Cheapest Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds: Rates and How to Save

The cheapest car insurance for 19-year-olds starts at $151 per month with GEICO on a family policy for minimum coverage. A family policy can help you save thousands annually.

Find out if you're overpaying for car insurance below.

Written by Mark Fitzpatrick

Updated: May 7, 2026

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Low-Cost Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds: MoneyGeek’s Take

GEICO has the cheapest minimum coverage for 19-year-olds at $151 per month on a family policy. On a standalone individual policy that rises to $186 per month. GEICO offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance for 19-year-olds at $181 per month on a family policy, saving drivers $78 per month compared to the next most expensive carrier, Farmers, at $259.

The average cost of car insurance for a 19-year-old is $183 per month on a family policy for minimum coverage and $204 per month for full coverage, with the next meaningful rate drop typically coming at 21.

Rates dropped roughly 11% from 18 to 19. Staying on a family policy is still cheaper for most carriers, but the gap has narrowed to as little as $14 per month with State Farm.

Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds

GEICO is the cheapest carrier for minimum coverage at $151 per month on a family policy. State Farm matches GEICO’s individual rate exactly at $186 per month while charging just $172 on a family policy — a gap of only $14 per month, the narrowest of any carrier we analyzed. For 19-year-olds seriously considering their own policy, State Farm is the carrier to quote first.

Minimum coverage meets your state’s legal requirements but leaves you paying out of pocket for damage to your own vehicle in an at-fault accident. For older paid-off cars it’s a reasonable choice. For newer or financed vehicles, full coverage is required by your lender regardless of cost.

Family policy rates reflect adding a 19-year-old to a parent’s policy. Individual policy rates reflect a standalone policy in the 19-year-old’s name.


GEICO	$151	$186
Nationwide	$167	$281
Travelers	$171	$211
State Farm	$172	$186
Allstate	$178	$220
Progressive	$215	$266
Farmers	$224	$267

FAMILY VS. INDIVIDUAL POLICY: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

A family policy adds you to a parent’s or family member's existing policy, which is almost always cheaper because the premium is spread across multiple drivers and a longer policy history. An individual policy is in your name only, which often costs more but gives you full control and builds your own insurance record. Most insurers require a shared permanent address to stay on a family policy, so moving out usually means getting your own. One exception: if you’re a full-time college student living away from home but not taking a car, most insurers let you stay on the family policy and may offer a distant student discount of 10% to 20%.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds

Nationwide leads on full coverage at $172 per month on a family policy. GEICO follows at $181 per month. On a standalone individual policy Nationwide rises sharply to $282 per month while GEICO climbs more moderately to $219, making GEICO the better option for 19-year-olds on an individual full coverage policy. State Farm again shows the narrowest family-to-individual gap at $16 per month on full coverage.

A practical rule for deciding between full and minimum coverage: if your annual comprehensive and collision premium exceeds 10% of your car’s current market value, dropping full coverage is usually the right financial call. For most 19-year-olds driving older hand-me-down vehicles worth less than $4,000 to $5,000, minimum coverage makes sense. If your car is newer or financed, full coverage is not optional.

Our Take on the Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies for 19-Year-Olds

We combined our rate analysis for 19-year-olds with our MoneyGeek scoring system to identify the two best companies for this age group. At 19 the choice increasingly depends on whether you’re staying on a family policy or going independent, and those two scenarios point to different carriers.

4.7/5 MoneyGeek Score

GEICO

GEICO is the cheapest carrier for 19-year-olds on a family policy for minimum coverage at $151 per month, and it’s also the best individual policy option for full coverage at $219 per month. Its fully digital experience suits 19-year-olds managing their own policy for the first time, and it carries an A++ AM Best rating for financial stability. The tradeoff is claims service: GEICO scores 697 out of 1,000 on J.D. Power, slightly below the industry average. For drivers focused on rate and comfortable managing their policy digitally, GEICO is the right starting point.

4.4/5 MoneyGeek Score

State Farm

State Farm is the standout carrier for 19-year-olds weighing a standalone policy for the first time. Its family-to-individual gap is the narrowest of any carrier we analyzed at just $14 per month on minimum coverage and $16 on full coverage, which means the financial case for going independent is strongest here. State Farm’s J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction score of 716 is above the industry average, and its agent network provides personal support that matters more if you’re managing your own policy without a parent involved. Steer Clear (up to 20% savings) and Drive Safe & Save (up to 30%) stack for some of the largest combined discounts available at this age.

How We Rate Auto Insurers

Cheapest Car Insurance for 19-Year-Old Drivers by State

State is one of the biggest factors in what a 19-year-old pays. In our analysis, minimum coverage on a family policy ranges from $57 per month in Hawaii and Mississippi to $251 per month in Louisiana — a roughly 5x difference driven by state minimum requirements, local traffic density and accident rates. GEICO and State Farm each lead in a substantial number of states, with Travelers, Nationwide, Allstate and Progressive each winning in several others. Always compare quotes from multiple carriers in your state to find your actual floor.

Rates below reflect minimum coverage on a family policy. This dataset covers national carriers only, but regional insurers may offer lower rates in some states.


Alabama	GEICO	$114
Alaska	GEICO	$131
Arizona	Travelers	$116
Arkansas	Allstate	$128
California	GEICO	$157
Colorado	GEICO	$123
Connecticut	GEICO	$104
Delaware	Travelers	$141
District of Columbia	GEICO	$113
Florida	GEICO	$186
Georgia	Allstate	$111
Hawaii	GEICO	$57
Idaho	State Farm	$74
Illinois	Allstate	$131
Indiana	GEICO	$95
Iowa	Allstate	$107
Kansas	Nationwide	$104
Kentucky	Allstate	$128
Louisiana	State Farm	$251
Maine	Travelers	$95
Maryland	Progressive	$141
Massachusetts	State Farm	$61
Michigan	GEICO	$153
Minnesota	State Farm	$148
Mississippi	Progressive	$57
Missouri	GEICO	$91
Montana	Progressive	$96
Nebraska	Allstate	$138
Nevada	State Farm	$167
New Hampshire	Allstate	$111
New Jersey	GEICO	$154
New Mexico	State Farm	$126
New York	Progressive	$160
North Carolina	Progressive	$80
North Dakota	Nationwide	$116
Ohio	Nationwide	$99
Oklahoma	Allstate	$130
Oregon	State Farm	$107
Pennsylvania	Travelers	$84
Rhode Island	Travelers	$132
South Carolina	Travelers	$162
South Dakota	Allstate	$98
Tennessee	State Farm	$117
Texas	State Farm	$138
Utah	Nationwide	$133
Vermont	State Farm	$86
Virginia	Nationwide	$112
Washington	GEICO	$134
West Virginia	GEICO	$129
Wisconsin	GEICO	$93
Wyoming	Allstate	$127

Cheapest Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds by Gender

Male 19-year-olds pay more than female drivers of the same age across every carrier we analyzed, though the gap has narrowed from earlier teen years. On minimum coverage the difference averages $13 per month on a family policy. On full coverage it widens to $15 per month. As at 18, State Farm shows the smallest spread between family and individual rates across both genders, while Nationwide carries the largest individual-policy premium for males on full coverage. California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania do not allow gender as a pricing factor.

Cheapest Car Insurance for 19-Year-Old Female Drivers

Family policy average: $176 per month. Individual policy average: $219 per month.
GEICO
$146
$180
State Farm
$158
$170
Nationwide
$162
$259
Travelers
$163
$197
Allstate
$172
$211
Progressive
$207
$253
Farmers
$222
$262
Family policy average: $197 per month. Individual policy average: $242 per month.
Nationwide
$167
$261
GEICO
$176
$213
State Farm
$180
$193
Travelers
$183
$220
Allstate
$187
$233
Progressive
$229
$276
Farmers
$258
$300
Family policy average: $189 per month. Individual policy average: $243 per month.
GEICO
$156
$192
Nationwide
$173
$303
Travelers
$179
$224
Allstate
$184
$228
State Farm
$185
$202
Progressive
$222
$279
Farmers
$225
$271
Family policy average: $212 per month. Individual policy average: $267 per month.
Nationwide
$178
$304
GEICO
$186
$225
Travelers
$201
$250
Allstate
$201
$250
State Farm
$211
$229
Progressive
$245
$303
Farmers
$261
$309


GEICO	$146	$180
State Farm	$158	$170
Nationwide	$162	$259
Travelers	$163	$197
Allstate	$172	$211
Progressive	$207	$253
Farmers	$222	$262


Nationwide	$167	$261
GEICO	$176	$213
State Farm	$180	$193
Travelers	$183	$220
Allstate	$187	$233
Progressive	$229	$276
Farmers	$258	$300


GEICO	$156	$192
Nationwide	$173	$303
Travelers	$179	$224
Allstate	$184	$228
State Farm	$185	$202
Progressive	$222	$279
Farmers	$225	$271


Nationwide	$178	$304
GEICO	$186	$225
Travelers	$201	$250
Allstate	$201	$250
State Farm	$211	$229
Progressive	$245	$303
Farmers	$261	$309

WHEN DO CAR INSURANCE RATES GO DOWN FOR 19-YEAR-OLDS?

Rates dropped roughly 11% from 18 to 19 in our data. The next meaningful reduction for most drivers comes at 21, when many insurers move young drivers from high-risk to moderate-risk classification. The largest single drop for most drivers still comes at 25. Maintaining a clean record between now and those milestones is the single most effective thing a 19-year-old can do to keep rates falling. See our full guide to when car insurance rates go down.

How 19-Year-Olds Can Get Cheap Car Insurance

Rates are dropping at 19 and the strategies that move the needle are starting to shift. You have more negotiating power than you did at 16 or 17, and more of the decisions are yours to make independently.

1
Reassess the family policy vs. standalone decision
This is your biggest money-saver. Family policies include multi-car discounts and benefit from your parents' established insurance history. Going solo costs 50% to 100% more.
2
Compare quotes from at least three carriers
The gap between cheapest and most expensive national carrier for a 19-year-old still exceeds $1,000 per year for full coverage on an individual policy. Comparison shopping has more impact at this age than most 19-year-olds expect, particularly if your situation has changed since the last renewal.
3
Stack discounts while you still qualify
Good student discounts save 10% to 25% for drivers maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher — one of the last ages where this discount applies for most carriers. State Farm’s Steer Clear program is available until age 25. Stacking it with Drive Safe & Save produces some of the largest combined savings at this age. GEICO’s DriveEasy and Progressive’s Snapshot are strong alternatives.
4
Bundle auto with renters insurance if you’re moving out
If you’re moving into your own place, bundling auto with renters insurance with the same carrier saves 10% to 15% on both policies. Most 19-year-olds moving out need renters insurance anyway, so bundling is one of the easiest savings available at this life stage.
5
Match coverage to your vehicle’s value
If you’re driving an older car worth less than $4,000 to $5,000, dropping comprehensive and collision coverage saves money without leaving you significantly exposed. For newer or financed vehicles, raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 cuts premiums 15% to 20% while maintaining full protection.
6
Enroll in a usage-based program
Usage-based programs from GEICO (DriveEasy), Progressive (Snapshot) and State Farm (Drive Safe & Save) reward safe driving with discounts of 10% to 30%. At 19 you likely have enough driving history to score well, and a full policy period of clean telematics data can produce a meaningful rate reduction at renewal.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SHOPPING: EXPERT TIP

Ensure the company you choose has optional coverages that are helpful for a teen driver or any driver to have on their policy. They include roadside assistance and rental car coverage.

— Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute

19-Year-Old Car Insurance: Bottom Line

Nationwide leads on full coverage at $172 per month on a family policy and GEICO leads on minimum coverage at $151 per month. The family-vs-individual decision is worth revisiting at this age — State Farm's gap between the two is just $14 per month, the narrowest of any carrier we analyzed. Compare quotes from at least three carriers before renewing.

Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds: FAQ

Finding the best affordable car insurance for 19-year-olds can be challenging due to the risk factors that drive up premiums for this age group. We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you:

Is it cheaper to stay on a parent’s policy at 19?

For most carriers yes, but the gap is smaller than at 18. State Farm’s family-to-individual difference is just $14 per month on minimum coverage at 19. If you’re living independently or heading to college, get both quotes before renewing. The standalone policy may now be competitive enough to justify the switch.

Does a 19-year-old’s driving record affect the family policy?

Yes. A violation or at-fault accident on a 19-year-old’s record raises the entire family policy premium, not just the 19-year-old’s portion. If your teen has had a recent incident, removing them from the family policy and getting a standalone quote is worth running the numbers on.

What discounts are available for 19-year-olds?

Good student discounts (10% to 25% for a 3.0 GPA or higher), usage-based driving programs (10% to 30%), and defensive driving course discounts (5% to 15%) are all available at 19. State Farm’s Steer Clear program applies through age 25. If you’re moving out, bundling auto and renters insurance saves 10% to 15% on both.

How does moving out affect my car insurance?

Moving out permanently means you typically need your own policy, as most insurers require a shared address for a driver to remain on a family policy. Your new rate will depend on your new ZIP code. Urban areas generally cost more than suburban or rural ones. Get quotes before and after the move to understand the full cost impact.

Affordable Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds: Our Methodology

MoneyGeek analyzed 54,284 quotes from six major insurance companies across 1,000 ZIP codes nationwide using data from Quadrant Information Services and state insurance departments. Learn more about MoneyGeek’s full methodology.

Our Baseline Profile

Our baseline driver is a 19-year-old operating a 2012 Toyota Camry LE with a clean record, 12,000 miles driven annually and no established credit score. From that starting point we adjusted for gender, state, driving record and coverage level to show how each factor affects what 19-year-olds actually pay. All family policy rates reflect adding a 19-year-old to a parent’s policy. Individual policy rates reflect a standalone policy in the 19-year-old’s name.

Coverage Levels

Minimum coverage rates use each state’s required liability limits only. Full coverage rates use 100/300/100 liability limits with a $1,000 deductible, meaning $100,000 bodily injury per person, $300,000 per accident and $100,000 property damage.

Quality Scoring

Our MoneyGeek Score weights affordability at 60% based on our quote data, coverage options at 20% and customer service at 20% based on J.D. Power ratings. Service quality matters alongside rate for a driver profile still carrying above-average claim risk.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident insurance expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for almost a decade, first with LendingTree and now with MoneyGeek, conducting original research on hundreds of insurance companies and millions of insurance rates for insurance shoppers.

He writes about economics and insurance on MoneyGeek, breaking down complex topics so people can have confidence in their purchase. Like all MoneyGeek analysts, Mark collects and analyzes independent cost and consumer experience data on insurance companies to provide objective recommendations in our content that are independent of any of MoneyGeek's insurance company partnerships.

His insights on products ranging from car, home and renters insurance to health and life insurance have been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among others.

Mark holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He started his career working in financial risk management at State Street before transitioning to the analysis of the personal insurance market. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

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