How Much Is Car Insurance For 18-Year-Olds In 2024?
An 18-year-old driver typically pays high premiums due to their limited driving experience. On average, they can expect to spend around $2,900 per year for minimum coverage, while comprehensive coverage may cost approximately $5,100 annually.
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Welcome to your thorough guide to car insurance for 18-year-olds. You’ve selected the right resource if you want reliable data to help you choose the right car insurance policy. As someone who previously worked as a licensed property and casualty insurance professional, I’ve helped many people navigate the process of obtaining car insurance. I’m here to assist you, too.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the average costs of vehicle insurance for an 18-year-old, examining the things that factor into these costs and offering insights about how you can reduce them. The purpose of this guide isn’t to sell you a car insurance policy. It’s about giving you the information you need to select the right coverage for your specific needs.
Key Takeaways
18-year-olds can purchase minimum coverage for $2,900 per year.
The most significant factor in purchasing car insurance is comparing three or more quotes.
There are various ways for an 18-year-old to reduce their car insurance rates.
How much is car insurance for an 18 year old?
Car insurance policies for 18-year-olds depend on things like the scope of coverage, driving history, and gender. On average, an 18-year-old can expect to pay from around $2,900 annually for minimum coverage to $5,100 annually for comprehensive coverage.
Knowing what factors into the cost of vehicle insurance for 18-year-olds is vital, since it can tangibly impact your financial flexibility. Insurance coverage costs are not easy to pin down since they depend on things like the coverage you select, driving history, and gender.
The coverage and cost differences between minimum and comprehensive coverage underscore the importance of knowing what you’re actually paying for. Minimum coverage might appear to be a great deal because of its lower price point. But it also means skipping various coverages that you might regret taking a pass on.
Full coverage, meanwhile, offers comprehensive protection. It includes collision and comprehensive coverage, for example, that safeguards against vandalism, damage stemming from natural disasters, and theft.
You’ll be happy to learn that there are things you can do to reduce your car insurance costs. Taking advantage of incentives offered by insurers and maintaining an unspotted driving record are ways you can substantially reduce your monthly premiums. You’ll also help your cause by comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best deal.
How Much Is Car Insurance For An 18-Year-Old – By Gender?
Knowing car insurance costs is a vital step for drivers of any age. But it’s especially important for 18-year-old drivers who tend to face some of the steepest premiums. Numerous factors impact these costs, and one important factor is gender.
Car insurance premiums are usually different based on gender because of perceived risk factors for males and females. Let’s examine the specific expenses based on vehicle insurance for 18-year-old male and female motorists.
| Coverage Type | Average Annual Cost for Male | Average Annual Cost for Female |
| Minimum Coverage | $3,425 | $2,945 |
| Full Coverage | $6,800 | $5,775 |
How much is car insurance for an 18-year-old – by state?
Car insurance premiums can vary by a significant degree, especially for 18-year-olds. Things like the state you live in can have a major impact on your premiums. Based on thorough research from multiple sources, I’ve put together a comprehensive comparison chart detailing the average car insurance premiums for 18-year-olds by state.
| State | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium |
| Alabama | $5,026 |
| Alaska | $4,207 |
| Arizona | $5,580 |
| Arkansas | $5,284 |
| California | $4,180 |
| Colorado | $5,814 |
| Connecticut | $7,980 |
| Delaware | $8,910 |
| Florida | $7,973 |
| Georgia | $4,990 |
| Hawaii | $1,837 |
| Idaho | $4,002 |
| Illinois | $5,023 |
| Indiana | $4,532 |
| Iowa | $3,927 |
| Kansas | $3,590 |
| Kentucky | $6,259 |
| Louisiana | $11,890 |
| Maine | $3,856 |
| Maryland | $5,259 |
| Massachusetts | $5,983 |
| Michigan | $11,898 |
| Minnesota | $4,723 |
| Mississippi | $4,826 |
| Missouri | $4,923 |
| Montana | $5,269 |
| Nebraska | $4,598 |
| Nevada | $8,145 |
| New Hampshire | $5,169 |
| New Jersey | $6,185 |
| New Mexico | $4,912 |
| New York | $4,850 |
| North Carolina | $2,736 |
| North Dakota | $4,748 |
| Ohio | $3,947 |
| Oklahoma | $5,890 |
| Oregon | $5,625 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,720 |
| Rhode Island | $9,167 |
| South Carolina | $4,937 |
| South Dakota | $4,620 |
| Tennessee | $4,693 |
| Texas | $5,780 |
| Utah | $5,782 |
| Vermont | $3,490 |
| Virginia | $3,725 |
| Washington | $5,894 |
| West Virginia | $5,260 |
| Wisconsin | $4,595 |
| Wyoming | $4,730 |
Remember that these figures represent averages rather than actual costs. You’ll need to contact insurers for quotes to get rates reflecting your specific situation.
How Much Is Car Insurance For An 18-Year-Old By Credit Score?
Specific rates by credit score aren’t usually published by insurers, but credit scores influence auto insurance premiums. A low credit score can increase your car insurance rates, while a high credit score can reduce your car insurance rates. According to Forbes, vehicle insurance expenses can climb by, on average 76%, depending on credit scores.
| Credit Tier | Avg. Annual Premium |
| Poor | $7,396 |
| Fair | $6,246 |
| Good | $4,238 |
| Very Good | $3,536 |
| Excellent | $2,357 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies For An 18-Year-Old
If you want to find affordable car insurance for 18-year-olds, several insurers stand out by offering competitive prices and comprehensive policy options. Young drivers need to look for proper coverage at affordable prices.
Keep in mind, though, that your premium will depend on factors like the kind of car your drive, credit score, and driving record.
| Company | Monthly Rate |
| Erie Insurance | $238 |
| USAA | $239 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | $246 |
| GEICO | $265 |
| State Farm | $280 |
| American Family Insurance | $306 |
| Nationwide | $346 |
| Travelers | $370 |
| Allstate | $424 |
How Much Is Car Insurance For An 18-Year-Old – By Vehicle
As an 18-year-old driver, your car insurance rates will be higher than they will be for other young adults with more experience behind the steering wheel. The kind of vehicle you drive can greatly influence your insurance costs.
From safety ratings to repair expenses, various factors must be considered when it comes to determining car insurance premiums. Knowing how your vehicle type impacts your vehicle insurance costs will help you choose the right vehicle to drive.
| Vehicle Type | Average Annual Premium |
| Sedan | $4,469 |
| Luxury | $4,490 |
| Hybrid | $4,386 |
| SUV | $3,934 |
| Van | $3,688 |
| Truck | $3,752 |
How Much Is Car Insurance For An 18-Year-Old – By Age
You’ll see in the following table that young motorists usually pay more than older drivers for car insurance. This is because of their lack of experience and higher potential for risks. As motorists get older and obtain more experience behind the wheel, their insurance coverage costs usually go down.
In fact, drivers can expect to get the best rates when they reach middle age. Rates will start to increase again, however, as motorists approach their senior years. This is due to older drivers facing more risks as they get older.
| Age | Annual Premium for Minimum Coverage | Annual Premium for Full Coverage |
| 22 | $965 | $2,301 |
| 35 | $610 | $1,202 |
| 40 | $601 | $1,200 |
| 50 | $575 | $1,814 |
| 60 | $580 | $1,830 |
| 70 | $800 | $1,693 |
How to save money on your car insurance as an 18-year-old
As an 18-year-old driver, you'll learn quickly that insurance can cost a lot of money. One reason for this is that younger drivers get into more accidents. But there are things you can do that can reduce your insurance premiums and keep more money in your pocket. Consider these five tips to do just that:
Take Advantage of Multi-Car Discounts
If you have multiple vehicles or live with someone who owns multiple vehicles, find an insurance business offering multi-car discounts. Many insurers offer price cuts to customers who insure more than one vehicle under the same policy.
Maintain a Spotless Driving Record
One of the best ways to cut your car insurance premium is to maintain a spotless driving record. You’ll want to avoid traffic infractions, steer clear of accidents, and avoid getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. Insurers traditionally offer lower rates to motorists with no claims since such drivers are deemed as less risky.
Look Around for the Best Rates
Your best bet is to get quotes from multiple car insurance companies. Different insurers use different processes to determine rates, which means costs can vary widely from one insurer to another insurer. Getting at least three quotes from at least three different car insurers can help you get the right coverage and policy.
Enroll in a Defensive Driving Course
Signing up for a defensive driving course may also translate into a discount on your vehicle insurance. Such a course will make you a better and safer driver. Insurers are likely to give you a lower premium after successfully completing such a course since your odds of getting into car accidents will decline.
Regularly Review Your Coverage
Get in the habit of reviewing your coverage. As you get older and progress through life, your needs will change. Review your car insurance policy annually or whenever you experience a major event in your life like relocating, getting married, or changing jobs. Doing these reviews will ensure, firstly, you’re not paying for coverage you don’t need and, secondly, that you get coverage you may need.
By learning and practicing these steps, you can lower your vehicle insurance premiums considerably and hold onto more of your hard-earned money. Keep in mind you’re more likely to reduce your car insurance premium by taking the initiative and demonstrating to insurers that you’re a low-risk motorist.
How to buy car insurance as an 18-year-old
Buying vehicle insurance can be time-consuming and stressful, particularly for young drivers. But if you’re armed with the right information and go about things the right way, the process can actually be fairly easy and straightforward. Here are seven steps to follow for a smooth process of getting car insurance as an 18-year-old:
Gather Your Information
Before you start looking for a car insurance policy, gather the information you’ll need for the process. Ensure you have your driver’s license data, driving history records, and the vehicle identification number.
Maintain a Stellar Driving Record
Maintaining a good driving record will help keep your monthly premiums low. Steer clear of traffic violations and at-fault accidents to keep your rates from skyrocketing.
Decide What Coverage You Need
Different motorists have different needs, so you must reflect on the coverage you need prior to looking for car insurance. Consider things like the age and worth of your vehicle, your risk-tolerance level, and your financial situation.
Select How to Shop for Vehicle Insurance
You can buy car insurance in multiple ways. You can buy car insurance online, contact a representative at an insurance company, or contact an independent agent. There are pros and cons for each option. You’ll want to select the option that’s the best fit for you.
Compare Multiple Quotes
It’s a mistake to choose the first quote you get. Seek at least three quotes from different insurance companies so you can figure out which is the best option for you. Each insurer has different ways to determine premiums, so the quotes you receive may differ substantially.
Buy Your Policy
After comparing quotes and settling on an insurer, you need to buy your car insurance policy. Read through the policy so you know what is and is not covered.
Review Your Coverage Regularly
Your insurance requirements will likely change over time. So, you must comb over your policy routinely. You don’t want to pay for things you don’t need – but you also don’t want to be left uncovered for things you may need down the road.
By adhering to these recommendations, you’ll find that purchasing car insurance as an 18-year-old can be relatively painless. Finding the right car insurance requires shopping around, getting quotes from at least three insurers, and comparing apples with apples before deciding.
What is the best car insurance for an 18-year-old?
Based on my experience in the industry, customer rankings, and comparison charts, I find that GEICO offers a great balance of cost-effectiveness and comprehensive coverage. Beyond merely the numbers, customer testimonials back up my recommendation. GEICO offers various policy options, responsive customer service, and many discounts for drivers who obey the rules of the road and drive cars with good safety features.
At what age is car insurance the cheapest?
Based on my research, people between the ages of 50 and 60 enjoy some of the lowest rates for car insurance. This demographic of drivers has many years of experience behind the week, which insurers see as a lower-risk indicator.
