, including multi-vehicle, multi-policy and loyalty discounts. But even with those discounts, adding a 17-year-old driver to a policy still means a significant rate hike.
Another benefit of sharing a policy is that the teen is covered if he borrows your car occasionally, and the parents are covered if they drive the teen’s car.
Check out our detailed parents’ guide on the best and cheapest way to insure teenage drivers
Car insurance discounts for 17-year-olds
Discounts can help you cut the high cost of insuring a young driver. Several discounts are available that young drivers can use to reduce their car insurance bills. They vary by state and insurer but may include:
- Good student: Holding at least a 3.0 or “B” average might nab you a discount of up to 14%.
- Driver training discount: Teen drivers who complete an approved driver training course can potentially save 7% on their car insurance premiums.
What happens to car insurance premiums if a 17-year-old is involved in an accident?
If a 17-year-old is involved in an accident, their car insurance premiums are likely to increase significantly. This is because insurance companies see teenage drivers as high-risk due to their lack of experience, and an accident reinforces that risk. The increase in premiums will vary depending on the severity of the accident, the amount of damage, and whether the accident was the teen’s fault. In some cases, the insurance provider may also remove discounts, such as safe driver discounts, if applicable.
Key mistakes families make when insuring a 17-year-old driver
Before you add a 17-year-old driver to your family’s car insurance policy, make sure to avoid these common mistakes:
- Overlooking potential discounts. Many insurers offer savings that can partially offset the high cost of adding a teen driver to your policy. By maintaining a high grade point average (usually a B or greater, depending on the carrier), you may qualify for a discount of up to 14% on your premium. And if your teen driver heads off to college but leaves their car at home, that may also qualify for a discount.
- Purchasing the cheapest coverage. Nearly every state requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, which kicks in if you injure someone or damage their property in an at-fault accident. On average, such a policy costs about $574 per year, slightly less than one-third of the cost of full coverage car insurance. But state-minimum coverage doesn’t protect you or your vehicle if you’re in an accident, just other parties. And coverage limits are so low that a minimum-liability policy may be inadequate if you’re in a major accident and held liable for another driver’s repair bill or medical costs.
- Failing to review your policy regularly. Insurance needs change over time. Major life events, such as moving, changing jobs, or marrying or divorcing all can affect the amount you pay for car insurance. The same applies if you’ve purchased a new car or have received a ticket for speeding or a DUI, or been cited in an at-fault accident. Insurance agents recommend shopping around for quotes every six to 12 months, or before your current policy expires. Use an online car insurance calculator to get a ballpark estimate of what you could be paying, then contact an independent agent or carrier representative for a more precise quote. Experts recommend getting quotes from at least three different insurers.
Shopping around can lower the cost of car insurance for 17-year-olds
While adding a teen to your auto insurance policy is expensive, you can cut costs by shopping around and comparing quotes to find the best auto insurance rates.
Car insurance rates should drop once a teen gains a few years of driving experience and keeps a clean driving record. By age 26, costs should decline significantly.
CarInsurance.com has guides for car insurance for 16-year-olds, 18-year-olds and 19-year-olds that break down rates for car insurance for teens.
Other ways to save on car insurance for your teen
Keep a clean driving record to lower car insurance costs. Insurance companies tend to reward drivers of all ages who avoid speeding, accidents, reckless driving and distracted driving.
And, if your teen is in a minor at-fault accident, filing a claim might not make sense. Before you call your insurance company, clearly understand how much your insurance rates might increase if you file a claim for an at-fault accident. Sometimes, paying out of pocket makes more financial sense over the long haul.
FAQs: How much is car insurance for a 17-year-old?
Can a 17-year-old have a car in their own name and insure it?
In most states, a 17-year-old can own and insure a car, but only if a parent or legal guardian co-signs for the vehicle’s title and insurance coverages.
Are the state minimum requirements enough for my teen driver?
Liability protection is the first step when you insure a 17-year-old, but state minimums are insufficient. Medical bills and property damage costs can be high from the start—and may rise quickly depending on the severity of the injuries involved. If you’re financing your vehicle, comprehensive and collision coverage are required.
Is a 17-year-old required to have full coverage car insurance?
There is no law requiring teen drivers to have full coverage. However, if the car being driven is leased or financed, the lender will mandate that you have full coverage, including comprehensive and collision insurance.
To drive legally, you only need state-minimum liability insurance, which pays for damage and injuries to others in accidents you cause. Since teens are inexperienced, it’s wise to have full coverage for the car your teen drives.
Do you need car insurance to drive with a learner’s permit?
Most states require that you have at least minimum liability insurance to drive. Liability insurance covers damages a driver may cause to people or property in an accident. This also applies to a 17-year-old, who must show that their owner’s policy covers the vehicle.
What are the best cars for 17-year-olds?
Besides protecting your teen, your insurance company may show its appreciation for buying a top car for teens by trimming your rate. Here are some models for teens, according to Kelley Blue Book:
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Honda Accord
- Honda CR-V
- Honda Civic
- Kia Sportage
- Mazda3
- Mazda CX-5
- Toyota Prius
- Toyota RAV4
- Toyota Corolla
Final thoughts: Car insurance for 17-year-olds
Being the parent of a teen driver is stressful and expensive. Getting their own policy to teach them independence may be tempting, but adding your teen to your auto insurance policy is a great way to save money.
Make sure you are leading by example. In other words, don’t text and drive and then tell your teen that it’s unsafe for them to do the same thing. Provide exemplary driving behavior, assure that your children follow GDL laws, and shop for car insurance at each renewal to ensure you get the best deal.
These things will ensure your teen understands how to drive safely and result in you paying the least amount possible for their car insurance.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. “Teen Drivers: Get the Facts.” Accessed October 2024.
- Governors Highway Safety Association. “Teen and Novice Drivers.” Accessed October 2024.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. “Teenagers.” Accessed October 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates for 17-year-old male and female drivers. The hypothetical drivers have a 12-mile commute and 10,000 annual mileage for a Honda Accord LX. The data come from 73 companies, 1,467 ZIP codes and 6,94,408 auto insurance quotes across all the states in the U.S.
The car insurance rate for the teen added to the parent’s policy includes coverage for one family car owned and insured by the parents. This data comprehensively compares car insurance costs for teenage drivers as independent policyholders and when added to a parent’s existing policy.
Get advice from an experienced insurance professional. Our experts will help you navigate your insurance questions with clarity and confidence.
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