Please enter valid ZIP

The minimum age to obtain car insurance differs based on state laws and insurance company guidelines.

In general, one must be an adult (18 or older) to obtain an insurance policy. If you are younger than 18 and a minor, then state laws and insurance companies guidelines will require you to have a parent or guardian sign on legal documents, such as an insurance policy, with you.

You can buy an auto insurance policy if you are old enough to have a driver’s license or own a car. Still, if you are a minor, your parent or guardian will usually have to sign the insurance contract with you. It may be in the driver’s and the parent’s best interest to have the teen driver on the parent’s policy. Read our parent’s guide to insurance for teen drivers to find out if this is your best option.

If you are minor and what to own and insure a vehicle you should check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles and insurance regulator to see if there is a minimum age set and what extra measures you may need to take until you become 18 and considered an adult.

Michelle Megna contributed to this story.

Still have a question? Ask our experts

Get advice from an experienced insurance professional. Our experts will help you navigate your insurance questions with clarity and confidence.

Authors Browse all FAQs
Please enter a valid input Min 50 to max 250 characters are allowed. Only (& ? , .) charcters are allowed.
All information provided will remain confidential.
Please enter a valid input
Browse all FAQ’s >>
Error: Security check failed
Thank You, Your message has been received. Our team of auto insurance experts typically answers questions within five working days. Note that due to the volume of questions we receive, not all may be answered. You are a bot!
Ask another question
Meet our editorial team
author-img Prachi Singh Contributing Writer
Prachi is an insurance writer with a master’s degree in business administration. Through her writing, she hopes to help readers make smart and informed decisions about their finances. She loves to travel and write poetry.
author-img Laura Longero Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert with more than 15 years of experience educating people about personal finance topics and helping consumers navigate the complexities of auto insurance. She writes and edits for QuinStreet’s CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Prior to joining QuinStreet, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network.