How Much Is Car Insurance for a 19-Year-Old in 2024?


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Updated: May 20, 2024

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The average cost of car insurance for a 19-year-old on a family policy is about $234 for males and $216 for females per month — male teen drivers typically pay more as they're seen as a higher risk.

Nineteen-year-olds often pay slightly lower insurance premiums than 16-year-olds due to their additional experience but may face higher costs if they hold their own policy. Lifestyle factors, such as being a college student or starting a career, also significantly affect their insurance needs and options.

Key Takeaways

The average annual cost for a 19-year-old on a family full coverage car insurance policy is $2,699. Opting for an individual policy, however, nearly doubles the annual premium to $5,372.

For 19-year-olds, maintaining a clean driving record is crucial. Any infractions or accidents can significantly increase insurance premiums, as insurers assess risk based on driving behavior.

Utilizing available discounts, such as those for good students or safe driving courses, can lead to substantial savings. Nineteen-year-olds should also compare rates from different insurers to find the most cost-effective policy that suits their needs.

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These rates reflect the average cost of car insurance for 19-year-old teens as of 2024.

Average Cost of Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds by Gender

On average, the cost of a full coverage car insurance policy for a 19-year-old on a family policy is:

  • For male teens: $2,806 per year; $234 per month
  • For female teens: $2,592 per year; $216 per month

Male teens between 16 and 19 typically pay more for car insurance due to their higher risk profile. Statistics show that male teens are more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors and experience accidents, leading to higher costs than female teens.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
MaleFamily Policy Annual Premium$2,806Family Policy Monthly Premium$234
FemaleFamily Policy Annual Premium$2,592Family Policy Monthly Premium$216
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WHY CAR INSURANCE IS EXPENSIVE FOR 19-YEAR-OLDS

At 19, drivers are often considered high-risk by insurance companies due to their limited driving experience and higher statistical likelihood of being involved in accidents.

Nineteen-year-olds pay slightly lower premiums than 16-year-olds, on average, due to their additional years of driving experience. However, being on their own policy can offset these savings.

The best way for teens to get cheap car insurance is for them to stay on their parents’ policy until they move out of the family home or purchase their own car.

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for 19-Year-Olds

The cheapest car insurance companies for a 19-year-old on a family policy are:

Full Coverage Policy:

  • Nationwide ($2,066 per year; $172 per month)
  • GEICO ($2,168 per year; $181 per month)

Liability-Only Policy:

  • GEICO ($492 per year; $41 per month)
  • Travelers ($497 per year; $41 per month)

For 19-year-old drivers, shopping for car insurance and comparing at least three quotes can significantly reduce costs. Not comparing means you could end up paying hundreds more per year for identical coverage.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
NationwideFamily Policy Annual Premium$2,066Family Policy Monthly Premium$172
GEICOFamily Policy Annual Premium$2,168Family Policy Monthly Premium$181
TravelersFamily Policy Annual Premium$2,305Family Policy Monthly Premium$192
AllstateFamily Policy Annual Premium$2,326Family Policy Monthly Premium$194
State FarmFamily Policy Annual Premium$2,344Family Policy Monthly Premium$195
ProgressiveFamily Policy Annual Premium$2,845Family Policy Monthly Premium$237
FarmersFamily Policy Annual Premium$3,111Family Policy Monthly Premium$259

Average Cost of Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds by Coverage

The average car insurance costs for a 19-year-old male on a family policy by coverage level are:

  • Liability-only insurance: $498 per year; $42 per month
  • Full coverage insurance: $2,699 per year; $225 per month

The 10% rule suggests that the insurance policy is likely too costly if annual insurance premiums exceed 10% of your car's value.

To save on a full coverage policy, have your teen drive your oldest, safest car. If you're in a safe area with secure parking and your teen drives infrequently, a liability-only policy might be a more economical choice.

State Minimum Liability OnlyFamily Policy Annual Premium$498Family Policy Monthly Premium$42
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.Family Policy Annual Premium$2,699Family Policy Monthly Premium$225
300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.Family Policy Annual Premium$3,189Family Policy Monthly Premium$266

Average Cost of Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds on an Individual vs. Family Policy

A 19-year-old teen, on average, will pay $2,673 more for a solo policy versus being added to a family policy:

  • Added to the family policy: $2,699 per year
  • On an individual policy: $5,372 per year

While 19-year-olds can obtain their own policy, the most effective way to secure cheap car insurance for teens is for them to remain on their parents' policy. It may raise overall premium for the family, but insurers often provide specific discounts for students and teens, helping to reduce costs.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
$2,699Individual Premium$5,372Increase in Premium$2,673

Can a 19-Year-Old Get Their Own Car Insurance?

A 19-year-old can obtain their own car insurance policy without a co-signer since they are over 18 and will likely need to if they own their vehicle. However, solo policy rates for 19-year-olds are typically very expensive. It's generally more cost-effective for them to remain on their parents' policy until they permanently move out or purchase their own car. A 19-year-old can stay on their family policy when away at college as long as the family home remains their permanent address.

Average Cost of Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds by State

Florida and Louisiana are the most expensive states for 19-year-old drivers, with average annual car insurance costs of $4,638 and $6,101, respectively. In contrast, Hawaii offers the most affordable rates, averaging around $1,040 annually for the same age group. This is due to insurers not being allowed to use age or driving experience as a rating factor in Hawaii.

The cost of your car insurance is heavily influenced by both your age and where you live. States with stricter minimum insurance requirements generally have higher rates. Additionally, insurers may charge more in areas with a higher frequency of weather-related incidents or elevated vehicle theft rates.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Gender:
Gender:Male
AlabamaFamily Policy Annual Premium$2,268Family Policy Monthly Premium$189
AlaskaFamily Policy Annual Premium$2,237Family Policy Monthly Premium$186
ArizonaFamily Policy Annual Premium$2,211Family Policy Monthly Premium$184
ArkansasFamily Policy Annual Premium$1,906Family Policy Monthly Premium$159
CaliforniaFamily Policy Annual Premium$2,707Family Policy Monthly Premium$226
ColoradoFamily Policy Annual Premium$2,408Family Policy Monthly Premium$201
ConnecticutFamily Policy Annual Premium$2,246Family Policy Monthly Premium$187
DelawareFamily Policy Annual Premium$2,361Family Policy Monthly Premium$197

How to Get Cheap Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds

Car insurance for 19-year-olds can be expensive, but there are several ways to lower costs, including the following:

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    Shop around for car insurance regularly

    As needs change (like driving frequency or car type), and since rates can decrease each year, it's wise for 19-year-olds to regularly compare options to ensure they have the most cost-effective plan.

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    Reduce coverage

    Consider lowering coverage levels where feasible, especially if driving an older or less expensive car, to reduce premium costs. However, insurance professionals warn of increased financial risk from at-fault accidents if you only maintain state-mandated liability coverage.

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    Stay on the family policy

    Remaining on a parent’s policy can significantly lower insurance costs compared to having an individual policy.

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    Leverage student discounts

    Many insurance companies offer car insurance discounts to students who maintain good grades, potentially leading to substantial savings. Students away at college may also be able to take advantage of distant student discounts.

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    Opt for usage-based insurance

    If driving is mainly for specific purposes like commuting to school, usage-based insurance can be a more affordable option. State Farm and Allstate also offer teen-focused telematics programs that provide additional savings for safe driving.

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    Enroll in a defensive driving course

    Completing such courses not only instills good driving habits but can also qualify young drivers for discounts, contributing to lower premiums.

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    Maintain a clean driving record

    A history of safe driving can greatly influence insurance rates, leading to more favorable premiums over time.

Car Insurance Discounts for Teen Drivers

Many insurance companies offer discounts that teens can take advantage of to lower their auto insurance rates — here are some of the most popular:

Discount
How it Works

Good Student Discount

Rewards high academic achievers with lower rates.

Defensive Driving Course

Discounts offered upon completion of approved courses.

Safe Driver Discount

Lower rates for maintaining a clean driving record.

Distant Student Discount

Reduced rates for students living far from home — typically at least 100 miles away — while attending college without regular car access.

Usage-Based Telematics Programs

Monitors driving behavior to offer potential rate reductions. Major insurers Allstate and State Farm offer teen-focused telematics programs.

FAQ About Car Insurance for 19-Year-Olds

MoneyGeek provides clear answers to questions about car insurance for 19-year-olds to help simplify this important decision-making process.

How much is car insurance for a 19-year-old per month?
Who has the cheapest car insurance for a 19-year-old?
How old do you have to be to get car insurance?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.


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