CarInsurance.com Insights
- On average, a 19-year-old teen driver pays $5,718 annually or $476 monthly for full coverage car insurance.
- 19-year-olds pay less for insurance if their parents’ policy covers them. Parents can expect to pay an average of $6,912 a year for insurance if they add their 19-year-old male teen to their policy.
- Teenagers can save even more by maintaining a clean driving record and taking advantage of discounts, such as for good grades.
A 19-year-old pays $5,718 per year for car insurance, significantly more than the national average for full coverage, which is $2,578 annually.
Adding a 19-year-old female driver to an existing policy costs an average of $6,378 per year, whereas adding a 19-year-old male driver costs an average of $6,912 per year, according to a CarInsurance.com analysis.
The fastest way to reduce costs at 19 is to stay on a parent’s or guardian’s policy rather than purchasing standalone coverage.
Teens who want or need a car insurance policy of their own will pay considerably more. A 19-year-old female will pay an average of $5,395 annually for full coverage insurance; a male the same age will pay $6,041.
Carole Walker, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, says teen drivers pay much more for insurance than most other policyholders because their inexperience on the road makes them a bigger risk for insurers.
“Teen drivers pose a higher risk of crashes than any other age group and often don’t have the maturity and experience to respond to real-world road conditions and situations,” Walker says.
How much is car insurance for a 19-year-old?
Car insurance for a 19-year-old averages $5,718 per year for a full coverage policy with liability limits of 100/300/100 and $500 collision and comprehensive deductibles. This rate is $3,140 above the national average for adult drivers, reflecting the higher risk associated with younger, less experienced motorists.
Gender plays a significant role in determining car insurance premiums in most states. Female teens pay an average of $5,395 per year for a full coverage policy. On the other hand, male teens face higher costs, averaging $6,041 annually, due to statistically higher accident rates among young men.
However, the cost to insure a teen driver varies, depending on many factors, including the insurance company, where you live and the coverage limits you choose.
How much is insurance for a 19-year-old per month?
For 19-year-olds, car insurance costs $476 per month, on average, for a full coverage policy.
Prices can vary widely depending on where you live, the car you drive, your driving record, and whether you have your own policy or are added to a parent’s plan, which can help lower the cost.
In some states, insurers consider a driver’s gender when calculating premiums. On average, 19-year-old males pay $503 per month for insurance, whereas females pay $450 a month.
At 19, individuals are still considered inexperienced and high-risk, making them more likely to file claims than older adults. As these young motorists gain more experience behind the wheel and maintain clean driving records into their 20s, their insurance rates will gradually go down.
How much is car insurance for a 19-year-old female in each state?
The average annual cost of car insurance for a 19-year-old female on her own policy is $5,395.
Below, you’ll see the average insurance costs for a 19-year-old female in each state and how they compare to the price of a parent policy with the child added.
| State | 19-year-old female teen policy | Parent’s policy | Parent’s policy with a 19-year-old female |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $4,641 | $2,439 | $6,336 |
| Alabama | $4,632 | $2,178 | $4,554 |
| Arkansas | $6,128 | $3,267 | $6,304 |
| Arizona | $4,978 | $3,009 | $6,760 |
| California | $6,575 | $3,648 | $9,235 |
| Colorado | $6,648 | $4,152 | $8,433 |
| Connecticut | $7,630 | $3,682 | $7,682 |
| Washington, D.C. | $7,175 | $3,983 | $7,630 |
| Delaware | $7,264 | $3,450 | $7,012 |
| Florida | $7,819 | $4,713 | $8,791 |
| Georgia | $6,144 | $2,479 | $6,098 |
| Hawaii | $1,803 | $1,968 | $2,035 |
| Iowa | $4,985 | $2,854 | $5,219 |
| Idaho | $4,097 | $2,022 | $3,820 |
| Illinois | $4,046 | $2,508 | $6,166 |
| Indiana | $3,944 | $2,147 | $4,527 |
| Kansas | $5,388 | $2,802 | $5,316 |
| Kentucky | $5,604 | $3,312 | $5,855 |
| Louisiana | $8,322 | $4,091 | $9,956 |
| Massachusetts | $5,333 | $2,702 | $6,055 |
| Maryland | $4,497 | $2,454 | $4,786 |
| Maine | $4,328 | $1,805 | $3,375 |
| Michigan | $8,148 | $4,769 | $8,649 |
| Minnesota | $5,465 | $3,209 | $6,088 |
| Missouri | $4,981 | $2,317 | $4,849 |
| Mississippi | $5,376 | $2,520 | $4,968 |
| Montana | $5,438 | $2,851 | $5,743 |
| North Carolina | $3,849 | $2,964 | $7,241 |
| North Dakota | $4,950 | $2,586 | $5,065 |
| Nebraska | $4,362 | $2,633 | $5,367 |
| New Hampshire | $4,207 | $1,929 | $4,455 |
| New Jersey | $6,550 | $3,668 | $7,847 |
| New Mexico | $5,245 | $3,193 | $5,695 |
| Nevada | $8,413 | $4,611 | $9,502 |
| New York | $5,502 | $4,121 | $7,500 |
| Ohio | $3,662 | $2,142 | $3,958 |
| Oklahoma | $6,095 | $3,299 | $6,754 |
| Oregon | $4,444 | $2,379 | $4,854 |
| Pennsylvania | $4,344 | $2,762 | $5,742 |
| Rhode Island | $7,500 | $3,366 | $7,736 |
| South Carolina | $5,379 | $3,048 | $6,352 |
| South Dakota | $5,262 | $3,228 | $5,197 |
| Tennessee | $4,914 | $2,599 | $5,059 |
| Texas | $6,274 | $4,085 | $7,812 |
| Utah | $5,039 | $2,810 | $5,989 |
| Virginia | $3,947 | $2,376 | $6,646 |
| Vermont | $3,552 | $1,765 | $4,381 |
| Washington | $6,248 | $3,012 | $6,344 |
| Wisconsin | $5,143 | $2,657 | $5,852 |
| West Virginia | $4,961 | $2,692 | $6,056 |
| Wyoming | $3,779 | $2,053 | $3,866 |
How much is car insurance for a 19-year-old male in each state?
On average, 19-year-old males pay $6,041 for their own full-coverage car insurance policy.
The table below compares car insurance rates for a 19-year-old male with an individual policy versus being added to a parent’s policy across each state.
| State | 19-year-old male policy | Parent’s policy | Parent’s policy with a male teen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $5,528 | $2,439 | $7,324 |
| Alabama | $5,319 | $2,178 | $5,039 |
| Arkansas | $7,168 | $3,267 | $6,844 |
| Arizona | $5,660 | $3,009 | $7,492 |
| California | $6,575 | $3,648 | $9,235 |
| Colorado | $7,519 | $4,152 | $9,084 |
| Connecticut | $8,767 | $3,682 | $8,460 |
| Washington, D.C. | $9,093 | $3,983 | $9,042 |
| Delaware | $8,579 | $3,450 | $7,987 |
| Florida | $8,599 | $4,713 | $9,248 |
| Georgia | $7,745 | $2,479 | $7,491 |
| Hawaii | $1,803 | $1,968 | $2,035 |
| Iowa | $5,585 | $2,854 | $5,519 |
| Idaho | $4,989 | $2,022 | $4,388 |
| Illinois | $4,742 | $2,508 | $6,717 |
| Indiana | $4,423 | $2,147 | $4,951 |
| Kansas | $6,487 | $2,802 | $5,942 |
| Kentucky | $6,733 | $3,312 | $6,608 |
| Louisiana | $9,994 | $4,091 | $11,686 |
| Massachusetts | $5,333 | $2,702 | $6,055 |
| Maryland | $5,224 | $2,454 | $5,795 |
| Maine | $5,302 | $1,805 | $4,013 |
| Michigan | $8,148 | $4,769 | $8,649 |
| Minnesota | $5,970 | $3,209 | $6,700 |
| Missouri | $6,120 | $2,317 | $5,770 |
| Mississippi | $6,086 | $2,520 | $5,601 |
| Montana | $5,857 | $2,851 | $6,008 |
| North Carolina | $3,849 | $2,964 | $7,241 |
| North Dakota | $5,795 | $2,586 | $5,623 |
| Nebraska | $5,408 | $2,633 | $6,087 |
| New Hampshire | $4,938 | $1,929 | $5,029 |
| New Jersey | $7,639 | $3,668 | $9,181 |
| New Mexico | $5,855 | $3,193 | $6,123 |
| Nevada | $9,613 | $4,611 | $10,927 |
| New York | $5,971 | $4,121 | $7,816 |
| Ohio | $4,250 | $2,142 | $4,376 |
| Oklahoma | $7,304 | $3,299 | $7,858 |
| Oregon | $4,923 | $2,379 | $5,238 |
| Pennsylvania | $4,344 | $2,762 | $5,742 |
| Rhode Island | $9,056 | $3,366 | $8,786 |
| South Carolina | $6,464 | $3,048 | $7,151 |
| South Dakota | $6,146 | $3,228 | $5,750 |
| Tennessee | $6,010 | $2,599 | $5,617 |
| Texas | $6,560 | $4,085 | $8,323 |
| Utah | $5,681 | $2,810 | $6,674 |
| Virginia | $4,482 | $2,376 | $7,524 |
| Vermont | $4,164 | $1,765 | $4,843 |
| Washington | $6,903 | $3,012 | $6,921 |
| Wisconsin | $5,783 | $2,657 | $6,170 |
| West Virginia | $5,564 | $2,692 | $6,698 |
| Wyoming | $5,059 | $2,053 | $4,679 |
How much is car insurance for a 19-year-old for a parent vs. teen policy?
A parent’s base car insurance policy averages $3,073 per year. Adding a 19-year-old female increases the total to $6,378, a rise of $3,305, while adding a male teen brings the cost to $6,912, an increase of $3,839.
In general, adding a 19-year-old to a parent’s existing policy is more affordable than purchasing a standalone plan, though savings vary by gender and may not apply in every state.
Below, you’ll find how much car insurance costs for male and female teens when added to a parent’s policy.
| Gender | Teen policy | Parent’s policy | Parent’s policy with teen | Cost of adding a teen driver | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Female | $5,395 | $3,073 | $6,378 | $3,305 | $2,090 |
| Male | $6,041 | $3,073 | $6,912 | $3,839 | $2,202 |
Sophie’s wise words
Staying on a parent’s plan saves most 19-year-olds $2,000+ per year on average, but it’s not always the best option. If you live independently, own your own vehicle, or have a driving record that could affect your parents’ premiums, getting your own policy may make more sense.
Cheapest car insurance by company
Travelers comes in as the cheapest option at $4,465 per year, followed by GEICO at $4,678 and Progressive at $5,714.
Not every insurer prices a teen driver the same way. Across the major carriers, annual premiums for a parent’s policy with a 19-year-old can differ by hundreds of dollars for the exact same coverage.
Parent’s car insurance policy with a 19-year-old female
Travelers and GEICO are the cheapest among the insurance companies we analyzed for adding a female to a parent’s policy, with average annual rates of $4,380 and $5,578, respectively.
In the table below, see how auto insurance companies compare when you add a 19-year-old female teen driver to your policy.
| Company | Parent’s policy with a 19-year-old female |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $8,250 |
| Farmers | $8,390 |
| GEICO | $5,578 |
| Nationwide | $5,612 |
| Progressive | $7,555 |
| State Farm | $5,770 |
| Travelers | $4,380 |
| USAA* | $4,449 |
*USAA offers its products only to military members, veterans and their families.
Parent’s car insurance policy with a 19-year-old male
Travelers ($4,894), Nationwide ($5,880) and GEICO ($6,102) have the cheapest car insurance rates when adding 19-year-old male drivers to a parent’s policy.
See more rates in the table below.
| Company | Parent’s policy with a 19-year-old male |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $8,813 |
| Farmers | $8,995 |
| GEICO | $6,102 |
| Nationwide | $5,880 |
| Progressive | $8,228 |
| State Farm | $6,803 |
| Travelers | $4,894 |
| USAA* | $4,676 |
*USAA offers its products only to military members, veterans and their families.
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What’s the best car insurance for 19-year-olds?
For most young drivers, full coverage insurance, which includes liability, collision, and comprehensive, is the best option because it provides strong financial protection in case of accidents, theft or damage.
The most affordable way to get coverage is often by joining a parent’s policy, which can lower premiums compared to buying your own plan. You can also save money by looking for discounts, such as good-student or safe-driving programs, or by choosing usage-based insurance.
While minimum coverage might look cheaper at first, it often does not provide enough protection. That’s why full coverage with added discounts is usually the best choice for most 19-year-olds.
Best car insurance companies for 19-year-olds
The best insurance company for you and your teen depends on factors such as your location, driving profile and the type of vehicle you insure. In general, it’s important to choose an insurer that offers competitive rates, reliable claims service, has low customer complaints and strong financial stability.
The table below highlights some of the top insurance companies for teen drivers based on these key criteria.
| Company | Market share | J.D. Power 2025 Auto Claims Satisfaction | NAIC rating | AM Best rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | 10.15% | 693 | 1.2 | A+ |
| American Family | 1.53% | 702 | 0.669 | A |
| Amica | 0.44% | 718 | 0.588 | A+ |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA SoCal) | 1.9% | 726 | 1.293 | A+ |
| Auto Club Group (AAA Midwest/South) | 0.71% | 697 | 0.684 | A |
| Auto-Owners | 1.39% | 711 | 0.443 | A+ |
| CSAA Insurance Group (AAA NorCal/NV/UT) | 1.37% | 720 | 1.021 | A |
| Erie | 1.42% | 743 | 0.772 | A |
| Farmers | 3.57% | 690 | 1.239 | A |
| GEICO | 11.56% | 697 | 0.603 | A++ |
| Mercury | 0.96% | 701 | 1.072 | A |
| Nationwide | 1.1% | 729 | 0.636 | A |
| Progressive | 18.6% | 673 | 0.604 | A+ |
| State Farm | 18.64% | 716 | 0.869 | A+ |
| Travelers | 1.93% | 691 | 0.625 | A++ |
| USAA* | 6.19% | 741 | 1.164 | A++ |
It should be noted that USAA was the cheapest option in each category, but as USAA is only available to military families, we left it out of the rankings. If your teen qualifies for USAA coverage, they can get the cheapest rates from a well-reviewed insurance company.
When should a parent add a 19-year-old?
Figuring out the right time and way to manage car insurance for a young adult depends on their living situation, vehicle ownership and financial readiness.
In most states, 19-year-olds are considered adults and can legally buy their own car insurance. Still, just because they can get their own policy does not always mean it is the best choice.
Here are the situations that help parents decide whether to keep their 19-year-old on the family policy or let them purchase their own coverage.
Lives with parents, clean record
If your 19-year-old lives at home and maintains a clean driving history, keeping them on the family policy is the smartest financial move. Purchasing a separate policy for a young driver is expensive, whereas adding them to your existing coverage allows them to benefit from your established driving history and discounts.
A teen has a good record and lives on their own
If your teen moves out, becomes financially independent and owns a car, they usually need to get their own car insurance policy. However, if they are away at college but still drive your cars when they visit, most insurers will let you keep them on your family policy and may offer a student-away-at-school discount.
Lives with parents, poor record
If your 19-year-old lives at home but has a poor driving record, such as an at-fault accident, speeding tickets or a DUI, their high-risk status will affect your family’s insurance premiums.
In this scenario, it is often more cost-effective to exclude them from your policy and have them purchase their own high-risk coverage.
Poor record, doesn’t live with parents
If your teen driver with a history of accidents or traffic violations no longer lives in your household, they should be immediately removed from your family auto insurance policy.
How 19-year-olds can lower car insurance costs
Nineteen-year-olds can lower their car insurance costs by staying on a parent’s policy, qualifying for a good student discount, enrolling in a telematics program, choosing a vehicle that’s cheaper to insure, raising their deductible and comparing quotes.
Let’s learn about these in detail:
- Stay on a family policy: Adding a 19-year-old to an existing parent’s plan is significantly cheaper than purchasing an independent policy, distributing the high-risk premium and saving the household thousands of dollars per year.
- Look for car insurance discounts for teens: Two of the most common are:
- Good student discount: Drivers who maintain a 3.0 or “B” average in the classroom may qualify for up to a 12% discount.
- Student-away discount: College students living away from home may qualify.
- Enroll in a telematics program: Usage-based insurance (UBI) tracks your driving behavior and rewards safe habits with lower rates. For a 19-year-old with good driving habits, this is one of the fastest ways to offset the age surcharge.
- Choose the right car to insure: Vehicle choice moves your premium more than most 19-year-olds realize. Older sedans with strong safety ratings and widely available parts are consistently among the cheapest vehicles to insure.
- Shop around: Rates for 19-year-olds vary more between carriers. What’s cheapest for one young driver can be significantly more expensive for another, depending on ZIP code, vehicle, and driving record. Compare quotes before buying and again at every renewal
As you gain more experience driving, your auto insurance rates should fall. Also, shop around and compare rates with several different insurers. This should help you get an excellent policy at the best price.
Average car insurance rates decline significantly when drivers reach age 26. But car insurance for 19-year-olds is still cheaper than for 16, 17 or 18-year-olds.
Sophie’s Tip
Before you start comparing quotes, see if you can be added to a parent’s policy and whether you qualify for student discounts. These two factors alone can save you hundreds annually, sometimes more than switching insurers.
Cheapest used cars to insure for 19-year-olds
Smart has the lowest average annual full-coverage cost for 19-year-old drivers at $6,171, followed by Fiat at $6,390 and Subaru at $6,994.
The cost of auto insurance depends on many factors, including age, gender and location. However, the type of vehicle you drive is also a factor, regardless of age. And used vehicles are cheaper than new models, both to purchase and to insure.
The following are some of the cheapest used cars that cost the least to insure for a teen driver:
| Make | Full coverage cost |
|---|---|
| Smart | $6,171 |
| Fiat | $6,390 |
| Subaru | $6,994 |
| Mini | $7,198 |
| Honda | $7,295 |
| Mazda | $7,325 |
| Buick | $7,425 |
| Volkswagen | $7,467 |
| Jeep | $7,634 |
| Ford | $7,673 |
What are the best cars for 19-year-olds?
Sedans and small to midsize SUVs are usually cheaper to insure and are the best cars for teens. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has some advice about choosing safe vehicles for teens:
- Try to get Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This feature reduces risks by helping drivers control curves and slippery roads.
- Avoid high horsepower. Vehicles with more powerful engines can tempt young drivers to test a car’s limits.
- Look for cars with the best safety reviews from the IIHS and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Frequently Asked Questions: Car insurance for 19-year-olds
Does a 19-year-old need full coverage?
No, there is no legal requirement to carry full coverage insurance, regardless of your age. While most states require drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, no state requires full coverage. The required amount of liability coverage will vary by state.
While the state may not require full coverage, your bank might. If you have a loan or lease on the vehicle, your lender will require that you carry full coverage to protect their investment.
Why is car insurance for 19-year-olds expensive?
Like all teen drivers, 19-year-olds are inexperienced out on the road and tend to take more risks than older drivers. This leads to accidents and claims, which will always result in higher insurance costs.
Teens are also more easily distracted. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), studies have shown that the presence of passengers increases crash risk among teenage drivers but decreases it among drivers ages 30 and older. Distraction and inexperience lead to higher crash rates. The crash rate for 16- to 19-year-olds is nearly four times that of drivers 20 and older, leading to higher rates.
Does a 19-year-old need car insurance to get a license?
It is not necessary to have car insurance to get a driver’s license. You can get your driver’s license without a car.
What are the rules for 19-year-old drivers?
Like all other drivers, 19-year-olds must carry the required amount of insurance to be legal drivers. Almost all states require drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage to register or license a car and drive it on the road, and the amount required varies by state.
Can a 19-year-old have their own policy?
Yes, in almost all situations, a 19-year-old can have their own insurance policy. An insurance policy is a contract, so the person entering into the contract must be the age of majority in their state; it’s 18 in most states.
Can a 19-year-old own a car?
Absolutely, a 19-year-old can own their own car. There is no minimum age to own a vehicle; however, you must be of legal age to enter into a contract, which purchasing and financing a car will require.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. “Teen Drivers: Get the Facts.” Accessed April 2026.
- Governors Highway Safety Association. “Teen and Novice Drivers.” Accessed April 2026.
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. “Teenagers.” Accessed April 2026.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates. The rates are based on sample profiles of 19-year-old male and female drivers with full coverage policies, limits of 100/300/100, and $500 collision and comprehensive deductibles. Read the detailed methodology for more information.
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