Cheap Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds
The average rate for 18-year-old drivers is over $500 per month, but there are more affordable options to help young drivers save.
How much is car insurance for an 18-year-old?
In 2024, the average car insurance rate for an 18-year-old driver is $514 per month, adding up to over $3,000 for a six-month policy.
Finding affordable car insurance at this age can be challenging. Despite many 18-year-olds transitioning from high school to adulthood, insurers often classify them as "high-risk" due to limited driving experience. Statistically, younger drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents or receive citations, leading to higher premiums than seasoned drivers.
To help, we’ve compiled a list of the best cheap car insurance options for 18-year-olds and simple tips for saving.
Best cheap insurance companies for 18-year-olds
Average monthly rate: $316
While USAA isn't available to all drivers, it offers below-average rates for those eligible and is known for great service.
Average monthly rate: $317
American Family is an excellent option for those ineligible for USAA, costing just $1 more monthly.
Average monthly rate: $318
GEICO is a well-known name in the industry and offers competitive rates for many drivers, including 18-year-olds.
The cheapest car insurance companies for an 18-year-old driver
In The Zebra's survey of hundreds of top insurance companies, USAA, American Family and GEICO were the cheapest options, but several other solid choices offer below-average rates for younger drivers.
For additional reviews of companies, including smaller-sized and regional carriers, check out our 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey.Â
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| American Family | $2,055 | $343 |
| USAA | $2,363 | $394 |
| GEICO | $2,513 | $419 |
| Nationwide | $3,362 | $560 |
| State Farm | $3,936 | $656 |
| Progressive | $4,148 | $691 |
| Allstate | $4,225 | $704 |
| Farmers | $4,431 | $738 |
Source: The Zebra
The above table illustrates just how much variance exists from company to company. Comparing car insurance quotes is one of the best ways to find a cheap car insurance rate for an 18-year-old. If you can stay on a parent's policy, that will ultimately be the cheapest option.
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
Find auto insurance for a 18-year-old today!
18-year-old male vs. female car insurance ratesÂ
Your gender, like age, ZIP code, and credit score, can impact your insurance premium.[1] Young males are often seen as higher-risk drivers due to statistical tendencies toward riskier behavior, making their rates higher than those of female drivers.[2] However, as you age, the gender-based rate gap narrows. Additionally, some states don’t factor gender into car insurance rates whatsoever. These rates reflect a teen's policy independently, not added to a parent's policy.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,822 | $470 |
| American Family | $1,703 | $284 |
| Farmers | $3,249 | $541 |
| GEICO | $1,693 | $282 |
| Nationwide | $2,108 | $351 |
| Progressive | $3,274 | $546 |
| State Farm | $1,972 | $329 |
| USAA | $1,567 | $261 |
Source: The Zebra
With an older vehicle and a limited budget, you might consider not getting insurance coverage for your car; depending on your situation, comprehensive and collision ("full coverage") may not be needed.
However, your state requires a legal minimum of liability coverage. Some states require very low limits, such as $5,000 for property damage. This is extremely low given the amount it costs to repair new cars. If you only have $5,000 for property damage and rear-end a Lamborghini, for example, it won't cover the damages. This is why we always advise you to raise your liability limits even when you aren't necessarily concerned about your older vehicle.
-Erica Alderate, Licensed Agent and Customer Service Manager at The Zebra
18-year-old car insurance rates by location
Car insurance premiums vary by state due to different laws and regulations. Most states require minimum coverage for bodily injury and property liability, but the specifics depend on where you live.
In 2024, Florida has the highest rates for 18-year-olds, averaging $913 monthly. Other expensive states include Louisiana, Missouri, Rhode Island, and Colorado. Check the table below to see your state’s ranking and average rates.
Source: The Zebra
How to find cheap car insurance as an 18-year-old
Look into the following discount options if you're looking for ways to save money on your auto insurance rate. Although it is exceedingly expensive to insure a teen driver, it isn't impossible. By shopping around with as many insurance companies as possible, you can see all your options and make the best and cheapest choice.
If possible, stay on your parent’s car insurance policy. This is often cheaper than purchasing your own, especially if your parents have a good driving record.
If you maintain a GPA of 3.0 ("B") or higher, many insurance companies reward your academic success with savings. Pairing this with the defensive driver discount can significantly lower your auto insurance costs.
Taking a defensive driving course can lower your risk of accidents and citations, potentially qualifying you for extra savings. Be prepared to provide proof, like a course completion certificate, and check with your insurer to see if they offer this discount.
If you attend school more than 100 miles from the residence listed on your car insurance policy, you can receive a student away-from-home discount. This discount lists the 18-year-old driver as an "infrequent driver."
Consider an affordable, slightly older car to lower insurance rates for teen drivers. These vehicles often have modern safety features but are cheaper to insure. Steer clear of sports cars, as they typically come with higher premiums due to more associated risks.
If you're 18 and shopping for car insurance, take time to explore your options. Talk with an insurance agent or a trusted family member to determine the coverage you need. Compare rates, ask about discounts, and revisit quotes every 6–12 months to find savings. While rates may be high now, safe driving habits will help lower your costs over time.
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FAQs
What determines the price of an auto insurance policy? Insurance Information Institute.
Fatality Facts 2022: Males and Females. IIHS
Related content
- Cheap Car Insurance for 20-Year-Olds
- Cheap Car Insurance for Young Adults
- Cheap Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds
- Cheap Car Insurance for 60-Year-Olds
- Cheap Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds
- Cheap Car Insurance for 23-Year-Olds
- Cheap Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds
- Cheap Car Insurance for 50-Year-Olds
- Cheap Car Insurance for 22-Year-Olds
- Cheap Car Insurance for Teen Drivers
About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.