How Much Is Car Insurance for a 17-Year-Old?

A 17-year-old can save money on car insurance by dropping unnecessary coverage, comparing quotes from multiple insurers, and taking full advantage of teen discounts.

How much does car insurance for 17-year-olds cost?

The average monthly cost of car insurance for a 17-year-old is $737. The cost of insuring a 17-year-old, on the other hand, varies greatly depending on the insurer.

Erie, which is available in 13 states, has the lowest monthly rate for 17-year-olds, at $275. USAA has the second-lowest monthly rate, at $360. However, USAA is only available to current and former military personnel, as well as their families.

At a monthly rate of $423, Geico is the cheapest car insurance company for 17-year-olds that is widely available nationwide.

Cost of car insurance for 17-year-olds compared to other ages

Insurance for a 17-year-old is $458 more expensive per month than insurance for a 25-year-old. When a 17-year-old turns 18, their monthly insurance premium will drop by $121.

Why is car insurance so expensive for 17-year-olds?

Young drivers are more expensive to insure because they are statistically more likely to be involved in car accidents and thus pose a higher risk to insurance companies. Although this may appear to be unfair, 17-year-old drivers may find solace in the fact that older, inexperienced drivers also pay higher auto insurance rates.

Drivers gain experience and become less likely to be involved in accidents, resulting in lower rates as long as they avoid traffic accidents and violations.

How do rates differ between 17-year-old male and female drivers?

The average cost of car insurance for 17-year-old male drivers is 9% higher than for female drivers. This is because young male drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents than young female drivers. Male drivers between the ages of 16 and 18 pay more for car insurance than female drivers.

How to save on auto insurance for 17-year-olds

Adding 17-year-olds to their parents' policies rather than getting their own car insurance is the best way to save money on auto insurance. You can also get lower rates by comparing quotes, looking for discounts, and opting for less coverage.

Shop around

The cost of insurance varies greatly depending on where you live. Gathering quotes from several auto insurance providers in your area is the best way to ensure you get the best rates. For 17-year-olds, the cost of the same full-coverage policy can vary by up to $8,724 per year depending on the insurer. The more insurers you contact for quotes, the more likely you are to get the best deal.

Find discounts for 17-year-old drivers

Most insurers provide discounts to young drivers to help offset the high cost of auto insurance. Some insurers, such as Progressive, will even give you a discount just for having a young driver (under the age of 18) on your policy. Here are some common teen driver discounts:

• Good student discount: To qualify for this discount, most insurers require young drivers to have at least a 3.0 GPA — or "B" average. Savings vary by auto insurance company, with some, such as State Farm, offering discounts of up to 25%. Student drivers may also be eligible for such a discount if they are in the top 20% of their class, on the dean's list, or on the honor roll.
• Discount for driver's education: One of the simplest ways to reduce rates for 17-year-old drivers is to enroll in a driver education training course. You may be eligible for a lower premium if you complete a state-approved driver's education course, though some insurers offer their own driver-education or defensive-driver courses. Depending on the insurance company, discounts typically range from 5% to 15%.
• Distant student discount: Some insurers offer discounts to parents whose children attend school far away and leave their cars at home. These discounts can be especially beneficial for parents whose children are in college or boarding school. To qualify, the student must be under the age of 23 and attend school at least 100 miles away.

Drop comprehensive and collision coverages for cheaper cars

If you're insuring a less expensive vehicle, you can save money by skipping collision and comprehensive coverage. We typically advise against purchasing full coverage for vehicles worth less than a few thousand dollars.

Many vehicle equipment discounts, such as those for air bags, anti-lock brakes, and anti-theft alarms, may be ineligible for less expensive or older vehicles. However, the amount you can save with these discounts is usually less than the amount you can save by foregoing comprehensive and collision coverage.

How to get car insurance for a 17-year-old

If you're a parent who wants to add a 17-year-old driver to your policy, it's usually as simple as contacting your insurer or updating your policy online. This is the least expensive option for insuring these drivers, but it may still result in a significant premium increase.

Can a 17-year-old get their own car insurance?

The majority of states permit 17-year-olds to own and insure their own vehicles. However, before a minor can register a vehicle, many states require a parent to sign a certificate of consent or otherwise grant permission. Some insurers will not provide insurance to a 17-year-old without the signature of a parent.

After obtaining permission, the 17-year-old should learn how to gather and compare quotes when purchasing auto insurance. Use our quote tool above to begin comparing car insurance prices in your area.

How to get insurance with a learner's permit

Teens with learner's permits may be covered by their parent's policy and thus do not need to be added as a driver. This varies by insurer, so the best way to be certain is to contact your insurer and inform them that a teen with a learner's permit will be driving a car covered by your policy.

If your insurer says your policy already covers provisional drivers, your insurance rates are unlikely to rise.