Knowing the average cost of adding a 17-year-old to your coverage may help you budget for when they start driving. Even if they’ve been driving for a year, 17-year-old drivers are still somewhat unskilled. They may pay lower premiums than when they earned their license, but higher rates than the national average. This article talks about how much car insurance is for a 17-year-old and the best cheap ones.
Car Insurance for a 17-Year-Old
The average cost of liability-only coverage for a 17-year-old driver is $2,647 annually. Under-18 drivers pay extra for full coverage, which includes comprehensive and collision insurance. This goes beyond the bare coverage most states demand. Car insurance firms charge younger drivers extra because they believe they are more likely to cause accidents. The cost of car insurance for a 17-year-old is significant, so it’s smart to compare rates before committing.Â
Additionally, whether a 17-year-old is buying their coverage or being added to their parent’s policy makes a difference. Adding a 17-year-old to a policy raises premiums, but it’s cheaper than buying a new one. One automobile with full coverage for two adults and one teen costs $4,102 a year. Insurance for a married couple with one car without their 17-year-old is $1,898 a year. Adding that driver would raise their rate by 116%, or $184/month.
More Information
Even the best insurance companies consider teens a greater driving risk due to their inexperience. Young drivers (16–19 years old) had the highest crash rate, according to the CDC. Insurance companies make a profit out of this fact and charge more to cover teenage drivers.
Because each state has distinct insurance requirements, premiums may vary substantially. Every region provides data on car accidents, repair costs, and weather damage. The following table compares a 17-year-old’s annual full coverage premium to a family’s before adding a teen driver.
Average annual full coverage premium | Average annual minimum coverage premium | |
17-year-old | $4,100 | $1,360 |
Average rate | $1,896 | $593 |
Average premium increase | $2,202 | $765 |
Only responsible drivers can afford these charges, which assume no accidents or citations. Drivers with these infractions have much higher insurance costs. Your car, annual mileage, and driving record can affect your auto insurance quote.
Best Cheap Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds
If you are a 17-year-old driver, you may want to look into insurance policies and discounts that are designed specifically with young drivers in mind. These firms were selected after we compared their typical prices, coverage options, discounts, and independent ratings. When looking for the best cheap car insurance for 17-year-olds, you may want to check out the following companies:
#1. Amica
Amica provides drivers with a wide variety of discounts and freebies. Although the average full coverage premium for 17-year-olds is lower than the national average, it is still much higher than the cheapest alternative. Amica offers services such as emergency road service, glass coverage, gap insurance, and reimbursement for automobile rental costs. It also provides special savings for parents of young drivers.
Young drivers under 21 who finish an approved driving instruction course receive discounts through the company’s Young Driving Program. Amica’s Good Student discount is available to full-time students between 15 and 25 with a B average from authorized high schools or universities. In case your 17-year-old is considering college, Amica offers a discount to families with a college student.
#2. State Farm
State Farm may be a suitable choice for teenagers whose families prefer to have all their insurance needs met by a single provider. The firm’s exclusive network of more than 19,000 local agents sells and manages the firm’s extensive suite of insurance and financial products. State Farm offers discounts to teens who maintain good grades, complete a driver’s education program, and enroll in the company’s Steer Clear safe driving program, which monitors the habits of teen drivers.
#3. Allstate
Although Allstate may not be the cheapest option for a 17-year-old looking for vehicle insurance, they do provide many ways to save money. The company’s Drivewise software might teach your teen to drive safely, let you keep tabs on their habits, and save you money. Teenage drivers are included in the company’s Safe Driving Bonus program. In exchange for safe driving behavior, participants receive a $100 bonus every six months. Allstate also offers a discount to full-time students who are under the age of 25 and who have completed a driver education course through their teenSMART safety program.
#4. Nationwide
Due to its affordable rates, coverage options, and discounts, Nationwide is one of the best insurance companies for 17-year-old drivers. Nationwide offers accident forgiveness, which keeps rates the same if you cause an accident. Full-time high school and college students (16–24) with a B average or better receive premium discounts. According to J.D. Power, Nationwide has a less-than-average claim satisfaction rating. Power, however, may lead to dissatisfaction among the carrier’s current clientele regarding the claims procedure.
Cheap Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds
Finding the best cheap car insurance company is also vital, as coverage for a 17-year-old driver may be quite pricey. To determine which insurance providers offer the most affordable policies for young drivers, I made sure that these companies were suitable for teenage drivers by looking at their coverage options and discounts in addition to their prices. Choosing a provider with low average rates can go a long way toward lowering your premiums, although teen rates are still higher than those of other age groups. The following are the best options for cheap car insurance for 17-year-olds:
#1. Erie
In addition to affordable premiums, Erie offers a wide variety of discounts and coverage options specifically designed for young drivers. You may rest easy knowing that your 17-year-old driver will be taken care of in the event of a breakdown thanks to the carrier’s roadside and rental package, for instance. Moreover, with Erie’s Rate Lock, policyholders may lock in their rates and not worry about them altering unless they make changes to their policy, such as moving or adding a vehicle.Â
Unmarried young adults under the age of 21 who still live at home with their parents can save money on auto insurance with Erie in any state where the company does business (excluding North Carolina). Unfortunately for motorists in other parts of the US, Erie is only offered in 12 states and the District of Columbia. The company’s financial strength, however, is rated A+ (superior) by AM Best.
#2. Geico
We calculated that Geico’s rates for 17-year-olds are 35% lower than the national average. We also found that Geico’s solid industry reputation, superb customer service, and a large array of coverage options made them the best overall supplier for safe drivers.
#3. USAA
USAA is often one of the most cost-effective carriers; its rates for 17-year-olds are roughly 39% lower than the national average. The U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and their families are the only people eligible to join USAA. If a 17-year-old is enrolled in the armed forces or has a parent who is or was in the armed forces, they are eligible for coverage.
#4. Auto-Owners
When shopping for vehicle insurance at the age of 17, Auto-Owners is a good option because of its low rates. Our research indicates that this age group can save 43% on average by switching to Auto-Owners.
Tips for Lowering the Cost of Vehicle Insurance for a Teen Driver
The following is how to get cheap car insurance as a 17-year-old is described below.
#1. Bonus for Being a Safe Driver
An additional approach to lowering your teen’s or yourself’s vehicle insurance price is to enroll in a professional driving school that teaches highway safety and defensive driving techniques. While this is a fairly standard reduction, your auto insurer will likely ask for documentation, such as a receipt, before granting the discount. Ask your insurance provider ahead of time to see if you qualify for this reduction; not all companies do.
#2. Affordable Prices for Students
Keeping your GPA at 3.0 or higher can result in significant savings on auto insurance. The insurance provider still needs confirmation every policy period (6–12 months) that you or your student satisfy the requirements, just like with the defensive driver discount.
#3. Maintain a Spotless Driving History
Your child must have a spotless driving record. Your auto insurance premium might take a severe hit if you get a ticket, cause an accident, or are found to blame for one. DUIs and racing tickets (often the most costly citations) are responsible for a minimum 40% increase in insurance premiums across the country. In addition, a good driving record can earn you a discount from your auto insurer.
#4. Take Care When Filing Auto Insurance Claims
While this recommendation is age-neutral, it becomes more important when considering the financial ramifications of damage to your car caused by a young driver. The most fundamental piece of advice for “being smart with your claims” is to wait until your car is a total loss before filing a claim. In most cases, an insurance company will consider you to be at fault for an accident if you use your collision coverage. If you cause an accident, your insurance premiums will likely increase over the next three years.
#5. Don’t Drop Your Teen Driver From the Family Plan
It may be less expensive to retain your 17-year-old on your auto insurance coverage unless they have a high-paying job and can afford the roughly $6,000 annual price. A 17-year-old will pay an average of $57 more for a separate policy for six months than they would pay as part of their family’s plan. While $57 may not seem like much, keep in mind that the majority of insurance providers mandate that all adults living in your home be included as covered drivers or excluded from coverage entirely.
#6. Comparison Shop
Your teen’s auto insurance rate is based on some variables. This is why it’s crucial to compare auto insurance quotes from as many providers as possible every six months to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
#7. Plan Your Insurance Purchases Wisely
This protection isn’t aimed at a certain age group, but it’s still useful. A car, in contrast to real estate or vintage wine, depreciates with age. Giving a young driver an older car is a wonderful idea, but it may not need the same level of insurance as it did in the past. In the insurance market, a reasonable rule of thumb is that if your car is worth less than $4,000, you probably don’t require physical protection. You can cut your rate in half by dropping “physical damage” coverage such as collision and comprehensive.
How Much Is Car Insurance for a 17-Year-Old in CT?
We calculated that a 17-year-old male driver in Connecticut could purchase adequate coverage from Geico for $228 per month, or $2,731 per year.
What Is the Cheapest Insurance for a 16-Year-Old?
Our research indicates that Erie Insurance is the most cost-effective regional insurer for 16-year-olds. For 16-year-olds purchasing their plans, the average premium is $284 per month or $3,410 per year.
How Much Is Insurance for a 17-Year-Old Monthly in Florida?
Average monthly premiums in Florida for full coverage auto insurance are $265, with minimum coverage costing $94. The average cost of full-coverage auto insurance in Florida is 37% higher than the national average.
Can a 17-Year-Old Get Car Insurance in IL?
Being covered under your parent’s plan is the least complicated and most cost-effective option. They can put you on their policy as a driver, or if you have a car of your own (and your parent’s name is on the title), they can include that car as well.
How Much Is Car Insurance for a 17-Year-Old in Maryland?
The average premium estimate for 17-year-old drivers in Maryland is $11,527 per year or $961 per month.
How Much Will My Insurance Cost If I Add My Son?
Car insurance rates can rise by as much as 150% when covering a teen driver. The good news is that discounts and comparison shopping can help parents of teen drivers save money on car insurance. The average annual cost of adding an adolescent between the ages of 16 and 19 to your coverage is $3,726.
How Much Is Insurance for a 17-Year-Old Male in Texas?
The average cost of a 17-year-old’s auto insurance policy in the Lone Star State is $3,231. Drivers who are 17 years old pay more for auto insurance coverage than the average driver in Texas since they are young and thus more dangerous to insure.
How Much Is Car Insurance for an 18-Year-Old in Illinois?
With an average annual estimate of $2,224, or $185 per month, Country Financial often provides the most affordable auto insurance in Illinois for 18-year-old drivers. In Illinois, a new driver may expect to pay an annual average of $4,061 or an average of $338 per month.
Do Permit Drivers Need Insurance in Illinois?
Liability insurance is mandatory in Illinois and pays for the medical bills and property repairs of other drivers in the event of an accident.
Do I Need to Add My Child to My Car Insurance in Illinois?
Insuring your young driver under your existing policy is a good idea. Make sure an insurance ID card is in the car before you go behind the wheel. Driving a vehicle without insurance is illegal. Being covered under your parent’s plan is the least complicated and most cost-effective option.
Conclusion
When compared to purchasing a new policy, adding a teen driver (age 17) to an existing policy can save 55% or more. Insurers typically charge more for teenage drivers due to the perceived increased danger they pose on the road. You may be able to get affordable insurance coverage for your family if you shop, emphasize safety with your teen driver, and take advantage of discounts.Â
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