Best Car Insurance for 17-Year-Old Drivers (November 2024)
The average cost of liability car insurance for a 17-year-old is $180 per month. For affordable coverage, check out options like USAA or Root.
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Written byAmy Beardsley
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3+ years writing about auto, home, and life insurance
7+ years in personal finance and technology
Amy specializes in insurance and technology writing and has a talent for transforming complex topics into easy-to-understand stories.
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Edited bySarah Archambault
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Experienced personal finance writer
Background working with banks and insurance companies
Sarah enjoys helping people find smarter ways to spend their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans.
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Reviewed byDaniel Roccato
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30+ years in financial services
Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego
Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.
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Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Updated November 21, 2024
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Table of contents
At 17, you’re probably getting more comfortable behind the wheel — yet car insurance prices can still be a shock. Because young drivers pose a higher risk, insurance companies usually charge higher rates for teen drivers.[1]
It comes down to statistics: Teenagers are about four times more likely to be in an accident than drivers 20 and older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).[2]
If you’re deciding between staying on a parent’s policy or getting your own, comparing car insurance quotes can help. Here’s what you should know about getting coverage as a 17-year-old driver.
Quick Facts
Adding a teen to a policy means higher rates, but discounts can help offset the cost.
Good student discounts can reduce premiums by up to 15% or more.
Drivers who are 17 need parental consent to get their own car insurance policy.
Best car insurance for 17-year-old drivers
A teenage driver can bump your family into a higher risk category for car insurance, making rates jump. But some companies offer discounts and flexible options that help keep car insurance costs down. Here’s a look at three of the best car insurance companies for young drivers.
USAA: Best for drivers on their parents’ policy
| User Reviews | 4.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.4 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $45/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $99/mo |
4.9
Best choiceBased on 1602 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about USAA
Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
How drivers feel about USAA
Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Reviews (914)
Gloria
November 15, 2024
Verified Review
Not Good for Claims
I have storm damage and the claim process is not satisfactory.
Martin
November 11, 2024
Verified Review
Price Shopping
I have been with USAA for over 60 years. Obviously, I've been very happy. Since I don't drive very far, I have been seeing advertisements for lower prices. However, I have no plans of leaving USAA.
Rena Sabine
November 8, 2024
Verified Review
Disappointing and inflexible service
My experience with this company has been disappointing, especially this second time around. I would suggest considering other options. From my recent interactions, they have been dismissive and argumentative. I have already started finalizing my next premium with another company. I'm perplexed as to how they receive praise when they treat clients in this manner.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
880NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.35A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
USAA is a top choice for families with military connections. It offers cheap car insurance and discounts for young drivers. Adding a teen to the family’s USAA policy is often cheaper than other options, thanks to perks like a good student discount, a multi-vehicle discount, and up to 10% off for bundling home and auto insurance. USAA also earns high marks for customer service.
Pros
Available in all 50 U.S. states
Accident forgiveness available
Competitive rates for teen drivers
Cons
Available only to military members and families
Limited options for extra coverage
Gap insurance not available
Root: Best for teens on their own
| User Reviews | 3.1 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.4 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $60/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $103/mo |
3.1
A solid optionBased on 671 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Root
Drivers appreciate the quick response and initial pricing but dislike the frequent price increases and limited coverage options.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Usage-based insurance
Safe drivers
Cheap rates
How drivers feel about Root
Drivers appreciate the quick response and initial pricing but dislike the frequent price increases and limited coverage options.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Usage-based insurance
Safe drivers
Cheap rates
Reviews (372)
James
November 17, 2024
Verified Review
Don't Use Them
They are expensive.
Lisa
November 6, 2024
Verified Review
Entirely Too High
Root is entirely too high. I would never recommend it to anyone.
Dre
November 6, 2024
Verified Review
They're Friendly and Helpful
Great!
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NRNAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
2.36A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
NRWhy we picked this company
Root is a solid choice for teens looking to get their own policy. The company takes a different approach by basing rates more on driving habits instead of age and ZIP code. If you’re a careful driver, you can lower your costs by maintaining safe driving habits. This can make Root a cheaper car insurance company — especially compared to a traditional insurer.
Pros
Roadside assistance comes with every policy
Mobile app allows for easy policy management
Focuses on safe driving, not just age
Cons
Requires a test-drive to get a quote
Not available in every state
Changes in driving habits can increase the price
GEICO: Best for quick claims processing
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.0 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $54/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $119/mo |
4.0
Best choiceBased on 10274 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about GEICO
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
How drivers feel about GEICO
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Reviews (5,648)
George
November 19, 2024
Verified Review
Service
The prices increase every year. I would not recommend purchasing.
James
November 19, 2024
Verified Review
Unsatisfactory Experience with Geico
Steer clear. They increase your rate at every renewal.
Edward
November 18, 2024
Verified Review
Experience with Geico
Reliable.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
835NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.74A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
GEICO has a lightning-fast claims process that’s usually completed in just 48 hours. The company also has competitive prices for 17-year-old drivers and various discounts to save you even more. Good grades can drop your car insurance rates by 15%, and insuring more than one vehicle can knock off another 25%.
Pros
Available in all 50 states
Many discounts for young drivers
Accident forgiveness available
Cons
Gap insurance not available
Customer service could be better
Fewer optional coverages than some other companies
To choose the best car insurance companies for 17-year-old drivers, we evaluated companies based on price, teen-specific discounts, customer service reviews, industry ratings, Insurify’s IQ Score, and availability by state to identify affordable, reliable options for young drivers and their families.
Getting your own policy vs. staying on your parents’ car insurance
Getting your own policy or staying on your parents’ car insurance is a choice that comes with a few pros and cons, especially at 17. For most families, keeping a teen driver on a parent’s policy is cheaper. Your parents likely have years of driving experience, and clean driving records can help bring the cost down.
Plus, insurers often offer discounts for having more than one vehicle on an auto insurance policy and sometimes have bundle discounts. Both can help you avoid the higher premium of adding a young driver.
But getting coverage in your own name as a teen driver makes sense in a few situations. For example, if the car is in your name and you don’t live with your parents anymore, some insurers might require you to have your own coverage. And for some teenagers, getting insurance in their own name feels like an important step toward independence.
It really depends on your goal and situation. Just keep in mind that as a 17-year-old, you’ll need written consent from a parent or guardian to set up your policy.
Here’s a closer look at average insurance rates for policies with parents and a teen driver, just two parents, and a teen only for comparison:
Drivers ▲▼ | Monthly Liability-Only Cost ▲▼ | Monthly Full-Coverage Cost ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Two parents + a teen driver | $296 | $599 |
| Two parents | $157 | $316 |
| Teen driver on their own policy | $184 | $372 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Find Car Insurance for 17-Year-Old Drivers
Liability rates average $180 per month
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Cheapest car insurance for 17-year-old drivers
While car insurance for 17-year-olds isn’t cheap, how much car insurance costs hinges on a few factors — including the company you choose. Use the table below to compare prices for liability-only and full-coverage policies from top insurers to find the best option that fits your budget.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| COUNTRY Financial | $19 | $45 |
| NJM | $36 | $65 |
| Auto-Owners | $56 | $121 |
| USAA | $74 | $164 |
| Root | $77 | $132 |
| GEICO | $81 | $178 |
| Erie | $83 | $154 |
| State Farm | $94 | $207 |
| Metromile | $100 | $179 |
| Allstate | $114 | $248 |
| Mile Auto | $122 | $207 |
| CSAA | $127 | $193 |
| American Family | $128 | $283 |
| Dairyland | $139 | $360 |
| Nationwide | $149 | $327 |
| Mercury | $151 | $298 |
| The General | $165 | $340 |
| Travelers | $171 | $367 |
| State Auto | $172 | $367 |
| Progressive | $177 | $275 |
| Safeco | $177 | $308 |
| Shelter | $181 | $343 |
| 21st Century | $189 | $403 |
| Direct Auto | $190 | $366 |
| Elephant | $191 | $309 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $193 | $515 |
| National General | $193 | $383 |
| Bristol West | $197 | $426 |
| The Hartford | $198 | $356 |
| Farmers | $198 | $433 |
| Amica | $199 | $368 |
| Clearcover | $202 | $362 |
| Foremost | $217 | $493 |
| GAINSCO | $219 | $489 |
| Chubb | $234 | $494 |
| Liberty Mutual | $276 | $447 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $322 | $535 |
| Infinity | $342 | $483 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Why is car insurance so expensive for 17-year-old drivers?
Car insurance is typically pricey for 17-year-old drivers because teenagers are statistically more likely to get into car accidents. Though teens make up only 3.6% of licensed drivers, teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 are involved in 9.1% of all accidents and 6.1% of fatal crashes, according to data from the National Safety Council.[3]
The higher accident rate isn’t only because of a lack of driving experience — teens are also more likely to speed and get distracted, particularly when friends are along for the ride, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data shows.[4]
Tragically, car accidents are the top cause of death for 15- to 18-year-olds in the U.S., notes the NHTSA.
How to get car insurance
Getting car insurance as a new driver is pretty straightforward. Follow these steps to make sure you get the right coverage:
1. Gather your info
To start, you’ll need details like your driver’s license number, the car’s make and model, and your driving history (if you have one). Insurers often ask about tickets and accidents when getting a quote.
2. Choose your coverage
Every state except New Hampshire requires a minimum amount of liability insurance, but it only covers damage you cause to others. If your car is newer or more valuable, consider full coverage to protect your car from accidents or damage.
3. Compare quotes
You’ll notice price differences between insurers, so shop around. Use comparison tools or reach out to a few companies to see which one can offer the best price. Look for discounts, too. Many insurers offer savings for things like good grades, safe driving habits, or taking a defensive driving course.
4. Reach out for guidance
Car insurance has a lot of moving parts, and it’s totally normal to ask for help. Your parents or an insurance agent can answer questions to make sure you get the coverage that makes the most sense.
How to avoid common mistakes young drivers make when buying car insurance
When buying car insurance, whether it’s your first time or your 15th, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Keep these tips in mind to avoid costly missteps:
Going for the cheapest coverage: Picking the lowest-priced option might seem like a good idea, but basic coverage might not be enough if you’re in an accident. Look for a balance between affordability and peace of mind to make sure you’re covered when it counts.
Choosing the wrong deductible: A high deductible helps you avoid high rates, but it also means more out-of-pocket expenses if you need to make a claim. Find a deductible that keeps your premium reasonable but doesn’t leave you stretched if you have an accident.
Using the same car insurer as your parents: Loyalty doesn’t always pay off in insurance. Even if your parents have a long history with their insurer, shopping around could get you a better rate. An insurance-comparison site lets you quickly check quotes from different companies.
Skipping rideshare coverage: If you’re driving for Uber, Lyft, or a delivery service like DoorDash, your personal auto insurance won’t usually cover you while you’re on the job. Ask about adding rideshare insurance for protection while you’re working.
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5 ways young drivers can save on car insurance
Young drivers have plenty of ways to save on car insurance. Here are a few smart ways to keep your bill in check:
Cash in on discounts. Discounts are available for young drivers who maintain good grades in high school or as a college student, complete a defensive driving course, or attend college far from home.
Drive a “boring” car. Stick with a reliable sedan or an older, used car since these usually cost less to insure than sports cars or big trucks.
Lean into telematics. Some insurers have telematics programs that track your driving habits through a mobile app or device that plugs into your car. If you’re a safe driver, this can lead to lower rates by proving your skills on the road.
Adjust coverage during college. If you’re away at school or don’t drive much, consider reducing your coverage temporarily or taking advantage of a “student away” discount.
Consider a higher deductible. Higher deductibles can reduce your monthly premium. Just make sure you have enough cash set aside to cover it if you need to file a claim.
Car insurance for 17-year-olds FAQs
To help ease your mind about car insurance for 17-year-olds, check out the answers to everything from costs to policy options below.
How much is car insurance for a 17-year-old?
The national average rate of car insurance for a 17-year-old is $274 per month, Insurify data shows. If you choose a full-coverage policy, the average cost is $366 per month, while liability-only insurance is $180 per month.
What is the cheapest car insurance for a 17-year-old?
Root is generally the cheapest auto insurance company for 17-year-old drivers, especially if you’re looking for full-coverage car insurance. USAA is one of the most affordable insurers for liability-only coverage, but it’s only available to military families.
Can a 17-year-old get their own policy?
Yes. A 17-year-old can get a policy in their name, but it requires written consent from a parent or guardian. Most teens find it cheaper (and more convenient) to stay on their parents’ policy.
How much is insurance for a 17-year-old in New York?
In New York, insurance for a 17-year-old costs an average of $412 per month. Your auto insurance rates depend on your insurance coverage level — liability coverage in New York averages $361 per month, while full coverage costs about $464.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "Auto insurance for teen drivers."
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Teenagers."
- National Safety Council. "Age of Driver."
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "Teen Driving."
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Amy BeardsleyInsurance Writer
Amy is a personal finance and technology writer. With a background in the legal field and a bachelor's degree from Ferris State University, she has a talent for transforming complex topics into content that’s easy to understand. Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.
Edited bySarah Archambault
Experienced personal finance writer
Background working with banks and insurance companies
Sarah enjoys helping people find smarter ways to spend their money. She covers auto financing, banking, credit cards, credit health, insurance, and personal loans.
Featured in
30+ years in financial services
Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego
Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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