CarInsurance.com Insights
- Legal Age to Buy Insurance: Most states require drivers to be 18 or older to purchase a policy independently, because minors generally cannot enter into legally binding contracts.
- Younger Drivers Can Be Covered: If you are under 18, you can often be added to a parent or guardian’s policy or have an adult cosign — meaning the adult legally holds the contract.
- Driver’s License Matters: Insurance eligibility is tied to having a valid driver’s license — even if you’re younger than 18. Some states allow licensed teen drivers to get coverage with adult approval.
- State Variation: Age rules can vary by state; in some places teens as young as 16 can be insured with consent, while others strictly require adult sign‑offs until 18. Always check your state’s specific regulations.
- Costs & Rates Linked to Age: Younger drivers, especially teens, typically face much higher insurance premiums due to risk profiles, regardless of whether they have independent or family coverage.
What is the minimum age to buy car insurance?
In most U.S. states, the minimum age to independently purchase car insurance is 18 years old, because insurance contracts are legally binding agreements that minors usually cannot sign on their own.
However, this doesn’t mean younger drivers can’t be insured. If you’re a licensed driver under 18, you can often obtain coverage as long as a parent or guardian signs the policy or you’re added to their existing plan.
Quick definitionsIndependent policy: You are the legal policyholder and sign all documents.
Dependent/added driver: Your coverage is part of a parent’s or guardian’s policy.
How licensing and age work together
Having a valid driver’s license is a prerequisite to get insurance. In many states, teens begin driving and can have coverage as soon as they are licensed, even if they’re younger than 18 — provided an adult cosigns or holds the contract.
For example, a 16‑year‑old with a permit or license can be on a parent’s policy or have an insured adult sign the policy with them.
Why does age affect insurance eligibility?
Minors often can’t enter legal agreements by themselves — that’s why insurance contracts default to adults until age 18 in many jurisdictions. This rule helps protect both insurers and policyholders from unenforceable agreements.
If a minor is listed as the owner of a vehicle, many insurers will still require an adult signature to validate the policy.
State‑by‑state differences
There isn’t a single national rule defining the minimum age — state laws vary. Some states allow drivers as young as 16 to hold insurance with consent, while others require adult involvement until 18. Always check your specific state’s requirements through your DMV or insurance regulator.
When evaluating age eligibility:
- Consult your state’s department of motor vehicles.
- Review insurer policies in your area.
- Ask about co‑signer options for teens.
Age and premium costs
Age isn’t just about eligibility; it also affects how much you pay. Teen drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents, so insurers generally charge higher premiums for drivers under 25 — especially teens.
Keeping a teen on a parent’s policy can be more cost‑effective than them having a standalone policy.
Frequently Asked Questions: Teen car ownership
Can a 16‑year‑old buy car insurance on their own?
In most states, 16‑year‑olds need a parent or guardian to sign the policy because they can’t legally enter contracts alone until they reach the age of majority. Some states allow coverage with parental cosigners.
At what age can I legally own a car and insure it?
You can own a car at any age in many states, but to insure it independently, you typically must be 18 or older; minors usually need an adult to sign the insurance contract.
Why can’t minors buy insurance by themselves?
Because insurance policies are legal contracts, and minors generally aren’t permitted to enter binding agreements without an adult cosigner.
Does age affect insurance rates?
Yes — younger drivers, particularly teens, pay higher premiums due to higher risk profiles, regardless of whether they own the policy or are on a parent’s policy.
Should teen drivers be added to a parent’s policy or get their own?
It’s more affordable and practical for teens to be added to a parent’s policy until they gain experience and turn 18 or older. Premiums and coverage options vary by insurer and state.
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