Cheap Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds

Car insurance for 19-year-old drivers

The average 19-year-old in the US pays an average of $3,319 per year for auto insurance, according to The Zebra's State of Insurance analysis. This is more than twice as much as the national average auto insurance rate. Despite the expensive coverage, drivers do receive a significant decrease in car insurance rates after turning 19. The difference in monthly auto insurance payments for an 18-year-old versus a 19-year-old is more than $110.

Let's explore the cheapest car insurance policies for 19-year-old drivers and a few other important considerations to keep in mind.

Average car insurance rates for 19-year-olds

The Zebra's analysis of eight major insurance companies found that USAA provided the lowest rates for 19-year-old drivers, with all other metrics constant. State Farm placed second. The important thing to keep in mind with our data is that is reflective of a single driver profile.

Rates for 19-year-olds compared to other ages

On average, teen drivers pay $289 more per month than the average rate for all ages. This has to do with the elevated risk presented by young drivers. New drivers have less experience behind the wheel and may take greater risks while driving. This is reflected below in our average car insurance premiums for teens on a family plan.

Car insurance rates by gender for 19-year-olds

Gender is only a substantive rating factor for young drivers. Car insurance companies see young male drivers as statistically more likely to take risks while driving than young female drivers. As such, the average cost of car insurance for a 19-year-old female driver is approximately $200 less expensive per six-month policy. However, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina and California  now ban the use of gender as a rating factor.

How does location impact auto insurance rates for 19-year-old drivers?

Location plays a major part in how much a young driver pays for insurance. The state-regulated nature of auto insurance creates discrepancies in premiums from state-to-state. Most states require mandatory minimum liability coverage to cover damages suffered by other drivers and their property, but the monetary amount of this coverage varies. If you live in a state with high insurance minimums, such as Michigan, expect to pay quite a bit for car insurance as a 19-year-old. States with a lower population density and less-stringent laws, such as Michigan's neighbor Ohio, have more affordable premiums.

Tips: car insurance savings for 19-year-olds

Compare auto insurance rates

Your rate can change every six months for any number of reasons, so it's important to see insurance quotes from as many companies as possible. Your rate can vary significantly depending on the company you choose. Enter your ZIP code below to find an affordable option for you.

Good student discount

If you have a 3.0 GPA or better (a B average), you might be eligible for a good student discount. Your insurance company will require proof of this, usually in the form of a report card or transcript. Pairing a good student discount with the defensive driver discount mentioned below can lead to some legitimate savings.

Defensive driver discount

The defensive driver discount encourages young drivers to pass a professional driving course. The logic behind this is that drivers who have completed this course could be less likely to receive a citation or get into an accident. Not every insurance company offers this discount, so inquire with your company or agent.

Student away from home discount

Commonly available to college students, the student away from home discount rewards teenage drivers who will study more than 100 miles from the address listed on their parents' policy. Insurance companies will adjust for the teen's less frequent driving by discounting rates on the auto insurance policy.

Keep your record spotless

Insurance is a double-edged sword: it's great to have, but using it can have expensive consequences. Keep your auto insurance costs down by avoiding citations or at-fault accidents, which will drastically raise your already-high rates. Citations for violations such as DUI or racing — two of the most expensive citations — raise insurance premiums at least 40%. Many insurance companies offer a good driver discount, which depends on maintaining a clean driving record.

Telematics

Telematics, also known as usage-based insurance, uses in-car devices that monitor your driving habits to help determine your premium. Insurance companies use rating factors that are and aren't directly related to your driving record, such as credit score and age. So, if you're a safe teenage driver, consider telematics insurance as a way to show your true self to your insurance company.