Best Cheap Car Insurance for New Drivers (2026)
- New adult drivers pay an average of $1,521 for a six month policy (experienced drivers pay $1,145)
- Teen drivers often pay double that, with average 6-month rates around $2,993
- Travelers and GEICO offer the most affordable car insurance to new drivers
Use The Zebra to get the best car insurance for new drivers from GEICO, Travelers, and 100+ other companies.
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Who has the cheapest car insurance for new drivers?
New drivers should explore Travelers and GEICO for coverage for their first time behind the wheel. These companies offer the most affordable rates even without driving history. According to our data, a 30-year old driver with no insurance history can expect to pay $1,521 for a six month policy.[1] Teen drivers, however, see much higher premiums, with average rates around $2,993 for six months.
Updating data...
| Company | No history | 1 year of coverage | 3 years of coverage | % increase - No coverage vs 1 year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Family | $2,111 | $1,753 | $1,696 | 20% |
| Allstate | $2,100 | $2,011 | $1,917 | 4% |
| Farmers | $1,743 | $1,598 | $1,530 | 9% |
| State Farm | $1,482 | $1,482 | $1,482 | 0% |
| Progressive | $1,296 | $1,244 | $1,246 | 4% |
| USAA | $1,258 | $1,179 | $1,139 | 7% |
| GEICO | $1,113 | $1,066 | $1,035 | 4% |
| Travelers | $1,061 | $1,049 | $1,027 | 1% |
Source: The Zebra
These rates reflect a 30-year old driver on their own policy.
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.
Rates in this table can help paint a picture of what average car insurance premiums can look like for a first-time driver, as well as how they can change after time with coverage. But remember, the "best deal" can be pretty subjective, heavily depending on your unique situation — what's cheapest on paper might not be the most cost-effective for you in reality.
Typically, insurers consider a driver "new" until they have three years of U.S. driving experience. Establishing a safe driving record over time will reduce rates.
New and seasoned drivers alike can compare car quotes and find an affordable policy.
Cheap car insurance for teen drivers
Teenaged drivers are treated differently by insurance companies than are their more experienced peers. Even adult first-time drivers tend to pay less in premiums than teenagers. Insurance companies see teens as the highest risk group due to inexperience on the road. Check out the table below for average rates for teens from top companies, or dive deeper into car insurance for teens.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. Monthly Premium | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $672 | $4,035 |
| Farmers | $438 | $2,629 |
| GEICO | $392 | $2,354 |
| Nationwide | $479 | $2,873 |
| Progressive | $458 | $2,747 |
| State Farm | $599 | $3,597 |
| USAA | $453 | $2,719 |
Source: The Zebra
The rates featured reflect a teen on a parent's insurance policy
Staying on a parent's car insurance policy is often the cheapest option for young drivers, potentially saving them thousands of dollars a year. Teens and other household members who regularly drive your car should be added to your policy— even those with a learner's permit can get coverage. College students may also qualify.
Car Insurance for Teen Drivers
Follow our guide to finding affordable auto insurance for teen drivers and how to get the best value for your policy.
What is the best insurance company for new drivers?
The Zebra's experts consider State Farm, USAA, and Nationwide the best insurance companies for new drivers thanks to their cheap rates, wide availability, and relevant discounts and programs. Read about the unique features offered by each company that especially suit first-time drivers.
State Farm
- Drive Safe & Save telematics program rewards safe driving behavior.
- Those under 25 with no accidents or violations can receive up to 15% off after completing the Steer Clear driving course.
- Good student discount for students under 25.
- Driver Training discount for those under 21 who complete an approved driver education course.
USAA
- The USAA SafePilot telematics program offers savings to safe drivers.
- A driver training course discount for drivers under 21.
- A good student discount (except in HI and NC).
- 10% family discount for when children of members get their own policy.
Nationwide
- A good student discount for young drivers with a B average or higher.
- Accident forgiveness ensures no rate hikes after the first at-fault accident.
- Roadside assistance for unexpected breakdowns.
- The Nationwide SmartRide program assesses driving habits for potentially more accurate and cheaper rates.
While we recommend these companies due to their nationwide availability, it's worth noting that regional companies are also worth considering. Smaller insurance providers can also offer competitive rates
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Progressive | $1,229 |
| Nationwide | $1,465 |
| Safeway | $1,185 |
| Allstate | $1,129 |
| USAA | $1,071 |
| American Independent Ins Co | $1,552 |
| MetLife | $2,697 |
| GEICO | $809 |
| Country | $1,160 |
| Auto-Owners | $798 |
Source: The Zebra
How to find the best cheap car insurance for new drivers
Whether you're a young driver or an adult who got their license later in life, you may be worried about high rates due to driving inexperience. Use the checklist below as a guide to finding the best and cheapest car insurance policy for your unique circumstances.
Shopping around with multiple companies is the best way to find the best fit for your needs and budget
If possible, a policy with higher deductibles or lower coverage limits will be more affordable.
New drivers may be eligible for discounts related to good grades, driver safety programs, and more.
Sports cars and luxury vehicles cost more to insure. Choosing a less expensive vehicle will also mean lower insurance rates.
Insurance comparison checklist for new drivers:
✓ Affordable rates
✓ A positive reputation
✓ Strong financial stability
✓ Adequate coverage
✓ Accident forgiveness
✓ Roadside assistance programs
✓ Usage-based insurance plans
✓ Relevant discounts
✓ A good mobile app
Car insurance company checklist for new drivers
Does the auto insurance company offer:
✓ Affordable rates
Finding the best rate isn't just about chasing discounts; sometimes a company offers a lower overall price without them, much like how Amazon might have the lowest price despite other stores offering multiple discounts on the same item. This is why comparison shopping is so important!
✓ A positive reputation and strong financial stability
The Zebra's detailed insurer reviews will list data from reputable sources including A.M. Best, the NAIC, J.D. Power, The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction survey, and sites like Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot. You want an insurer that is responsive, pays out claims, and is easy to get ahold of.
✓ Adequate coverage
Some companies offer several coverage options, others may provide only one or two basic options. Still others, like Lemonade, let drivers select and pay only for the coverage they deem necessary, sometimes leading to lower rates because drivers aren't bundled into one-size-fits-all plans. Roughly 38% of The Zebra's customers go for "basic" coverage, which is a full coverage policy with elevated liability limits, typically 50/100/50.
✓ Accident forgiveness
This prevents a driver's insurance rate from going up after their first at-fault accident. Especially helpful considering the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports accident rates are significantly higher among younger, newer drivers.
✓ Roadside assistance programs
This can provide new drivers with immediate support during unforeseen breakdowns or incidents, fostering confidence on the road. See our comparison of roadside assistance programs here.
✓ Usage-based insurance plans
Also known as telematics, usage-based insurance can help keep dangerous driving behaviors in check and reward safe driving habits.
✓ Relevant discounts
While mostly geared towards younger drivers, many new drivers can benefit from discounts such as those related to making good grades or being a good driver. We especially like driver safety program discounts as they not only lower rates but help new drivers feel more confident and drive safer. Read more about discounts available to new drivers here.
✓ A good mobile app
While not a necessity, a good insurance app can help you keep all your information in one place and even allow you to file claims, track their status, and access customer support directly from your mobile device. The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey ranked USAA, State Farm, GEICO, and Allstate all ranked highly for online and mobile satisfaction. Read the details about each insurance app here.
What kind of coverage do I need as a new driver?
Choosing the right car insurance coverage can feel overwhelming when you're a new driver. Follow these three steps to find the coverage that fits your needs.
- Check your state's minimum coverage requirements. Each state sets its own insurance requirements, including minimum liability limits for bodily injury and property damage. You'll need to meet these requirements to drive legally.
-
Check your lender's requirements. If you lease or finance your car, your lender will likely require comprehensive and collision coverage, along with specific coverage limits.
-
Choose your coverage limits and deductibles. Depending on your needs, you can select your state's minimum liability limits or higher limits, such as 50/100/50 or 100/300/100, for more protection. If you add comprehensive and collision coverage, common deductible options include $500 and $1,000.
Your coverage choices directly affect your insurance costs. A policy with minimum liability coverage is usually the cheapest option, but it also offers the least protection. The Zebra's experts recommend liability limits of at least 50/100/50, plus comprehensive and collision coverage, unless your car is worth less than $4,000.
Common car insurance discounts for new drivers
Car insurance discounts new drivers and their parents should look out for include multi-policy (bundling), multi-car, defensive driving, equipment, good driver, profession, and good student discounts. Read details about each below, but remember that many are subject to state and insurer restrictions.
| Discount | Details |
|---|---|
| Multi-policy | Bundling home and auto insurance is one of the most effective ways to save on premiums. |
| Multi-car | A multi-car discount refers to insuring multiple vehicles with the same company. If you start with two cars, it's added from the beginning; otherwise, it's applied to your policy when a second car joins the policy |
| Defensive driving | By showing proof of completion of a defensive driving course to your insurer, you can earn a discount. Such courses enhance safety, reducing insurance risks and costs. |
| Equipment | Some insurers offer discounts for cars with anti-theft features, like alarms or LoJack. While these savings are usually smaller than other discounts, make sure your insurer knows about any anti-theft devices in your car when getting a quote. |
| Good driver | Drivers with a clean driving record — no at-fault accidents or traffic violations — may qualify for this discount. Insurers typically apply it when they check your driving record at the start of your policy. |
| Profession/occupation | Some insurers offer discounts to professionals like teachers, doctors and police officers because they tend to file fewer claims. You may need to provide proof of your profession or a copy of your degree to qualify. |
| Good student | If you're under 25 with a B average (3.0 GPA) or higher, inquire about a good student discount with your insurance company. They usually ask for proof in the form of a transcript every 6-12 months. |
"Obey the law, stay alert and avoid a lapse in coverage. Any tickets, accidents, or lapse can affect/raise the rate for years to come."
Analisa Pina — Licensed insurance advisor at The Zebra
The bottom line: Compare car insurance quotes before you buy
At the end of the day, all the discounts in the world won’t matter if you choose the wrong company. Some auto insurance companies will see your age and driving background as too great a liability and apply exorbitant premiums. Shopping around every six months can help ensure you’re getting the best rate for your driving profile. To get started, enter your ZIP below to see car insurance quotes from a number of top insurance companies.
Get personalized insurance rates in less than 5 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
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.
