Although drivers aged 17 have an average of one year experience, insurance companies still consider them inexperienced drivers. Adding a teen driver to your auto insurance policy will likely increase your premium, but understanding what makes up your teen’s rate and how to keep costs as low as possible might help you find the best car insurance for your family.
Quadrant Information Services provided us with premium information in our search for the best 17-year old car insurance. We also looked at the coverages, discounts and policy features of the top insurers in America by market share. Our research may help you find the right coverage for your 17-year old driver.
What is the cost of car insurance for a 17 year old?
For a 17-year old driver, the average cost of full-coverage car insurance is $2376 per annum. For comparison, the average cost of full coverage car insurance in the U.S. is $1,674 per year. This premium is due to the fact that 17-year-olds cannot purchase a policy for themselves and are not considered minors. This does not include the cost of insuring a vehicle that your 17-year old will drive.
Due to their lack of driving experience, teens are the most costly drivers to insure. According to the Centers for Disease Control, teens between the ages of 16 and 19 are at a greater risk of car crashes than any other age group. Insurance companies charge more for teenage drivers because there’s a higher chance that they will file a claim.
Average car insurance cost for 17-year old men and women
Gender is often considered when determining car insurance rates. In general, males pay more for car insurance because men are more likely to be risky drivers, engaging in driving habits like speeding and not wearing seat belts. Males are considered to be at greater risk and are therefore charged more.
Below is the table that shows the average premium for full coverage annually for male and female 17-year-old drivers.
These rates don’t take into account traffic violations or accidents. A higher rate of car insurance will be imposed if you have traffic violations or accidents on your driving record. Your location can also impact your car insurance premium.
Average car insurance costs for 17-year olds, by state
Rates will vary depending on where you live, as each state has its own insurance laws. Each state has its own statistics regarding the severity and cost of car accidents, as well as the likelihood of weather-related damage.
Below is a table showing the average premium for full coverage car insurance for males and women aged 17 years old, by state. In some states, such as Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, insurance companies cannot use gender to determine premiums.
Best car insurance companies 17-year olds can choose from
It can be crucial to choose a company that offers coverage and discounts tailored to 17-year old drivers. The following companies may be worth considering when you are looking for the best car insurance policy for 17-year olds.
Allstate
Although Allstate’s average premium of 17-year-olds is close to the national average, the company still has much to offer. The Drivewise program can help your teen learn safe driving habits and allow you to monitor their driving patterns, all while saving you money. Smart students may also be eligible for a discount. But perhaps the most alluring feature of all is the teenSMART safety program. This program targets teens and addresses the driving habits that are responsible for most teen car crashes. Allstate customers receive a discount, although the program is expensive.
All over the country
Nationwide has affordable rates and offers discounts for teenagers. Nationwide also offers accident forgiveness which allows you to avoid any rate increases after your first accident at fault or minor traffic violation. Students who are full-time and have a minimum of a B average in school can get a discount on their premium. Drivers have the option of the vanishing deduction, which lets you earn $100 on your deductible for every year of safe driving up to $500.
Erie
Erie offers competitive rates for teens drivers, as well as a variety of coverage options and discounts that are tailored to this age group. The carrier’s rental and roadside bundle might provide you with peace of mind that your 17 year old driver will be taken care during an emergency. Erie’s Rate Lock feature allows policyholders to lock in their rates. They will only experience a change if any adjustments are made to their policy like adding or changing an address. Erie offers a discount for unmarried drivers younger than 21 who live in the same state as their parents, except North Carolina.
State Farm
State Farm may be an option for teens whose parents prefer to keep all of their policies in one location. State Farm offers a variety of financial and insurance products that are sold and managed locally by a network. Teens might be able to save money with State Farm by being good students, taking a driver education course and participating in the company’s Steer Clear safe driving program. If you’re looking for a company that has a track record of success, State Farm is the right choice. State Farm is the largest insurer of personal autos in the U.S.
Car insurance for 17-year olds at the lowest price
Teens are costly to insure so many families want the best coverage. A company that offers low average rates can help you keep your costs down.
These companies offer rates that are lower than those for 17-year old drivers. However, you should keep in mind that your rating factors will affect the premium you pay for your teen. Your premium will be affected by your teen’s driving record and the car they drive.
How to get car insurance for a 17-year old.
There are many ways to save money, even though the cost of insuring a teenage driver can seem overwhelming. Many insurance companies offer discounts to offset the increase in premiums you will see after you add your 17-year old driver.
Good student discounts
Many insurance companies offer discounts for students who maintain high school grades. Each company has its own requirements, so make sure you check with your carrier to confirm if your 17 year old qualifies. This table shows how much a student discount can decrease your annual premium.
Mileage tracking or reduced mileage
Low mileage drivers can often get lower rates from insurance companies. Teens may be only driving to school, so this can help to reduce premiums. You may also be able to use usage-based driving programs from your provider. These programs track your teen’s driving habits and adjust your premium according to the actual miles he has driven.
Discounts for safe driving
Maintaining a clean driving record is one of the best ways to lower your car insurance premium. Insurance companies will offer a safe driving discount if drivers aren’t involved in accidents or traffic violations for a specified number of years. This varies from carrier to carrier. Many insurance companies offer discounts to track your driving habits via a plug-in or mobile app.
How to get the best car coverage for a 17 year old
Teen drivers are considered a higher risk and therefore more expensive to insure. You can still find the right insurance policy for you and your family by getting quotes from several companies, teaching safe driving habits to your teen, and taking advantage any discounts that are available.
Questions frequently asked
Which is the best auto insurance company?
Selecting the best car insurance company means finding the insurance provider that is capable of meeting your unique needs. Every person is different and so the best insurance company will be different. Comparing insurance quotes and comparing coverages and discounts can help you choose the right policy.
Do I need to adjust my coverage to include a teen driver in my policy?
Your premium can be significantly increased by adding a teenage driver to your policy. You may feel tempted to lower your coverage in order to save money. Insurance professionals don’t recommend lowering your coverage limits for teens because they are considered high-risk drivers. It is a good idea to take advantage of any discounts you can. This will help you save money while ensuring that your insurance coverage is adequate.
Do I need to add my teenage child to my car insurance policy?
A 16- or 17 year-old driver will need to be added to your policy as a licensed driver. Drivers over 18 can buy their own insurance policies. Older teenagers may pay more if they have their own policy than if they remain on their parents’. Your insurance company will allow your teenager to remain on your policy as long as they live with you or on a college campus.
What car should a 17 year-old driver?
The car your teen drives will have a big impact on how much insurance will cost. Because of accident statistics, the price of parts and labor and available safety features, some cars are cheaper to insure than others. Most insurance professionals recommend getting quotes before purchasing a vehicle for your teen. This will ensure that there are no unexpected costs when you add your vehicle and teen to your insurance policy. It also gives you a better understanding of the financial implications of buying a car for your teenager.
