Car insurance for 18-year-old drivers represents one of the largest expenses young adults and their families face. While costs remain high at this age, understanding which insures offer the cheapest rates, the factors that influence premiums and how to implement strategic approaches can result in substantial savings while maintaining adequate protection.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds
The cheapest car insurance rates for 18-year-olds start at $51 per month. The most affordable national providers are State Farm, GEICO, Progressive and Allstate.
Find out if you're overpaying for car insurance below.

Updated: July 2, 2025
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Key Takeaways
State Farm and GEICO dominate the affordable insurance market for 18-year-olds offering premiums significantly under the typical rates for this age bracket.
Nationally, minimum coverage starts at $67 monthly and full coverage at $122 monthly, but state rates vary dramatically — some as low as $50 per month.
Joining your parents' existing policy delivers massive savings versus standalone coverage, with the most economical options available through family plans.
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Best Car Insurance Rates for 18-Year-Olds
Among our analysis, State Farm emerges as the most economical choice for 18-year-olds at $230 per month for comprehensive coverage. Allstate follows closely at $233, while GEICO rounds out the top three at $236. That extra $3 with Allstate gets you nationwide service and proven claims support. GEICO's additional $6 provides streamlined digital tools and competitive pricing, whereas Progressive brings telematics-based savings and cutting-edge policy features.
State Farm | $230 | $2,759 |
Allstate | $233 | $2,801 |
GEICO | $236 | $2,837 |
Progressive | $245 | $2,941 |
Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds
For minimum liability requirements, GEICO leads at $205 monthly, with State Farm trailing by just $7 at $212. These premiums sit well under industry averages and work perfectly when you need to satisfy state mandates without stretching your budget.
Geico | $205 | $2,462 |
State Farm | $212 | $2,543 |
Allstate | $319 | $3,824 |
Nationwide | $385 | $4,625 |
Progressive | $433 | $5,193 |
*Rates are for a family policy for male and female drivers with clean records and good credit who insure a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds
State Farm claims the top spot for comprehensive coverage at $230 monthly, while Allstate matches closely at $233. Both insurers provide excellent protection without the inflated costs of competing carriers. GEICO adds only $6 more for nationwide accessibility and solid service.
Geico | $184 | $2,210 |
State Farm | $236 | $2,836 |
Progressive | $282 | $3,389 |
Allstate | $284 | $3,410 |
Nationwide | $298 | $3,575 |
*Rates are for a family policy for male and female drivers with clean records and good credit who insure a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds by State
Insurance premiums for 18-year-olds fluctuate dramatically across regions, spanning from $51 monthly in the most affordable areas to $475 in expensive markets. GEICO offers the most affordable pricing in most states, while State Farm and Progressive excel in specific regions
Alabama | Geico | $105 | $1,257 | $50 |
Alaska | Geico | $76 | $908 | $56 |
Arizona | Geico | $139 | $1,664 | $47 |
Arkansas | Geico | $104 | $1,249 | $47 |
California | Geico | $107 | $1,284 | $74 |
Colorado | Geico | $99 | $1,189 | $75 |
Connecticut | Geico | $116 | $1,393 | $129 |
Delaware | Geico | $144 | $1,729 | $81 |
District of Columbia | Allstate | $195 | $2,339 | $35 |
Florida | State Farm | $217 | $2,610 | $116 |
Georgia | Geico | $167 | $2,008 | $50 |
Hawaii | Geico | $51 | $617 | $24 |
Idaho | Geico | $61 | $727 | $39 |
Illinois | Geico | $101 | $1,207 | $62 |
Indiana | Geico | $73 | $873 | $29 |
Iowa | Geico | $84 | $1,005 | $17 |
Kansas | Geico | $95 | $1,134 | $48 |
Kentucky | State Farm | $149 | $1,783 | $31 |
Louisiana | Geico | $216 | $2,596 | $159 |
Maine | Geico | $74 | $893 | $24 |
Maryland | Geico | $139 | $1,664 | $84 |
Massachusetts | Geico | $125 | $1,506 | $52 |
Michigan | Geico | $108 | $1,297 | $104 |
Minnesota | State Farm | $132 | $1,588 | $35 |
Mississippi | Progressive | $136 | $1,628 | $16 |
Missouri | Geico | $100 | $1,199 | $86 |
Montana | State Farm | $62 | $738 | $56 |
Nebraska | Geico | $85 | $1,018 | $46 |
Nevada | Geico | $208 | $2,498 | $98 |
New Hampshire | Geico | $77 | $928 | $35 |
New Jersey | Geico | $183 | $2,198 | $120 |
New Mexico | Geico | $106 | $1,275 | $33 |
New York | Progressive | $126 | $1,513 | $79 |
North Carolina | Progressive | $58 | $696 | $42 |
North Dakota | Geico | $73 | $872 | $26 |
Ohio | Geico | $94 | $1,124 | $26 |
Oklahoma | Geico | $103 | $1,239 | $38 |
Oregon | Geico | $120 | $1,444 | $33 |
Pennsylvania | Nationwide | $166 | $1,992 | $52 |
Rhode Island | State Farm | $126 | $1,507 | $80 |
South Carolina | Allstate | $156 | $1,873 | $29 |
South Dakota | Progressive | $54 | $650 | $46 |
Tennessee | Geico | $133 | $1,596 | $20 |
Texas | State Farm | $132 | $1,578 | $58 |
Utah | Geico | $98 | $1,178 | $83 |
Vermont | State Farm | $59 | $708 | $21 |
Virginia | Geico | $102 | $1,224 | $56 |
Washington | Progressive | $151 | $1,811 | $10 |
West Virginia | Geico | $122 | $1,469 | $24 |
Wisconsin | Geico | $61 | $732 | $67 |
Wyoming | Geico | $71 | $855 | $16 |
*Rates are for male and female drivers with clean driving records and good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry with minimum coverage.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds by Gender
Due to increased accident risks, 18-year-old male drivers typically pay higher insurance rates than female drivers of the same age. These reduced premiums reflect the fact athat 18-year-old women make fewer accident claims than males. Given the pricing variations across providers, you can prioritize your preferences — perhaps local agent relationships through State Farm or tech-forward service via GEICO.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Old Female Drivers
Female drivers at 18 enjoy advantageous pricing compared to male peers, with State Farm providing basic liability at $195 monthly and GEICO following at $205. Competition remains fierce among leading insurers — Allstate increases costs by $112 monthly over the most economical option.
State Farm | $195 | $2,335 |
GEICO | $205 | $2,461 |
Allstate | $307 | $3,683 |
Nationwide | $370 | $4,440 |
Progressive | $423 | $5,076 |
*Rates are for female drivers with clean driving records and good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Cheapest Car Insurance for 18-Year-Old Male Drivers
Young men encounter steeper premiums than women, yet GEICO and State Farm provide affordable options with ranging between $82 and $119 monthly between the two cheapest providers. Pricing spreads even more across other carriers. Progressive adds $22 monthly compared to State Farm's rates.
GEICO | $82 | $979 |
State Farm | $119 | $1,429 |
Progressive | $141 | $1,691 |
Allstate | $145 | $1,741 |
Nationwide | $158 | $1,895 |
*Rates are for male drivers with clean driving records and good credit insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry.
Cheapest Cars to Insure for 18-Year-Olds
Vehicle selection can slash hundreds from annual premiums. A MINI Cooper requires only $149 monthly while high-end sports cars' premiums can cost $250+ monthly. The most budget-friendly choices blend practical family transportation with affordable performance models, demonstrating that style doesn't require premium pricing.
MINI Cooper | $149 | $1,789 |
MINI Electric | $153 | $1,837 |
Subaru Outback | $155 | $1,865 |
Subaru Forester | $159 | $1,910 |
Ford Mustang Mach E | $164 | $1,968 |
Honda Odyssey | $166 | $1,994 |
VW ID.4 | $167 | $2,000 |
Volvo XC40 | $167 | $2,002 |
Ford Mustang | $167 | $2,003 |
Subaru Legacy | $167 | $2,008 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds
Annual car insurance costs for 18-year-olds are around $1,776 for minimum coverage and $3,606 for full coverage. However, this average represents only drivers with clean driving records and good credit. Your rate may vary based on your driver profile.
How Much is Insurance for an 18-Year-Old? State by State Breakdown
Average car insurance costs by state range from $148 to $300 per month epending on coverage levels. Basic coverage costs approximately $1,776 and $3,606 for comprehensive protection. Expenses fluctuate based on residence, vehicle selection, and whether coverage exists through family plans or individual policies. To give you a general idea of the cost in your area, we've provided average costs by state in the table below.
Alabama | $197 | $2,361 |
Alaska | $184 | $2,202 |
Arizona | $292 | $3,504 |
Arkansas | $207 | $2,490 |
California | $229 | $2,752 |
Colorado | $279 | $3,349 |
Connecticut | $390 | $4,681 |
Delaware | $392 | $4,708 |
District of Columbia | $245 | $2,946 |
Florida | $475 | $5,704 |
Georgia | $357 | $4,286 |
Hawaii | $69 | $831 |
Idaho | $138 | $1,658 |
Illinois | $231 | $2,778 |
Indiana | $160 | $1,923 |
Iowa | $149 | $1,793 |
Kansas | $205 | $2,461 |
Kentucky | $278 | $3,331 |
Louisiana | $465 | $5,585 |
Maine | $145 | $1,743 |
Maryland | $383 | $4,592 |
Massachusetts | $240 | $2,883 |
Michigan | $302 | $3,624 |
Minnesota | $219 | $2,633 |
Mississippi | $214 | $2,565 |
Missouri | $292 | $3,500 |
Montana | $197 | $2,363 |
Nebraska | $210 | $2,519 |
Nevada | $420 | $5,043 |
New Hampshire | $190 | $2,285 |
New Jersey | $413 | $4,959 |
New Mexico | $200 | $2,399 |
New York | $334 | $4,004 |
North Carolina | $132 | $1,590 |
North Dakota | $141 | $1,692 |
Ohio | $174 | $2,087 |
Oklahoma | $234 | $2,804 |
Oregon | $251 | $3,010 |
Pennsylvania | $312 | $3,746 |
Rhode Island | $327 | $3,924 |
South Carolina | $263 | $3,150 |
South Dakota | $170 | $2,037 |
Tennessee | $185 | $2,217 |
Texas | $307 | $3,685 |
Utah | $269 | $3,230 |
Vermont | $140 | $1,675 |
Virginia | $216 | $2,591 |
Washington | $245 | $2,935 |
West Virginia | $190 | $2,278 |
Wisconsin | $184 | $2,211 |
Wyoming | $105 | $1,255 |
Why Car Insurance Is Expensive for 18-Year-Olds
Research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that car insurance for 18-year-olds is expensive due to higher crash rates than drivers over 20. Although premiums are lower than for younger teens, 18-year-olds are still classified as high-risk drivers.
Understanding these risk factors helps 18-year-olds and their families make informed coverage decisions and qualify for available discounts:
Inexperience
Newly licensed drivers often struggle with hazard recognition while overestimating their driving abilities, contributing to many accidents particularly in the initial six-month period of coverage.
Speed-Related Incidents
Significant portions of teen fatal crashes involve excessive speed, with 18-year-olds particularly vulnerable to these situations.
Gender Differences
Males aged 18 typically encounter higher premiums reflecting statistical tendencies toward aggressive driving and speeding versus females.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving remains a primary accident cause among young motorists, frequently involving mobile devices and passenger interference.
Other Risky Behaviors
Risky behaviors such as nighttime driving, failure to wear seat belts and general inexperience contribute to increased accident and fatality rates, particularly among young male drivers.
When Do Car Insurance Rates Go Down for 18-Year-Olds?
Fortunately, car insurance rates for 18-year-olds decrease as they gain driving experience and demonstrate maturity. The timeline for rate reductions typically follows this pattern:
After One Year
Many carriers provide moderate discounts following 12 claim-free months, recognizing responsible driving patterns and reducing perceived risk. Keep a clean record during this time to maximize savings.
Age 19
Premiums often drop noticeably at 19 as drivers accumulate experience and demonstrate improved judgment, creating meaningful annual savings.
Age 21
Many insurers implement additional reductions at 21, viewing this transition from high-risk to moderate-risk classification and generating substantial cost decreases.
Car Insurance Quotes for 18-Year Olds
To find affordable car insurance for your 18-year-old, compare quotes from multiple insurers using the MoneyGeek calculator. Enter your teen's gender, GPA, driving experience and ZIP code for quick rate comparisons. Explore the costs of different vehicles, assess potential savings from family policies versus separate coverage and adjust deductibles to discover the best rates.
Calculate Car Insurance for 18-Year Olds
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
Rates updated:
Jul 11, 2025
Insurance Carrier | MoneyGeek ScoreMG Score | Average Monthly Payment | |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 96 /of 100 | $68 | |
2 | ![]() Nationwide | 92 /of 100 | $83 |
3 | 75 /of 100 | $92 | |
4 | ![]() GEICO | 75 /of 100 | $110 |
5 | 76 /of 100 | $143 | |
6 | 63 /of 100 | $157 |
Your Next Step:
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KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SHOPPING: EXPERT TIP
Getting quotes from multiple insurance companies helps you determine the best and cheapest for your profile. You also want to ensure the company has optional coverages for teen drivers or any driver on its policy. These include roadside assistance and rental car coverage.
— Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
How 18-Year Olds Can Get Cheap Car Insurance
Despite facing peak rates at 18, several proven methods can reduce premiums while maintaining essential protection. From leveraging family policies to academic achievements, these approaches help minimize expenses without compromising coverage.
- 1
Stay on a parent's policy
Adding an 18-year-old to an existing family insurance policy can provide significant savings through multi-car discounts and an established insurance history. Families may save thousands of dollars annually compared to independent policies.
- 2
Shop around as much as possible
Substantial price differences between insurers for 18-year-olds can exist. Compare quotes from various companies to find the best rates for your situation.
- 3
Find discounts you qualify for
Most insurers offer large discounts for maintaining good grades, usually requiring a GPA of 3.0 or higher. You can enjoy these savings each semester with strong academic performance.
- 4
Choose a safe, older car
Vehicle decisions directly impact insurance expenses. Prioritize dependable models with strong safety ratings over high-performance or luxury alternatives to minimize premiums.
- 5
Adjust your coverage amount
Balance protection with budget constraints by considering higher deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage. For older vehicles, eliminate these coverages while maintaining sufficient liability protection.
- 6
Enroll in usage-based insurance programs
These programs monitor driving behavior through smartphone apps and reward safe driving with discounts. They track factors like braking patterns, acceleration, night driving and overall habits for potential savings.
- 7
Complete professional driving training
Professional driver training beyond basic requirements can earn insurance discounts while improving safety skills. Defensive driving courses and advanced programs offer premium reductions and enhanced driving abilities.
- 8
Bundle multiple policies
Combining auto insurance with renters or homeowners coverage can lead to multi-policy discounts. This bundling approach can generate substantial savings, especially if you have multiple coverage types with one provider.
- 9
Qualify for low-mileage discounts
Driving fewer miles annually can qualify you for low-mileage discounts. This is especially beneficial for students with limited driving needs or those using their vehicles primarily for local transportation instead of commuting.
- 10
Leverage modern vehicle safety features
Vehicles equipped with advanced safety features may qualify for additional discounts. Anti-theft systems, multiple airbags, ABS brakes, and collision avoidance technology can all contribute to lower insurance premiums.
Best Car Insurance Discounts for 18-Year-Old Drivers
Smart discount stacking can slice hundreds off your annual premium. Many insurers offer savings specifically designed for young drivers, and combining these discounts can lead to substantial reductions in your monthly costs.
Good Student Discount
Maintaining strong grades pays off beyond college applications. Most insurers slash premiums by 10-25% for students with a 3.0 GPA or higher. For an 18-year-old paying $200 monthly, that's $20-50 back in your pocket each month. You'll typically need to provide transcripts or report cards, and the discount often continues through college.
Multi-Car Discount
Staying on your parents' policy isn't just convenient — it's profitable. Multi-car discounts can reduce your family's total premium by 10-25%. This stacks with other discounts and explains why family policies beat standalone coverage for teens.
Defensive Driving Course Discount
Completing an approved defensive driving course can earn you 5-15% off your premium. These online programs usually cost $25-75 and take just a few hours to complete. The discount often lasts three years, easily paying for itself while making you a safer driver.
Usage-Based Insurance Programs
If you're a cautious driver, telematics programs can reward your good habits. Programs like Progressive's Snapshot or State Farm's Drive Safe & Save monitor your driving through smartphone apps. Safe drivers can earn discounts of 10-30% based on factors like smooth braking, steady acceleration, and limited nighttime driving.
Safety Feature Discounts
Modern cars equipped with advanced safety technology may qualify for additional savings. Anti-theft systems, multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and collision avoidance features can all contribute to lower premiums. If you're car shopping, prioritize vehicles with these safety technologies.
Low Mileage Discount
Drive less than 7,500 miles annually? You might qualify for low-mileage discounts of 5-15%. This works especially well for students who primarily drive locally rather than commuting long distances. Some insurers offer pay-per-mile programs that can dramatically reduce costs for occasional drivers.
Bundling Discount
If you're renting an apartment or have renters insurance needs, bundling with your auto policy can trigger multi-policy discounts. Even though you're young, combining coverages under one insurer often reduces both policies' costs.
Away-at-School Discount
College students who attend school more than 100 miles from home without a car can qualify for significant discounts. Since you're not driving regularly at school, insurers reduce your rates accordingly. This discount can cut premiums by 10-40% during the school year.
Early Signing Discount
Some insurers reward customers who renew their policies before expiration. While this seems minor, every discount counts when you're facing high teen rates.
Best Cheap Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds: Bottom Line
Car insurance expenses for 18-year-old drivers represent major financial commitments for young adults and families. State Farm and GEICO consistently provide competitive pricing, though comprehensive shopping remains essential given significant variations across states and carriers.
Emphasize family policy participation, academic achievement maintenance, and economical vehicle selection. These tactics, combined with consistent rate comparison, help manage premiums while securing adequate financial protection. Current high expenses are temporary, declining substantially as young drivers accumulate experience and establish responsible driving patterns.
Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds: FAQ
Finding the best affordable car insurance for 18-year-olds can be daunting due to the risk factors that drive up premiums for this age group. We've answered frequently asked questions on the topic to assist you:
What is the cheapest car insurance for an 18-year-old?
State Farm provides the most economical rates for most 18-year-olds among nationally available carriers. Basic liability costs approximately $113 monthly while comprehensive protection runs $230 monthly through family plan additions.
How much is car insurance for an 18-year-old per month?
Teen drivers average $148 monthly for minimum requirements and $300 for full protection. Costs vary substantially by location, with state averages spanning from $51 to $475 monthly. These averages are for drivers on a family policy with clean driving records and good credit.
Why is car insurance expensive for 18-year-old drivers?
Insurers classify 18-year-olds as elevated risks due to limited driving experience, resulting in higher accident frequencies. Companies charge increased premiums to offset potential claim costs.
Is car insurance more expensive for 18-year-old males?
Male teen drivers typically encounter higher premiums than females due to statistical data showing increased accident involvement, prompting insurers to adjust pricing accordingly.
Affordable Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds: Our Methodology
MoneyGeek used a sample driver profile to determine national and state averages for vehicle insurance for 18-year-old drivers. Using this information, we help readers select the best policy at the lowest price possible.
Data Sources and Depth
We collected data from each state's insurance department and Quadrant Information Services. The data comprises 4,284 price estimates from 100 ZIP codes and six auto insurance providers.
Sample Driver Profile
MoneyGeek calculates yearly car insurance policy estimates based on a policyholder with the following characteristics:
- Toyota Camry LE
- Clean driving record
- 12,000 miles driven every year
MoneyGeek compared rates for 18-year-old drivers across different states to determine which companies provide the most affordable policies. We adjusted this profile to reflect the differences in age, location and driving behavior.
Coverage Levels and Deductibles Explained
A deductible is the money you must pay out of your pocket before your insurance company will pay for your claim. Most drivers would benefit from purchasing full coverage vehicle insurance, which includes collision and comprehensive coverage.
When researching the cheapest providers, we used state-required minimum coverage limits to assess which provider was most affordable. For full coverage, we used 100/300/100 liability limits with a $1,000 deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage.
Liability limits of 100/300/100 stand for:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $100,000 property damage liability per accident
Learn more about MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.
About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Risk Factors for Teen Drivers." Accessed June 6, 2025.